Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
"Good On Ya, Mate"
Oh please forgive me for not updating as much as I should! I stay busy so by the time I'm at home there is no motivation in me to blog.
So with a cup of warm Milo (Australian hot cocoa), I will attempt to bring everyone up to date on my life in Adelaide.
On Mondays I work at Glen Osmond Baptist church as an assistant to the Children's minister. What an experience this has been for me! Never in million years would I see myself helping in children's ministry other than Cubbis at WBC. I look back now and realized that I limited myself and how God could use me. My heart is overflowing with love for working with kids and helping them learn about our wonderful Creator. Also on Mondays clean up the Chapel and set up for Playgroups in the youth room. Mondays are the days I usually tell myself that I'm going to blog but I always find something else to do. =)
On Tuesdays I head to Glen Osmond Baptist church at 9 a.m. for Playgroups. My role here is now to take over Karen Ray's job (the IMB mobilizer for the Oz students) since that family is now in Arkansas celebrating the birth of a grand-daughter. Here I cut up fruit and serve morning tea to the mothers and their kids. I'm the one behind the scenes so the ladies can fellowship. Something new to my Tuesdays and Thursdays is the fact that I'm now helping out at West Care. West Care is a Baptist based facility that serves lunch to homeless people. I originally had Thursdays off but since I don't have a partner, there was nothing to do on my days off. God laid on my heart a strong passion to love on homeless or less fortunate people. I expressed this feeling to the amazing Andrew Turner (pastor of Glen Osmond) and he connected me with West Care. I've been going to W.C. for about 4 weeks now and words can't describe how much this place has changed my heart. The staff was so welcoming and I had an instant connection with them. The kind of connection to where we make fun of each other and joke around all the time. Some days they don't need me in the kitchen and I take this as a blessing b/c then I'm given the opportunity to mingle with the people.
My first day there I met this older man named Walter but he told me to call him "Uncle Wally". He was sitting with another lady and I approached them with an ice cream bar. The lady didn't like Americans so she soon left. It was a good thing she did b/c I was able to sit down and chat with Walter. We talked about his family and his faith. He is a very passionate man but some of his beliefs didn't line up to what the Bible says. He kept saying that he was the "mighty one" and I would explain how that's correct but it's when we die that we will reign with God forever. We developed a strong relationship over one sitting. Even before he left, he came up and gave me a hug. What a sweet man. He kisses my hand every time I run into him now at West Care.
My second time there I walked into the kitchen and they threw me on "grill duty". I was in charge of flipping the pork chops and steaks. This was a fun day b/c all the staffers would make comments like "Oh great, the American is going to burn all the meat" and so on. I wasn't able to get out and talk to anyone this day but some days I feel like I'm needed more as a servant to the staff. Each day has a different mission for me and I want the staff to see Christ through my actions and not to see that I'm just using them to talk to the people who eat there. It's a balance that needs to be taken carefully b/c I don't want to mess up my witness there and Glen Osmond's reputation.
Another cool story from West Care:
I was walking down the street about to turn into the West Care parking lot when I just stopped. I realized my head wasn't right and that I wasn't focused on my true purpose of serving at West Care. I stopped on the sidewalk and listened to Jon Foreman's "Your Love Is Strong" on my iPod. In one part of the song it talked about the birds singing a melody and that they were never out of tune. Well at that moment, the birds were super loud..like louder than usual b/c my music covers them up most of the time. Then the song said something about flower and I looked to my right and there was a beautiful bush of flowers. The song reminded me of God's faithfulness and how His love is strong. It shook me and helped me see that these people need to see and hear about this amazingly awesome God that I serve. Going in and finding out I wasn't needed saddened my "spiritual high" until I sat down and started talking to a less fortunate lady named Beverly. She was such a beautiful lady and she would call me "love" after everything she said. I didn't really know what to say to get her talking but God directed my words (thank goodness b/c I can't do it on my own). We talked about her family, her husband's cooking, and her daughter suffering the death of her husband. It was such a God thing b/c earlier at Glen Os. Bap. a lady from the church invited me to a pampering for mothers. She asked me to come just to talk with some of the ladies but I took this as an opportunity to invite Beverly and her daughter. She rejected the invite and told me how Kathy (her daughter) needed to recover on her own. I didn't understand but shortly after that she needed to leave so the conversation wasn't as deep. It's like once I mentioned "God" then walls were built and she didn't want to hear what I had to say. When we went our separate ways I got to thinking about how I should have prayed with her. I was walking out of West Care on my way to the bus stop and low and behold, there was Beverly. We had a 30 second conversation about my apple that I was eating and then I was able to share with her how I'd be praying for her and her daughter. It was a rocky conversation but it happen to be a wonderful base built to a relationship. I've seen her a couple more times and now we are able to pick up where we left off. Cool huh?
