G'day! Welcome to Team Australia 2011

Our seperate ways . . .

2011-07-12T23:29:00.000-05:00

Early Monday morning we said our final farewells to our dear friends in Brisbane and boarded a plan headed south to Sydney. Michael, Megan, and Nicole continued the journey to Kansas City, while I (Alison) stay a few extra days in Sydney before heading on to New Zealand this weekend.
We have heaps of photos from our time in Logan and thought you might enjoy a few more:

Youth Camp in Pottsville-

2011-07-08T03:47:00.001-05:00

Talofa!

      23 of us just returned from a truly memorable time with the teens from Logan and Capalaba at youth camp down in Pottsville, NSW. I still kick myself every time I find myself at the beach in the sunshine in the middle of what they like to call "winter". It was sunny and 70s everyday with cool clear nights sleeping under a canopy of stars. Spectacular!

    The only thing better than the weather and the scenery is the fellowship of the saints. We all had a fantastic time with the teens working together, cooking together, playing together and even getting sick together. There was a lot of togetherness!

    As I sat on the beach watching the kids paddling together in their canoes or giggling as they splashed in the salty sea, I knew I was getting a glimpse of heaven. Enjoy some pics below. . .

Team Member Nicole

2011-07-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Hey All,

It's Nicole here just wanting to introduce myself to those who dont know me. Even tho I don't attend school at MNU, I work there and was able to get to go. And it has been such a blessing. It's my first time overseas and in a different country. I love getting to see God's creation and all that he's made, whether it's the different landscape or animals and I love getting to interact with the people. It's been quite an adventure.

It's been great here so far. I'm loving it. The first week is over now. I've had a great time getting to know all the children at Wild Wacky Week and our billets as well. Everyone here is really nice. We were able to go see the ocean today and I will never get used to that view. It's breathtaking everytime I see it. We've gone shopping, to the zoo, the hospital and the doctors, eachother's billets, the city, and a few other places as well. We've had some funny moments as well as some serious moments. All in all a really good experience so far. I'm really blessed to be here. I really like our team.

Monday we leave for camp for the week and I have to admit, I have mixed feelings for the idea of sleeping in tents all week. I do love camping but at the same time, I like my bed. But I'm excited to get to hang out with all the teens and get to know them. We're cooking an American dinner on Monday night for everyone for the 4th of July. And wouldn't you know I forgot to pack something red, white and blue. But I think I'll just make the best of what I have. Till next week,

Have a blessed day.

Nicole

In the Land of Oz. . .

2011-07-01T05:53:00.001-05:00

It's now been over a week since we landed in Brisbane and how time flies! Below you will see photos from:

-- Wild Wacky Week Kids' Ministry in Logan: June 27-30
-- Visit to NTC (Nazarene Theological College) July 1

Enjoy!

G'Day!

2011-06-29T02:33:00.000-05:00

Talofa from Logan!
This is Megan and I just thought I would drop a note. It's 5pm on Wednesday night and we just got done with our third night of Wild Wacky Week. Tomorrow is our last day. This trip so far has been an awesome expericence full of many new experiences. My first new experience was Saturday night when I began having an ear ache and as many of you know it turned into something worse. After spending all Sunday morning going to the doctor and the ER(my first time ever being in one of those!) we learned that I have an ear infection and a burst ear drum...! which isn't too big of a deal, just have to take some antibiotics and hearing should be back in about six weeks. Another great experience was getting to go to the Australia Zoo and seeing the Irwin family and being up-close with some awesome animals! Wild Wacky Week(VBS) has been a lot of fun too. We are using the 2009 theme Museum 12627. The kids seem to enjoy it---we play games, learn bible verses, hear stories and sing songs together. I can't wait to see what they have instore for us! The weather is perfect... high 60's and at night high 50's so we just bundle up to stay warm at night! hopefully I can write more later. For now Tofa and have a good night. -Megan

Wild Wacky Week: Day 1

2011-06-27T04:23:00.000-05:00

Today we launched our Wild Wacky Week with the children at the Logan Community Church of the Nazarene, and surrounding neighborhood. What a wonderful day with the kids, teaching them of God's love and care, and unlocking the mystery of God's great plan for his creation. We will continue this each day this week. Enjoy the photos:

Some more pics for you!

2011-06-26T05:20:00.000-05:00

Before the journey began. . .

Kangaroo with joey in tow at the Australia zoo . . .

Megan and Alison face painting at the zoo . . .

Nicole feeding the kangaroos at the zoo . . .

Michael with Mabel, Tia, and Jadase at church this morning . . .

God is already in tomorrow, literally!

2011-06-24T14:21:00.000-05:00

For those of you stateside, you should know that Brisbane is 15 hours ahead of Central Standard Time Zone in Kansas City. As I write you now, it is 5:06AM Saturday, but only 2:06PM Friday afternoon for you. Incredible when you think about it!
The very fact I am now experiencing Saturday, nearly a day ahead of you all, gives new meaning to the principle that God is already in our tomorrows. He knows what lies ahead and invites us to lean on him with the uncertainty of our tomorrows.

So, if you are a bit anxious today. . .
"Cast the full weight of your anxiety on him, for he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7

The past two days our team has been getting acclamated with our wonderful billets (host families) and preparing for ministry through Wild Wacky Week with the kids that will begin full-on on Monday- Thursday. Last night we enjoyed a sport/game night with the youth here in Logan and look forward to spending more time with them at "TOA" youth camp July 4-8. "TOA" is a Maori word loosely translated "warrior". Our youth leader, Reg, has invested much time and energy into preparing the program and curriculum for this camp that will focus on being a warrior for the Lord Jesus Christ and developing strength and resilience from within. Looking forward to it!

Today our team will have a bit of a holiday and head to the Australia Zoo. Yes, this is Steve Irwin's famous zoo! Should be a great day. I hope to post some pics when we return. Love to you all!

Alison

We're Here!

2011-06-23T03:02:00.000-05:00

G'day Mates!

We're here safe and sound in the lovely city of Brisbane, Australia! Other than being a little jet-lagged, we are all doing well and are feeling so welcomed by our "billets"! Gotta get some 'tucker'; will write more later.

One more day!

2011-06-19T19:28:00.002-05:00

One more day and these Midwestern American folk are headed "Down Under"! Our trip will take us to Logan, a suburb of Brisbane, on the eastern coast of Australia, where we will live, learn, and minister with some truly amazing people! Though ministry is more about being with people than just doing things or accomplishing a task, we do have a plan of action. Our tentative schedule is below in case you would like to pray for the team. (Which, by the way, makes ALL the difference!)

June 21-23: En route to Brisbane via KC, Dallas and L.A
June 24: Ministry prep; Friday "Youth in Action"
June 26: Team sharing in worship with church; Alison preaching
June 27- 30: 'Wild and Wacky Week' with the neighborhood kiddos;
July 4-8: "TOA" Youth Camp in Pottsville
July 11: Team departs for KC; Alison heads for Sydney and then Auckland, NZ

As we have such gracious host families (aka "billets" in Aussie lingo), there will be ample opportunity to be immersed in Polynesian culture, learn from some true servants, and offer encouragement and service to the families in return.
Our goal is to love God and love people with everything within us! Our prayer is that our team be a breath of fresh air and truly hold out the hope of Christ to the lost and broken with whom we come in contact.

Please leave us a message and check back often, as each of the team members will have an opportunity to blog throughout the trip.

Not again! Tornadoes hit too close to home. . . .

2011-05-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's been another chaotic weather weekend with tornaodes hitting just west of Olathe, as well as demolishing large portion of Joplin, Missouri to our south. Over 89 are confirmed dead in Joplin and the death toll is expected to rise. Things are bit unsettling, but we do not live as ones without hope. God is on our side and will enable to us to reach out to the hurting around us:

Please consider joining the relief effort:

1) PRAY: This DOES make a difference! The Lord acts on behalf of those for whom we pray. "Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1

2) CARE KITS: Heart to Heart International is already on site in Joplin with the mobile medical unit and is requesting care kits. Please follow specific instructions below on preparing a Heart to Heart Care Kit. You may drop these off at the ServiceCorps office over the next two weeks.

One new hand towel
One new washcloth
One wide-tooth comb
One 10-15 oz. bottle of shampoo
One new individually wrapped toothbrush
One 4-6 oz. tube of toothpaste
One individually wrapped bath-size bar of soap
Ten (10) adhesive bandages
Two (2) one-gallon-size, zipper-seal plastic bags

** Place all items in one zipper-seal bag, seal it, place the top of the filled bag into the bottom of the second bag and seal the second bag. Please include at least $1.00 donation/kit to cover cost of shipping.

3) VOLUNTEER: Our Kansas City District will be heavily involved in the relief efforts in Joplin. We will keep you posted on the efforts to partner with the Nazarene Disaster Response in mobilizing teams of volunteers to work with local pastors and leaders to distribute aid, offer comfort and begin clean-up.

