'Break my Heart For What Breaks Yours'

Over the past few weeks I have been learning so much about the history of the Indigenous people of Australia. I thought I knew a lot before, but after taking the Australian Indigenous Theology class, then coming home to 'debrief' with two people that have committed the better part of their lives to ministry with Indigenous people and hearing their stories... I am just in shock at the things that have happen. Things like, the Aboriginals being considered to be less than human- and likened to monkey's. This was by the Christian's too... they did not see the need to 'evangelise' to the aboriginals because they did not consider them to have souls. They were taken from their homes and put on reserves and forced to do whatever the white man wanted them to do....they worked, but only received less than half of their payment because the government was putting the other portion into a 'savings' account for them... funny they have never seen that money, even today. I could go on and on about the way they were treated....
but really what I want to say, and what breaks my heart even more, is the fact that this same sort of thing has happened, and still is in many places, to so many other people around the world.
There is a song that I love, the words are an expression of what I feel. The song is Hosanna and here are the words that I sing and pray into my life daily:

Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart from what breaks yours
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I walk from earth into Eternity

I can't change what has happen in the past, but I certainly will pray that God will use me to make a difference NOW and in the future.
I want to share what God is doing in my heart... but also, I encourage you.. educate yourself on the the indigenous people of your country. You may be surprised what you learn.

New car.. and other stuff

So, it has been a month since I last posted anything... what have I been up to? Well, here it is in short (don't have much time, House is coming on in 12 mins)... Splashout Camp (huge success and great fun)- that was for one week, but the wrap up of the finances is taking heaps longer. Anyhow, thanks to Ben and Glen for their help with that... I have moved... sort of. My belongings have moved house, but I am currently house sitting for friends while they are away on holiday.. they come back Sat. after 4 weeks away. I had Ayeesha, one of the girls that we know from Eidsvold in Brisbane with her mum, and rather than sit at the hospital all day for several days while her sister had doctors appt., she asked if she could come and stay with me. We had fun... Bonnie and Micha (two of our Ann St. high school girls) came and stayed as well. We enjoyed a day at the beach.. BTW for those not in QLD, we went from winter straight to summer, forgetting Spring.. it has been HOT! great time for the beach. This week (and it is only Wed.) has been full of things for the renewal of my visa to be in Australia.... doctors examinations, an xray and today, finger prints taken. But the best part of today is that I get a new (to me) car.... yeah! God is so good, and His timing is perfect. I love it heaps....

Anyhow, House will be calling me soon.....

for those in USA- watch Kath & Kim and tell me what you think... it is a great Aussie show being done American style... I have no idea how it will be, but the Aussie one is funny as.

Once Upon a Time in a Small Town...

Once upon a time , late 1960-early 1970's to be exact, there was a newly married couple that moved to a small, remote town. They had no income, but they had both felt the Lord calling them to this place, so in faith they went. In this town lived only white people. No Indigenous people were allowed to live in town, instead they were forced to live on the outskirts of town. So this young couple that had been obedient to God, built amazing relationships with the Indigenous people. There then came a time that a house in town was for sale, and one of these Indigenous couples wanted to buy the house, but of course the owner would not sell the house to them because they were Aboriginal. So what did this young couple, the one's that had been obedient in following God, do? They bought the house that was for sale. No, they did not live there, instead they turned right around and sold it to the aboriginal couple that had wanted to buy it in the first place. They became the first indigenous people to live in that town. So what happen with this other (white) young couple? They lived in this small town for 10 years, and during that time became huge advocates for indigenous people.They then moved to a different small town to work along side more indigenous people.. So why do I tell you this story? Well, that young couple that were so obedient to God and stepped out in faith, have continued ever since to minister to and with indigenous Australians. They are quite amazing people as this story shows, and this is just one of many. And I feel so blessed that I am now going to be living with this couple here in Brisbane. I know that I will learn so much through living with them.. I want to be just like a sponge that soaks it all in. I know I am blessed and count it as a privilege to be welcomed into their home. Lyle and Hazel are two of the most incredible people that I have ever met.
An additional note here... that small town that they lived in was Eidsvold.. the same town that we at Ann St. now visit on a regular basis to work with the Indigenous people in the town. And that first Aboriginal couple to move into town.. well Elizabeth is still there and we have built a wonderful friendship with her. I sometimes can't believe how blessed I am to be here in Australia and to know people like this. Thank you Lord, I certainly don't deserve it, but I will accept it gratefully.

