Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Ship is Here!!!

Ahoy matees!!!
I have been in Australia for almost 2 weeks and am excited to share what God has been doing. I have been placed in the Community Life ministry area which is responsible for preparing places for new interns and students to stay, setting up events (like setting up tables and chairs, etc.), and other things of that sort. Last week I was responsible for a lot of the cleaning of the main warehouse. It was a bit of a struggle because I felt like what I was doing wasn't really important but I learned the importance of being content in all circumstances and keeping God the center of EVERYTHING you do, even cleaning toilets. :)
So this week, the medical ship that is going to be traveling to Papua New Guinea came to Townsville!!! The ship is based in Townsville, but has been traveling around the East coast of Australia to raise awareness and excitement in youth to help those in need in Papua New Guinea. Kids have gotten together at schools to gather glasses and toothbrushes (dentistry and eye care are key medical services provided on the ship). We are giving free tours of the ship this week to raise awareness in the community and give Townsville the opportunity to really make a difference. We are also doing a lot of school programs this week to get kids excited and involved in missions.
Today a missionary family from the states arrived with their 4 young children and nanny to begin working with YWAM and the youth of Australia. I got the privilege of helping set up and clean their house and turn it into a home. It was really exciting to get to be a part of welcoming this family. They left almost everything they owned (all but about 2 suitcases per person) to come to a foreign country and work with Australian youth. God provided so much furniture and donations for them, it was so encouraging to see.
That's all for now!!!! Thanks everyone for your prayers and support!!!!! I miss you all!!!!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

G'day Mates!!!!

Wow! I finally made it to Australia!!! Praise God! So the past few days I have spent settling in to my apartment with 4 other girls. I have finally been able to get my things somewhat organized rather than living out of a suitcase! It is great to be back around my old friends as well. I was talking to one of my friends about Youthstreet, the saturday youth program, and she told me that about 60 youth have made a commitment to follow Christ since January of this year!!!! Wow, I can't wait to jump back in to Youthstreet and love on these kids and show them the love of God! So today was my first day of working on the mission base. I am not sure which ministry area I will be placed in yet. At the moment I am working in the Community Life department which is responsible for keeping the mission base tidy and presentable. So today I cleaned, cleaned, cleaned!!!!! I will be working in Community Life all this week and possibly change ministry areas next week. Thank you all for your support and prayers!!!! I couldn't do this without all of you!!! Please pray for faithful financing from my supporters and for me as I am adjusting to being so far from family and friends!! I miss you all!!!!!