4) GIVE: You may donate directly to either of these organizations on the web:

-- Nazarene Compassionate Ministries: http://www.ncm.org/give/disasterresponse/ndr
-- Heart to Heart International: http://www.hearttoheart.org/

Thank you for reaching out to our neighbors in the name of Christ.

Go Global: http://www.mnu.edu/global-opportunities.html
MNU ServiceCorps: http://www.mnu.edu/mnu-service-corps.html

And now your God is my God. . .

2011-05-16T23:02:00.001-05:00

I just have to share with you a story that will send goosebumps up your arms (the good kind) and set your heart on fire.

This week a friend of mine headed to India to be with his ailing 83 y.o. father, in hopes to convince him to get a life-saving surgery. More importantly, he traveled all the way to India to share with his Hindu father the new life had had found in Jesus Christ. He and his wife had been praying scripture over the aged man for weeks, asking for God's help in sharing the good news of Christ with him.

Upon arrival in India, my friend found that this father not only refused to have the surgery done, but was also entirely negative toward any comments about Christ or prayers that my friend offered on his behalf. He wanted nothing to do with his God.

My friend was distraught at his father's refusal to do the surgery and his blatant opposition to the gospel, so he called home to have his wife, our pastor, and the church pray. .. and pray we did.

Just this weekend my friend's wife received another phone call from India, but this time instead of words spoken from a heavy heart, his words were ones of deep rejoicing! He reported that his dad went through the surgery after all, that it was successful, and that when asked what made him change his mind (after all, he was not at all fond of the idea) he said. . . . . "Your God appeared to me last night and told me to have surgery! Now your God is my God. too."

Incredible! Incredible is all I can say! Isn't it just like the LORD to reveal himself in creative ways and make himself known! God IS real and He is all about changing reality for those who are open to his love. God just changed reality for my friend's dad. Praise Him!

Please pray for my friend's dad, that he would completely choose Christ and pledge his heart to him, and be freed to live victoriously, unbound by the gods of this world that the Hindu religion has set up for him.

Tornadoes Across the Southeast US- Please Pray!

2011-04-29T08:56:00.000-05:00

Tornadoes ripped through the southeast USA this week, hitting 8 states, wiping out entire towns and killing over 250 people. See links below for more information and how you can help the relief efforts in Misssouri, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Virginia:

Nazarene Communications Network:
http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10000023&id=10010236

Heart to Heart Intl.:
https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:40252.9311004221/rid:c53e799aad4de82a30f0f233c2db431f

What is more important?

2011-04-04T22:07:00.008-05:00

For those interested in thinking a little deeper about God's mission and why in the world a team of young adults is traveling half-way across the planet on a 'mission trip', I offer you an excerpt from a recent paper I wrote on the priority of mission. Basically, the question at hand is, "What is more important, social justice and bringing physical relief from suffering, or proclaiming the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ and the salvation from sin and death that He offers us?

"The priority in mission is to fulfill the purpose of mission, namely the glory of God among the nations. If the priority of mission were as a marriage, I submit that gospel proclamation and the pursuit of justice submit to one another as spouses, with gospel proclamation acting as the ‘head of household’, ultimately holding authority in the relationship and responsibility for decisions. Both collaborate to join God on his mission to reconcile the world to Himself in order to make Revelation 7:9-10 a reality,
“After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb [. . .] They called out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”

This is referred to as a “doxological orientation” to mission. Both evangelism and justice are essential in mission, yet are not identical, and neither can be substituted for the other. After all, there can be no true justice without Jesus, nor can philanthropy or the betterment of society provide any remedy for the plague of deep-rooted unrighteousness from which Christ came to rescue humanity. Until creation is completely restored and the full glory of God achieved, we live in a kingdom that is now but not yet; a kingdom that has begun, yet is not complete.

Upon sending out the seventy-two as recorded in Luke 10, Jesus gives them instructions to speak peace, heal the sick, and proclaim, “The kingdom of God is near you” (Luke 10:9). It seems as though there are times when actions of peace and healing serve as a platform from which to proclaim that the kingdom of God is in fact here; then “they will see your good works and praise your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5: 16). Again it is evident that marriage between gospel proclamation and justice brings about the glory of God.

In his response to Christopher Little’s essay, “What Makes Mission Christian?”, Ron Sider says it well, “Again and again throughout history, Christians have profoundly transformed societal injustice—whether poverty, slavery, or neglect of the dignity of women—precisely because they believed that accepting Jesus as Savior also required them to accept Jesus as Lord of every part of their life.” I suggest that disciples are not made by relieving human suffering, but relieving suffering is commanded of those who are disciples.

We cannot ignore that there is a real enemy among us, seeking to devour whom he may. Satan cannot be defeated by mere acts of human generosity or kindness, noble as they be, but only by the blood the Christ as the pure and blameless sacrifice. This is the heart of the gospel. In his defense before King Agrippa, the Apostle Paul recalls Christ’s words to him,
“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18).

In the final analysis, the purpose of mission is to glorify God. The devil will be defeated, God glorified and creation restored to wholeness. The pursuit of justice and gospel proclamation are essential in achieving that mission, with the weightier being the latter."

Headed 'Down Under'!

2011-04-04T21:46:00.003-05:00

It's official, our 4th MNU Team Australia is headed to Logan, Australia June 21-July 11, 2011! Flights are finalized, funds are being raised, training is happening. In short. .. it's official! We're going! Thank the Lord we were able to get discounted flights for those under age 25 (that means everyone except yours trly. :-) As we near our departure, we will be posting more often, including photos and stories, and sharing life with you. In the meantime, please check out some FANTASTIC articles from Engage Magazine, a global mission magazine from the Church of the Nazarene. http://www.engagemagazine.com/Magazine-Content/Videos/October-2010/A-night-in-Kudjip-Hospital.aspx

EARTHQUAKE IN NEW ZEALAND!

2011-02-24T12:09:00.002-06:00

Friends,

I'm sorry that each post seems to revolve around a natural disaster, but it seems there is no shortage of them these days, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. You've all heard about the massive earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand this week, and chances are you've heard that the death toll has risen well above 200 people, that there is chaos and mass devastation, and that thousands have been gravely impacted. These are all sobering facts.

But chances are you have not heard that this is a prime opportunity for the Church, for Christ-followers in New Zealand and around the globe to be a beacon of hope to those who are hurting and seeking help that only God can provide. Please check out the latest update from NCN news at the link below and consider giving to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to help with this relief effort.

http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10000006&id=10010015

Peace to you all,
Alison

Queensland is hit again!

2011-02-10T22:13:00.003-06:00

Queensland has been hammered once again by natural disaster; this time Cyclone Yasi is the culprit. Please check the link below for an article and photos on the effects of the storm on our Nazarenes in Northeastern Australia.

http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?sid=10000006&id=10009942

Please continue to pray for those still recovering from the massive flooding 3 weeks ago and now dealing with this cyclone.

WHITE-OUT IN KANSAS CITY!

2011-02-01T14:37:00.008-06:00

To my Aussie friends enjoying the summer sunshine:

I used to think shoveling snow was fun. You know, a great way to burn calories, clear the lungs, and go frolicking about in a winter wonderland. Now, after the third major snowstorm in four weeks, it is merely a necessary evil that keeps us from getting trapped in the house and going insane.

Shoveling in a blizzard is really nothing more than a futile attempt to move massive amounts of snow around and look busy, only to find that minutes later all evidence of your efforts are buried once again.

Today Kansas City is again getting slammed with snow, the worst in years. Schools are closed for the 4th time since the New Year; banks are actually closing early, and believe it or not, MNU cancelled ALL classes and offices. We are in the middle of a true blizzard right now and as I peer through the window the visibility is minimal; all I see is white. The snow is falling at a rate of 2.5 inches per hour (that's 6.35 cm of snow every hour for you metric folks) and it has been snowing non-stop for over 8 hours now; you do the math. This isn't even good sledding weather, because the wind is roaring and the windchills are far below 0'F (-20'C).

Well, hoping this makes for a green spring! In the meantime; it's time to bundle up and be thankful for central heating, warm clothing, hot showers, and good food.

See you all in a few months!

Urgent! Widespread Flooding in Brisbane

2011-01-13T10:53:00.005-06:00

The news has been full of images and stories of the destructive flooding taking place in eastern Australia right now. The severe flooding is covering an area larger than the state of Texas and is directly affecting our churches and friends in Brisbane. Please check out this link for the newest article from NCN news:

http://www.ncnnews.com/nphweb/html/ncn/article.jsp?id=10009873

Our own Logan Community Church of the Nazarene, with whom our team partners, is registered as an evacuation site and has been serving as a local council depot for supplies, and food. Please pray for all affected by this emergency and that the Lord would equip the churches to be a resource and source of hope to the communities around them.

A New Team for a New Year!