Mercy, I could go on and on about different things that have happened at West Care but I don't think my fingers would enjoy typing it all. OH! One last short story!
Yesterday I was being "radically intentional" about having conversations with some of the people at W.C. and building new relationships. Something I'm super thankful for is my country accent b/c it's a foot in the doorway to HEAPS of conversations!!! So yesterday, I got to meet 2 older men and have about a 10 minute conversation with one and about a 20ish minute conversation with the other. The 2nd guy I talked to kept saying things like "when I go to Heaven" and different comments like that which made it easy to slip God's name in the conversations. I asked him if he thought everyone was going to go to Heaven and his answer was very sketchy. He curved the topic from Heaven to rich people being so heartless. Right after he answered I was about to twist it back to God and insert the gospel into the conversation. At this moment, a West Care worker turned out the lights and told everyone to leave b/c he was going to start cleaning up. The guy jumped up, said a quick goodbye, we exchanged names (had a 20 minute convo and didn't know each other's name..pretty funny), then he was out of there. I was super bummed b/c my adrenaline was pumping and I was so ready to share with him the truth about Christ...then it was cut off before I could get a word out. I'm praying that guy will show up again and we will be able to jump right into it again. I was willing to continue the conversation outside but it wouldn't have been as personal as it was in the dining room.
That's all for now! In about a hour I'll be headed to a BBQ (praise God) at West Care. I'm super excited b/c it's in the park lands and we will be playing cricket, eating, and fellowshipping with everyone.
I'm also sooo thankful for the awesome "Soul fooders" that join me in this West Care adventure. Ella Duncan comes with me on Thursdays to help out and she is such a hardcore servant. The girl works her little heart out in the kitchen!! It's funny b/c she has such a strong Aussie accent but since she is with "the American" people think she is from America. It's so funny. Abi and Kate will randomly join me on Tuesdays but as of right now, I go alone on those days.
Please pray for this ministry and the people that visit West Care.
So with a cup of warm Milo (Australian hot cocoa), I will attempt to bring everyone up to date on my life in Adelaide.
On Mondays I work at Glen Osmond Baptist church as an assistant to the Children's minister. What an experience this has been for me! Never in million years would I see myself helping in children's ministry other than Cubbis at WBC. I look back now and realized that I limited myself and how God could use me. My heart is overflowing with love for working with kids and helping them learn about our wonderful Creator. Also on Mondays clean up the Chapel and set up for Playgroups in the youth room. Mondays are the days I usually tell myself that I'm going to blog but I always find something else to do. =)
On Tuesdays I head to Glen Osmond Baptist church at 9 a.m. for Playgroups. My role here is now to take over Karen Ray's job (the IMB mobilizer for the Oz students) since that family is now in Arkansas celebrating the birth of a grand-daughter. Here I cut up fruit and serve morning tea to the mothers and their kids. I'm the one behind the scenes so the ladies can fellowship. Something new to my Tuesdays and Thursdays is the fact that I'm now helping out at West Care. West Care is a Baptist based facility that serves lunch to homeless people. I originally had Thursdays off but since I don't have a partner, there was nothing to do on my days off. God laid on my heart a strong passion to love on homeless or less fortunate people. I expressed this feeling to the amazing Andrew Turner (pastor of Glen Osmond) and he connected me with West Care. I've been going to W.C. for about 4 weeks now and words can't describe how much this place has changed my heart. The staff was so welcoming and I had an instant connection with them. The kind of connection to where we make fun of each other and joke around all the time. Some days they don't need me in the kitchen and I take this as a blessing b/c then I'm given the opportunity to mingle with the people.
My first day there I met this older man named Walter but he told me to call him "Uncle Wally". He was sitting with another lady and I approached them with an ice cream bar. The lady didn't like Americans so she soon left. It was a good thing she did b/c I was able to sit down and chat with Walter. We talked about his family and his faith. He is a very passionate man but some of his beliefs didn't line up to what the Bible says. He kept saying that he was the "mighty one" and I would explain how that's correct but it's when we die that we will reign with God forever. We developed a strong relationship over one sitting. Even before he left, he came up and gave me a hug. What a sweet man. He kisses my hand every time I run into him now at West Care.
