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Mission Trip Reports Trip Reports Home
New Zealand, South Pacific
First Year Missionary
| Trip Dates: | 9/8/2005 to 12/20/2005 |
| Age Group: | College-aged young adults |
| Status: | Completed |
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| Reports for New Zealand Trip |
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Itchy! It's SO itchy!
60
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12/12/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Church- Plymouth, WI
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That's the phrase I heard over and over this past week from a little, 11 year old girl, named Rachel.
I met Rachel at a holiday program, which our team helped run, the first week we were here. At first sight not too many people would be interested in playing with Rachel. You see, she suffers from and extreme case of Eczema that literally covers her whole body, head to toe. My first encounter with her at this holiday program was when another girl approached me with Rachel and told me that I needed to help Rachel put her cream on because she was itchy. At the time I had no clue what she had or anything about her but I know, as we went into the bathroom and rubbed this greasy cream over her dry skin, that my heart broke for her. I prayed and cried out for her healing and by the end of that week, in which I met Rachel, I know I needed to see her again. I found out Rachel was one of the girls that lived at Dingwall (on orphanage type place). This influenced my pursuit of an internship there. Rachel didn't end up living at the same location as all the others so I never had the opportunity to see her again till now.
I was invited by one of the girls I work with at Dingwall to be a chaperone for her schools year six camp. Since I was going and the leaders at Dingwall know me, they asked me if I would be interested in taking on a little extra responsibility and be in charge of helping a girl named Rachel?!? This was the same little girl and the Lord had brought her back into my life.
When we finally left for the camp I didn’t know exactly what to expect but I knew I wanted to make the time I spent with Rachel purposeful and pray over her for healing.
The first night was SO hard. I put Rachel to bed, having completed all her creams and medications. One hour later her cabin members came and got me saying, “Rachel’s itching and crying, you need to come help her!” Over and over we battled to not itch. We reapplied the creams and went out in the cool air. Nothing would calm her down. I prayed for her and with her. She ended up sleeping in my cabin and as she tried to fall asleep I pray and prayed for her healing. She didn’t finally rest until 1:30 am. The next 3 nights were similar. Each night she awoke with intense itching. We reapplied cream and tried to relax. I realized this was her life! Each night! I began to get SO frustrated, “Why hasn’t God healed her of this pain?”
I’ve been studying about the Holy Spirit and how we have been given the same power to heal and cast out demons, as the disciples in the Bible have. I had been doing all that I know to, praying in Jesus name and pleading for healing over her. What else was required of me? Why was I not seeing what the Bible clearly states in possible?
Rachel and I had some great moments at camp, times of bonding during activities and experiencing new things together. I was grateful for this experience and being able to work with Rachel but I did not understand the ways of God and left with a bitterness in my heart.
Friday night when I was back with my team, we had a girl’s discipleship meeting. The plan for the nights meeting was for each girl to share where they were at with the Lord and for the other girls to be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and prompting in words to share and encourage with. Immediately I was turned off to the idea. I was so bitter about this idea of the Holy Spirit moving and working, because I hadn’t seen Him work the way I asked Him to with Rachel.
It was my turn to share. My attitude was horrible and I burst out with my feelings. I expressed how I thought all this talk about listening to the Holy Spirit was ridiculous. How I didn’t understand how we could believe in the Holy Spirit working and moving when He didn’t do anything for Rachel, an innocent little girl who experiences so much pain for what I see as no reason. I knew God could heal her but yet he didn’t. I didn’t understand and I didn’t want to hear anything about the Holy Spirit working because I didn’t believe He cared.
The girls listened to me express my pain. And slowly began to ask questions and speak truth back into me. They sympathized with me though their experiences and agreeing that it doesn’t make since to us why things have worked the way they did; why God hadn’t healed Rachel. But they also helped me see the ways the Holy Spirit was working that I failed to recognize. The Spirit of God has ordained Rachel and my paths to cross, not only once but twice. I, of all people, was asked to spend time caring for Rachel. Through that I was able to pray with her, over her, and speak truth to her about God’s love. I did all I know to do. I was obedient and it’s not up to me to make Rachel better. God will do this in His timing. The Bible says that God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), so I must continue to pray in faith that God’s mercy will show through with each day.