2011-01-06T10:41:00.005-06:00

G'day and welcome to our blog!
Team Australia 2011 is preparing for a summer of learning and ministry with fellow Christ-followers in Brisbane Australia, June 21-July 11, 2011. We are: Michael, Mario, Nicole, Megan, Beth, and Alison. Please check this blog for updates as we prepare, raise funds, and learn about serving alongside our brothers and sisters in the land 'Down Under'.

Compassion Devo #4: Compassion vs. Competition

2010-07-27T09:21:00.002-05:00

Phil. 2:5-11

"5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

“We find ourselves immersed in all kinds of competition. Our whole sense of self is dependent upon the way we compare ourselves with others and upon the differences we can identify.. . .This all pervasive competition, which reaches into the smallest corners of our relationships, prevents us from entering into full solidarity with each other and stands in the way of our being compassionate.” (Compassion, p. 19)

Ponder: How could competition wreak havoc on the effectiveness of our team?

Pray: Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank him for his forgiveness.

Back Home

2010-07-16T22:11:00.006-05:00

Just a couple hours ago we arrrived in Kansas City, after being rerouted to Omaha for an extra couple of hours due to a severe storm in KC that temporary closed the airport. I Thank the Lord for a safe trip, for this truly amazing team of women, and for the gift of once again of loving and being loved by the people of Australia.

We will all be a bit jet-lagged and out of whack for a few days, adjusting to life here at home once again. Many of us have already caught ourselves looking for signs of familiar Polynesian and Australian culture: the unmistakable accent, the beautiful brown skin, tropical flowers, the laughs of our host families, the taste of Tim Tams. . .it is always so difficult to say good-bye.

Stay tuned as we post information about the team of Aussies coming right here to KC in November!!

Thank you for supporting the work of the Lord in Australia by praying for each of us, helping us make connections, and providing for us financially. May God bless you for being such a blessing to us!

Heading Home Tomorrow

2010-07-15T01:39:00.003-05:00

G'day Friends!

We have had an incredible time here in Logan over the last month and it's hard to believe that it is now time to say good-bye and make the transition from one 'home' to another. The last couple days have taken us to the Australia Zoo (Yes, this is Steve Erwin's zoo, for those of you who are fans of the crocodile hunter.) We have also had great time catching up with our billets and doing some last minute shopping.

It is impossible to leave this place untouched by its beauty and diversity, but most importantly by the servanthood and generosity of our brothers and sisters at the Logan Community Church if the Nazarene. THANK YOU for praying for our team. Please continue to pray as we prepare for another long journey home and continue ministering in our regular spheres of influence back home.

Good-bye from the land 'Down Under'!

Youth Camp- Evans Head

2010-07-09T01:04:00.003-05:00

In case you've noticed that we haven't posted on the blog for a few days, that is because we just returned from a fantastic time with the youth from both the Gold Coast and Logan churches for youth camp at Evans Head.

Evans Head is a sleepy little coastal town 3 hours south of Brisbane, just over the border into New South Wales. It is gorgeous and our campsite was just a 5 minute walk from the shore- incredible! We enjoyed surfing, lazer skirmish, beach games, good eats, great devotionals by the team, and a wonderful time bonding with all. There is a special comeraderie that occurs when people are removed from their normal routine of life and learn to work together. New friendships are formed and old ones are strengthened. What a gift.

We walked along the beach Tuesday night under a glorious canopy of stars. You definitely don't see that in Kansas! Enjoy some pics from camp:

Speak Aussie?

2010-07-04T04:02:00.004-05:00

Jandals- flip flops, sandals
Ta- Thanks; Cheers- Thanks
Maccas- McDonalds
Petrol- gasoline
Tomato sauce- ketchup
Motorways- Highways
footpath- sidewalk
Toilet- Bathroom (here the toilet is in a totally seperate room from the sink and shower. ... a 'bathroom' refers only to the shower room.)
Tea- any meal
Jumper- sweatshirt or jacket
Bonnet- hood of car
Boot- trunk of car
Car park- parking lot
Rubbish bin- trash can
'Faatalofa atu'; 'Afio-mai';
'Tala mai aao': Welcome in Samoan
'Talofa': Hello in Samoan
'Tofa tofa soifua': Good-bye

More Wild Wacky Week: Day 2,3,4, 5

2010-07-01T05:21:00.010-05:00

We have just finished 5 fun-filled days in "God's Big Backyard" with the primary school students in Logan while they are on holiday. (For you Americans reading this, primary school is the same thing as our elementary school and 'holiday' refers to a school break or vacation.) The theme for the each day is centered around some area of service: serving family, friends, neighbors, community, and serving the Lord.

These kids are fantastic, full of energy, and after spending 6 hours with them each day, are becoming like family. Please pray for the children and youth here in Logan, that all would come to understand the fullness of Christ's love for them, and in turn live out His love in their own lives and spheres of influence.

Things Never to Reveal to Little Kids...

2010-07-01T01:03:00.002-05:00

*That you'll give piggy back rides.
*That you have candy.
*That you're OK with any nickname.
*That you have band-aids (seriously, injuries appear out of nowhere).

The kids' camp is going great, but we're all worn out at the end of the day. It's so much fun now that we're past the shyness stage and can really get to know these awesome kids. They are beautiful as is this country. Love you all, thanks for your prayers!

-Roberta

Wild Wacky Week: Day 1

2010-06-28T04:04:00.007-05:00

Ministry- It's all about relationships.

2010-06-27T04:49:00.010-05:00

Friday night we had the privilege of hosting Youth in Action with 20 fantastics teens from the Logan area. We taught them a few classic American group games, recreated the story of the Jesus walking on the water Mad Lib style, and had a time of prayer together. The kids are wonderful and it is clear that the the Logan Church of the Nazarene invest much in the youth of their community.
Tonight we were able to participate in the evening worship service with a skit, testimonies and some more Ice-breaker games for a little unconventional worship/community- building. Heaps of fun!

Us human folk were created for community, which is why the church, the body of Christ, is so important. Worshipping together and building trusting relationships are key. The beautiful thing is that this community or family we call the "church" is colorful and rich, chock full of people from all cultures, languages, eating habits, hairdos, with every skin color in the rainbow. Here in Logan we are immersed in the Polynesian culture, represented by people from many different Pacific islands scuh as Samoa, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, and Tonga. Thank the Lord for this global family.

And they call this winter. . .

2010-06-26T01:44:00.019-05:00

It's winter here in Queensland, but to us midwestern US girls, this is like the perfect spring. Nearly everyday it has been partly sunny, dry, and in the high 60s/low 70s. And they call THIS winter??

I never thought I would take up birdwatching, too boring and slow . .. .but in a land such as this where birds are everywhere and the sky is never silent, birdwatching might not be so bad. Everything is lush and green, with gum trees and brilliant flowers everywhere. The flora and fauna here are incredible!
Enjoy some pics from this afternoon.

Fair Dinkum!

2010-06-25T23:48:00.001-05:00

G'day everyone!
I only have a minute left on my computer at this cyber cafe, so I'll make it quick. Who knew things would be so much the same, yet so different. Lovin'it!
-Roberta

Koala Park and Ministry Prep

2010-06-25T03:03:00.007-05:00

G'day!
The past two days have included great time getting know our billets, koala sightings at the park, and given us time to plan fo r ministry. Tonight we will host Youth in Action and then Monday begins our full schedule of Wild Wacky Week ministry to kids, 'Inner Beauty Night' with the teen girls, and lots of learning (and getting some good eats!)

Check out these great pics. Cheers!

We're here!

2010-06-23T04:32:00.003-05:00

After 30 hours of traveling, we have finally arrived in Australia! It's been a long haul, but the Lord has been merciful to us and our flights were smooth and on time.
Tonight we will settle in with our billets (host families) and hit the sack early, eager to sleep on a flat bed and take a shower.

Thank you for praying. We are so excited to be here in Logan with the bros and sisters here!

Lightning Bugs

2010-06-17T21:42:00.006-05:00

Why is it that it's only cute for young children to catch lightning bugs?

Could it be that it's nearly impossible to catch one of these little creatures, thus making the task look utterly ridiculous for anyone who tries? It's much more pleasurable to watch a child frolicking through the woods to catch a firefly than to see a grown adult stumbling in the darkness, tripping in the weeds, trying to accomplish the same task, only with little or nothing to show for their humiliation.

Regardless, I have been fascinated by these flying flashlights for years and made up my mind to capture one in the heat of this Kansas summer night. Despite the possibility of humiliation and being eaten alive by other night creatures, I accomplished my mission!

I have grown very fond of my new friend; I think I'll call him 'Indiglo'. The light he emits very closely resembles the glow of a Timex Indiglo watch I used to have. I wanted to protect my new friend, so I quickly punched holes in the lid of my glass jar to provide him with air.. . .

