When God Shakes Your World

I know our families and friends in southern California received a jolt the other day when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck. I understand the feeling all too well when the ground begins to tremble, all that has appeared solid and permanent starts shifting, and that which seemed certain suddenly becomes unsure. In a different but equally powerful way, our world was shaken again by God today as we visited two special ministry sites in Nairobi.

Both sites, one in Ngong and the other in the sprawling slum of Kibera (on left, population about 1 MILLION!), focus on providing mothers who are HIV+ with assistance and resources to regain lives of productivity and dignity within their communities. The program, called WEEP (Women Empowerment Employment Program), finds women who need medical, emotional and spiritual help in dealing with the fallout of the AIDS virus. Nearly all are single mothers, their husbands either deceased or gone, who would have died without the intervention of this ministry. Their stories were nothing less than amazing, as they spoke to us of their sickness, desperation, isolation and redemption.

These women (six present in Ngong and eleven at Kibera), all on the brink of death at one point, now reflect life and hope that defies the imagination. Their spiritual fervor is evident, as is their outlook on the future. This is because WEEP (picture- Gladys, left, WEEP Kibera director with Vickie, director of HEART Africa, overseeing ministry) not only assists with medical needs but also trains these women to be tailors and artisans. They make school uniforms, tablecloth sets, clothing and jewelry that they sell. In so doing, they make enough money to care for their families (food, rent, necessities) and they have once again become functioning, "normal" members of their society. Where there was once no hope, now there is hope- these women proudly declare that they will, by God's grace, live long enough to see their children grown! That's a huge statement, considering their conditions just a few years ago.

Our time with them included listening to their stories and talking with them about what God is doing in their lives. Diane Williams brought 400 hats crocheted by women of the church (and other friends!) along with looms and needles so the ladies could learn to make and sell them! Boy, was that a hit! We practiced Swahili with these women (often poorly!), laughed and prayed with them, and gained great insight into what is happening in this part of the world. Our own worlds were shaken once again as we saw God doing the unimaginable in the most desperate of circumstances. Wow! That's the kind of shaking we need!

Kenya: We Made it to Nairobi!

As I write this from the guesthouse in Nairobi where our team will stay this week, I marvel at the ability to travel so far so quickly. We have safely journeyed from Los Angeles to Minneapolis to Amsterdam and on to Kenya in such a short time span- especially when compared to those who made such trips even 50 years ago. We are tired, sated with airports for awhile, and ready to find out what God has in store for us. But the effort to get here was not without its blessings as well.

We had a 10-hour layover in Amsterdam, so we left the airport, boarded the trained and went to the heart of the city. We had tickets to tour the Ann Frank House (seen on left), and we traversed streets and canals until we found it. It was so significant to be where Ann Frank's family lived and hid from the Nazis, to hear how they managed to help others who were also persecuted because of their religious beliefs, and persevere in spite of the constant threat of being found and shipped to death camps, and to see the legacy that has taken place because of their convictions. Such a sobering experience for us all.

Today is officially a recovery day- we'll change money, walk through Nairobi to get a feel of the city, have lunch out, and begin to soak up some of the richness of this East African culture. The next couple of days will be spent in the slums of Nairobi, viewing various ministries, making home visits, and learning more about life here. Continue to pray for our health and safety, but even more that God will open our hearts to what He has for us to see, and that we will be His instruments in this part of the world.

Kenya Bound!

Tomorrow is the big day as seven of us leave LAX just after noon for Kenya. We will have a 10-hour layover in Amsterdam. That's actually a good thing. It will allow us to get out for awhile and beat jet lag, and we will tour the Ann Frank House- a real treat for all of us! We will arrive in Nairobi Wed. morning around 6:00 a.m. local time (10 hours AHEAD of our southern Cal time) to begin what is shaping up to be a full 14 days in-country schedule.

Kenya is a beautiful country with gracious people who have a deep spiritual background. Once a British colony, Kenya has had the Gospel in its midst since the early 1840's and most of the 42 tribal groups found in the country have responded favorably to its message, at least to some degree. Yet with such a rich and real Christian response there are still great issues and needs among Kenya's people. The violence earlier this year reminded us that people do not have to be wounded deeply to revert back to tribal and ethnic affinities. Surely the blood of Christ, shed to make us one person, has yet to make its full impact in the lives of many. (And is this not also true of most of our cultures, regardless of how "far along" we may consider ourselves?)