I will be moving into Lyle and Hazel's place at the end of this month... I can't wait. Stay tuned for more amazing stories... if you would like to read a bit more about Lyle and Hazel's story and the ministry they are a part of , visit the web for Aboriginal Islander Christian Fellowship (AICF) .. http://www.aicf.net.au/MCbrisbane.html

Brisbane Riverfire

Each year, to celebrate the beginning of Spring, the city of Brisbane puts on an amazing show of fireworks all long the Brisbane River. They call this night 'Riverfire'. It is so appropriately named, as the river truly is 'on fire' with fireworks and so much more. Well, last night was Riverfire. But before we headed down to the river to watch the show, we had our monthly Community BBQ at the church. We were not sure how many people we would have, as they were expecting 1/2 million people to be along the rivers edge... with some of them walking past Ann St. Church of Christ to get there. Well, we had a very good turn out, and heaps of food to share around. It was a great time, with planes flying overhead, doing some amazing stunts.. and then we quickly cleaned up and headed down to the river. One of the highlights of the night is when a jet (Oh, I am sure there is a specific name for this type of jet, but I don't know those details) flies over the river and does a fuel drop. When that happens, the fuel catches fire and lights up the night sky. I have a picture here where you can see the fire.. and the sky all lit up. The jet was flying very quickly, so it was hard to get a good picture. I also have a picture of the Story Bridge, with fireworks on it. These fireworks are seriously everywhere.. they come off of the bridge, several places along the river as well as the tops of the city buildings. These pictures will not do justice to seeing it in person(not to mentionthey're a bit blurry, but you'll get the idea).. So, if ever you'd like to come and see.. it is always right around the first part of Sept (or end of Aug). What a great way to welcome in Spring.. and the sunshine.

'Stop and Smell the Flowers'

So, it's been awhile since I have written anything, so I thought I'd share about a walk that I went on this past Sunday with Brianna (she is 11 and I live with her family). We just walked down to the park down the road from our house... it was a beautiful, sunny (finally) day and so we thought we should enjoy it. So why would any of you care about this, well maybe you won't but I want to share that God uses times like these to speak to us. First of all, this is a park that I drive past nearly every time I go anywhere, and I have never taken time to walk through it. I love Australia for reasons like this.. here I am just 15 minutes from the City, aka downtown, and here there is this most amazing park... full of so many different kinds of flowers, a creek and some great birds. I have attached some pictures so that maybe you too can appreciate it.

OK, I will get to my point... I guess in a society that is so fast paced we rarely take time out to simply enjoy the things that God has created for our enjoyment. I was reminded of the value of just taking time out. It brought a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Stop and smell the roses". So, they weren't roses that we saw, but we did stop and look at every type of flower, looked at the detail and took pictures of each one. We spent 2 hours just enjoying God's creation. And to think, I was so tired when I got home from church and almost did not go. I am so glad that I did.

If you take nothing else from this, I hope you are encouraged to 'stop and smell the flowers'!

Just lean into HIM

'Just lean into Him'. These are words that I heard spoken tonight. I went with some friends to Brisbane City Church tonight to hear Reggie Dabbs, an American, speak. He is an amazing man of God, and has a powerful ministry.. more on that in a moment. But it was not Reggie that spoke those words. What I did not know is that not only did we get to hear Reggie speak, but Darlene Zschech was actually there leading worship. (She is the one from Hillsong.. you know, "Shout to the Lord"). How amazing it was, she is so passionate about God and in her worship to Him. She was sharing the story behind one of the verses in a song that we were singing, and encouraged us, that in those times that we 'walk through the valley of the shadow of death' that God is there and He is safe.. Just lean into Him, and you will feel Him. Those words got to me.. really got to me. God never said that living life for Him was going to be easy, but that we WILL face trials, but in those times, if we trust in Him, we will grow stronger. I will hold on to the vision of Darlene leaning in.. I must lean into God.
So, Reggie Dabbs... he is from Florida, but I had never heard of him until coming to Australia. He has a wonderful ministry to young people, in the State highs schools. This week alone he will be speaking to over 120,000 youth around the state of Queensland. So what makes Reggie so special? He would say he is not, in fact he shares that he was conceived because his mom had sex with a man for $20. Yes, she was a prostitute. He was raised in foster care by a great family and found the Lord. It is God that has taken him and used him.. simply because he opened himself up to be used. Please pray for Reggie as he speaks to all of those youth this week... just last night 250 teens gave their lives to the Lord at a service he spoke at. If you would like to read more of his story, check it out at reggiedabbsonline.com/story.php
Anyhow, it was another wonderful night and I hope that I will always remember to 'Lean into God'. I hope you do too.

Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics

So tonight I got to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics. It was not only exciting to see the spectacular show, but Sue and I sat and watched with LuLu, who is from China. For those that don't know, LuLu lives here with the Pennells as well. It was so amazing to have her sit there and not only translate for us, but she explained so many things that were not spoken of by the Australian commentators. China is so rich in history, it was very special to sit and learn from her as we watched.

I am not sure when they will air in the States, but I encourage you all to watch them.... they are still on now, with the athletes coming in... but it is late so we are taping them. I will finish watching that part in the morning.

This is my second 'summer' Olympics here in Australia (although it is winter here now). It is interesting to watch from another country.. of course I see mostly the Aussie's, but when I hear the National Anthem of the USA, I smile... sometimes I feel as though I should be standing...

I will say, when it comes to men's field hockey, I will be cheering for Australia, as we know one of the players. Should you happen to watch, look for Matt Wells and cheer him on. He was the Foreman of the crew that remodeled our kitchen last year.

Anyhow, here is getting into the Olympic Spirit, but remembering to pray for the many Christians in China that are still persecuted today.

Nick Vujicic

So, I was just watching a story about Nick on 60 Minutes. Nick is a 25 year old Aussie that was born without arms or legs. He has made a career of going, around the world now, and speaking to people and sharing his story. He is an amazing Christian man and is very inspiring. Hearing him speak reminds me that with God nothing is impossible. Nick certainly proves that in what he does, and how he lives his life.











Three years ago, we had the blessing of having Nick at Redcliffe State high. He came and spoke to year 9 & 10 students. To see the impact that he had on the students that I work with on a regular basis was incredible. I am truly inspired by his story, but more than that, encouraged to keep trusting in God for all of my needs.

I love, too, that he has now been to my home church in So Cal, Knott Ave., two times....

I encourage you to check out his website.. http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/ and be encouraged by his story too.

OK, OK, I'll tell you...

So, I've had several people ask me how I got Des to be in this picture three times. No, for those of you who don't know Des, he is not a triplet. It was just a bit of fun that we had with the camera... I have a new camera that has a feature for taking panoramic pics... you actually take 3 separate pics and then the camera stitches them together. I just had Des stand in each one. :) It was just something that we did, not much thought put into it before hand, so the fact that it turned out so good made it even funnier for us. Thanks for playing the game.

Richard and Jen

Some of you may have heard me tell that on my way back to Australia from LA this last time (March) I met a girl, Jen, on the plane. She was moving to Brisbane to be with her man. Jen and I hit it off and have kept in touch since then. She and Richard were married yesterday and I had the privilege of not only being at the wedding, but I was asked to say the prayer of blessing for them. It was very exciting for me. You never know who you may meet when you just talk to the people around you. I never would have imagined that when I got on the plane that night, that I was about to meet someone that would become a good friend.

The wedding was a small event, held at their house, with a BBQ afterward. Again, I was blessed to be witness to their commitment to each other.