I still do not understand God’s ways but I have gained a new understanding of the Holy Spirit. He IS working, bringing things together, putting things in place, and moving in ways I cannot always recognize. I will continues to trust, for His word also says, “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Rachel is back to her new home on the Dingwall campus that I frequently visit. My time here, with Adventures in Missions, has come to an end and I am officially done with my work at Dingwall but since I am staying in the area at least till January 20th, I will continue to visit Rachel and the others at Dingwall. I will never cease to pray for Rachel’s healing. It could happen in an instant by God’s miraculous hand or over time through the use of doctors and medicines but it will happen! Though the world is so easy to forget, God has not forgotten a little girl named Rachel.
Thank you all for your support of me and the team throughout this semester. Your prayers have made a difference in our lives and the lives of others. May God bless you over the Holidays with experiencing His love in a new and fresh way!
Over and out but not finished! --Gretchen--
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Against all odds
59
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12/10/2005
By: Emily "Emma" Martin
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This past week was my last week at the Youth Training center for this term. Since it is their summer here in New Zealand all the schools are getting ready to finish up the school year, and so I had the pleasure of going to the students graduation ceremony on Thursday. I was so excited for them because they actually accomplished what they set out to complete. They made it through this system, rather than the system saying that they are failures yet again in their lives. It was neat to see what they have been working towards all this time, and hopefully they will take this foundation as a stepping stone to keep on reaching for the stars.
No matter how tough these kids can be the Lord just keeps on reminding me that they are each a beautiful creation. It is my hope and prayer that one day they will know that they have been created with a purpose. That there is a God out there who cares and loves them more than they could ever imagine. That they don't need to believe all the lies that Satan feeds them by convincing them that they have no worth, and that they really can't accomplish anything. The mere fact that they graduated from this program shows that they can complete something that they set their mind to. It also shows how faithful our God is.
Against all the odds these students face, the Lord has some truly amazing things in store for them. They have taken one of the initial steps towards seeing what is to come on this journey called life. It excites me to see how God is going to be moving next term in the new students lives, and in those who are returning next year.
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Hopes for a Grand Finale!
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12/8/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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11 days from now I will be getting on a plane and coming home! As excited as I am, we have decided as a team to not let things wind down but to cross the finish line at top speed. Yesterday was our last day at the soup kitchen until the returning team members start it up on January 19th. It was ahrd to say good-bye to some of the "regulars". One of them, Mariah, who has been coming for awhile now sang us a New Zealand Christmas song to say "thanks" for all we have done. I believe that song was a little gift from Jesus, saying He is pleased with our work. It really warmed my heart.
As for my own internship, I know it will be hard to say good-bye. I have come to love the children there and I will continue to pray for them for the rest of my life. I have already said good-bye to Darnica, the liilte girl I worked most closely with. She was given a home! I praise the Lord that He has provided for her and although it broke my heart to see her go, I do have faith that He will keep his hand upon her. I will be keeping in touch with her...she has asked already for a package with American "lollies" (candy).
What these past two weeks have been for me mostly, though, is wonderful time to bond with the girls that the Lord hand-picked and placed on this team. We drove to the Bay of Islands two weekends ago and had an amzing time seeing this most beautiful country. We had a time of praise and laughter and hiking and just soaking up His creations. The next the weekend, the boys left and we had the house to ourselves. We had an excellent time doing girly things, such as massages, dressing up...and hiking a volcano! (we are quite adventurous!) It was a time of encouragement and love. Now we are united once again as a team and although the time we have together is not much longer we are continuing to grow in unity.
Thank you all for supporting me during this chapter in my life! I have learned heaps and grown so much. I love you all!
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There Is Pain In Growth
57
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12/6/2005
By: travis buchanan
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Well, as many of you may know, our current leaders have been lead elsewhere next semester. This was a bit hard to take at first, but I do recognize and appreciate the importance of complete obedience in a matter such as this. Michael has been my mentor for this fall semester and it has been such a blessing to get to know him and be guided by him. He has pushed and stretched me in ways that I really didn't know I could be.
Also, through them leaving, some changes have been made and Emily Martin and I have been appointed the girls/guys RA for the spring. I know that God is only going to use this time to continue to grow me and stretch me even more for His kingdom.