Our hope these two weeks is to learn all we can about Kenyan culture and what God is doing there, as we seek to come alongside Him as serve as we have opportunity. We want to share the power and grace of God's life-changing love with those with those around us, forming relationships that allow meaningful discussion of what it means to follow in the path of Jesus. We want to encourage our brothers and sisters in this part of the world, and especially those of Tumaini International Ministries, children and staff alike. We believe that if we can be a blessing, then we will surely receive a blessing.

Follow along with us as we experience a different way of life. Remember, if you subscribe to this blog, you will automatically receive posts when they are written- you don't have to check the site. And keep us in prayer as we go- that's what makes the difference for us!

Why Samoa?

Samoa is a beautiful South Pacific Polynesian island nation located 5-6 hours south and west of Hawai'i. The following are some facts about the nation:

Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawai'i to New Zealand

Population: 177,000 (2006 est.)

Area: total area: 2,860 km² land area: 2,850 km² comparative area: slightly smaller than Rhode Island
Coastline: 403 km
Environment: current issues- soil erosion natural hazards: occasional typhoons; active volcanism international agreements

Arable land use: 19% permanent crops: 24% meadows and pastures: 0% forest and woodland: 47% other: 10%
Natural resources: hardwood forests, fish
Climate: tropical; rainy season (October to March), dry season (May to October)
Terrain: narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in interior

Christianity was introduced in the early 1800's, and since that time the people have, for the most part, embraced its message. If so many of Samoan people know the message of Christ, why do we send teams?

Pastor Ron Gallaher, who leads this trip, tells us that church in Samoa is designed basically for adults. Little attention or nurture is given to the young people, as they are expected to sit quietly and grow up in the church, where they will then take their place. However, that expectation often leads to boredom and disinterest in spiritual matters in the lives of the youth. Additionally, the suicide rate among Samoan teens is high. KACC teams have given their attention to working with kids. This focus not only provides a different perspective about the Gospel in the eyes of young people there, but it also demonstrates a priority and methodology that Samoan adult leaders may adopt as they are challenged to reach out to their children.

We have been blessed to meet on the campus of Malua Theological Seminary in the capital city of Apia. This gives opportunity to work with students training for pastoral ministry, and to share the importance of giving attention to youth in and outside the church. The relationships developed through the years have laid a foundation for being able to share openly and have instruction and concepts willingly received by local leaders. We continue to build those relationships with a continued presence and willingness to serve.

More on this as the trip progresses...please keep the team in prayer as they prepare to give of themselves to those in another part of God's world.

Samoa GO! Team Leaving July 31

The lure of the South Pacific has beckoned travelers for years. Likewise, the lure of sharing lives and serving the needs of people has attracted Knott Avenue to send short-term missions teams to the island nation of Samoa for more than fifteen years. Led by Pastor Ron Gallaher, our teams have focused much of their attention on demonstrating effective ministries and programming for children, along with interactive sports training for older youth. By viewing effective models of ministry, Samoan church leaders have replicated these kinds of ministries in their own churches and areas of service, providing effective ministry for their communities.

This year's team is a combination of two churches: Knott Avenue and West Valley Christian Church. KACC will send five, and West Valley will have fifteen on the team. They will spend their efforts again with the young people of Samoa, teaching, demonstrating and loving on the people there. Please keep them in prayer as they go: that they will have safety and good health in their venture, that their work will be effective, both with the youth and with those who will learn to do what has been demonstrated, and that they will have great unity as a team.

Australia: As We Reflect

Can it really be that our team has been back in the U.S. for almost a week now?! It's funny how time can make an experience like the one we have just had seem so near and real, yet so far-away and surreal all at once. As we adjust to our regular schedules and responsibilities in this part of the world, we hold closely those thoughts, events and friendships that we experienced. Names and details may fade with time, but the overall impact will (hopefully) remain with us for years to come- as well as with those with whom we came into contact.

I (Mike) would like to write a at least a couple of posts that will provide some highlights (at least from my perspective as a leader) of our time in Australia, as well as thoughts of what we can take from our time there. Both reflections are, in my opinion, of great importance as we evaluate what we have done, seen, and left. We need to be aware of what God has done in and though us, and we want you to know as well, since many of you have supported us in some way as we have gone out. But we also must determine what we will take away from this time that will make us more of what God wants us to be as part of His Kingdom.

At this point, we would like to again thank all of you who have been there for us throughout this experience. Some of you have given materially, some have prayed, some have encouraged and assisted, but all of you have played some part in what has just taken place. Simply reading this blog has been a great strength to us! Your participation reminds us that this is truly a team effort, and everyone has a part to play.