MIB 2008

The team from Knott Ave. has now returned after two amazing weeks here in Australia. What a blessing it is for me to have a team come each year and be a part of the things that I am lucky to do full time, and to meet the people that are my Aussie family. The past two weeks have seen the team spending two days with our kids and youth from Ann St. , being a part of our Community BBQ, as well as spending some time in Eidsvold and Cherbourg. There is so much to tell about both of those places and the history that they hold... but I am not sure I would even know where to begin. Most of it is just so sad. All I can say is that my heart breaks over the stories that we hear about what has happen to the Aborigonal people in the past. While we were in Cherbourg we got to meet a lady, Annie, that had been sent to Cherbourg and then taken away from there and sent to Palm Island. There was a documentary made about her story, we got to be there and see it for its first ever public showing, and afterward I met and talked with her. That was certainly a highlight for me. Also, our time in Eidsvold, just being there and reconnecting with the young people. It was only 4 weeks since the last time I was there, so we were able to pick up right where we left off. Near the end of their time here, we spent the day at NAIDOC (National Aborigonal Islander Day Of Celebration). This is a huge festival that takes place each year, just to celebrate the Aborigonal and Islander peoeple. I had someone tell me, "It is good that after hearing all of the depressing stories of the history of the Aboriginal people, to end with a happy time, a time of celbration." How true that is!

All of these things were great and I am so blessed to have these opportunities, but for me personally the greatest highlight of the time with MIB was the fact that it allowed me time to build up stronger relationships with some of our young people from Ann St. It is hard to put into words the impact that the MIB team has had on me, as a result of their willingness to open up to the young peoeple that I hold so dearly to my heart. I know that they have returned and will have some great memories of their time here, but I get to stay and continue on with those relationships. It is my prayer and desire that I can carry on with the momentum that MIB have created.

I know that this is really just a small snapshot of what we did with the the team, but it is just to hard to put it all into words. Just know that I have been blessed with getting to know and to work alongside an amazing team. But most of all, that although I have been here, it has changed me and challnged me to grow even deeper in realtionship with these young ones. Please pray for me as I still continue to process all that I feel God is doing in my heart as a result of the time MIB spent here.

Good times in Eidsvold!!

this is just going to be a short one, but hopefully fun.....this past weekend I went to Eidsvold. We had a great time hanging with the kids and having fun. While we were there, I took this photo... I just want to know of any one notices anything about the pic.... have a close look. :) if you click on the picture you should be able to view it bigger... and those that were there, you can't play this game.

This Weekend

How great has this weekend been.... first, I was at a women's conference in Caloundra on Sat. That was an amazing time listening to some very inspiring teaching on "Being a woman of influence". To realise that we don't have to have a 'name' to be a person of influence, but that we can be an influence on those around us... positive or negative, therefore I should be making the most of all opportunities to a positive influence. We also had heaps of fun just being together with friends.

Then, this morning at church we had the privilege of seeing Oscar and Claudia be baptised. They are a married couple from Columbia, that have called Ann st. home for several months now. Praise God to see His hand at work in their lives!

It is just a reminder to me that no matter who we are or where we are, God loves us and is continually working in our lives.

So Many Things...

It has been a while now since my last entry. I have been so busy that when talking with a friend to day I did not believe her when she said that it has 'almost' been two months since I have been back in Australia... Really, I feel like it has been heaps longer than that... oh well, at least I know I am busy.

Over the past month I have been enjoying getting to know some of the students at the high school. It has been a slow process, as there have been a couple of weeks that I was not there for various reasons. And I know, that these things take time. I have also been busy getting plans made for the team from Knott Ave. that will be here in less than two months. I am excited to have them back again, some familiar faces and some new one's. Sunday School is off and running. it is great to be back with the kids and teaching them about the Lord.

This is just the beginning of what I have been up to.

I have been doing some very fun things too. A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends turned 40 and her husband gave her a surprise party, but not just a party, it was on a boat along the Brisbane river. We cruised the river for 4 hours. He had also arranged several more surprises for her throughout the night that we got to enjoy. Traditional Island dancing by some of her nephews, as well as her two sons. It was very special.

Last week for our women's ministry, aka 'Chicky Chat' we had a high tea. We had a wonderful time, eating more food than we needed to, and having a wonderful time of fellowship. We have many international students that have been attending Ann St. so it was fun to treat them to a high tea.

Then came the 'American' Party... some of the girls that I went to the Outback with in Dec. had asked me to bring a few American treats back for them.. so I did. That night we enjoyed a dinner of Sloppy Joe's & Mac-N-Cheese, and then enjoyed things like S'mores, pixie sticks, and much more. Talk about a sugar high!!! it was all good fun.