Praise God for growth and please continue to keep Michael and Amy Williams in your prayers.
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He is so good!
56
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12/6/2005
By: Emily "Lee" Leestma
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"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever!" Psalm 136:1 My heart is full of thankfulness for the time that I have had here in New Zealand. We have a little less than two weeks left, but still we are running hard towards the finishline of this semester and still expecting the Lord to work and move in our lives and in ministry.
This past weekend, all the boys were gone on a roadtrip, so it was just us girls holding down the "embassy" (as our kiwi friends like to call our house) and we had a great time hanging out together. There is just something special about sisters in the Lord and the bond of friendship that comes from loving and serving God together. We did have fun doing girlie things (although we hiked a volcanic mountain on Saturday) but my favorite was the sweet fellowship of encouraging each other and being real and vulnerable with each other. Lets just say the hearts of the saints were refreshed!
This coming weekend, I am going to be flying down to the south island to Queenstown for a few days to go on a three day tramp (hike) in the Remarkables...a mountain range nearby. I am so excited about this opportunity that I have to spend a "honeymoon" period with just my Jesus soaking in his glory and majesty in the mountains. Its hard to not praise the King when you stop and consider his works and take a second just to realize the goodness and power of his glory!
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When you pray with power...
55
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12/1/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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Last Friday night our team gathered together before we headed out to minister to the prostitutes. We had a heart of thankfulness because even though it was raining outside, it gave us the change to minster to those who were truly dedicated to prostitution. Stefan (a German friend here), fellow teammate Travis, and I were on the prayer team while the rest of our team was going out to witness to the people on the streets. We piled on sweatshirts and raincoats to keep us from the cold rain and night air. As we began walking around the block, encircling the area where we wre ministering, I had the sense that every step we were taking was enclosing the area for the Lord's work and protection. As I looked at my rain-soaked shoes, I KNEW that each step I took was forming a fortress for the Holy Spirit. His power was going to be made known that night. I was in awe as I realized how powerful and full of authority the Lord enables us to be! As I walked, I beleived that it was not my feet doing the walking; rather, I was walking in the Lord's steps. He was in full control of the situation and allowing the three of us to partake in His glory. How awesome in our God?! He has all the glory, all the power, and all the control in the world, yet He loves us so much that He desires us to partake in His ministry; He yearns for our involvement. When I think of all the power He has and all the love He gives each of us, I am humbled because I once again realize that I am not worthy, but because of God's amazing grace, He makes me worthy. Oh what a wonderful God we serve.
As we continued to walk and pray, the Lord filled our minds with needs to be prayed for, he put on our lips the words to speak. Are you ever amazed at the power praying to our Lord Jesus Christ has? Last Friday night was another dose of that amazement. As the rain poured down harder and harder, I knew that the Lord was already doing something great in the community. How else could prostitutes begin desireing a new life and actually talk about it with us? How could hard core drug addicts and gang members talk openly about the love of the Lord? That Friday night, the Lord reminded me of what happens when God enables us to pray with power...
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I am convinced…
54
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12/1/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Church- Plymouth, WI
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this is the most beautiful country in the world! What a weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving with the largest feast I have ever taken part of, stuffed our bellies, THEN...we watched a Packers game!! How cool is that! One of the locals taped a game for us and of all the games he could have taped, he got a Packers one. I couldn't have been more thrilled! To add to the excitement the day after T-day we headed off to a surf beach called Piha, where I did get to test out my surfing skills. Not bad for my first time. I caught one good wave...surfs up dude! :) Then to add even more excitement 5 of us girls left the following morning on the 3 day road trip upon which I now tested my driving skills in another country where everything is opposite! This is when I made the declaration that this is the most beautiful country in the world. Everywhere we went there was something beautiful. Even in the bad, cold, windy, rainy weather it was beautiful! What a reaffirmation that we serve an AMAZING God, who created all that is beautiful because He himself is beautiful!