However, now 30 minutes into this, I am noticing that Indiglo's light is fading quickly. 30 minutes ago he was enjoying life in the forest by the MNU soccer fields, but was abruptly removed from his 'home' and alienated from his other nocturnal insect friends. When I first caught him he glowed constantly, flashing rapidly, as if he was sending an S.O.S. to his other forest friends, some type of morse code. Now his light is faded and sporadic as he sits in his new jar as a lonely little bug.

Why the sad story of the lightning bug, you ask? Well, this little bug has got me thinking. Perhaps us human creatures are a bit like the lightning bug. Our lights shine best when we are functioning within our God given calling (true vocation), and supported by friends and family that love us. It is more difficult to shine when we are lonely and displaced, which is why we need the comfort of our Great Comforter, the Holy Spirit, and of others in the body of Christ lift us up and recharge our lights. We all need each other,so let's help each other keep our lights shining.

Compassion Day 3: Solidarity

2010-06-13T22:14:00.002-05:00

Matthew 1:22-23
22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"[d]—which means, "God with us."

“Simply being with someone is difficult because it asks of us that we share in the other’s vulnerability, enter with him or her into the experience of weakness and powerlessness, become a part of uncertainty, and give up control and self-determination.” (Compassion, p. 14)

Ponder: God is with you; he is with me, right now. Think about that. God is choosing at this moment to fully engage in your life at all its levels. He is entering into your vulnerability.

Why is it important for our team to be vulnerable with one another? How could doing this positively affect our team and ministry?

Pray: Ask for the Lord’s guidance in being open and honest with those around you, so that healthy relationships can be built and sustained for the glory of God.

Two weeks and counting. . .

2010-06-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

Two weeks from today we'll be on a plane over the Pacific! Just to wet your appetite, here are a few pics from our trip to Brisbane last year! Enjoy!

The Compassionate God: Day 2

2010-06-02T21:24:00.002-05:00

Luke 6: 36 “Be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.”

“The word compassion is derived from the Latin words, pati and cum, which together mean ‘to suffer with.’ Compassion asks us to go to where it hurts, to enter into places of pain, to share in brokenness, fear, confusion, and anguish.” (Compassion, p. 4)

Ponder: The heart is often referred to as the seat of the emotions in American culture. We talk about our hearts being broken, giving our heart to Jesus, etc. In some cultures the seat of the emotions is in the bowels, the womb, or the ‘gut’ as Henri Nouwen describes. True compassion, not mere pity, calls us to go to the lowest place with the hurting and make a home there, to feel it in the ‘gut’ with someone, which is often acutely uncomfortable. This is what God has done and continues to do in Christ for us.

Is there someone on my team, host family, or sphere of influence that needs compassion today? How can I enter into life with someone, so far as to allow myself to feel their pain ‘in the gut’?

Pray: Ask the Lord for true compassion and take time to intercede for those around you who may be displaced or suffering.

Volcano Eruption in Guatemala

2010-05-28T11:42:00.007-05:00

Just this morning, the Pacaya Volcano erupted just south of Guatemala City, killing at least one, injuring others, and closing down the international airport. Check this link for more updates:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfqSK7_JS5An1wyNi7oFIg5KGmuQD9FVTD1O0

Please pray for those directly affectd by this tragedy, and for our MNU Teams of volunteers who are scheduled to leave for Guatemala next week.

Watch this video

2010-05-23T23:29:00.003-05:00

Watch this hilarious video, "Sunday's Coming" movie trailer. It's definitely a reflection of the trend happening in churches these days, for better or worse.

http://vimeo.com/groups/8453/videos/11501569

I welcome your comments.

Paul's Final Instructions = Our First Instructions

2010-05-16T21:41:00.008-05:00

It is the purpose of these following brief devotionals to complement and reinforce our pre-field team training using the book, Compassion by Nouwen, McNeill and Morrison.

I Thessalonians 5: 12-18

12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

“In the community gathered in Christ’s name, there is an unlimited space into which strangers from different places with very different stories can enter and experience God’s compassionate presence. It is a great mystery that compassion often becomes real for people not simply because of the deeds of one hospitable individual, but because of an intangible atmosphere resulting from a common life. [. . .] It is precisely by constant prayer and meditation that the community remains alert and open to the needs of the world.” (Compassion, p. 58)

Ponder: Here Paul lays out basic final instructions for the church of Thessalonica. He is leaving no room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding of what God’s will is: respect those you work with, live at peace with everyone, pray without stopping and always give thanks. The command is clear. We might consider Paul’s final instructions our first instructions as we embark on this new journey to partner with God on His mission here in Australia.

Seek out every opportunity to learn from the local pastors and ministry leaders, find ways to bless your host family and practice the presence of Christ in your life through continual prayer.

Pray: Ask the Lord to reveal any areas of unconfessed sin that might be hinder you from effective ministry and learning. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

5 Weeks and Counting. . .

2010-05-16T21:27:00.002-05:00

Well Friends, it has been far too long since we've blogged hasn't it?
Now that we are approaching departure for Australia once again, we'll be updating the blog more, sharing pictures, stories, and recalling ways in which God is teaching us in deeply personal ways.

Please feel free to leave comments and join us on this journey to learn what it means to truly follow Christ on HIS mission, whether here at home or among the people of Australia.

Haiti Crisis- How You Can help!

2010-01-14T21:06:00.003-06:00

Many of you are wondering how you can help with the earthquake crisis:

-- PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

-- We will be redirecting the $1,100 that was already previously given to
the Haiti notebook project and giving that money to Heart to Heart Intl. for
use in this intense crisis. Heart to Heart Intl is currently on the ground
in Haiti providing assistance and medical care as we speak.

-- We will also be collecting Crisis Care Kits. You can contribute to these kits two ways:

1) Complete a kit. Get together with your division/school, friends, co-workers, etc. to create a complete kit. Check out this link for EXACT instructions on what can/cannot go into a kit.
http://www.hearttoheart.org/PDF/CareKitSheet.pdf

2) You may donate individual supplies for the kits: (ALL supplies must be NEW)

-- hand towels
-- washcloths
-- wide-tooth combs
-- small bottles of shampoo
-- new individually wrapped toothbrushs
-- travel size tubes of toothpaste
-- adhesive bandages
-- individually wrapped bath size bars of soap
-- plastic travel soap dishes
-- one-gallon size zipper seal bags

If you choose to donate individual supplies, please bring them by the MNU ServiceCorps Office by Friday, Jan. 29th. Please do not donate any additional items that are not on this list, as the contents of these kits have already been approved for customs clearance.

Getting Ready for Team 2010

2009-12-03T22:58:00.002-06:00

Take a peek to the left to meet our amazing 2010 team!

Though we are buried in snow here in Kansas City, the spring semester at MNU is under way. The air may be cold, but our hearts are warm with Christ's love. We'll be posting more frequently from now on as we continue to learn and prepare for Australia!

Anyway: Authentic Christian Witness

2009-07-28T21:54:00.003-05:00

As we settle back in our routines here at 'home', it's can become easy to fall prey to the idea that life here in Kansas City is somehow ordinary or mundane, lacking in importance. Quite the contrary! Actually, our homes and workplaces, those places where we spend most of our waking hours can be some of the best places for authentic Christian ministry to happen! The following poem is a good reminder to stay the course and keep loving God and loving people when hit with the realities of everyday life. . .even when we're not in the "Land Down Under".

Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments by Kent Keith
People are illogical, unreasonable and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

Long -Awaited Surfing Pics. . .

2009-07-26T05:58:00.004-05:00

Some of you may remember our surfing excursion on the Gold Coast a few weeks ago. Here's proof that we really did it! Heaps of fun!

We're Home!. . Lots of Pictures

2009-07-24T21:40:00.010-05:00

"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

~Hebrews 6:10-12

We're back well and safe here in Kansas City! The flights were smooth, on time, and we all arrived back with each piece of luggage that we left with, a miracle in and of itself! Each of us has benefitted greatly from your prayers throughout this entire journey and we want to thank you! Thank you for trusting us to proclaim the love of Christ alongside our fellow brothers and sisters in Australia. . . thank you for your financial contributions. . .thank you for your prayers. . .thank you for your e-mails and messages of love and support. . .thank you for joining in on GOD'S mission!

We thought you might enjoy some more pics from our time "down under", now that we are home. Stay tuned. There is more to come! Please feel free to leave a comment!

Back in Logan

2009-07-22T18:25:00.006-05:00

Scroll down to enjoy some photos from the last week. Notice the amazing shots from up in the bush plane above Fraser Island!

We arrived back in Logan (near Brisbane) yesterday afternoon after having spent 9 wonderful days up in Maryborough. The night before we left we were treated to a fantastic BBQ, a "last hoorah" of sorts, with all our host families and were treated to some traditional Aussie favorites, pavlova, lamingtons, sausages, etc. Yum!