My second time there I walked into the kitchen and they threw me on "grill duty". I was in charge of flipping the pork chops and steaks. This was a fun day b/c all the staffers would make comments like "Oh great, the American is going to burn all the meat" and so on. I wasn't able to get out and talk to anyone this day but some days I feel like I'm needed more as a servant to the staff. Each day has a different mission for me and I want the staff to see Christ through my actions and not to see that I'm just using them to talk to the people who eat there. It's a balance that needs to be taken carefully b/c I don't want to mess up my witness there and Glen Osmond's reputation.
Another cool story from West Care:
I was walking down the street about to turn into the West Care parking lot when I just stopped. I realized my head wasn't right and that I wasn't focused on my true purpose of serving at West Care. I stopped on the sidewalk and listened to Jon Foreman's "Your Love Is Strong" on my iPod. In one part of the song it talked about the birds singing a melody and that they were never out of tune. Well at that moment, the birds were super loud..like louder than usual b/c my music covers them up most of the time. Then the song said something about flower and I looked to my right and there was a beautiful bush of flowers. The song reminded me of God's faithfulness and how His love is strong. It shook me and helped me see that these people need to see and hear about this amazingly awesome God that I serve. Going in and finding out I wasn't needed saddened my "spiritual high" until I sat down and started talking to a less fortunate lady named Beverly. She was such a beautiful lady and she would call me "love" after everything she said. I didn't really know what to say to get her talking but God directed my words (thank goodness b/c I can't do it on my own). We talked about her family, her husband's cooking, and her daughter suffering the death of her husband. It was such a God thing b/c earlier at Glen Os. Bap. a lady from the church invited me to a pampering for mothers. She asked me to come just to talk with some of the ladies but I took this as an opportunity to invite Beverly and her daughter. She rejected the invite and told me how Kathy (her daughter) needed to recover on her own. I didn't understand but shortly after that she needed to leave so the conversation wasn't as deep. It's like once I mentioned "God" then walls were built and she didn't want to hear what I had to say. When we went our separate ways I got to thinking about how I should have prayed with her. I was walking out of West Care on my way to the bus stop and low and behold, there was Beverly. We had a 30 second conversation about my apple that I was eating and then I was able to share with her how I'd be praying for her and her daughter. It was a rocky conversation but it happen to be a wonderful base built to a relationship. I've seen her a couple more times and now we are able to pick up where we left off. Cool huh?
Mercy, I could go on and on about different things that have happened at West Care but I don't think my fingers would enjoy typing it all. OH! One last short story!
Yesterday I was being "radically intentional" about having conversations with some of the people at W.C. and building new relationships. Something I'm super thankful for is my country accent b/c it's a foot in the doorway to HEAPS of conversations!!! So yesterday, I got to meet 2 older men and have about a 10 minute conversation with one and about a 20ish minute conversation with the other. The 2nd guy I talked to kept saying things like "when I go to Heaven" and different comments like that which made it easy to slip God's name in the conversations. I asked him if he thought everyone was going to go to Heaven and his answer was very sketchy. He curved the topic from Heaven to rich people being so heartless. Right after he answered I was about to twist it back to God and insert the gospel into the conversation. At this moment, a West Care worker turned out the lights and told everyone to leave b/c he was going to start cleaning up. The guy jumped up, said a quick goodbye, we exchanged names (had a 20 minute convo and didn't know each other's name..pretty funny), then he was out of there. I was super bummed b/c my adrenaline was pumping and I was so ready to share with him the truth about Christ...then it was cut off before I could get a word out. I'm praying that guy will show up again and we will be able to jump right into it again. I was willing to continue the conversation outside but it wouldn't have been as personal as it was in the dining room.
That's all for now! In about a hour I'll be headed to a BBQ (praise God) at West Care. I'm super excited b/c it's in the park lands and we will be playing cricket, eating, and fellowshipping with everyone.
I'm also sooo thankful for the awesome "Soul fooders" that join me in this West Care adventure. Ella Duncan comes with me on Thursdays to help out and she is such a hardcore servant. The girl works her little heart out in the kitchen!! It's funny b/c she has such a strong Aussie accent but since she is with "the American" people think she is from America. It's so funny. Abi and Kate will randomly join me on Tuesdays but as of right now, I go alone on those days.
Please pray for this ministry and the people that visit West Care.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
So Far, Oh So Good...
WoW! What a week!
