The Solomon Islands were amazing and we had an incredible outreach. Check out my teams blog (link to the right) to hear of all that we did. We arrived back in Brisbane, Australia on Monday night, just 4 days ago. The last couple days we have been debriefing and having lectures on re-entry, preparing to go back home and leave the YWAM community. We graduate tonight and then I am on a plane at 11AM tomorrow morning, homeward bound.
DTS has been a life changing experience and the things I have learned here and the foundation that has been laid exceeds all expectations I had for just 6 months of my life. I want to sincerely thank everyone that has supported me, financially and spiritually. It has meant so much and means more than you will ever know. Hope this blog has been helpful in letting you all know what has been happening in my life down under. If you'd like to hear more of my journey please feel free to email me, call me, or stop by now that I am back in Cail! Would love to share with you my experiences and answer any questions you may have, plus just catch up and tell stories. Again, thank you for your support and I will see you shortly California!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
the last days
Been back on base for only two weeks and now we are off to the islands. God has really used these last weeks to prepare us for outreach.
Week 15 Etienne Peterson – Fear of the Lord:
Etienne was so funny, bringing such a sweet environment for us and drew such a great picture of our holy God. Brought us back to a place of reverence before our mighty Lord and the splendor of our King. The reality of God will bring us to such a respect and honor for Him, that our fear is driven by love. We come to a place that we fear our actions will hurt God, fed up disappointing Him. Was a great reassurance of all that God is and He still chose each one of us, for we are righteous in His eyes.
Week 16 Stephen & Dean Sherman – Spiritual Warfare:
This was a powerful message before going out on outreach. Made us all aware of the battle we are in, weather we want to be or not. Stephen led us through Ephesians 6 with putting on the full armor and 2 Corinthians 10. Looked at how to recognize the strategies of the enemy and the strongholds we have either in Christ or the devil. We then watched a teaching from Dean and looked more specifically into the ways of the enemy and awareness of attacks, and then of course defeating the enemy.
That does it for the DTS lecture phase. Now me and 8 others are headed to the Solomon Islands for the outreach phrase of DTS. Be sure to check out my team’s blog by clicking on the link to the right, has all that we know so far. It is going to be an amazing time for God to work in all of our lives and the peoples’ that we meet. We will be arriving back in Australia on the 21st of July. Please keep my team in your prayers, it is going to be an amazing experience and we need plenty of prayer cover.
Prayer requests,
May the Lord give us physical and spiritual security in the next 6 weeks. Pray that our faith arise in this time, leaning on Him for everything.
Pray that the Spirit speak to us and give us keys into the culture, bringing life into every place we go.
Also that we do all things in love and deep reverence for our Father. That we can be aware of the people and sensitive to all things in their culture.
Pray for strength, that we walk in the authority and identity that has been given to us.
Thank you so much for your prayers. They are a blessing beyond understanding. We will walk in our inheritance.
Week 15 Etienne Peterson – Fear of the Lord:
Etienne was so funny, bringing such a sweet environment for us and drew such a great picture of our holy God. Brought us back to a place of reverence before our mighty Lord and the splendor of our King. The reality of God will bring us to such a respect and honor for Him, that our fear is driven by love. We come to a place that we fear our actions will hurt God, fed up disappointing Him. Was a great reassurance of all that God is and He still chose each one of us, for we are righteous in His eyes.
Week 16 Stephen & Dean Sherman – Spiritual Warfare:
This was a powerful message before going out on outreach. Made us all aware of the battle we are in, weather we want to be or not. Stephen led us through Ephesians 6 with putting on the full armor and 2 Corinthians 10. Looked at how to recognize the strategies of the enemy and the strongholds we have either in Christ or the devil. We then watched a teaching from Dean and looked more specifically into the ways of the enemy and awareness of attacks, and then of course defeating the enemy.
That does it for the DTS lecture phase. Now me and 8 others are headed to the Solomon Islands for the outreach phrase of DTS. Be sure to check out my team’s blog by clicking on the link to the right, has all that we know so far. It is going to be an amazing time for God to work in all of our lives and the peoples’ that we meet. We will be arriving back in Australia on the 21st of July. Please keep my team in your prayers, it is going to be an amazing experience and we need plenty of prayer cover.
Prayer requests,
May the Lord give us physical and spiritual security in the next 6 weeks. Pray that our faith arise in this time, leaning on Him for everything.
Pray that the Spirit speak to us and give us keys into the culture, bringing life into every place we go.
