- FOCUS - that I would keep my focus on why I am there
- PEACE - that I would have peace that passing all understanding while I am away
- LOVE - that I would be able to show the love of Christ that is so confusing to a sinner like me
- PEOPLE - pray for the people there as God works in their own lives and prepares them
- JOY - the joy reigns supreme over emotions
- REST - that God would give His people rest as we do what He calls us to do
- FAITH - that we may have faith in what God can and will do
- THANKS - give thanks for what God IS going to do
Amen.
May 28, 2011
I am finally in East Freo, Western Australia. I continually working on it becoming my home for the summer. I love the people here. I am enjoying it although my shy side has come out a bit. Since I have been in Australia, I have seen wild kangaroos, tried Vegemite, been to two Aussie beaches, put my feet in the Indian Ocean, and tried to adapt to the Aussie life. In all honesty, East Freo isn't much different from America. Of course you do have a different accent. I love how they talk dearly. Ask an Aussie how to say girl and maroon and you will be amazed! My favorite word in an Aussie accent is girl or curl. Anyway, I do have some prayer requests if you could please remember me in your prayers.
- PEACE - pray that God gives me peace in every situation of life
- FOCUS - pray that I am able to focus on why God has brought me to East Freo
- INTENTION - pray that I am intentional in building relationships
- JOY - pray that God gives me indescribable joy
- AUSSIES - pray for the wonderful Aussies that I come across
- THANKS - give thanks to God for what He does
Amen.
June 8, 2011
Forgive me for not updating more than I have already. I feel like everyone would like to know what I do in a normal week. We all know there is no such thing as normal but this is as close as it gets. On Monday, My partner, Britney, and I meet with the associate pastor. We have a time of devotion and talk about what is going on that week. We then begin to work on stuff for Construction Zone. Construction Zone is East Freo Baptist's version of Vacation Bible School. The theme for this year's CZ is Monopoly. We are literally turning the church into a giant Monopoly board. Tuesday is our day off and we usually go somewhere and spend money. I have to break this habit. Wednesday morning I help the pastor's wife lead a play group. The play group that she leads in full of non-Christians. The group is for mothers and their young children to play, snack, and sing songs. I usually cut the fruit. It is harder than you think! After play group, I help at Stepping Stones Child Development Center. This is a three and four year old kindergarten owned by the church. Thursday morning we watch children while their mothers dive into a Bible study and then we work on more CZ stuff. Thursday night is also a women's Bible study. Friday we assist in Kid's Club which is where kids come for snacks and devotion time. After Kid's Club is Youth Group. Youth group is one of my favorite parts. We eat supper together, hear from the word, and play games. I love the youth age! Saturday is relationship building time and Sunday of course is church! This may seem like a lot of go, go, go. I see it as opportunities to invest in the people here. I am enjoying my time here in East Freo. My favorite thing here is the people. They are really wonderful and I can't wait to get to know them better.
- INTENTION - pray that I am intentional to everyone I meet in every situation
- JOY - pray that I have true joy as I serve
- SERVICE - pray that I have a servant's heart
- ENERGY - pray that I am energized like the bunny
- PEOPLE - pray that I am able to connect to the people here and invest in them
- PRAISE - praise God in His healing
- THANKS - give God thanks for all He does and will do
Amen.
June 14, 2011
I am starting to build closer relationships with the people here and I am so excited! I enjoy getting to know the people here and I am slowing coming out of my so called "shell". I was able to have a sleepover with one of the girls here and soon I will begin Bible study with two young adults. This is a one-on-one Bible study to build each other up and encourage one another. I am slowly getting more settled in here and I love it! I can't wait to see the relationships that God creates and how He uses them. These relationships won't last for just the winter/summer, but for a lifetime and I am so grateful for that! Time is really going fast. Here are my prayer requests:
- RELATIONSHIPS - that I able to create life long relationships here
- FOCUS - I get distracted easily
- TIME - that I make the most of my time here
- PEACE - peace from the Lord in my life
- JOY - joy as I serve here in East Freo
- BOLDNESS - that I have boldness in sharing and meeting people
Amen.
June 21, 2011
It has been one month since I left America. It seems that time has flown by. This realization has made me want to be more and more intentional with the people here. I am scared that I am missing opportunities with people. I hope to grow closer to the people here. Initiating a relationship is way out of my comfort zone. This will be very hard for me. I hope that I will make better use of my time here. Pray:
- TIME - that I make better use of my time here in Australia
- RELATIONSHIPS - closer relationships with the people her
- PEOPLE - the people of East Freo
- ENERGY - energy for me to complete my job and service
- JOY - I need joy, down in my heart. Deep, deep down in my heart.
- PEACE - peace from the Lord
- THANKS - thank the Lord for all He does. Seen and unseen.
Amen.
July 13, 2011
Please pray.
- CONSTRUCTION ZONE - that it will be a time of outreach for the families of East Freo and seeds will be planted
- PEACE - still learning to let go and have peace in God's presence
- ENERGY - energy to finish set design for CZ and energy to keep up with the kids
- PLANS - that I will understand that God still has plans for me and won't let me go
- RELATIONSHIPS - that I will continue to build relationships that last
- FOCUS - focus for why I'm here
- THANKS - thank God for the days He gives us and pray for more days, for more opportunities to share His love, thanks for promise of completion, thanks for everything
Amen.