Thanks to our incredible Maryborough hosts: David and Belinda, Chris and Cara, Marion and Michael, Brendan and Michelle, Gary and Kathy, and James and Michelle- what would we have done without you?!

Today the plan is to catch up on sleep, pack up and prepare to leave early tomorrow morning at 7am for the airport.

Last days in Oz. .

2009-07-20T04:50:00.002-05:00

It is hard to believe that in less than a week we will be heading back to Kansas City. It has been an incredible privilege to partner in ministry with the folks here in Maryborough and be invited into their homes and lives- what a gift!

Since I haven't updated the blog in a few days, here's a heads up on what we've been up to this last week in Maryborough:

Visiting with the residents of the Groundwater Center, a nursing home/elderly care facility
Assisting with set up, tear down and meals for the memorial service of Peter Wilson, a man well-loved by many in this Maryborough community
Painting the exterior of the Richmond St. Community Church of the Nazarene
Hosting another girls' night with the teen gals, focusing on modesty and purity
Teaching/hosting three chapel classes for high-schoolers at Riverside Christian College
Participating in Sunday morning worship- preaching, skits and children's church at Richmond Street and an intergenerational fun night with the Neptune St. Church

This weekend we also had the incredible opportunity to spend a day on Fraser Island, THE largest sand island in the world! This completely sand island is just off the coast of Australia, beyond Hervey Bay and is 123 KM long. It is on the World Heritage List and it is clear why: beautiful coastline (though heavily shark infested), amazing flora and fauna growing completely from the sand, dingoes (though we actually didn't see any this time), crystal clear lakes, a shipwreck and so much more! It was a real treat to take a day tour and see the island. Some even saw the island from a bird's eye view- up in a tiny 7 seat bush plane!

We are so grateful that everyone on the team has remained healthy on this trip so far. Swine flu has hit full force here in Australia and we've met a few folks who have just recovered, so keep praying for the health and safety of the team.

Tomorrow we will finish the paint job on the side of the Richmond St. church and get ready to head back to Logan for our final days in Australia. Friday is the big day that we head back to the good ole' USA. It will be very hard to say good-bye to those who have become dear friends here in Queensland.

Stay tuned for a couple more updates before we leave. .and feel free to leave a comment!!!

Here come more photos. . .

2009-07-17T03:06:00.003-05:00

Sad Loss

2009-07-15T06:39:00.004-05:00

Please pray for Nicole and her family as they grieve the loss of Nicole's young cousin. It is very difficult when someone close to you passes away and it is only intensified when you are across the ocean, thousands of miles from home. Please pray the the Lord would give us discernment as we make decisions that might include booking an early flight home for Nicole to be with her family.

Did You Know?

2009-07-15T06:15:00.004-05:00

Little Known Facts About Maryborough, Australia:

It is the birthplace of "Marry Poppins" author, Helen Goff (alias Pamela Travers).
It is believed that many of the buildings and streets in Disney's version of the story are actually reminiscent of this small town in Australia, rather than from London. (Remember Cherry Tree Lane, Admiral Boom's house, etc.?)
Maryborough is a town of about 23,000.
The people are hard-working and fantastic to be with!

Yesterday we enjoyed a picnic with the families and youth of this tight-knit community and today spent some time with the residents at the Groundwater Centre, a nursing home for the elderly. It was fascinating to to hear the stories of some of the Maryborough folks, some of whom haven't left this town in over 50 years. Many of them were farmers and fishermen/women and one of them was even the eldest of 17 children!

Please continue to pray for the team, that we would boldly proclaim Jesus Christ and live out His love in everything we do and say. Thank you!

(More pictures are coming, but the internet is a bit rough right now. . . )

Great Folks in Maryborough

2009-07-15T05:41:00.002-05:00

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful picnic with the youth and families of the Maryborough community. Did you know that Maryborough, Queensland is actually the birthplace of "Marry Poppins" author, Helen Goff (alias Pamela Travers)? It is suspected that many of the sites, buildings, and much of the architecture even in Disney's version of "Marry Poppins" is reminiscent of this unassuming small town in Australia rather than from London, England. Ya learn something new everyday, huh?

Today we spent some time with the residents at the Groundwater Center, a nursing home for elderly residents, having a chat, enjoying a 'cuppa' (tea) and joining some of them for a mid-week worship service put on by a local church. It was interesting to hear their stories of life in Maryborough, many of them farmers and fishermen who have never left this small town.

The kangaroos continue to be as fascinating as can be. Did you know that a male red kangaroo can be grow to be over 6 feet tall and can balance it's entire body back on his tail? Amazing!

Please continue to pray for the team, that we would boldly proclaim Christ and live out His love in everything we do and say. Thank you!

Oops- can't forget surfing. .

2009-07-14T04:43:00.002-05:00

Saturday was spent riding the waves in the Gold Coast with some introductory surfing lessons. No wonder it's some of the best surf in the world. . .massive waves, warm waters, soft sandy beaches. More action photos are coming, but for now enjoy these photos of the ocean. Believe it or not, we all actually got to stand up on our boards. It took heaps of practice and many a mouthful of salty water, but we all made it up and it was a blast! We were even blessed with this maginificent rainbow to end our day. Thank you Jesus.

Australian Countryside- Maryborough

2009-07-14T02:45:00.005-05:00

We had a very busy ( and absolutely FANTASTIC) week with our Pacific Islander bros and sisters in Logan, and now it's off to see a different side of Australia. . . the countryside of Maryborough! This included a 4-hour train ride up the east coast of Australia farther up into the state of Queensland.

A mob of kangaroos have found their home in the fields here and it's not unusual to see them sunbathing on a warm sunny winter day here in Maryborough.. . along with cockatoos, frill-necked lizards, and geckos.

The weather here has been perfect so far! Since we are much closer to the equator here in Queensland, the days are sunny and relatively warm, with temps even getting into the low 70s here in Maryborough. What a winter, huh?

This week our team will be meeting with elderly folks in the nursing homes, hosting youth activities and chapel services at the highschool, as well as engaging in other ways to partner with Christians in Maryborough to bless the community. Sunday we have the privilege of leading the morning worship service at Richmond Street Church of the Nazarene.

We'll keep you posted as much as possible. . so stay tuned for the next installment on our blog. Thank you for your prayers four our team and for both the Logan, Brisbane and Maryborough communities here in Queensland.

More pictures. . .

2009-07-09T22:31:00.001-05:00

Wild and Wacky Week in Logan

2009-07-09T16:18:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that we left Kansas City nearly 5 days ago! Life here in Logan has been incredible and we continue to enjoy hosting the "Wild and Wacky Week" for the kiddos at the Logan Community Church of the Nazarene everyday from 10am-3pm. This local body of believers pour their lives whole-heartily into the children and youth of the community and it is quite evident. We are so thankful to be able to serve alongside some devoted and compassionate leaders here in Logan; two of whom are Shane and Alise. . amazing Christ-followers and talented youth workers!

Last night we also hosted an "inner beauty" night for the teen girls here in Logan. It was a blast as we played games, dove into scripture and learned engaged in discussion on what it means to have beauty that goes deeper than external appearance. Johanna even taught the girls how to do simple hand massages and we all got to practice on each other. Heaps of fun and quite powerful!

Today is our last day for "Wild and Wacky Week" and tonight we will host an evening of fun for all the teens . The plan for tomorrow includes a day of relaxation on the beach: surfing and shopping! Sunday we will showcase what the kids have been learning all week and enjoy some great worship and fellowship.

Thank you for your prayers, seriously! The Lord is using His people to bring him glory, and that includes us! We are safe and healthy, learning heaps and ready for whatever He has in store for the rest of our time here! Please continue to cover the team and both the Logan and Maryborough communities in prayer.

Our "Billets" (Host families) are such a blessing to us: Jean and Eddie; Ruth and Reg; Mareko and Ruth. . .THANK YOU!!! May God bless you for your sacrifice and service to us. We are learning heaps about service just from watching you!

Pictures as requested. . .

2009-07-08T20:50:00.001-05:00

We're Here!!!

2009-07-08T01:44:00.002-05:00

G'day from Brisbane, Australia!

We finally landed this morning, July 8 5:30 in Brisbane and all went without a hitch (well, almost). We thank the Lord for smooth flights, great service and the amazing hospitality already shown to us by our brothers and sisters at the Logan Community Church of the Nazarene!

After promptly being picked up from the airport we jumped into our first day of "Wild and Wacky Week" with the kiddos from the neighborhood, 31 to be exact! The kids are fantastic and the entire day was a blast teaching, singing, creating and playing as we learned how to "Go Lead" following the example of Gideon. The Lord truly gave us the energy and smiles He knew we needed to take charge of the day despite some major jet lag. Thank you Jesus.

Tomorrow and Friday we will continue with "Wild and Wacky Week" during the work day. Then we will engage the teen gals in some study on the inner beauty that God finds of great worth, as described in 1 Peter 3.