Also that we do all things in love and deep reverence for our Father. That we can be aware of the people and sensitive to all things in their culture.
Pray for strength, that we walk in the authority and identity that has been given to us.
Thank you so much for your prayers. They are a blessing beyond understanding. We will walk in our inheritance.
Monday, June 8, 2009
from more of the road
Started off the expedition on a ferry ride over to Stradbroke Island, where the games began. This week was Survivor Week. We were divided into our three outreach teams (Malaysia, Solomons 1 & 2) and began a week of fierce competition. There was anything from intense relay races to mind games to rugby to swimming to just flat out physical pain. No money was to be spent this week, no buying food from the markets, just the food prepared for us at mealtime. Half way into the week we were told food would no longer be prepared for us but we’d need to fend for ourselves. On top of that, we would also not be allowed to shower anymore. So each team was given an allowance and allowed to go buy food for dinner that night and tomorrow’s meals. Got a taste of what it might be like on outreach. After a day of self prepared meals and games we had a night competition where each team was to find their team’s bag of money on the bottom of the lagoon and use it at the aborigina
l market to buy tomorrow’s food. The aborigines (our staff) treated us way nice, hooking us up with some lamb brains, liver, muscles, and sardines. After a day of aboriginal food and competition, it came down to a game of night capture the flag to decide which team would be the survivor champs. Ended up coming in 2nd by just a few points, but everyone was exhausted and ready for rest and some good food. But the games were not over. We were all woken up at 2am for Mission Impossible. Each team was to trek through the bush and make it to an aboriginal village by sunrise. We faced obstacles along the way, having to get drenched in swampy waters and ate some raunchy stuff. First, altogether the team had to eat a cube of butter and an onion then down the course we had to eat a can of dog food, wasabi sauce, and soda water. Once we got to the village, after the brutal journey and running down the beach on a full stomach, we were to tell the Good News to the villagers (again, our staff), who welcomed us with a spoonful of vegemite. Once they accepted the gospel, we were given the okay to shower and to buy food once the markets opened in a few hours. Finally, this time for real, the competitions were all over. Stradbroke was awesome, with a beachfront stay. We also had lectures in the morning this week, here is a little of what we learned…
Week 11 Stephen Mulhall – Identity:
The survivor host for the week was also the speaker, Stephen, who is our school leader and my outreach team leader. Finishing up from the last road trip, he spoke powerfully on our inheritance in Christ. Looked at the importance in names through many biblical characters and the affect a word can have on someone. Was challenged this week on the names we have been given and if they were legitimate or lies from the enemy. Listened and really searched for words that have been spoken over our own lives and the plan our Father has. Such a radical week, with not only the intensity of survivor week but also real breakthroughs and heard a great word of who I am in Christ.
Feeling great after a night of feasting, which we all felt for a good couple days after. We got back on the mainland and headed up to Harvey Bay. A group of 10 of us were given the opportunity to rent a couple 4x4’s and spend the weekend on Fraser Island. Sunday morning we rented a car in Harvey Bay and took a short ferry ride over to Fraser. It was such a sweet time to get away from everything and go explore a
new land all on our own. And the only way to truly do that is on bumpy sandy roads. We checked out Lake Mackenzie, one of the most beautiful fresh water lakes. Enjoyed the freedom of driving all over the island, finding our own spot anywhere in the bush and setting up camp. Had to judge the high tide, gambling when we could drive down the beach and not get washed away. Good times chasing off dingoes that night. Drove down the beach the next day and checked out a shipwreck and a lake and river, then we headed back to the mainland.
Stayed the week in Harvey at a farm, where we set up camp out in the yard. Did some local outreach at some primary schools, putting on services and sharing what we do in YWAM. Led a youth group one night with a full band, sermon and all. Was a relaxed week on the farm, especially nice to rest after surviving the week before.
For the third week on the road we headed down the coast to Byron Bay. We stayed in a church that the Byron YWAM base have a good relationship with. Byron is beautiful and a real cool beach town. The atmosphere there was rad and welcomed me nicely. We had lectures this week with the Byron Bay DTS and the Sunshine Coast DTS came down and joined us. Did some local outreach altogether at a town nearby, Nimbin, which is known for being the supplier of most of Aussie’s grass. Was sweet to go in and spread love to them with a free barbie and live music and chatting with some far out folks. Did the same kind of thing in Byron the next night, getting more chances to talk with people. Had an awesome time surfing, playing volleyball, frisbee, and chilling on the beach.