I have completed a full week here in Adelaide and it was a BLAST. Not just to meet all these amazing people but God is stretching me and it's strengthening our relationship. I have so so so much to share that I have not clue where to begin!! I guess I'll just jump right on into the Jesus part of it b/c that's my favorite =)
When all the students got to Sydney for the orientation we were filled in on the "Australia culture". Ask any American and you wouldn't think there wouldn't be that big of a difference from the U.S. and Oz. The thing is, that's sooo not true. You see, Australians don't have to worry too extremely much about poverty, a poor economy, or terrible living expenses. What they are struggling with is thinking they can fill the emptiness in their hearts with those "things". Their teen suicide rate is the highest in the world...THE HIGHEST! Young people are taking their lives because they don't see what they are living for. This country has the mindset that "if I have money, a good job, and alcohol then why do I need God?". This creates a hole that will leave them feeling useless until they find Christ. In Australia, it's not common for people to go to church yet when asked, people will say they are a Christian. Many answer like this to either avoid farther questioning or they may believe in God but not have a relationship with Him. The non-believers aren't interested in coming to church because it used to be a order from the government that people must go. Also, direct evangelism isn't encouraged when witnessing to someone in Oz. The task in these circumstances is to develop relationships with non-believers and show them Christ that way. It's different because door-to-door evangelism isn't always accepted in the US but it's common. Having to really work on friendships is so different but stepping back and looking at it, it's so worth it. When you build that relationship with someone, you grow to trust each other and truly care for one another. People start to open up and share the things they are going through then opportunities are there to direct the conversation to Christ. There is so much hurt in these people's hearts that is so well hidden to others. Growing closer will help those walls come down and then they wont feel like you're shoving the Bible down their throat. It's a challenge but God's really shown the GO Christian Network how to shine in the darkness. For example:
With Glen Osmond Baptist Church-
Even though I'm just helping out with the Children's ministry, I can see the passion these people have to reach non-believers. This church averages about 40 people (maybe) on Sunday mornings. The main thing I've learned from Glen Osmond is that they don't worry about dragging people into the Chapel. Instead, they take the church to the people! How cool! They don't rely on the number of people to show the success of the church. What they do keep a tally of is the number of churches that are being planted and the number of people being sent out! They also have this "playgroup" that is held on Tuesday mornings at the church. Here mothers come and bring their small children and....play. The ladies of the church are able to have mommy talk with the non-believers while the kids explore the play space. It's such a neat way to see the ladies reaching out to comfort the other mothers.
With Soul Food (GOCN's Coffee shop)-
Mercy, I just smile when I think about how God is moving in this ministry. This cafe is such a hip/chill place where the employees actually sit down and drink coffee with the customers. There is a play space in one corner where the kids can roam while (once again) mom's chat. The main aspect that struck me about Soul Food is what happens on Sunday nights. This is when all the employees/volunteers come together and have a Bible study. Also, on Wednesday nights the guys have a Bible study as well as the ladies. Seeing this just BLOWS MY MIND! This business is able to come together and pray for each other then the next day work side-by-side. It's just sooo encouraging to see! OH! And get this! About a year ago the Bible study groups were a lot smaller. This is because 3 employees weren't saved. But now, with time, all 3 have accepted Christ and are growing and curious believers. HOW STINKIN' COOL! These 3 girls are 2 years younger than me and I've already had numerous biblical conversations with them. It's so cool. Huu..I just wish each one of you could see how God's working through these people.
Coming to Australia this summer, I was kind of discouraged a few times because people would think I was just slapping "Mission Trip" on a vacation. Even the couple that lead the cross-cultural conference told me "well since you don't have to worry about a different language, you better lead 100 people to Christ this summer". Those words still play in my memory because they embarrassed me in a way. 1. It's 1239u7-94529384 times harder to witness to people who have no interest in church at all. Therefore, relationships are the key. Good relationships with 100 people isn't possible for just one summer's time. What we are doing here is planting seeds. Showing these people that a big and awesome God loves them so dearly. 2. It wont be me leading them to Christ, it will be God working in their hearts with Christ guiding my words. 3. There is kind of a language problem because it is so dad-gum hard to understand what these people are saying sometimes! Ha ha.
Oh, also with Glen Osmond, I've become good friends with the youth leader and I will be helping him out a bit. The youth group is growing and we've talked about how it's important for the young girl to have someone to talk to about...girl things. So we have set aside some time during our Friday night festivities to split up the guys and sheilas (just kidding..they don't really say that) and just talk and pray with them. I'll be leading the group til I leave to show the older girls (2 new believers from Soul Food) how to do it.