Stay tuned for more thoughts about this trip's wrap-up, as well as new trips getting ready to blast off in the next week!

Australia: Ready to Return

We have rolled into our last couple of days in Brisbane and are wrapping up in a strong fashion. This team has been one of the best we have ever taken out, and they have done an excellent job in completing our experiences here.

Our Sunday was full and blessed. We worshipped with Ann Street in the morning, with Matt and Jessica leading worship with the praise team. Leslee and Wayne shared their testimonies and Mike spoke. Following morning tea after the service, we lunched in the city then made our way to one of the local stadiums to see the Brisbane Broncos play rugby. Although they lost the game, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and began to understand a bit better the Aussie passion for sport.

Sunday evening took us to an indigenous fellowship held in a function room at a local park. Mike preached again and we saw some respond to the invitation in need of prayer and encouragement. No trip to Brisbane would be complete without a visit to the Pancake House (also downtown) and that's where we ended up as well. Mmmmmm good!

Monday was pretty straightforward. We spent the morning at a local animal sanctuary, seeing and learning about local animals as we were able to hold koalas and feed kangaroos. After lunch we went to a local mountain site that overlooks the city, where we prayed for Brisbane and the nation. Then on to our farewell BBQ! Many showed up to eat together and wish us well. We were both a bit overwhelmed and humbled by the presence of our new friends. Following the meal (and a long time of sharing) we checked into our hotel near the airport, where we carried on a final debrief as we prepared ourselves for tomorrow's flight.

As we discussed what we learned and/or felt most strongly about, we pretty much all said that relationships which we developed were by far the most valuable asset of our experiences. And we remembered that Good News came to people, not as a tract or a set of instructions, but as a person. Just as He gave His time to developing and deepening relationships that provided opportunity to speak of God's plan and hope, so we desire to do the same, thereby earning that same kind of chance to speak to truth and grace into the lives of those around us, be they in Australia, the US or anywhere else He might lead.

We leave Tuesday morning at 10:30 for our home in the States. Please pray for us as we go- that we would be strong, alert and looking for just one more opportunity to share with someone. When we return we will post a bit more to help you see a more complete experience. Thanks so much for checking this blog. Since we began in mid-June we have had over 360 hits from throughout the world! We hope this has helped you see a bit better just what God is doing through our lives as we seek to serve Him faithfully.

Australia: Team Comments, Part 3

Here they are, the final three thoughts from our GO! Team members:

Shaya- Australia has been an amazing experience. It’s a beautiful place and all the people are very friendly. The hardest thing I’ve done yet is give my testimony aloud in front of people. That was the first time I’ve ever done that and was surprised to how awesome it was to actually tell my story and show how God how worked through my life. It’s been interesting to learn about the aboriginal people and what they have been through and how they are now. It seems as though everything and everyone has a story and it’s nice to hear and learn about all the experiences people have gone through. The kids in Eidsvold were awesome and it was rewarding to see them all smile and be so happy just to see us there. I think this trip has shown me how God works in different places with all kinds of people- it’s amazing to see. I think it has encouraged me on how I can do mission at home as well through things like helping serve at community BBQs, to helping with the children’s ministry. I am blessed to have been able to come here and share my faith and hope God uses me for more opportunities in the future.

Wayne- This mission trip has been a good experience for me. The team gets along well with each other, and we don’t hesitate to help each other when someone needs it. I’ve really liked working with the kids in Eidsvold, and putting on a vacation bible school. We did crafts, and it was nice to just sit down and work with the kids. The highlight for me though was on Friday. We went to the park where they were celebrating NAIDOC and they had a big fair going on. We got to go around and watch some native dancers and singers, and got to see some nice home made things like hats and head bands. Wherever we went, the people were friendly and would sit and talk with us about their lives, and about ours. It was a good opportunity to tell why we were here and what God was doing in our lives.

Leslee- This is pretty much my first trip outside the U.S.A. It has been a life-changing experience for me. Australia is an amazing country – mostly because of the amazing people here. No matter where I have been the people have been friendly and welcoming. They are willing to give of what they have, even if they don’t have much. There is so much I did not know about Australia and the indigenous people here. I will have a lot to share when I get back home. God has been calling me to step outside of my world and my comfort zone for awhile. I am so glad that I have been obedient to go where he has called me. He has been showing me how to have a true servant’s heart. I sometimes don’t realize how fortunate I am and I need to be more aware of the struggles of other people in my neighborhood and around the world. I have truly enjoyed serving him through my experiences here, whether it be playing with the kids in Eidsvold, preparing meals or cleaning toilets. It is all for the glory of God and I am honored to be able to serve Him.