Week 13 Nevel – Missions:
Nev was an amazing speaker; his passion was so encouraging and really showed his heart for God’s plan. Looked at the different great claims in the four gospels and learned a whole lot on what God’s calling looks like. How we are to be a witness, and bring God’s love and the greatest way that can be done is salvation in Christ. Took a look at Abraham and the ways he served the Lord and the blessing God poured out on him and took a look at Paul and his great mission. Nev was real and wanted to bring more than anything something that would impact us, not just numbers and statistics, but wanted to put a bit of God’s passion in us.
Next stop was Port Macquarie where we did research on the town for a week. Spent some time at the library and walking about, doing prayer walks, getting a feel for the town, seeing whether or not it has potential for a YWAM base. Stayed in a church and took it easy, did some children’s ministry and another youth group service.
Our final road trip was a hard one to finish. The rain was so bad that the highways we needed to get back home to Brisbane were all flooded. Changing our departing time three different times, we finally left Saturday at around 8 in the morning. Spent a good 15 hours in the bus, having to take another route back up. Drove all the way down to Newcastle to go around the flooded roads, making for a memorable birthday. Always something new and exciting with YWAM. Check out photos from our final journey on Aussie land, blessed times on the road.
View Larger Map
l market to buy tomorrow’s food. The aborigines (our staff) treated us way nice, hooking us up with some lamb brains, liver, muscles, and sardines. After a day of aboriginal food and competition, it came down to a game of night capture the flag to decide which team would be the survivor champs. Ended up coming in 2nd by just a few points, but everyone was exhausted and ready for rest and some good food. But the games were not over. We were all woken up at 2am for Mission Impossible. Each team was to trek through the bush and make it to an aboriginal village by sunrise. We faced obstacles along the way, having to get drenched in swampy waters and ate some raunchy stuff. First, altogether the team had to eat a cube of butter and an onion then down the course we had to eat a can of dog food, wasabi sauce, and soda water. Once we got to the village, after the brutal journey and running down the beach on a full stomach, we were to tell the Good News to the villagers (again, our staff), who welcomed us with a spoonful of vegemite. Once they accepted the gospel, we were given the okay to shower and to buy food once the markets opened in a few hours. Finally, this time for real, the competitions were all over. Stradbroke was awesome, with a beachfront stay. We also had lectures in the morning this week, here is a little of what we learned…Week 11 Stephen Mulhall – Identity:
The survivor host for the week was also the speaker, Stephen, who is our school leader and my outreach team leader. Finishing up from the last road trip, he spoke powerfully on our inheritance in Christ. Looked at the importance in names through many biblical characters and the affect a word can have on someone. Was challenged this week on the names we have been given and if they were legitimate or lies from the enemy. Listened and really searched for words that have been spoken over our own lives and the plan our Father has. Such a radical week, with not only the intensity of survivor week but also real breakthroughs and heard a great word of who I am in Christ.
Feeling great after a night of feasting, which we all felt for a good couple days after. We got back on the mainland and headed up to Harvey Bay. A group of 10 of us were given the opportunity to rent a couple 4x4’s and spend the weekend on Fraser Island. Sunday morning we rented a car in Harvey Bay and took a short ferry ride over to Fraser. It was such a sweet time to get away from everything and go explore a
new land all on our own. And the only way to truly do that is on bumpy sandy roads. We checked out Lake Mackenzie, one of the most beautiful fresh water lakes. Enjoyed the freedom of driving all over the island, finding our own spot anywhere in the bush and setting up camp. Had to judge the high tide, gambling when we could drive down the beach and not get washed away. Good times chasing off dingoes that night. Drove down the beach the next day and checked out a shipwreck and a lake and river, then we headed back to the mainland.Stayed the week in Harvey at a farm, where we set up camp out in the yard. Did some local outreach at some primary schools, putting on services and sharing what we do in YWAM. Led a youth group one night with a full band, sermon and all. Was a relaxed week on the farm, especially nice to rest after surviving the week before.
For the third week on the road we headed down the coast to Byron Bay. We stayed in a church that the Byron YWAM base have a good relationship with. Byron is beautiful and a real cool beach town. The atmosphere there was rad and welcomed me nicely. We had lectures this week with the Byron Bay DTS and the Sunshine Coast DTS came down and joined us. Did some local outreach altogether at a town nearby, Nimbin, which is known for being the supplier of most of Aussie’s grass. Was sweet to go in and spread love to them with a free barbie and live music and chatting with some far out folks. Did the same kind of thing in Byron the next night, getting more chances to talk with people. Had an awesome time surfing, playing volleyball, frisbee, and chilling on the beach.