We returned from the trip in one piece with several crazy stories to remember for our lifetimes and are now back to the busy work of the week. We are on the down end of our days in numbers, but it still feels like things are continuing to look up for our ministry involvements! I don't want them to end yet, so in will continue on with full passion but in reality have to prepare for closure and the next steps. Thankfully since I’m not leaving the country quite yet and because of the nature of my internship, I don’t have to say good-bye when others do. After the 20th, when others go home, I can continue to meet with the kids at Dingwall. My relationships with Carmel and AnnaBell are growing but they still need more time to be extremely beneficial, so hopefully in continuing on in our meetings over break we can dig deep!
God will continue to amaze me in the way He works and the things He brings to pass. They’re not always the way I would expect or have done them but they always are for a purpose! Praise God for who He is today!
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Meet Ed
53
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11/29/2005
By: Ryan Amstutz, FYM
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Who is Ed? Ed is a man I met last week while I was inviting people to come in for the soup kitchen. Ed is a skeptic. He thinks that if God is real that He wouldn't allow so much hurting in this world. He has heard the gospel. He has heard all the "churchy" answers to pain and suffering. Ed thinks that any religon can be "right". Words can not reach him. He wants to see God do something, to move. He said at the end of our conversation that if he wakes up at 1:00 in the morning and remembers my name that he would believe that there is a God. I don't know if God did that for him and I doubt that I will ever see him again. I will continue to pray for Ed as I told him I would do before he left.
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52
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11/29/2005
By: Aubrey Polin, Sacramento!
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So this past Thanksgving weekend, five of the girls went on a road trip of the Northland. It was a fun-filled adventure as one could, of course, imagine it would be if you stuff five girls and a tupperware full of muffins into a Corolla and turn them loose in the backcountry. Well, maybe not the backcountry, but we saw some gravel roads.
We travelled up the east coast and down the west coast, seeing lovely beaches, sunsets, really big trees, sand dunes, and some of those fabled "long white clouds". (Pictures to follow). We had lots of misadventures asking for directions, a place to buy peanut butter and jelly (in New Zealand, "jelly" is Jell-O), and food in general. A fine time was had by all, and I am proud to say that we are not responsible for any of the heaps of roadkill we saw.
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There is Victory in Pain
51
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11/27/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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Despite being in the middle of personal grief, last week was a great victory for the Lord. He was glorified in the midst of pain!
Way back at the beginning of my basketball ministry in Otara I met two guys that seemed to be very interested in what I was doing. They wanted to continue to play basketball with me. Therefore for the first few weeks, they were out there every week. For the past several weeks, however, I had not seen either one of them. This was really discouraging to me. I really wanted to invest in them and show them who God was.
I was beginning to think I had seen the last of them, but I decided to pray about seeing one of them. That very next day, I had a horrible day at the court. No one was coming out, and I just felt…blah! I was about to leave and go home, when I turned around and saw Shaun (the guy I prayed for) coming down the hill to play! I rejoiced inside!!
That very next day he came out again and played a game with Jonathan and I. We had a lot of fun together. As we were about to leave I decided I would try to invite him to church one more time…He said that he would go!!
This past Sunday I took him to church. He really enjoyed it, and I defiantly think that this has opened the door for more opportunities to share Christ with him. I also found out that he does not have a Bible, so I am planning on buying him a Bible and highlight some key verses, so he can really see why I am here.
Even though Shaun did not make a profession of faith or anything, I know that God got the victory on this past week. I am learning that it is not about me, and despite my cruddy time, I still am called to serve him….and so are you!
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Turkey and Surf...what more could you ask for in a weekend?
50
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11/27/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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Last Thursday was Thanksgiving and it was a great day. We had our community feed at lunch time just like we do every Thursday, but then on Thursday evening we had our Thanksgiving feast!! We had around 70 people come and celebrate with us. It was a grand ol' time with food, fellowship, live music (which was very good if I do say so myself), a play, and oh yes... a good ol' American football game! Martyn (a kiwi) was kind enough to tape a football game for us, which we then watched right after the feed.
Since the Friday after Thanksgiving is a holiday in the States, our leaders gave us the day off as well. So, we loaded up with a few of our kiwi friends and went to a beautiful black sand beach called Piha and well, I can no longer say that I have never been surfing, for I now in fact have. Not just getting a board and paddling around in the water but I have actually gotten up on the board and rode a wave...even if it was only for a few seconds... it still counts! I must give a shout out to my good mate Todd who is the reason I am now able to make this claim to fame. Todd was kind enough not only to lend me his board but also his wetsuit top so that I did not freeze, become numb and die in the water. Thanks bro...