Kondilla Falls

I was emailing my brother earlier this week, telling him about a day trip that I took with a couple of friends a couple of weeks ago. I then got to thinking... I need to tell more people this story. Some may be impressed, others not, but I am still going to tell the story. So, Lena, Sara and I head off to the Sunshine coast (north of Brisbane) for a day out. We first went to Montville, a quaint little town that has cafes and cute shops. After enjoying lunch, we went to Kondalilla falls, not too far away from there. We took our 20 minute hike through the rain forest until we got to the waterfall and water hole. Lena and I were prepared for a swim. I knew that the water was going to be freezing, but hey, I walked there for the swim... nothing was stopping me. It was freezing, but we enjoyed a swim. A bit short, but at least I went in. Had a great time sitting under the water fall too. We got out and were standing on one side of the water hole when a couple that had been standing on the other side came over to tell us that there was a fresh water eel in the water and that we could see him. I walked over and sure enough, there he was... big and ugly, peering up at the surface. All I can say is thank God I was already out of the water. Now, I had been there before and been told that they were there, but if you don't see them, you don't think about it. I do have a picture of him, but do to a slow internet connection I am unanle to post them. (If any of you are on Facebook, I have them there.) So there you have it... I swam with the eels... ok one eel and I did not know that he was there. To top it off, on our way back out, we saw a snake slither across the path. It was a great day... and well, was happy to see some of God's creation up close and personal.

Chaplaincy @ Balmoral.... and Ann St. Community BBQ

Well, here I am just over two weeks back in Brisbane... what an amazing two weeks it has been. I am very excited about some changes that are taking place, and the way that God has led the way. I had been praying about getting involved in a High School that was closer to the city, as Redcliffe is not that close to Ann St. Church of Christ. My friend Des has recently begun working as the chaplain at a school much closer to the city, Balmoral State High, and I am now going to be working one day a week with him. I went for my first time this past week and you know, I am just amazed at how God orchestrates things. While I was there I met the school nurse, Donna. She too is a Christian. She told me about a program that she and Des are going to run, called SHINE. It is a Christian program for high school girls, that has come out of Hillsong Church in Sydney. I have heard many great things about it. So, Donna has asked me to be a part of helping her facilitate it. She is only at the school one day a week, and that 'happen' to be the day that I went. I am very excited about getting into things so quickly. What an amazing opportunity. The best part of it is that the Deputy Principal wants us to run it during class time.. so students will focus better, knowing that if they muck up here, they go back to their regular class. That is a bonus....

Tonight we had our monthly Community BBQ at Ann St. There are some pictures here so that you can see the church, but also the crowd that we had. Not sure exactly how many were there, but I do know that we ran out of food... that is a great problem to have. It was one of our biggest turn outs since starting them nearly 2 years ago. I always love just talking to people and hearing where they are from. We get so many international students and workers. And then we have our regulars, and it is always good to see them, especially after being away. Of course always looking for opportunities to share Christ with those that don't know Him, or encourage those that do.

I praise God for all of the wonderful things that he does, and the blessings he so graciously gives.

One more thing.. it has been good to be back in the world of Tim Tams ( the best 'cookies' in the world)... and they have new flavours... now that is dangerous!

Back in Australia and 'Shave for a Cure'

well, here I am back in Brisbane. It has been a busy week since returning, but quite nice to see friends and get back into things. I do want to say that I had a wonderful time being back home in So. Cal and enjoying my time in Globe, AZ as well as Lake Oswego, Oregon. I have had many stories to tell my friends here in Brissy. I thank the Lord for the time that He allowed me in USA and the encouragement that I recieved from so many.

Yeterday I got to see a few of my 'girl' friends go bald. They were raising money to help in finding a cure for cancer... I am quite impressed with them. I am not sure that it is something that I could do. Just want to share with everyone.. and be proud of them. They were very brave.

As we now enter into the Easter weekend, I pray that you all have a wonderful weekend, do something fun, but most of all, thank our Lord for the amazing gift that He gave us through His son Jesus.

First time blogging

Hi all, this is the beginning of my adventure into blogging. I am hoping that this will be a great way to connect with people and keeping everyone updated with all that it happening with me. I am currently in Orange County, enjoying a wonderful Mission week at Knott Ave., then heading back to Australia on Tuesday. This is just the beginning... please stay tuned for more updates.