Week 13 Nevel – Missions:
Nev was an amazing speaker; his passion was so encouraging and really showed his heart for God’s plan. Looked at the different great claims in the four gospels and learned a whole lot on what God’s calling looks like. How we are to be a witness, and bring God’s love and the greatest way that can be done is salvation in Christ. Took a look at Abraham and the ways he served the Lord and the blessing God poured out on him and took a look at Paul and his great mission. Nev was real and wanted to bring more than anything something that would impact us, not just numbers and statistics, but wanted to put a bit of God’s passion in us.
Next stop was Port Macquarie where we did research on the town for a week. Spent some time at the library and walking about, doing prayer walks, getting a feel for the town, seeing whether or not it has potential for a YWAM base. Stayed in a church and took it easy, did some children’s ministry and another youth group service.
Our final road trip was a hard one to finish. The rain was so bad that the highways we needed to get back home to Brisbane were all flooded. Changing our departing time three different times, we finally left Saturday at around 8 in the morning. Spent a good 15 hours in the bus, having to take another route back up. Drove all the way down to Newcastle to go around the flooded roads, making for a memorable birthday. Always something new and exciting with YWAM. Check out photos from our final journey on Aussie land, blessed times on the road.
View Larger Map
Monday, April 27, 2009
home again
For the last two weeks we’ve been on base, enjoying the more frequent showers and the comforts of a mattress. Also conforming to civilization, during one of my weaker moments I chopped my 'so far untouched in Aussie' beard off. Besides that downer, here is a little on what we have been learning these last couple weeks…
Week 9 Kelly Arndt – Worship:
A pretty touchy, though beautiful topic. Kelly is only 19 and spoke of God’s word so passionately, which was a major encouragement for me. The week wasn’t just spent singing but we looked at worship biblically and it’s many forms. Learned of the Lord’s grace and how undeserving I am but how God loves me all the same and showers me with it anyway, just because that is what He is like. Reached the point where all I can really do is adore God, this lovesickness for Him.
Week 10 Landa Cope – Biblical Worldview:
Lectures were all on video this week. Even though she wasn’t standing right in front of us, she still had a pretty big impact. She really challenged us to disciple nations in God’s way. To step out as we are called, not to shun the material world but to impact it, for it is the world that our Lord has created. It is an ongoing search and discovering more and more from our Lord, but to be open for Him to use us with all that He has created. This week opened our eyes to a lot of the things going on in the world around us.
My outreach team and me all had a traditional Irish breakfast this morning, blood sausage and all. Here is a picture of us enjoying our giant brekky.
It has been a great couple weeks back on base but it is about time to get out and start roughin’ it again. We are going back on the road for the next four weeks. We will be traveling down the coast this time, exploring more of the beauties of Aussie land. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray for my school and me during our travels. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Prayer Requests,
Please pray for the safety in our travels and for encouragement in the school, not allowing the enemy to have any footholds.
Ask the Lord to really reveal Himself more and more, that I won’t back step but keep building on that relationship with my Father, going deeper and deeper.
Also may He give me strength, to persevere and always reach out for more of His grace. And for further understanding and knowledge of the Creator.
GO LAKERS!
Week 9 Kelly Arndt – Worship:
A pretty touchy, though beautiful topic. Kelly is only 19 and spoke of God’s word so passionately, which was a major encouragement for me. The week wasn’t just spent singing but we looked at worship biblically and it’s many forms. Learned of the Lord’s grace and how undeserving I am but how God loves me all the same and showers me with it anyway, just because that is what He is like. Reached the point where all I can really do is adore God, this lovesickness for Him.
Week 10 Landa Cope – Biblical Worldview:
Lectures were all on video this week. Even though she wasn’t standing right in front of us, she still had a pretty big impact. She really challenged us to disciple nations in God’s way. To step out as we are called, not to shun the material world but to impact it, for it is the world that our Lord has created. It is an ongoing search and discovering more and more from our Lord, but to be open for Him to use us with all that He has created. This week opened our eyes to a lot of the things going on in the world around us.
My outreach team and me all had a traditional Irish breakfast this morning, blood sausage and all. Here is a picture of us enjoying our giant brekky.
