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.