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Giving Thanks
49
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11/23/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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This past week has been crazy! Gretchen, Emily and I went out with DrugArm on Friday night which is an organization that drives around and gives free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to prostitutes and the homeless. It was such an eye-opening and heart-breaking experience. We were out until about 2:30 am. The amount of prostitutes was surprising. We met a man who had lived on the streets for 23 years. Being able to pray with these people was such a blessing. The next morning we woke up early and went caving! That was a whole other experience! We abseiled into the caves and then once down their Darin, the guy we went with, gaves us our flashlights and said, "Okay find your way out!". So we walked and crawled carefully until we came up through a waterfall and were safe again in the light. I realized it can be related to your walk with God because often times we are in the drak ad we don't know where to go. We run into walls, scrape our knees and bump our heads, but God is that light that we find at the end of the tunnel. He is there the whole time holding our hand, we jsut have to put Him before anything else and trust that He is telling us the right way! Then His love will pour down on us, just like that waterfall! The best part is, of course, when we are once again surrounded by light.
On a different note, since kiwis don't get Thanksgiving we are giving it to them! We are currently preparing for a feast for about 65 guests tomorrow night! We also prepared a drama so that we can share with them the story of Thanksgiving. I also thank God for each of you that reads our team reports and prays for us! Thank you so much! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Symbols on my Hands
48
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11/22/2005
By: Emma!!!
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Last Tuesday, I was out at my internship doing some filing since the girl I'm meant to be working with didn't show up. During the course of making up the filing system, I just had the sudden urge to write a verse on my hand. Thus, "Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?" (Numbers 23:12) was inked onto my left hand.
The next morning, through the course of reading my bible I was in the book of Deuteronomy, verses 6:8-9 popped out at me. "Tie them (the commands) as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." From that the Lord just revealed to me that from that point on I need to write verses on my hand. Not sure how long I will need to keep this up, but I'll only stop when it stops being a conviction of mine.
Everyday a new verse gets written on my hand - to remind me of Scripture throughout the day, and also to spark conversation with people that I meet in the community if they ask about the writing on my hand. Jonathan pointed out something else that I hadn't thought of either - the sword is literally in my hand everyday. The sword of the Spirit, of the word is always there. Albeit, I am not a leftie. But the Lord is strong when/where I am weak, right?
One quick story as a result of this:
The day after the Lord told me to begin this practice we were running the soup kitchen, and I was out on the streets telling people about it and talking to them. One guy named Ash, asked me if I had a tattoo on my hand and I was able to explain to him what was there. The day after the Lord showed me why I needed to do this. The very next day! It can't get much more exciting than that kids.
Disclaimer: Don't worry mom and dad, I'm not writing anything on my forehead (that would be a bit extreme!). We are putting verses up throughout the house here on notecards though.
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Making God's heart my heart
47
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11/22/2005
By: Emily "Lee" Leestma
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Wow, how can time fly by so fast? We as a team got to put up Christmas decorations last Monday night which was fun and then tomorrow we are putting on a Thanksgiving dinner for some of our Kiwi friends.
The Lord is so good and faithful and it excites me to see him moving and working through my team and him changing me personally. I am currently learning..again...that I do not have any rights. I made the decision to give up my own personal desires and comforts when coming here and it is then in my sacrifice and humility that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I want the Lord to break my pride. My prayer is that "He must become greater, I must become less." John 3:30
Friday night I was able to go out with the DrugArm organization in a van for the first time. We were out on the streets of Auckland from 7pm-2:30am. My favourite but hardest moment was when we found a man named Fred lying on some cardboard boxes behind a building under some bushes in a shady part of town. It was a bit chilly that evening and all he had was a little sweatshirt thrown over him. We were able to give him a blanket and some warm soup and a sandwich and some hot tea and then just sat there on the dirty ground next to him and listened to him talk about life. My heart was breaking for him and we prayed for him before we left. Then he grabbed my clean young hand with his worn, dirty, rugged one and kissed my hand and said thank you for "calling" on him. Its amazing that some people really live like this! It was an eye opening experience and the Lord just filled my heart with compassion.