So yeah...really cool things are going on here. I'm hoping that now that week 1 is finished that I'll be able to get in conversations instead of being the awkward new girl. Ha ha.
Prayer requests:
-How to spend my free time. I get Thursdays off so I'm looking into helping at a homeless shelter or a nursing home. Pray that God just shows me how He wants me to use my time because I'm not here for the kangaroos..I'm here for Him.
-Pray for the 1.5 million people in Adelaide...the lost, the saved, the rich, and the poor. Pray that Christ takes hold of their hearts and lets them see the emptiness the world offers compared to His fulfilling, great love.
I love you all and I'm praying for you and Wynne Baptist.
P.S. The food is amazing, the coffee is AMAZING, the produce market is amaziinnnggg, and this city is beautiful! Adelaide has mountains, valleys, farm land, beaches, and a mini New York like city all in one! It's pretty rad.
P.S.S. I get made fun of on a daily basis for saying "yall".....
P.S.S.S. Another culture shock is the cussing here! It's more acceptable and people don't think of it being bad or something like that. Well, anyways, it was quite a shock when I was having a conversation with 9-12 year old and they spit out a few. It's so weird!
G'day. Peace out. Holla.
I have completed a full week here in Adelaide and it was a BLAST. Not just to meet all these amazing people but God is stretching me and it's strengthening our relationship. I have so so so much to share that I have not clue where to begin!! I guess I'll just jump right on into the Jesus part of it b/c that's my favorite =)
When all the students got to Sydney for the orientation we were filled in on the "Australia culture". Ask any American and you wouldn't think there wouldn't be that big of a difference from the U.S. and Oz. The thing is, that's sooo not true. You see, Australians don't have to worry too extremely much about poverty, a poor economy, or terrible living expenses. What they are struggling with is thinking they can fill the emptiness in their hearts with those "things". Their teen suicide rate is the highest in the world...THE HIGHEST! Young people are taking their lives because they don't see what they are living for. This country has the mindset that "if I have money, a good job, and alcohol then why do I need God?". This creates a hole that will leave them feeling useless until they find Christ. In Australia, it's not common for people to go to church yet when asked, people will say they are a Christian. Many answer like this to either avoid farther questioning or they may believe in God but not have a relationship with Him. The non-believers aren't interested in coming to church because it used to be a order from the government that people must go. Also, direct evangelism isn't encouraged when witnessing to someone in Oz. The task in these circumstances is to develop relationships with non-believers and show them Christ that way. It's different because door-to-door evangelism isn't always accepted in the US but it's common. Having to really work on friendships is so different but stepping back and looking at it, it's so worth it. When you build that relationship with someone, you grow to trust each other and truly care for one another. People start to open up and share the things they are going through then opportunities are there to direct the conversation to Christ. There is so much hurt in these people's hearts that is so well hidden to others. Growing closer will help those walls come down and then they wont feel like you're shoving the Bible down their throat. It's a challenge but God's really shown the GO Christian Network how to shine in the darkness. For example:
With Glen Osmond Baptist Church-
Even though I'm just helping out with the Children's ministry, I can see the passion these people have to reach non-believers. This church averages about 40 people (maybe) on Sunday mornings. The main thing I've learned from Glen Osmond is that they don't worry about dragging people into the Chapel. Instead, they take the church to the people! How cool! They don't rely on the number of people to show the success of the church. What they do keep a tally of is the number of churches that are being planted and the number of people being sent out! They also have this "playgroup" that is held on Tuesday mornings at the church. Here mothers come and bring their small children and....play. The ladies of the church are able to have mommy talk with the non-believers while the kids explore the play space. It's such a neat way to see the ladies reaching out to comfort the other mothers.
With Soul Food (GOCN's Coffee shop)-
Mercy, I just smile when I think about how God is moving in this ministry. This cafe is such a hip/chill place where the employees actually sit down and drink coffee with the customers. There is a play space in one corner where the kids can roam while (once again) mom's chat. The main aspect that struck me about Soul Food is what happens on Sunday nights. This is when all the employees/volunteers come together and have a Bible study. Also, on Wednesday nights the guys have a Bible study as well as the ladies. Seeing this just BLOWS MY MIND! This business is able to come together and pray for each other then the next day work side-by-side. It's just sooo encouraging to see! OH! And get this! About a year ago the Bible study groups were a lot smaller. This is because 3 employees weren't saved. But now, with time, all 3 have accepted Christ and are growing and curious believers. HOW STINKIN' COOL! These 3 girls are 2 years younger than me and I've already had numerous biblical conversations with them. It's so cool. Huu..I just wish each one of you could see how God's working through these people.