It has been a great couple weeks back on base but it is about time to get out and start roughin’ it again. We are going back on the road for the next four weeks. We will be traveling down the coast this time, exploring more of the beauties of Aussie land. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray for my school and me during our travels. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.Prayer Requests,
Please pray for the safety in our travels and for encouragement in the school, not allowing the enemy to have any footholds.
Ask the Lord to really reveal Himself more and more, that I won’t back step but keep building on that relationship with my Father, going deeper and deeper.
Also may He give me strength, to persevere and always reach out for more of His grace. And for further understanding and knowledge of the Creator.
GO LAKERS!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
high times on the road
1500 miles, 6 different beds, 3 waterholes, 2 beaches, 2 rivers, 2 national parks, 2 speakers, 30 days… Made for some high times out on the road. Escaped from the city life for some of Aussie’s most prime beaches and national parks. Ate some kangaroo s
teaks, went crocodile hunting, trekked through the bush, surfed and skimmed the waters, swam in waterfalls, cliff dived, ran with cows… enjoying our Father of creation on every turf.
The first stop on the road trip was Sunshine Coast, where we camped right on the beach. The name of this place threw us a bit. Enjoyed the first night sleeping in the bus, having been flooded out of our tent due to all the rain. Great way to start the road trip, everyone hung in there and we had some good times getting drenched and evacuating most of the tents of all valuables. Got to take in the beach for a few sunny hours, good to be back in a beach town. For lectures we joined surfers DTS at their base and had a powerful week. Also celebrated with Lisa, a girl in my school who was baptized this week. Here is a little recap on the lectures this week…
Week 5 Mark Parker – Lordship:
An incredible week. Mark Parker is a complete radical believer who caught us all off guard at first. He helped us understand what it is to be fully human. His teachings were intense and really encouraged us to stop being the arrogant snobs we have all become. His love for us and desire for us all to get deeper with God was really impacting. He helped us to get real and actually live a life for God. The last day with Mark was a perfect ending to the powerful week that it was. We all entered the gate of the courts and were lead to a time of worship, like in Exodus, during the time of the tabernacle and the Temple. It was an all day experience and an amazing start to our road trip and the road the Lord is leading us down.
Took off up the coast on Friday on an all day drive to Rockhampton into Byfield State Forest. A few miles off the main road down a dirt road into the depths of the forest, camping right next to Upper Stony Creek. This
weekend camping gave us a chance to swim with stonefish and do some crocodile hunting. Ate some kangaroo steaks and had a nice relaxing weekend. Then we were off Sunday for another long drive up to Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, also known as the Whitsundays.
We stayed in a YWAM house up in Airlie, where a new DTS school will be starting up later this year. Was tough to be civilized and live under a roof again but I got through it. The house was a minute walk from the beach but we weren’t able to swim the entire two weeks because of the lethal jellyfish in the water. Was a bummer but did a lot of fishing and spent some time at a sweet waterfall.
Week 6 Jeremy Humphries – Holy Spirit & Evangelism:
The first week in Airlie we had lectures with Jeremy, who is the school leader for the DTS up there. This teaching was really cool, learning things that I had never fully been introduced to before. Searched biblically of the Pentecost and the reasons we have been given the Spirit of Jesus and the gifts that come through Him. Really captured the anointing of the Holy Spirit over our lives and what that means and looks like. Looked at some different ways to evangelize and the calling we all have on our lives. He had some amazing stories and it was a real encouraging week.
The second week up north we did some local outreach. Airlie is the backpacking capital of Australia, so it was the ideal place to do some evangelism. We setup a volleyball net and soccer goals and played sport with a bunch of people passing by. We would then have a bit of a barbie, hanging out and talking with the travelers. Had some good times listening to some people’s journeys, many were staying in hostels or straight out of their vans, doing some fruit picking or anything else they could find for work. This was also a great chance to share with people what I have been learning and what YWAM is all about and the journey that I am on.
After our two weeks in the Whitsundays we headed back down the coast to Mackay into Eungella National Park. Driving out into the country this place definitely show
ed us the variety of the landscape down under. Running after cows and witnessing one come into this world made for a nice time in the country.
Following our weekend getaway it was down to Bundaberg. A guy in my school is from there and we stayed at his church for a week. It was nice taking it easy and hanging around in the church. Stephen, my school leader spoke a couple days and will be finishing up his lecture on the next road trip.