Ah, Im sorry this is so long! Keep your prayers coming! Praise Jesus for his unfailing love!
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God's Blessings are the Best
46
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11/20/2005
By: Travis Buchanan
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For one of my internships, I help lead 'Campus Climb.' It is a club for middle and high schoolers to get the chance to rock climb at a local rock gym every wednesday evening. This opportunity alone is such a blessing to be able to once again be a positive role model for these kids and also be a big-brother type influence for them. Almost all of these kids are non-churched and I have had a numerous chances to share a little about my personal faith and to challenge them a little about their own lives.
Well, this past saturday, I had the privelage to chaperone a Caving trip with Darren Worsfield, the leader of Campus Climb. He is an amazing Christian guy who pours his heart into these kids. He was gracious enough to let us use all of his equipment for the day. God is so good and it was such a treat to see His amazing creation under the earth as well.
Please feel free to view the photos online.
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God owes me nothing!
45
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11/20/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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God has done some great things in and through me since I have been here, but sometimes he takes us through droughts to make us stronger. I think right now I am training to be stronger.
I have learned to listen to God. I have learned about being obedient and how he can use us if we are. I have learned that he has a huge plan for my life. I have learned that he has called me to play basketball in Otara and be patient for him to move. But recently, I feel very far from God, however, I believe this is by choice.
I think now, after 2 months, I have finally decided that giving up personal rights (like privacy) is not easy. As a result, I have become somewhat homesick. I have also felt like the ministry that I have started is not really where I had hoped it would be...but I am learning, and as I said God takes us through droughts to make us stronger.
If you notice the above sentences there is a reoccurring word..."I." Lately, God is showing me, I have been worried about me. I have placed God aside and made me the center. Once we take God out or even move him a bit, he cannot do what he wants in us. As a well known praise songs says, "It's all about you, Jesus!" It is not about me.
Everything we do, everything I do should be for God's glory. When we start putting God into our agenda, we can get no where, but when we realize that God's agenda is the only agenda that truly makes sense, then we will see God and all his glory.
I am learning that God does not owe me anything, but I owe him everything.
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Bungee Away!!!
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11/17/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Chruch- Plymouth, WI
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I love adventure and excitement...the thrill and feeling in your gut! Well if you've checked out our pictures you already know that I and three other girls on the team went Bungee Jumping last weekend!! It was SO exhilarating and probably one of the most fun things I've ever done. I want to do it again and again.
When I think about this and compare it to my spiritual life I have to ask, "Am I that excited and do I have that much faith to take a leap in all areas of my life, trusting that God will hold me?" On the simple things I trust, comparable to jumping off a porch but when it's a big thing in my life comparable jumping off a bridge, I am SO hesitant. I recall waiting my turn to bungee jump...I wasn't hesitant; I wasn't even all that scared. I was SO excited to experience something new, something extreme. The thought of fear crossed my mind for a moment but I quickly let it pass because it would do me no good in the situation.
When it come to my life, jumping out and trusting God I let that fear get to me. It doesn't help the situation one bit, in fact it holds me back from experiencing the fullness of life that God wants to offer me. Experiencing the exhilaration and gratification that comes from jumping into God's arms must be so much more than that which came from jumping off a bridge. I want that and therefore must push away the fear that haunts me. I must trust and trust with anticipation of greatness!
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Encouragement From the Lord
43
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11/17/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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The Lord has been encouraging me in small ways the past couple of days in such sweet ways! The other day at one of my internships, I was asking the Lord if I was making a difference in the life of one of the girls I serve. She is very hard and rough around the edges, and I know we are not going to be instant friends but a little head-way would be nice. I just didn't see my actions or serving making any difference, which is okay, but I was asking the Lord if I was not listening to Him closely enough to hear what He wanted me to say or do for this particular girl. As I headed upstairs to say good-bye to her, I poked my head in her bedroom and told her that I would see her next week. She stopped what she was doing and said that she was looking foward to next Tuesday, and she hoped that I had a good week! Even though it was so little, I knew it was an encouraging word from the Lord! I was so thankful! It truly made the rest of my night! The Lord has been encouraging me in other ways as well, such as prayer requests being answered immediately and sweetly reminding me that He is always here with me. What a great God we serve!