Coming to Australia this summer, I was kind of discouraged a few times because people would think I was just slapping "Mission Trip" on a vacation. Even the couple that lead the cross-cultural conference told me "well since you don't have to worry about a different language, you better lead 100 people to Christ this summer". Those words still play in my memory because they embarrassed me in a way. 1. It's 1239u7-94529384 times harder to witness to people who have no interest in church at all. Therefore, relationships are the key. Good relationships with 100 people isn't possible for just one summer's time. What we are doing here is planting seeds. Showing these people that a big and awesome God loves them so dearly. 2. It wont be me leading them to Christ, it will be God working in their hearts with Christ guiding my words. 3. There is kind of a language problem because it is so dad-gum hard to understand what these people are saying sometimes! Ha ha.
Oh, also with Glen Osmond, I've become good friends with the youth leader and I will be helping him out a bit. The youth group is growing and we've talked about how it's important for the young girl to have someone to talk to about...girl things. So we have set aside some time during our Friday night festivities to split up the guys and sheilas (just kidding..they don't really say that) and just talk and pray with them. I'll be leading the group til I leave to show the older girls (2 new believers from Soul Food) how to do it.
So yeah...really cool things are going on here. I'm hoping that now that week 1 is finished that I'll be able to get in conversations instead of being the awkward new girl. Ha ha.
Prayer requests:
-How to spend my free time. I get Thursdays off so I'm looking into helping at a homeless shelter or a nursing home. Pray that God just shows me how He wants me to use my time because I'm not here for the kangaroos..I'm here for Him.
-Pray for the 1.5 million people in Adelaide...the lost, the saved, the rich, and the poor. Pray that Christ takes hold of their hearts and lets them see the emptiness the world offers compared to His fulfilling, great love.
I love you all and I'm praying for you and Wynne Baptist.
P.S. The food is amazing, the coffee is AMAZING, the produce market is amaziinnnggg, and this city is beautiful! Adelaide has mountains, valleys, farm land, beaches, and a mini New York like city all in one! It's pretty rad.
P.S.S. I get made fun of on a daily basis for saying "yall".....
P.S.S.S. Another culture shock is the cussing here! It's more acceptable and people don't think of it being bad or something like that. Well, anyways, it was quite a shock when I was having a conversation with 9-12 year old and they spit out a few. It's so weird!
G'day. Peace out. Holla.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
I'm leavin' on a jet plane!
Tomorrow is the big day! I've got butterflies in my stomach that are growing larger by the minute! Sleeping will definitely be a challenge so a lot of reading and pacing the hallways will take place tonight. We are heading out at the crack of dawn! Woo hoo! Here is what I remember about my itinerary just to inform the curious:
Little Rock to Dallas flight- 11:05-12:15
Dallas to LAX-1:15-2:35
LAX to Sydney-10:20pm-6:05 am on the 5-24 (15ish hours)
We have an orientation in Sydney til the 26Th and that's when I'll be on my way to Adelaide!
My older sister asked me tonight if I had any fears about this trip. My response wasn't about while I'm over there to find someone to help me out or to not get lost in the city. God has really comforted my heart about the fact that I wont have a partner and I'm so thankful for that. My fear, in answering my sister's question, was about all the flights that will be getting me over there. I'm not too airport savvy and so I'll be like a redneck in a Chinese restaurant. So please pray that God would bless me with the knowledge to understand what I'm suppose to do and where I'm suppose to go tomorrow. Thank you all and I love each and every one of you.
-Kristy
"Got to be able to leap out by faith and do things that unless God intervenes, you'll be a total failure." --Jerry Falwell
Little Rock to Dallas flight- 11:05-12:15
Dallas to LAX-1:15-2:35
LAX to Sydney-10:20pm-6:05 am on the 5-24 (15ish hours)
We have an orientation in Sydney til the 26Th and that's when I'll be on my way to Adelaide!
My older sister asked me tonight if I had any fears about this trip. My response wasn't about while I'm over there to find someone to help me out or to not get lost in the city. God has really comforted my heart about the fact that I wont have a partner and I'm so thankful for that. My fear, in answering my sister's question, was about all the flights that will be getting me over there. I'm not too airport savvy and so I'll be like a redneck in a Chinese restaurant. So please pray that God would bless me with the knowledge to understand what I'm suppose to do and where I'm suppose to go tomorrow. Thank you all and I love each and every one of you.
