Prayer

Two Pastors wives were chatting while sewing their husband’s pants.

One wife said: My husband is just beside himself, he does not know what to do anymore and he is so tired and depressed, he said he is ready to just give up and resign.

The other wife said: I am sorry to hear that because my husband has never been happier. Our membership is growing, and we are out of our financial burden. We have such a large and loving congregation. Life could not be any better than it is right now.

The first woman was mending the seat of her husband’s pants; the other was mending the knees.

What part of your pants needs mending? The subject of prayer is one that has come up several times in the past couple of months for me. Prayer is a gift that we are blessed to have. I mean, think about it, we have direct access to God... through Christ. How many people/religions don't realise that? Too many. So, the question that I have been challenged with is not am I praying, because I do everyday, but 'How am I praying?' I was reading a friends blog about a story that Mike Carman shared at the Knott Ave. missions week... when 300 people showed up to pray for the drought to break, only one came with an umbrella. Think about that. Am I praying truly believing that God will answer? Well I tell you what, if I wasn't before, I am now. I have been asked to be a part of a Prayer Marathon for a young women in England who's body is riddled with cancer. I do not know her, she is a friend of a friend, but that is ok, God knows her. He created her. So everyday, from 2-2:30pm I have committed to praying for Jen. Not only has it been good for me to stop for 30 minutes everyday to pray for a specific person, but I have had to ask myself, 'Do I really believe that God can heal her?" Yes, I do. so rather than showing up with my umbrella, I am taking my bin with me... because Jen will no longer need all those meds. I figure she can dump them in the bin. Through all of this, and much more I am learning it is not just our time that God wants, but it is our heart, our trust and faith in Him.

So I ask you... do the knees of your pants need mending?

Then Jesus went about a stones throw away from them. He kneeled down and prayed.

Luke 22:41

Casting Crowns

Last night I had the privilege of going to the Casting Crowns concert. I have enjoyed their music for a while now- the lyrics to their songs are just so powerful.... but there is nothing like hearing a band live and hearing the stories that have inspired the songs. Not only does is bring new meaning to the song, it does something to really make you think.

One of the highlights for me was finding out that they are STILL not only a worship band at their home church, but they are youth leaders as well. In fact Mark Hall, the lead singer, was talking about his students and how that ministry is much more important to him than 'this band thing'. It was a wonderful night of worshipping the Lord, and not just simply listening to a band. They took the focus right off of themselves and put it right where it belongs- on Christ. It was an amazing night of ministry. If you ever get the chance to see them, I recommend it, but until then, if you have not heard their songs, I encourage you to get a hold of them. I guarantee they will speak to you.

Dajarra & Normanton: Outback Queensland

So, once again here I am trying to catch up...

In Dec. 2008 I helped lead a team of High school students to Dajarra and Normanton, both in Outback Queensland. We were gone for 16 days and traveled over 5,000 kms. Needless to say, there were some very long days of travel, but well worth it.

Here is what we did:

Day 1- travel to Chinchilla- slept and were on the road again early in the morning

Day 2- travel to Longreach- side note: that is were Qantas began

Day 3- travel to Dajarra- yeah!!! we finally made it.

Day 4: In Dajarra- we spent time at the school- there are 24 students and starts in prep and goes through grade 7. It was fun to be back in Mr. Gilmour's class- I spent time in that class last year when I was there. That afternoon we went on a bush walk with the kids. (for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, let me remind you that it is summer here- and HOT, especially in the outback). We had a nice time, but it was so hot that the sole of my shoes- and I am talking Nike, not just some cheap Target brand- melted and now sit to the side of the shoe. It was HOT.

Day 5: In the morning we had a morning tea for all of the ladies of the community. (There are aprox. 250 people living in Dajarra). We had about 10 ladies come. It was great to be able to sing Christmas songs with them, and tell a bit of the Christmas story. We also had gifts for each one.

That afternoon, we were back at the school for the after school program with the kids. We had them paint bags that we would later fill with gifts for them to hand out to some other kids.

Day6: we shifted the school library- there were ALOT of books, and it was HOT... but the older kids helped us and we made it fun. At least the room that we set up the library had air con... I had a book dropped on my toe and saw some blood, sliced right through at the base of my toenail. Oh well, memories right? I am still alive. After school care with the kids- this day we did some colouring in and beading- thanks to the left overs of the last MIB team from Knott Ave.

Day 7: this is the day that we had 9 kids from he school in Urindangi (an even smaller community than Dajarra) come to visit. They had heaps of fun together... the Dajarra kids passed out the gifts to these kids- and took home with them gifts for the rest of the kids. We had a soccer game- they all got new uniforms thanks to a donation that we received. The Urindangi kids won!! Then came some good fun- the huge slip n slide came out. I can not even begin to tell you how refreshing it was to just be wet. That evening we had a sausage sizzle for the Dajarra community and Christmas Carol's by the bonfire. I am still trying to work out the bonfire when it is 90ish (30) degrees outside. It was fun though.