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Prayer in the Upper Room
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11/15/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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For those who don't know, we have started and are involved in a soup kitchen here in Papatoetoe every Thursday afternoon called the Upper Room. One of the ministries that we do during the meal is have people rotating in and out of a prayer room that we've set up at the place where we have the meal. The goal is to have people praying the entire time that we are serving and ministering to the people. Last week I was suppose to be in the prayer room for a little while and then rotate out with someone else...but I ended up staying in there for the whole time. It was a great time of just talking with God and letting the Holy Spirit lead our prayers. When it was time to leave I was struck by the fact that even though I was in the room praying for 2 hours it only seemed like 5 minutes... could that be a glimpse of what Heaven and eternal life will be like? In the presence of God time is irrelevant... if we are able to experience that here on earth how much greater must it be in Heaven where God Himself is?
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Adonai is here
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11/13/2005
By: Emily "Emma" Martin
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I'd been trying to think what I could update about, and I couldn't think of anything for the life of me. Then it dawned on me. I have an internship now!!!! Very exciting news, especially after I have been praying to the Lord about it ever since we have gotten to this great land.
I'm working at a place called Creative Learning Scheme, which just by the name doesn't really tell you anything. What they do is work with at-risk youth ages 16-18. These are the kids that have gone through alternative schooling programs because they have been expelled or suspended way too many times from the regular school system here. They come to this particular course program by their own choice, they aren't forced to be there.
What I have been doing is going in three times a week to help out the lady in charge there, and just be there for the kids. It is going to take a while for the kids to get used to me, and even begin thinking about trusting me. I will primarily be working with a girl named Raita. We hung out today for the first time, and it was incredibly difficult to get anything out of her. I know that God has been preparing me for this, and is going to continue to be with me. Nevertheless, I will need to be continually reminded of the bigger picture and not rely on my own strength at all.
This ministry will stretch me in ways that I would have never imagined, but Adonai is here. He is wanting me to fight for this girl (for all the students there), and I just have got to be willing to stand in the gap for them.
Praise the Lord for providing me with a ministry, and for guiding me throughout this whole time!
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God, my hiding place
40
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11/13/2005
By: Aubrey L. Polin
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ripplechurch, Sacramento CA
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So it's true, sometimes I'm scatterbrained. "Heaps" of thoughts go running through my head, and sometimes the enemy really gets the best of me because I can't seem to focus on anything and I just get stressed out.
On our day off, everyone went bungee-jumping, but I was so exahausted from my mind being all over the place that I just stayed in bed. Later that day, I helped Dave, Trav and Ryan paint an "aluminium" roof. It was so good just to do a relatively mindless and constant act of service before the Lord. I calmed down, my mind got a little break, and the rest of the day I finally felt refreshed. It reminded me of Elizabeth Elliot's words in "Secure in the Everlasting Arms": "Do the next thing." It was soothing for me.
Those few hours of simple service at the the foot of the cross helped me the next day as I had church, taught Sunday school, and served the people around me. Seriously, it's so good to be able to go to God for rest and see how much he is then able to bless others through me because I'm filled with his love.
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God is molding me!
39
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11/13/2005
By: Ryan Amstutz
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Growing...Sunday the team went to help out at a Christian festival/fair called SkyFaulkes. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was afraid I was going to get a job there that I wouldn't be able to do. I was put in charge of the climbing wall which I was like yea this is cool I'm going to get swamped with kids. It started out really slow but then towards the end of the day it picked up and there was a line. Ok now what all this has to do growing. Throughout the day I was able to be firm with the kids and still have fun with them. I had really been struggling with speaking with authority and usually kids would basically run all over me. Yea God's really been showing me how to have a balance between being gentle and being firm. Thank God for showing me this growth!
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The Art of Fasting
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11/11/2005
By: Travis Buchanan
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One might think, by the title given, that I am going to explain, in detail, all the biblical reasonings and theological arguments as to why every believer should study and practice regularly the art of Fasting.....but I'm not! This is simply a short lesson God has just shown me over the past two weeks.