Australia: Team Comments, Part 2

Here are three more of our wonderful team members with their thoughts on this trip:

Marisol- This trip has been beyond amazing. I have learned so much about the people and history here and it just made me realize how God is needed everywhere and not just at home. The people here have been amazing and the memories I am leaving with will never be forgotten. I have learned about what God wants me to do not just in another country, but at home as well. I’m leaving here with new friends, lots of memories, and an experience that has helped me to grow in my journey with the Lord. I had no idea that I would have so much fun with the children in Eidsvold and how much they enjoyed us being there with them. They wanted our attention and we were so happy to give it to them because they were the reason we were called to that place. There are so many things that I have to say but there are just no words to express what I have experienced. The community BBQ was a blast and NAIDOC was so much fun. The people here are so friendly and loving towards complete strangers that it leaves me in awe. The team that I am working with is just amazing people as well. We get along and plan to stay together when we get back. I love Australia and I hope God plans for me to return next year!

Kyle- I am back to one of my favorite parts of the world. I love this place because of the people here and the kids that we work with. I love this place so much I think I came back on this trip because of the kids that we work with. All these kids just want to be played with and be loved and that is why I came- because I love to work with kids and I love playing with kids, too. This trip has been good for me because I have learned more about what has happened to the indigenous people of this land and I plan on taking this back to the states and tell the truth about what's happened to our indigenous people.

Liz- How great is our God? I have had the honor to be in an amazing place with some incredible people. I have listened to stories of pain and sorrow, joy and laughter, and hope and prayers for a bright future for the people here. While I thought I was coming to spend time with kids, I have been enriched by the time spent with the adults as well. Listening to them talk of the pain caused at the hands of government officials who claimed to want to help. How they are working through their feelings and trusting God for their strength and future. But more importantly, to be able to share those stories with the ones who still do not know Christ and for the coming generation. I am blessed for knowing them, praying with them, crying with them and being able to encourage them. My love for the people here is so strong; please pray with me for their continued efforts in spreading the gospel in all they do. I have family here, brothers and sisters in Christ that I can’t wait to see again.

Australia: NAIDOC is Here!

What's that, you say? You don't know about NAIDOC? Well, you should! NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration, and is celebrated throughout Australia this week. Our team spent the better part of the day at a festival of sorts at a park near the Central Business District (CBD) and we were overwhelmed with blessings, fun, joy, and opportunities to both learn more about the indigenous situation and share our own faith and mission here.

The celebration was a positive outlook toward the future of the indigenous population in this country. People connected with each other as they came from throughout the area for the festivities. There were booths that sold arts, handcrafts, clothing, and all things aboriginal; booths that showed the services and opportunities being offered to the indigenous communities; and booths that sold great-tasting foods of all kinds. There were cultural dances, singing and bands that played throughout the day. There were old friends who resumed long-standing friendships as they met once again.

We not only purchased enough to assist the local economy for many months, but we struck up conversations with vendors and passersby alike, conversations that allowed us to share our reason for being here at this time. And people could not have been kinder or more open as we shared. It was almost as if they were as moved by our presence as we were by theirs. NAIDOC was an unparalleled experience that gives hope for the possibilities for this small but significant part of Australia. And we (and now you) know what it means to people here.

Australia: Team Comments, Part 1

Today we'd like you to hear from three of our team members (with more to follow!):

Chelsea: This trip has been such a great experience for me. All the people here are so awesome and nice and the kids are fun to play with and connect with. My favorite part of the trip is learning about all the aboriginal culture and seeing where they live. I think the hardest part of this trip for me was giving my testimony. It was hard because I have never given my testimony to a group of people before and it’s hard for me to talk to a large group of people. Although I was really nervous to give my testimony once I did I realized it wasn’t that hard and I enjoyed sharing my story. I have made so many new relationships with people here and god has challenged me in some way everyday and opened my eyes to how much I love helping people and how the littlest things make others happy. My biggest joy of all is building these new relationships and focusing my energy on serving others. Over all this has been amazing and such an awesome experience.