-Kristy
"Got to be able to leap out by faith and do things that unless God intervenes, you'll be a total failure." --Jerry Falwell
Monday, May 17, 2010
Test 1, 2..Test 1, 2, 3..
This is how most of my blogs will be while in Oz so I wanted to try it out.
In this video, my poor sister is trying to take a picture of herself...with a video camera.
(I encourage pointing and laughing)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Final Countdown!
Yes, you counted right! 8 days til I'm out of here!
I know there are several of you who are wondering what I'm going to be doing "down under". From what I read, I will be very busy and me being a "Type A" kinda person loves hearing this. I will live with 2 different families just to save me traveling time and money. Adelaide is a rather large city so I will be using the busing systems for transportation. I'm not excellent at navigating so this should be interesting to say the least. There are 6 different organizations/churches that I'll be working with this summer which are all a part of the GO Christian Network. This was kind of difficult for me to understand so lets see if I can word it so y'all aren't too confused. In Australia they have problems keeping churches running therefore main will turn into night clubs or bars. The GO Christian Network is an association of churches and programs that keeps God's word flowing throughout Adelaide. To break that down even more for ya, it's like a family. The parents raise the children to be able to function and be independent right? Well, the GOCN are the parents who are nurturing the smaller or newly planted churches to run on their own. Still confused?..well too bad. =) Now on to the 6 projects that are set out for me this summer (winter):
1. Glen Osmond Baptist Church- This is the church I will be attending most of my stay in Adelaide. I'm not 100% sure of my schedule and where I'll be on what days during the week. The pastor did inform me that I will help out at Glen Osmond as if I were a staffer. In other words: coffee runs, making copies, and anything else to help out around the church.
2. Strewth! Youth- This is a program for the youth of Glen Osmond to come and hang out on Friday nights. I related this event in my mind to 5Th Quarter at Wynne Baptist. Strewth! was designed to keep the teens off the streets and out of the bars. Yes, you read that right! The legal drinking age in Aussie is 18 so teen drinking is a huge problem and that's what Strewth! is trying to avoid.
3. Spark kids- Spark kids is also held on Fridays at Glen Osmond. This program surrounds the Adelaide kids with tons of fun things to do. Here they do crafts, eat, sing, dance, and are presented a message about God's love for them.
4. Soul Food coffee shop- Since coffee is such a popular drink in Australia (praise God), GoCN opened a coffee shop to help them really reach the community. I will be working here 1-2 days out of the week. When I'm not working here, I'll be participating in 2 different small groups that meet at Soul Food. One is for families on Sunday evenings and the other is "Girls Only" which is held on Wednesday nights.
5. War Vets Church- I was told I wouldn't get to visit this church too often but I should be able to meet the church members a few times. This church is constructed of elderly, war veterans who live in the War Veterans Home in Adelaide. I love war stuff and older people tell the best stories so I'm pretty excited about this one!!
6. Adelaide Korean Baptist Church- Koreans take up a large amount of Australia's population. The GoCN planted a church so that they too could come together. Not that Koreans aren't welcomed in the other churches, it's just at AKBC they are able to hear the word spoken in their native language. Just like the War Vets church, I wont get too much time with these members but there will be a couple of visits.
All this information and pictures can be found on the Go Christian Network's website:
http://go.asn.au/
One of the ladies I'm staying with told me that even though I don't have a partner to work with me, I wont be alone. In the "Girls Only" group, there are a few new Christians whom are around my age so a lot of mentoring will take place. I will also be interacting with several Aborigines people and sharing God's love with them.
Although I just dished out all this information and details, I truly have no clue what this summer holds. I'm not really nervous anymore...more anxious. I was really challenged by a message that Kirk Owens gave last Sunday night about his journey on the mission field. Not just challenged but also encouraged to not lose my focus and my mission for why I'm alive.
Well, that's all for now! Smell ya later!
-Kristy
I know there are several of you who are wondering what I'm going to be doing "down under". From what I read, I will be very busy and me being a "Type A" kinda person loves hearing this. I will live with 2 different families just to save me traveling time and money. Adelaide is a rather large city so I will be using the busing systems for transportation. I'm not excellent at navigating so this should be interesting to say the least. There are 6 different organizations/churches that I'll be working with this summer which are all a part of the GO Christian Network. This was kind of difficult for me to understand so lets see if I can word it so y'all aren't too confused. In Australia they have problems keeping churches running therefore main will turn into night clubs or bars. The GO Christian Network is an association of churches and programs that keeps God's word flowing throughout Adelaide. To break that down even more for ya, it's like a family. The parents raise the children to be able to function and be independent right? Well, the GOCN are the parents who are nurturing the smaller or newly planted churches to run on their own. Still confused?..well too bad. =) Now on to the 6 projects that are set out for me this summer (winter):
1. Glen Osmond Baptist Church- This is the church I will be attending most of my stay in Adelaide. I'm not 100% sure of my schedule and where I'll be on what days during the week. The pastor did inform me that I will help out at Glen Osmond as if I were a staffer. In other words: coffee runs, making copies, and anything else to help out around the church.