Took off on Thursday to head down to Toowoomba, our final stop on the road trip. Here, we took part in Easter Fest, one of Australia’s largest Christian music festivals of the year. It is a three-day event with more than 150 bands and 20,000 people. YWAM had our huge chai tent setup. My school and about 150 other YWAMers were volunteers for the weekend; helping run security, trash pickup, parking, and whatever else needed to be done. It was a wet, muddy weekend camping in tents with thousands of teens and families. Good times in the rain; serving others, going to concerts, and hanging out with new people. No greater way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Arrived back home in Brisbane on Tuesday the 14th. The month of trekking around Australia has been incredible and God has done some awesome things. Check out the map of our journey below and be sure to take a look at the updated pictures by clicking on the link to the right.
View Larger Map
teaks, went crocodile hunting, trekked through the bush, surfed and skimmed the waters, swam in waterfalls, cliff dived, ran with cows… enjoying our Father of creation on every turf. The first stop on the road trip was Sunshine Coast, where we camped right on the beach. The name of this place threw us a bit. Enjoyed the first night sleeping in the bus, having been flooded out of our tent due to all the rain. Great way to start the road trip, everyone hung in there and we had some good times getting drenched and evacuating most of the tents of all valuables. Got to take in the beach for a few sunny hours, good to be back in a beach town. For lectures we joined surfers DTS at their base and had a powerful week. Also celebrated with Lisa, a girl in my school who was baptized this week. Here is a little recap on the lectures this week…
Week 5 Mark Parker – Lordship:
An incredible week. Mark Parker is a complete radical believer who caught us all off guard at first. He helped us understand what it is to be fully human. His teachings were intense and really encouraged us to stop being the arrogant snobs we have all become. His love for us and desire for us all to get deeper with God was really impacting. He helped us to get real and actually live a life for God. The last day with Mark was a perfect ending to the powerful week that it was. We all entered the gate of the courts and were lead to a time of worship, like in Exodus, during the time of the tabernacle and the Temple. It was an all day experience and an amazing start to our road trip and the road the Lord is leading us down.
Took off up the coast on Friday on an all day drive to Rockhampton into Byfield State Forest. A few miles off the main road down a dirt road into the depths of the forest, camping right next to Upper Stony Creek. This
weekend camping gave us a chance to swim with stonefish and do some crocodile hunting. Ate some kangaroo steaks and had a nice relaxing weekend. Then we were off Sunday for another long drive up to Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, also known as the Whitsundays. We stayed in a YWAM house up in Airlie, where a new DTS school will be starting up later this year. Was tough to be civilized and live under a roof again but I got through it. The house was a minute walk from the beach but we weren’t able to swim the entire two weeks because of the lethal jellyfish in the water. Was a bummer but did a lot of fishing and spent some time at a sweet waterfall.
Week 6 Jeremy Humphries – Holy Spirit & Evangelism:
The first week in Airlie we had lectures with Jeremy, who is the school leader for the DTS up there. This teaching was really cool, learning things that I had never fully been introduced to before. Searched biblically of the Pentecost and the reasons we have been given the Spirit of Jesus and the gifts that come through Him. Really captured the anointing of the Holy Spirit over our lives and what that means and looks like. Looked at some different ways to evangelize and the calling we all have on our lives. He had some amazing stories and it was a real encouraging week.
The second week up north we did some local outreach. Airlie is the backpacking capital of Australia, so it was the ideal place to do some evangelism. We setup a volleyball net and soccer goals and played sport with a bunch of people passing by. We would then have a bit of a barbie, hanging out and talking with the travelers. Had some good times listening to some people’s journeys, many were staying in hostels or straight out of their vans, doing some fruit picking or anything else they could find for work. This was also a great chance to share with people what I have been learning and what YWAM is all about and the journey that I am on.
After our two weeks in the Whitsundays we headed back down the coast to Mackay into Eungella National Park. Driving out into the country this place definitely show
ed us the variety of the landscape down under. Running after cows and witnessing one come into this world made for a nice time in the country. Following our weekend getaway it was down to Bundaberg. A guy in my school is from there and we stayed at his church for a week. It was nice taking it easy and hanging around in the church. Stephen, my school leader spoke a couple days and will be finishing up his lecture on the next road trip.