Photos are coming. . .we've got heaps. . .so stay tuned! In meantime, please leave a comment!

3 More Days. . .

2009-07-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that in 3 days we will once again be departing KCI airport for our newest trek Down Under! For those of you wondering when you'll ever finally see current/new pics on our blog, your day is coming soon!

Depending on internet availability, we plan to post pictures and updates as regularly as possible as soon as we arrive in Brisbane. Each of the gals will get a chance to share their journey with you right here on the blog, so stay tuned!

Pray that each of us individually and collectively as a team will be a breath of fresh air and a blessing to all we interact with. The Lord has truly given us this gift of partnering in ministry with fellow Christ-followers in Australia and we are THANKFUL! Your prayers are absolutely vital - thank you!

20 Days and Counting. . .

2009-06-15T21:15:00.003-05:00

20 days until we leave for the "Land Down Under"! I can hardly believe it's true! Great days are ahead and I can just imagine all the amazing lessons we get to learn, people we get to meet and ways that we get to serve our Lord!

As God continues to help us prepare for ministry with our brothers and sisters in Australia, here is our basic schedule so far:

July 6-8: En route to Brisbane; arrive in Brisbane 6AM July 8
July 8-13: Wild and Wacky Week with the kiddos and teens in Logan, Queensland (QLD)
July 13-23rd: Ministering with Maryborough, QLD community public schools and church of the Nazarene
July 24th: head back for the US and arrive back in Los Angeles before we ever left Brisbane (Do the math on that one- ha!)

This is the prayer of our hearts- to fulfill the Lord's greatest commandments in Matthew 22: 38-40:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Compassion and Community

2009-05-19T21:35:00.008-05:00

Henri Nouwen gives some fantastic insight about living in community in his book, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life. Our discussion this week will be on Chapter 4: "Community: No individual Stardom".
Your comments are welcome, even invited!

"Compassion always reveals itself in community, in a new way of being together. Fellowship with Christ is fellowship with our brothers and sisters."

"Precisely because we are so inclined to think in terms of individual greatness and personal heroism, it is important for us to reflect carefully on the fact that the compassionate life is the community life. We witness to God's compassionate presence in the world by the way we live and work together. . .no individual stardom."

"People who say, 'I wonder if anyone cares what I am doing. I wonder if my superior, my friends at home, or the people who sent me ever think about me, ever pray for me, even consider me part of their lives', are in real danger. We are able to do many hard things, tolerate many conflicts, overcome many obstacles and persevere under many pressures, but when we no longer experience ourselves as part of a caring, supporting, praying community, we quickly lose faith. This is because faith in God's compassionate presence can never be separated from experiencing God's presence in the community to which we belong."

In Christ Alone

2009-05-06T14:41:00.003-05:00

Be encouraged today by the words of one of my favorite songs, "In Christ Alone".

I especially like the third verse. ."and as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost it's grip on me. For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ" . .that's some good holiness language right there.

Click on the link below to listen. I welcome your comments on this blog. What encouragement has the Lord given you today?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMtz1fJv340

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
'Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

What is mission? Let's talk.

2009-05-01T19:52:00.004-05:00

Hey Team,
So we say we're going on a "mission trip" to Australia, huh? What does that really mean? Whose mission is it anyway? Is it something we do as part of a church or an organization. . .or is mission the essence of who we ARE as Christ-followers? Let's dialogue a little bit on what it means for us to participate in GOD'S mission. Did you know that our God is actually the first missionary?

The word "mission" means "sending", and up until the 16th century it was always used in reference to the Trinity (God the Father sending the Son, and then the Father and Son sending the Holy Spirit. . .). God has sent himself to us! Mission is not just something people do as a program of their church or some special ministry that is only done 'overseas' or 'over there' somewhere.

Missiologist Lesslie Newbigin defines mission as “Communication of the gospel in life, word, and deed in every part of the world.” God has commanded us to be witnesses of His love and good news everywhere. . .Olathe. . or Australia! After all, He is already there!

So, what do you all think? Please leave a comment below.

Krispy Kreme! Mmmmm

2009-04-14T21:31:00.003-05:00

Krispy Kreme Donuts will be on sale THIS weekend at the MNU Cook Center.

Thursday, April 16th: 3-9pm
Saturday, April 18th: 8am til we run out!

Donuts are $0.50/ each or $6 for a dozen. All sales support MNU Go Global Mission trip to Australia. Donations gladly accepted!
Donuts will be delivered FRESH each day!

See ya Tuesday!

2009-04-03T21:23:00.002-05:00

Next team meeting is Tuesday, April 7th at 5pm at my house! How 'bout some spaghetti and salad? Anybody want to bring dessert?

We'll discuss Compassion Chapters 3 and 4 and assign tasks for the next fundraiser.

Don't forget to be collecting goods for the garage sale May 8 and 9th! (If you're reading this blog and have any furniture, baby clothes/toys or other good garage sale items that you'd like to donate. . . let us know and we'll put it to good use!)

Snowy Spring

2009-03-28T22:21:00.006-05:00

This is a picture of my new snow friend from the crazy Kansas snowstorm today! I guess it really has nothing to do with Australia, except for the fact that it won't ever look like this in Brisbane!

I have been reading back through some of our old blog posts from last year's team and marvel at all the Lord allowed us to learn and the incredible people He put in our path. I can't wait to see what He has up His sleeve for this July (and even now as we prepare!).

Cheers Mates!

Going to Brisbane

2009-03-25T22:42:00.005-05:00

Woo hoo! We're headed to Brisbane this summer: July 6-23rd!

See everyone tomorrow night @ 6:45. We will discuss Compassion Chapter 3 and some fundraiser details. Have a super Thursday!

Care Package Fundraiser Details: April 23rd.

We need HEAPS of homemade cookies and helping hands on the 23rd at 8Pm in Smith.

A Few Team Reminders

2009-03-14T17:53:00.004-05:00

G'day Team! Here are a few reminders about upcoming events, deadlines, etc. I'm going to start posting info on this blog as well in team e-mails.

Our next meeting will be March 26th at 6:45 PM. We'll continue with Compassion Chapter 3 and get some details set up for our next fundraiser.

Next Applebees Fundraiser: Sunday, April 5 from 4-9PM. Each customer needs a flyer for us to receive the 20% donation.

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser: Thursday, April 16 and Saturday morning, April 18th. We've got some tables reserved to sell donuts to heaps of hungry teenagers at MAX (Mid-America eXtreme)!

Happy Spring Break!

Bush Fires in Australia

2009-02-21T08:10:00.004-06:00

Friends,

Please be in prayer for our families affected by the bushfires in SE Australia, especially within the Melbourne/Wantirna area. Hundreds are dead and thousands more have lost homes, businesses, churches, etc. Check the link below for the newest press release from NazCare: an arm of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Australia.
www.nazarene.org/au/nazcare/

Returning July 2009

2008-12-27T14:40:00.004-06:00

Lord willing, Team Australia will be returning 'Down Under' in July 2009 ! Stay tuned for more details.

Happy New Year Everyone!

More Photos!

2008-07-02T17:41:00.002-05:00

Comings and Goings

2008-07-02T17:10:00.000-05:00

Just because we are home does not mean that our 'mission' is over. Actually it has just begun! Now we continue to pray for those in Australia and put into practice all that we learned during our time abroad. We have experienced incredible grace and hospitality from our Aussie brothers and sisters and were served in more ways than we can ever repay. Now it's our turn to spread the love!

Three things to always keep in mind during the comings and goings in life: 1) There is a God. 2) You're not Him. 3) Regardless of where you go people everywhere have the same basic needs: to love and be loved, and to be saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks for your patience as we acclimate back into the fast-paced, 'bigger is better' life in the US. It can be difficult coming home after being immersed in another culture and finding that things we expected to have changed have not, and things we didn't expect to change. . . have.

Here' s few more pics to enjoy for the summer!

Finally Home!

2008-07-01T07:27:00.000-05:00

We're home!

After many re-bookings, re-routings, and more time in a plane/airport than any of would like to repeat in the near future, we are home in Kansas City! Our long journey home began over two days ago and took us from Sydney. . . to Auckland New Zealand. . . to LA. . . to Phoenix. . . and finally to KC!
Though our delay in international flights caused us to miss all connecting flights into KC, we were still all able to stay together for the remainder of our trip home and finally arrived home right before midnight last night. Praise the Lord!

Due to crossing the international date line again when flying over the Pacific, we have repeated June 30th twice. How often do you get a chance to live one day all over again-eh?!

THANK YOU for your prayers throughout our time in Australia. I will continue to update this blog over the next few days with more photos for you to enjoy. (We have a solid internet connection now!)

Though we are thousands of miles from our Aussie 'home', they will always remain in our thoughts and in our prayers. Who knows, you may be hearing from some of us again in the not-too-distant future as we trek back to Australia.