Matt: I have had such an amazing time on this trip. There have been many things that I know will make a lasting impact on my worldview. I’m sure you’ll read this a lot, but social injustice has been a constant theme everywhere we go. This trip could be a college course on social injustice and how it has affected the aboriginal people of Australia. It has been such an awesome/devastating experience to meet elders in the aboriginal communities and hear their stories of oppression and sadness and still be greeted with a kiss and incredible meal. I have consistently been in awe of the power of love, of grace, and of mercy and how it is lived out in the daily lives of the aboriginal Christians. I wish I could convey how powerful it has been.

Jessica: Although we know that God, His love and His people span across all cultures and countries, it is amazing to witness this first hand. More than anything, this trip has been an educational experience. I have learned about Australian history, Aboriginal culture, how to share my faith with others and how to encourage fellow believers. Several Aboriginals have openly shared their stories of slavery, abuse and mistreatment. However, in the face of adversity, they are moving forward and determined to improve their circumstances for the next generation. Aboriginals find so much of their identity in their culture and history, and I am trying to share the truth that it is even more important to identify ourselves as children of God, equally sinful, but united in grace.

Cherbourg

We spent the night in Cherbourg Sunday, I don't know how to tell you how blessed we were. Everyone welcomed us with open arms. This picture is of "Uncle Robert" (one of my favorite names). He took us to the "Ration Shed. It is the same shed used to hand out rations during the time Cherbourg was a reserve. We would call it a reservation, as the Aboriginal people weren't allowed to leave. Cherbourg was one of the places people were "dumped" when the government wanted to move them from their land. The shed is now used as a cultural center, a place to learn about the past. After just a few minutes there I have a whole new understanding of what went on. I could talk for hours, but I won't. Make sure you ask one of the team members about it.

While in Cherbourg, Matt and I were featured on "US Mob" radio. The local DJ asked us why we were there. We had a great time in the studio as the rest of the team laughed at us from outside. As we left he asked us what song we would like to hear. With all the songs in the world to choose from, we picked "Lodi" by Credence. How cool are we?

As I write this we are in Eidsvold. The kids here are great. I will post again as soon as time allows.

God bless you all,

Robert

Solomon Islands: A Double Celebration!

Wow! Did I hit the jackpot or what! I came to the Solomons for the dedication of the Pijin language Bible on Sunday. And if that weren't good enough, today (Monday, July 7) was the 30th anniversary of Solomon Islands independence! Let me try to encapsulate these events:

Yesterday's dedication was an auspicious occasion. To this point, only the New Testament had been translated into the local language. (English was used for the Old Testament, as England had previously ruled the Solomons.) It was noteworthy to see all groups and denominations represented during the ceremony because it demonstrated the wholehearted support of the project and the willingness of these groups to get the Bibles in their members' hands. Bob and Amy Carter and their family (seen on right with Pijin Bible) worked with a Wycliffe Translators team since 1997 to finish the Old Testament, revise the New Testament, and prepare the Scriptures for printing. The team was all here for the big event, and it was evident by the sales of the Bibles following the dedication that the populace was as excited as the workers.

Independence Day celebration began today just after 7:00 a.m. and concluded shortly after noon! The Solomon Islands is a young country, striving hard for stability and growth. It has a great Christian influence, with many of its leaders outspoken and active in their faith. Today's ceremony included introductions of foreign dignitaries, speeches given by past and present leaders, cultural dances from different tribes and regions (as seen on left), individuals recognized for their contributions to the society (of which Bob was one!), and a festive atmosphere befitting such an occasion. It was an honor to see it all up close, witnessing history in this part of the world.

During the celebration, the Pijin Bible was presented to the Prime Minister and he spoke of its value and necessity in guiding the nation. What a great endorsement! But the translation team, as overjoyed as they were, told me that they will only be happy when these Scriptures are being read and used by the people throughout this island nation. Then they will be satisfied that their labor has not been in vain. To that end may we join them in praying that God's Word will be hidden in the hearts of all those in the Solomon Islands, that they might know the One who came to give life, and that they might make Him known to all with whom they come into contact.

When Mike's Away...

...the team will have a BBQ.

Tonight we helped Ann St. put on their monthly community BBQ. There were around thirty people from around Brisbane eating hamburgers and sausages.

Just one story from tonight involves Matt and Jessica. They sat and talked to two girls from Canada, a guy from France and a guy from Korea. They sat and talked for about 40 minutes. Matt spoke openly about Christ and all four of them had questions. Matt and Jessica both answered their questions and when they were done they agreed to keep in contact so they could find out more. One of the girls told Matt that even though they were so far from home it felt like it was a family meal.

It was amazing to see the doors God opened for each of us to speak with someone. Amazing.
Tomorrow after church we are off to Cherbourg. We will post as soon as we are able.