2. Strewth! Youth- This is a program for the youth of Glen Osmond to come and hang out on Friday nights. I related this event in my mind to 5Th Quarter at Wynne Baptist. Strewth! was designed to keep the teens off the streets and out of the bars. Yes, you read that right! The legal drinking age in Aussie is 18 so teen drinking is a huge problem and that's what Strewth! is trying to avoid.
3. Spark kids- Spark kids is also held on Fridays at Glen Osmond. This program surrounds the Adelaide kids with tons of fun things to do. Here they do crafts, eat, sing, dance, and are presented a message about God's love for them.
4. Soul Food coffee shop- Since coffee is such a popular drink in Australia (praise God), GoCN opened a coffee shop to help them really reach the community. I will be working here 1-2 days out of the week. When I'm not working here, I'll be participating in 2 different small groups that meet at Soul Food. One is for families on Sunday evenings and the other is "Girls Only" which is held on Wednesday nights.
5. War Vets Church- I was told I wouldn't get to visit this church too often but I should be able to meet the church members a few times. This church is constructed of elderly, war veterans who live in the War Veterans Home in Adelaide. I love war stuff and older people tell the best stories so I'm pretty excited about this one!!
6. Adelaide Korean Baptist Church- Koreans take up a large amount of Australia's population. The GoCN planted a church so that they too could come together. Not that Koreans aren't welcomed in the other churches, it's just at AKBC they are able to hear the word spoken in their native language. Just like the War Vets church, I wont get too much time with these members but there will be a couple of visits.
All this information and pictures can be found on the Go Christian Network's website:
http://go.asn.au/
One of the ladies I'm staying with told me that even though I don't have a partner to work with me, I wont be alone. In the "Girls Only" group, there are a few new Christians whom are around my age so a lot of mentoring will take place. I will also be interacting with several Aborigines people and sharing God's love with them.
Although I just dished out all this information and details, I truly have no clue what this summer holds. I'm not really nervous anymore...more anxious. I was really challenged by a message that Kirk Owens gave last Sunday night about his journey on the mission field. Not just challenged but also encouraged to not lose my focus and my mission for why I'm alive.
Well, that's all for now! Smell ya later!
-Kristy
Friday, April 30, 2010
Soon and VERY soon!
My journey to Oz is right around the corner! I discovered yesterday that I'll be leaving May 22Nd instead of May 24Th! I get butterflies every time I think about going but I'll be safe b/c Jesus will be with me. Today I had a conversation with Josh Moseley (my brother-in-law) and Cliff Hutchinson about my trip. Sad to say, neither of them relieved any of my nervousness. Cliff talked about how he missed his flight at LAX when going to Australia and Josh talked about my plane crashing. Father, help us.
-Kristy
-Kristy
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Attempt Number Uno.
I need prayer.
This Australia thing is happening fast and planning this easily pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I'm not uneasy about the process just overwhelmed by the responsibilities. I know I'm doing what God has called me to do without a doubt. I do have one thing that I would like everyone to pray about though. This is for my partner for the summer. I currently do not have one and personally I feel that I neeeeeeeEEEEEEEeeeeed one. The cool thing is that God knows way more than I do and things happen for a reason. A challenge emotionally, mentally, and physically will take place if I don't get assigned a partner...but I'm ready. Many long, long talks to God has made me realize that I shouldn't worry about this because it will mess up my whole summer. I've come up with a slogan for this situation...are you ready for this? "I'm not going to be worryful, only prayerful". Cheesy huh? This summer I will be pushed to the limits and be nowhere near my comfort zone. I would love to have someone there going through the same obstacles as I am. All of this isn't new to God though! He has a plan for me and maybe that close friend is someone I get to share His love with in Aussie. Who knows?...(other than God). Please pray for my partner and for me that I cling to God's love and trust Him fully every millisecond of the day!!
Attempt one.....DOMINATED!
His adorer,
Kristy Cothran
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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