Friday, December 17, 2010

It's the Holiday Season....

Hey everyone,
Sorry I haven't updated you all in a while. Things have been pretty crazy around here. I have had everything from Aus Life Training to First Aid training in the last month. Aus Life is a christian seminar that we can bring into public schools around Australia with things like games, teaching, and application. I also got the opportunity to speak at Youth Street Live on Saturday night to about 70 youth ages 12-17. Public speaking is a fear of mine, and I get butterflies and all shaky whenever I have to do it. I tried to get out of it but my friends wouldn't let me so I took the challenge and spoke on God as a defender, warrior, and lover. I surrendered my nerves and trusted that God would speak through me and what do ya know?? He did! I wasn't nearly as nervous as I usually am, and though I could definitely use some more practice, God gave me the strength to conquer my fear. Several youth came up to me afterward and told me that my talk really blessed them which was a lovely confirmation from God that I had done ok. I am learning to trust God in my insecurities and He is blessing me with more and more opportunities to practice my strengths.
This week I am staffing a summer camp for 35 youth called Impact Summer. I am excited as I love camps!!! and I love working with youth. We will have games and fun activities like a food fight as well as a study on the book of Ephesians and outreach opportunity at Stable on the Strand. Stable on the Strand is a live Christmas stable run every Christmas at a field along the beach in Townsville. We are expecting around 50,000 people to attend this huge event. There will be all kinds of activities and programs the whole week before Christmas and the presenting of the Christmas story in a public setting. We are taking our youth to help out at this event in any way they need assistance. I am excited to see these kids lives changed and will update on how the camp goes soon!!!! Thank you all for your prayers and support this year!!! I couldn't have done any of this without you all back home!!! Have a Merry Christmas!!!