Took off on Thursday to head down to Toowoomba, our final stop on the road trip. Here, we took part in Easter Fest, one of Australia’s largest Christian music festivals of the year. It is a three-day event with more than 150 bands and 20,000 people. YWAM had our huge chai tent setup. My school and about 150 other YWAMers were volunteers for the weekend; helping run security, trash pickup, parking, and whatever else needed to be done. It was a wet, muddy weekend camping in tents with thousands of teens and families. Good times in the rain; serving others, going to concerts, and hanging out with new people. No greater way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Arrived back home in Brisbane on Tuesday the 14th. The month of trekking around Australia has been incredible and God has done some awesome things. Check out the map of our journey below and be sure to take a look at the updated pictures by clicking on the link to the right.
View Larger Map
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
In the Beginning
I just want to start off by thanking everyone who has supported me as I journey to the other side of the world. Was great to receive all the love and food before taking off. Here you can stay up to date on my adventures in Australia and wherever else I am sent. Be sure to check out my pictures by clicking Photos on the sidebar to the right. Also feel free to email me at kline.shine@gmail.com, I'm down to answer any question or just share more on what is going on down under. Thank you for visiting and enjoy. YWAM Brisbane is located on a 2 acre property and is known as the 'Go Centre'. Our community of interdenominational Christian believers has a strong commitment to relationships, as well as to the calling of the Great Commission. We're located a few hours flight from the mission fields of Asia and the Pacific Islands, but more locally we lie at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef and also at the eastern gateway to the Great Australian Outback. There are 21 members on my team representing 9 different nations around the world. Countries such as Germany, Norway, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, England, Australia, Canada, and the United States all aging 18-28 years, give or take a few years for 2 of the guys.
The first phase of Beach to Bush DTS is lectures which includes 16 weeks of speakers and a few weeks of local outreach around Australia. The second phase is outreach, where we will be taking off for 6 weeks.
Outreach locations and teams have been announced and I am off to the Solomon Islands early June. My team consists of 10 people, including two leaders. Our school will be sending 2 teams to the Solomons, where we will spend a couple weeks together on the island, then heading our separate ways. A third team will be off to Malaysia.
It has been an amazing time of growth and look forward to learning more and more from my Father. The team is great and we're all getting to know each other real well. We have had a speaker each week who covers a specific topic. This is what the lessons have been on so far...
Week 1 Dave Way – Character & Nature of God:
A great way to start the school. Got in touch with the God we are all here to learn from and grow in an intimate relationship with. This local Aussie really dove into scripture, showing us the complexity and many loving aspects of our Lord. Discovered our personal and infinite God.
Week 2 Jason Solari – Hearing the Voice of God:
A fellow American, Jason leads the school of digital media on base. Took it back to the garden, showing God as a personal relater who wants to walk with us. We were shown that all it is meant to be is a simple conversation. Really challenged us if we truly want God to speak, and if so are we listening. Looked at the many ways God has spoken in the Bible and in the same ways He wishes to speak to us still. Was an amazing week as God showed up many times, with clear messages.
Week 3 Ben Nonoa – Father Heart of God:
Our Samoan brother brought incredible revelation this week. He introduced us to the father of light vs. the father of lies. This seemed to be what the whole week was about, as truth set so many free from the lies of the enemy. He taught of how things have happened and we have all been given this distorted view. We reached the truth that we are all already in His house. And the truth of "who told you?" These two truths made way for amazing releases the final two days.
Week 4 Heather Marjoibanks – Intercession:
Heather told some unreal stories on the power of intercession. She had knowledge of so many things happening in the world and how intercession changes nations. Intercession is the way for God's will to be done. This begins with friendship with Him. Prayer and interceding with God has historically altered nations, and many times when we pray it isn't that we're asking too much but often we're not asking enough. Was sweet to learn of the power and influence we have through God.
God has moved in great ways and continues to do so here. It seems as if each week has been building off of the last, just a continual movement of His Way. We're taking it to the road for the next 4 weeks. Headed up the coast, where we will be camping and enjoying the beaches. Excited to get out of the suburbs and see the real Australia. Will be updating you on my travels as soon as we arrive home. God is moving, praise be to the Most High!
Prayer Requests,
If you could be praying for the unity in our school. As we'll be sharing tight quarters the next few weeks, may we be loving and grow together more in love with God.
Also a prayer against the enemy, may God bind him and may he have no part in our school.
Pray that our hearts will be open to receive. Our ears and eyes will be open for our Father's teachings, prepared and ready to serve Him every minute of every day.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It is a blessing to have you all fighting at home for me and my team.
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