Day 8: this was the last day of school for the year and Mr. Gilmour was leaving for good. It was a sad day filled with many tears from the students. During the day the kids performed a Christmas program for their families. It was fun to see them dance and sing. Of course, because we were there, they asked us to do something. Thankfully one of our girls, Lucy, is an amazingly gifted singer so she sang Little Drummer Boy- wow, I could listen to that many times.

That night we had a request for another bonfire- so of course we had one. This time some of the elders that we had never met come and sat with us. They sang for us and with us. I got to talking with them and discovered that one of the men was the nephew of a lady that had been in Brisbane a couple of months earlier and had stayed at my house. Talk about a small world.

Day9: travel to Normanton, with a stop in Mt.Isa and another at the Flinder's river to look for crocs. However, they don't exist, so naturally we did not see any.. well salt water crocs that is. We did see one fresh water, but the salties are the big one's. I want to see a big croc- and not at the Australia Zoo.

Day 10: It was Sunday, so we had church with the folks in Normanton. I love just listening to them sing. One of their favourites is ... and He tastes like honey on the rock... but they change it to ... and He taste like turtle on the coals... maybe some day I will get to taste turtle, and then I'll let you know if they are right. :P

That evening we had a sausage sizzle for the Normanton Community (there are aprox. 1500 people living there) and a Christmas Carol's service. We had about 100 kids and 30 adults for that.

Day 11: we spent the morning at the Nursing Home. We had morning tea with some of the folks, and gathered around the Christmas tree and sang Christmas Carol's. We had gifts for each one of them, as well as the employees.

That evening, we traveled to Kurumba for dinner and to watch the sun set. It is one of only 3 places in Queensland that you can watch the sun set over the ocean. This was at the Gulf of Carpentaria. What beauty. On the way home, we stopped and all went to lay on the road- there was no one around and we were in the middle of no where so it was a great view of the MANY stars in the night sky, though the road was very hot to touch, even at 8:30pm

Day 12: this was a bit of a day off for us as a team, however, the kids knew that we were there so came by the Christian Centre to play. Fortunately the room with the pool table has air con, so we all hung out in there. Later in the day we went to the Bynoe River to have another look for crocs. Nope- did not see any. But it was beautiful and we saw an amazing sun set.

Day 13: Once again we were on the road again. This time traveling back to Longreach. It was during this trip that I did some of the driving- ok only 200kms, but hey, I was in a 12 seater bus with teenagers, and towing a trailer. That was the first time that I had driven towing a trailer. Some of the kids that I had not known before this trip were a bit nervous because they weren't too sure I knew what side of the road to drive on... well, I have been here for 5 years. I hope I know by now. It was during this leg of the journey that we stopped in McKinlay- home of the Walk About Creek Hotel- made famous by Crocodile Dundee.

Day14: travel to Agnes Water/1770- that is two towns near each other, yes, there is a town that is called 1770- study your Australian history and you'll know why. However, we spent two nights at Agnes Water- enjoying the BEACH! Yes, we made it to the coast again, and had some real R&R and a time a debrief.

Day 15: fun at the beach- it was so relaxing. The water was perfect. I did not want to get out...but we had a nice dinner that last night and enjoyed our time...

Day 16: traveled home- to Redcliffe- it was only about 5 hours, pretty short drive after the 10/11 hour travel days.

I know that this is long, but at least now you'll get a sense of what we did...this was my second trip and Lord willing I will go again. I love the people of these communities- and what a blessing to minister with indigenous people.

Thanksgiving in Australia- as you can see I am way behind

So, I have been without the internet on my laptop since I moved out of my other house in Sept. so it has been very difficult to post anything. I finally am back in the game so I will work my way through updating things.

This one is about Thanksgiving. Yes, I know that was a while ago, but I still thought it would be nice to talk about the American Thanksgiving that I had here in Australia with some of my friends....

As November rolls around each year, I am often asked about Thanksgiving- why we celebrate it and what is all this talk about the food. I have been in Australia for nearly 5 years now and have not been in the USA for Thanksgiving since. So, for selfish reasons and so that I could properly show some Aussie's what it is all about... we had Thanksgiving.. turkey and all the trimmings (though not all easy to come by). The turkey itself was just a turkey breast, because that is all they have. I guess Aussie's don't eat much of it... in fact one friend had it for the first time. And I won't even go into how I was able to get a tin of pumpkin for pumpkin pie, but all I can say is that God provided that one.

All this to say, it was a great time with friends, but through it all, it got me thinking, why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? I mean, I know how it started... the pilgrims were thankful to the 'Indians' for welcoming them and showing them how to live off of the land. Maybe I am wrong, but I sure think that that is how/why it started. But if in deed that is the reason, it just made me very sad to think that we still carry on with all the traditions, down to what food is served for a Thanksgiving dinner. And yes, I hope that we all take time to be thankful for the many blessings that we have because we are indeed blessed.... but let's think about how it all started, and where we as a country (USA) are with the Native Americans now. They were so welcoming to us, but look at how we treat them now... is this really the way we want to say thank you? Please note that I say we as a country, because I know that many reading this actually do love them and have a heart for the Native Americans.... however, it did make me think, and admitedly a bit shamed to explain how Thanksgiving started.... knowing how things are now.... just my thoughts. We did have a great time with great friends.

'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