Tofa Soifua (Good-bye),

Pacific Farewells- WOW!

2008-06-29T09:18:00.000-05:00

Last night we were guests of honor as our many Pacific islander friends presented special cultural songs, dances and chants! The hall was filled with Samoans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, New Zealanders and many other island peoples dressed in their coloful traditional garb. What a sight! We came home from the evening heavy laden with handmade gifts from the islands and extremely thankful hearts. This will be a night we will all remember for a very long time!

During our time here we have been so immersed in the Polynesian/Pacific Island way of life that it hardly seems we've been in what many would think of as traditional 'Aussie' culture. How can we even begin to say thank you for the incredible kindness that has been shown to us throughout this trip!

Children's Carnival a Huge Success!

2008-06-28T18:41:00.000-05:00

Great news to report!
Yesterday we hosted a children's carnival here in Airds and children from all over the neighborhood attended. The morning was filled with games, face painting, sidewalk art, fingernail art, and our famous American 'biscuits' (no bake cookies!).

We concluded the morning with a Bible lesson on King Josiah and his positive influence on the people of Israel when the holy scriptures were found in the temple. During our prayer time 6 children prayed and asked the Lord for His forgiveness and salvation! Please pray for these kiddos, that God's love and protection would be upon them and that they would become mighty disciples and warriors for Christ!

Not Done Yet

2008-06-26T05:41:00.000-05:00

It is Thursday night here in Australia, and as many of us reflect on the past three weeks we can't help but be filled with awe at how the Lord works. Our time here in Airds is drawing to a close and the next couple days will be filled with tears and hugs as we say good-bye to many people with whom we've become very close.

YES. . . speaking on the radio, doing children's and teens ministries, picking up rubbish, preaching, singing and playing games were all fun and worthwhile, but the heart of the matter is that Airds is filled with hurting people, just like you and me, who need the love and salvation of Jesus Christ. It will not matter how many cockatoos, koalas and kangaroos we did (or did not) see. It won't matter how many cool sites we visited. What matters is what happens after this team of crazy Americans leaves. Will the teens we met finally let down the hard facade they display and let the love of God make them whole? Will the neighborhood know that the living God is living among them, even amidst their violence and addictions? That is our prayer. That is why we are here.

We will be boarding a plan for the Auckand, New Zealand on Monday morning and then head straight for the States. I hope to update this blog a couple more times before we go. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to the 'Land Down Under'. Please pray for safe travels and continued ministry effectiveness along the way. This adventure is not done yet.

Building Relationships

2008-06-24T08:08:00.000-05:00

The Lord poured a huge blessing right into our laps today! After heading out to hang with the kids at the youth center, only to find that it was closed for the day, our team decided to walk to the nearby park to engage in some group prayer and discussion. Ironically enough, the topic of our discussion was on how we could be most effective in sharing Jesus with people through building relationships. . .

All of the sudden two young men with whom we had spent time previously at the youth center walked up to us and aksed if they could chat with us! Yes, THEY actually asked us first! (Usually it's the other way around.) Because we had taken the time buidling up the relationships over the past few weeks, they now felt comfortable talking with us about deeper spiritual matters. We spent every part of an hour shooting the breeze with Dylon and Tufi, chatting about everything from Oreos in America to how cool God is and why we go to church. Were we not under a time constraint at the time, we could have stayed there all day. We plan to see these boys again tomorrow. . . who knows where the Lord will lead!

The good thing about being here in Airds over the past 2.5 weeks is: 1) Airds is small enough that you see the same people over and over again everyday; 2) Our consistent presence in this 'ghetto' has often caused bewilderment among local neighbors. More often than not we get the question, "Why in the world did you come HERE to Airds of all places?' 3) Living right here in the neighborhood has opened our eyes to the great need present and has allowed us to build some trust among our neighbors.

Praise the Lord for the people He has purposely put in our path. Interwoven throughout this trip are the lives of hurting people, just like us, who need the love and salvation of the LORD Jesus Christ.

Canberra- Capital City

2008-06-24T07:57:00.000-05:00

The past few days spent in Canberra were a breath of fresh air for the team, literally! It is about 10-15 degrees cooler down there and the open countryside along the way can put anyone at ease. We were able to visit many Australian national sites like the War Memorial, the Parliment House, the National Museum and Telstra Tower. Incredible history!

For those of you who may not know, Canberra is the capital of Australia. (Yes I said Canberra, not Sydney.) Interestingly enough the city of Canberra and a few of it's federal buildings were actually designed by an American!

We were able to partcipate in the Canberra Church of the Nazarene services and share a skit, song, and some testimonies. The church is fairly new, with a small but dedicated multi-cultural congregation. They have been in existance less than 3 years and are now turning their ministry focus outward towards the youth in the community. Being that our team is primarily made up of people under the age of 30, we were able to share ideas in a brainstorming meeting with church members on how they could further reach out to and identify with the younger generations in Canberra.

Finally, more photos!

2008-06-22T02:59:00.000-05:00

Due to our limited internet access and inability to upload photos, we haven't been able to share with you about our journey as much as we would like. HOWEVER, thanks to Chris Northey, our gracious host and pastor in Canberra, we can bring you up to speed with a few more photos!

Team Australia at Darling Harbour in Sydney

Notice the petrol (gasoline) prices per liter! And you think $4.00/gallon is expensive. . . . it's upwards of $6-8 gallon here in Australia!

Faamanu, Tali, Andrew, Melanie and Peter

BBQ at the park with some of the youth from Birrong!

Tali and Alison Wallabies Picking up rubbish

On the Radio!!!

2008-06-17T04:53:00.000-05:00

We're going to be on the radio Thursday! To make a really cool, but long story short. . .

Ian, the older gentleman/neighbor who has become a dear friend of ours, was so impressed by our team's presence here in Campbelltown/Airds that he contacted one of the nearby radio station. They in turn got in touch with us, and come Thursday at 11:00am, we'll be interviewed live on the air! Please pray for us and any listening ears as we share about our mission here and how the Lord is working in the midst of the Samoan community!

As it happens, the radio show host previously worked with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in Samoa years ago and was actually stationed near a Nazarene church there. Now she is here in Campbelltown, ministering to the elderly via the media of radio. The crazy thing is that not only was she very familiar with the Nazarenes in Samoa (she is not a Nazarene), now she lives in a primarily Samoan community . . AND it just so happens that she is going to be in Canberra next weekend, as are we! So many little connections and coincidences that are not really coincidences at all, but rather the handiwork of our Magnificent God!

Sacred Moments

2008-06-15T08:14:00.001-05:00

This weekend was filled with sacred moments, points in time when God's presence was SO real and we knew He was using our team for a very specific purpose! Friday, Saturday and Sunday was spent with youth from the Birrong Church of the Nazarene and it's surrounding community. We lead children's Bible hour, young adult activities and Bible studies, and participated in both the AM and PM services at Sydney Samoan and Campbelltown churches.

Yesterday was spent having a go at some Rugby with the kids at the park and enjoying other outdoor activities all day long. Depsite the sore muscles, I think we would all agree that it was a day to be remembered. Throughout the weekend each of us had the great privilege of sharing our testimonies, performing a skits and songs, and continuing to intentionally build relationships with the Samoan teens and adults we see on a regular basis. Michael delivered powerful messages on God's love and care to the islanders in the church! Very receptive people!

As you know, we are constantly surrounded by Islanders, those from the Pacific islands such as Samoa, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands, etc. Three things we have discovered when living among these people:

They love to eat. . . . large quantities. . . all the time! Bring on the sausages!
Time is relative. 'Island time' cannot be limited by the clock. One hour may really mean 2-3 hours. 9:00 doesn't really mean 9:00. Though it can be frustrating for us busy-bodied Americans, it is quite refreshing at times as well.
They are incredibly giving people, always looking out for the good of the whole, rather than the individual- amazing!

So. . . we're a third of the way through this Australian adventure and this blog doesn't tell the half of what has already happened! God is good and we can't wait to see what He has in store for this week! Our internet access is limited at times and the photos have not been uploading to the blog well, thus the lack of pictures. Sorry. We'll keep trying.

And to those of you in the States. . . HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

More to come later!

Much Need!

2008-06-13T17:27:00.001-05:00

Each day it seems we are just scratching the surface in becoming aware of what great need exists here in Airds. Our purpose throughout this trip is to build relationships with and be role models for the many troubled teens here. . . and there are many! Gangs abound right here in the neighborhood, the teen pregnancy rate is through the roof, and of the 500 current students enrolled in high school, it is expected that only 10-15% of them will graduate. Before they reach that point many of them will drop out or be expelled. Because this is a very diverse area, cultural clashes occur frequently.