Thank you for all your prayers, we need them.

Robert

Solomon Islands Check-In

A quick note today: I caught a flight this morning and made it to the Solomon Islands in order to attend the official dedication of the Solomon Islands Pijin Bible tomorrow. Bob and Amy Carter and their family have given a major portion of their lives in service with Wycliffe Bible Translators, helping in bringing this translation to life. After years of work and sacrifice, the entire Bible is now complete, printed, delivered and ready for public distribution. The government is so excited that they have declared 2008 "The Year of the Bible" in the Islands! There will be a major celebration tomorrow as people express their gratitude for God's Word (all of it) now available in their heart language.

We so often take God's Word for granted, with many of us having more copies laying around our house than we know what to do with. We approach the Word in a too casual manner, without appreciating its presence in our lives. Imagine not having the Scriptures in your language until July 6, 2008! How might your life be different? Before you go to sleep tonight, make sure you thank God for His Word being expressed to your life, in your tongue so you might know Him who loved you so much. And thank Him for people like the Carters who give their lives so others might know Him through His Word, in a way that makes sense to them.

More next post on this celebration and topic...

Australia: Walking, Learning

I'm writing this late Friday night, following another great day with the youth of Ann Street. Today about 35 of us spent the better part of the day on a bushwalk through an unbelievable rainforest less than an hour from Brisbane. We hiked about 2 ½ miles through lush tropical forest. It was a peaceful and stunning experience as we took in the beauty and talked with new friends during our trek.

Our evening was another culturally-enriching experience. We were invited to a meal hosted by aboriginal elders of the Brisbane suburb of Logan. They wanted to follow up on time we spent with them last year. As we sat and ate together, they explained their story- one of aboriginal Australia with its struggles and inequities- and their work within the community to improve the lives and future of their people. We were blessed by their commitment to the welfare of the indigenous people of the country, and sensed a growing relationship with them.

Tomorrow, I (Mike) will make a 4-day trip to the Solomon Islands to attend the dedication of the Solomon Pijin language Bible. KACC has supported Bob and Amy Carter as they worked to complete this monumental task, and they asked if we could provide someone from the church at the ceremony. Well, I just happen to be in the neighborhood (only about 1,000 miles away!), so I decided to make the jaunt. The team will be in the capable hands of co-leaders Robert and Liz Crews, and they'll continue the blog from here, even as I add my part from the Sols (Internet willing). Please keep us all in prayer the next few days as we are apart. We anticipate God doing great things in our midst!

Australia: Time in the Park

Today was our first full day in country, and it was great to see the team's response to people they met and situations in which they found themselves. We had a sports morning with a large group of kids from Ann Street. We learned to play cricket and an islander game called "Skittles." Both were a great time and gave us a chance to begin bonding with new friends. Following lunch at KFC (another Australian original!) we met an aboriginal church leader named Goma who taught us how to throw boomerangs. What a blast to watch everyone try to get that piece of wood to return like Goma did! The evening was spent at the church where its Life Groups came together for an evening of celebration and fellowship. Matt, Jessica and Liz led worship, Shaya and Liz shared testimonies, and a few members talked about what was doing in their lives. The following pictures show a bit of what took place (click on picture for a better look):







We are blessed as we begin this adventure, and we believe God will use us as a blessing for those who are here. Please continue to pray with us- so many of you have played a vital role in our being able to come to Brisbane, and we continue to covet our partnership with you.

God is faithful, and we want to be as well!

Australia Team on the Ground

The news is good! Our team arrived safely in Brisbane today following a long and (fortunately!) uneventful series of flights. Our travels took us from LA to Sydney, then on to Melbourne, where we changed planes and made it to Brisbane by midday. That figured to be about 22 hours of flight time and plane changes- and everyone and luggage made it just fine!

Our friends were waiting for us, piled us into a couple of rented vans and took us for lunch at Hungry Jack's (that's Burger King's name here). Everyone chowed down and enjoyed the fine Australian cuisine, which looked strangely familiar...except for the beet root, egg and ham on the Aussie Burger that Matt ordered! Following lunch we went to the home of Tim and Kylie Vincent, leaders at Ann Street. There we sampled Australian treats and had our initial orientation. Then it was off to our hosts' homes for supper and a real night's rest.

We're looking forward to meeting with the Ann Street youth tomorrow during the morning hours, learning to throw boomerangs in the afternoon, then meeting with church life groups in the evening. Thank you for your prayers and love. Keep them coming!