The youth center down the road exists to provide a safe haven for kids to come and hang out after school, play games, do homework, etc. We are grateful for the opportunity to show Christ's love at the youth centre and care for these teens by purposely going where the kids are, lending an ear or just playing games. In fact, one boy by the name of Ryan is so fascinated by these silly Americans that he sees each day, that he follows us around, comes to the house to play and is starving for attention. Please pray for Ryan.

Yesterday and throughout the rest of this weekend we are leading children and youth activities with the Birrong Church of the Nazarene and it's surrounding community. As with Airds, Birrong is home to a large population of islanders, so we find that our fair white skin is easily spotted among the beautiful brown of our new island friends!

We're out of time. More later!

Now we've got some photos!

2008-06-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

Olympic Park with our new Samoan brothers and sisters! What a sight!

2008-06-11T01:29:00.000-05:00

Prayer is a powerful tool, gift and weapon against the devil. Airds, the area where we reside during our stay here is a low-income community with many families plagued by the consequences of drug abuse, domestic violence and sin. Our goal is to show the love of Christ through our actions and words and to support and empower the Samoan church of the Nazarene here in Airds.

After a beautiful time of team prayer it became evident that perhaps one of the most powerful ministries we can do here in Australia is to PRAY! There is no telling what the Lord will do when His people seek HIM! So. . . during our open times each day we are committed to prayer walks through the neighborhood and cleaning up the abundance of rubbish in the area.

Tonight we will be leading small group Bible Studies and youth activities at the center. The relationships we build here, we hope will be life changing both for the team and those with whom we correspond.

First Days. . .

2008-06-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

Those who want to be first must be last of all and the servants of all. ~ Mark 9:35

Mates, let's see how well versed you are in Aussie English! Give these words a go and see if you can incorporate them in your vocabulary:

boot (trunk)
rubbish (garbage)
good on ya (good for you/way to go)
footpath (sidewalk)
carpark (parking lot)
chemist (pharmacy)
nappies (diapers)
toilet (bathroom) . . . the list goes on.

It is a blast becoming reacquainted with the language of those who call the 'Land Down Under' their home!

On a different note, the Lord has blessed us with some incredibly big-hearted brothers and sisters here in Campbelltown. We are a amazed daily at their generosity to us, offering assistance to us at all hours of the day and night with advice, supplies, transportation and good laugh!
Let me mention a few individuals who have been especially good to us during our stay here:

Tali and Faamanu (the pastors or the Sydney Samoan Church of the Nazarene and coordinators for our ministry experience here. They have also given us their very own car to drive around town; now that's a scary thought!)
Talia (the woman who has SO graciously offered up her home for us to stay in while she lives with her daughter-in-law down the street)
Ian and Vela (lovely people who are friends and neighbors of Tali who have smiles as wide as the sea and hearts to match that have helped us navigate the city and helped us to shop for the necessities for the home)
Vinny and Anna (members of the Nazarene Church and servant-hearted givers)
and MANY others.

We are finding that though our purpose is to serve the Lord and the Samoan community here in Sydney, WE are actually BEING BLESSED and SERVED far beyond anything we can return! Christ's love and sacrifice is lived out right in front of us in the selfless service of the Samoan Christians here. What a great example for us to follow!

6/9/08- Olympic Park here we come! Today was spent enjoying the sites and venues of the 2000 Sydney Olympics! A BBQ was prepared for us in the evening, filling our bellies with yummy sausages, steak and burgers! Then we all sat around enjoying one another's company singing, praying and rejoicing in God's goodness.

6/10/08-
Today Talia was released from the hospital and we were able to meet with her, learn of her Samoan and island heritage, and present her with some uniquely American gifts. What a lovely lady!

Then we headed out to the youth center and shopping areas to meet with teens from the community and have a chat with them. After lots of mingling, laughing about accents and American stereotypes, we headed out to the Police and Community Youth Center to hear kids practicing on the traditional Pacific island drums, and having a go at some boxing and martial arts training.

. . Then the adventure began as yours truly tried her hand at driving in Australia first time. . . at night in the dark. . . on the left side of the road. . . with only my own mere chicken scratch for directions to guide us back home. Whew! I spy on God! After getting turned around only twice and laughing our heads off, we finally made it home in one piece, safe and sound!

Some of you may wonder about our accommodations here in Campbelltown. We are actually in Airds, a small suburb of Campelltown, where the large majority of homes are government subsidized and many families broken by drug abuse and violence. Our entire team has been given a small 3 bedroom home to stay in for the duration of our stay here. It has a kitchenette, bathroom, meeting room and some nice big cockatoos and magpies that squawk at us constantly in case we get a bit drowsy. Upon our arrival at the home we developed some house rules and familiarized ourselves with the area. What a gift to be part of this incredible team! We hope you enjoy this blog and will continue to check it regularly, as we plan to update it when possible.

Tofa soifua! (Good bye!)

We're Here!

2008-06-08T03:50:00.000-05:00

Talofa! We're here in Campbelltown, Australia, just outside Sydney, and enjoying some incredible Samoan hospitality! The Lord has blessed us with new friends and neighbors already! Our flights were smooth and fairly on time, with very few setbacks.

Our day began with an adventure in driving, with Michael testing his skills driving on the left hand side of the road in a manual minibus. He did fantastic. Tomorrow is my turn- watch out!

Are you up for a new game? How 'bout a new take on the old game, 'I Spy'? Throughout the course of this trip we are 'spying' on God to see how He is working. Let me give you an example. . . I spied on God when I checked in my baggage at KCI , only to find that it was 10 lbs overweight for domestic flights and the airline would not honor the international weight limit that we had been expecting. No worries mates, a couple other teammates happened to have extra room in their luggage and after little rearranging it all worked out just fine! Thank you Jesus!
OK, now it's your turn! Be on the lookout for how the Lord is working in on your behalf. We'd love to hear about it; leave us a message!

** New photos are on the way in the next few days. The camera cables have yet to be located in the recesses of my luggage.

One week to go. . .

2008-05-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

Less than a week remains and we'll be off to Sydney! For those of you who are now beginning to enjoy the hot summer sun, soak up some for us, please. It's winter in Australia right now! The winters in Sydney are similar to our fall, cool, but not too cold. A good mix of rain and sun, with temperatures in the mid 50s most days. Not bad for winter, eh?

While in Sydney we will be involved in programs and activities for at risk teens at the Airds Bradbury Youth Center, which is also where the Sydney Samoan Church of the Nazarene is located. We will also be participating in children's ministry, hospital visitation and just good-old friend making! The Samoan community has welcomed us warmly already, and we aren't even on site yet!

We leave the US on June 6, fly to LA and then straight to Sydney. The route home takes us through Auckland, NZ for a quick layover and then home to the US. Thanks for praying for our travel safety, as well as those jittery nerves and tender tummies for some of our team members. Long flights (13-16 hours in one shot) can be a doozy for some people.

Please continue to check his blog for more details and photos each week. Mates, thanks HEAPS for your prayer and financial support as we have been in preparation for this trip. Really, it's not about us anyway. It's all about our Lord Jesus Christ and building HIS kingdom! Thanks!

Cyclones and Earthquakes- Want to help?

2008-05-14T22:16:00.001-05:00

" God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though it's waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." ~ Psalm 46:1-3

Southeast Asia has been hit hard in the last two weeks with extremely devastating natural disasters, claiming thousands of lives both in Myanmar and China. PLEASE pray for the survivors and the massive relief and rebuilding efforts! If you would like to find out more about the situations in Asia and how you can help through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, take a peak at the links below.

David Harris, a dear Australian friend and the NCM coordinator for the Asia-Pacific region, will soon be giving our team word as to additional ways to help with the relief efforts when we get to Australia. We will share those opportunities with you via this blog when we receive the news.

http://www.nazarenemissions.org/default.aspx?pid=28 (Pack Crisis Care Kits for China)

http://www.ncm.org/news_pr_myanmar_cyclone.aspx (Myanmar Info)

http://ncm.org/ (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries website)

Our Team

2008-05-04T20:33:00.000-05:00

Team Australia 2008 consists of:
Melissa, Michael, Nicole, Johanna, Cora, Rachel, Suandra and Alison. The Lord has put this devoted team of students and professionals together and I am continually amazed at what I can learn from each of our team members.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

2008-05-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

"Come and listen, all you who fear the Lord; let me tell you what He has done for me." ~Psalm 66:16

June 6, 2008 may offically mark the beginning of our travels to the "Land Down Under", but this journey has hardly just begun. Some members of Team Australia have been on board since the fall of 2007, praying, preparing, raising funds, and learning a lot in the process.

God has given us this incredible privilege and responsibility to spend 26 days with the people of Sydney, Australia; more specifically a Samoan congregation in Cambelltown. We are excited to join in and support ministry already happening in the communties surrounding Sydney, in whatever capacity that may be. We will be hosted by local families in the community and will be serving in the local churches, as well as public schools. . . wherever needed!

Please continue to check this blog frequently for updates, prayer requests, and photos.