Tuesday, October 25th, a member of the team felt God calling him to do a 4-week fast from all forms of chocolate. For whatever reason, not a call of personal conviction though, I spoke up my big mouth and said "oh, I'll do that with you." Initially, my intentions were quite selfish in thinking that it would be good for me and quite healthy as well. So, right from the start, I was never anticipating 'spiritual growth,' if you will, from this activity. However, as He does best, God works out everything according to His plan and to use every opportunity as a teaching moment.
Some evening during week #2, we were all sitting around the table, just finishing up dinner. The chefs for that day (sorry I can't remember who) decided they wanted to bless the team by making a deliciously smelling chocolate-chip type gooey bar thing for dessert. We were all just chatting and have a good time, some ranting and raving about dessert. Over the next couple of minutes, the enemy kept encouraging me to satisfy my flesh and he continually reminded me that I never had any convictions from God to even begin this so called "fast" in the first place and I definately didn't need to finish what I began.
Praise God for a strong family to lean on! Michael jumped right in and fought my battle for me. He slayed the enemy for me because I was too weak to fight at that moment. Michael recognized my weakness, picked me up, and carried me through. It was in that moment that I realized the importance of a family. If I was on my own, I would have failed.
This seems like a silly example of spiritual warfare, but I truly believe it is the perfect example. That temptation of chocolate could very well be the same as a temptation of starting that rumor of the boss you despise, or letting the power to covet consume your mind as you see your neighbor pull up in their brand new Land Rover, or even entertaining those lustfull thoughts as you watch your favorite movie. Satan doesn't care HOW we stumble, he only cares THAT we stumble. And I feel it is our duty as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be ready and willing to jump in when we see someone lose the strength to fight the battle on their own.
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Every Child is an Artist
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11/10/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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As I have said before I am working with kids that have been neglected. The shelter is really a hard place to be in. As time has gone by though, I feel much more accepted there. The kids are starting to want to talk, the moms are opening up.
I have been working most closely with two specific children, who are brother and sister. They have been through a hard time, but God has had His hand on them and place them just recently with a loving family. It is still hard though, because they have been seperated from their siblings. I have really connected with the little girl, and it is so amazing that she is actually teaching me as much as I am teaching her. We were coloring the other day, and I said something like "Look at that talent! You are an artist." And she just looked at me and said, "Every Child is an Artist". It really hit me that htis little girl is so strong and so confident. The pink scribbles she was making on her page suddenly became bright and alive. How true is it that we are all artists, though? God sees our work and He admires it. Even when we think we did a bad job, He is rekiocing for the things we have done. I am being blessed by the children and daily encouraged to have the heart of a child.
We have also been working with those who have never had the chance to be children. We are starting to go out on Friday nights to minister to prostitutes. Last Friday i was on t the "prayer team" and I just walked around the streets and prayed for the girls, and for the people on our team that were having direct conversations with them. What an eye-opener and a shock of reality. The thing that hits me the most though is that God loves them just as much as He loves anyone of us and it is our job to show them that. Our soup kitchen has also been a wonderful oppurtunity to love people for who they are and to meet their needs. The Lord is definetly working here in New Zealand. Please continue to pray for us! Thank you so much and you are also in our prayers.
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Why I don't have a black eye right now
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11/8/2005
By: Aubrey Lyn Polin, FYM
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Last Friday some of the team walked down late at night to Hunter's Corner, which is a popular place for prostitutes. In my last update, I said that we didn't make much headway with the prostitutes themselves (as opposed to the people nearby), but we were still hopeful. Well, last Friday was pretty awesome.
We went out in three groups: those that were walking on the street praying for everyone they saw, three girls that were going to talk to people, and the two guys that walked behind that group for protection. I was in the group that talked to people.
We saw a prostitute sitting on a bench and stopped to talk and ended up not leaving that spot for about an hour. A bunch of other women started to gather there, and so we had lots of conversations with them, learning more about their lives, their histories, and their dreams for their lives.
I talked to one lady (who wasn't a prostitute) for almost the whole night. She was at first very crude and hostile to Mandy, Vee, and me. She said a lot of pretty rude things about me, about Christians, about Americans, and basically everything she could think of that I identified with. I didn't really mind because I expected it. But the whole time, I had this really bad feeling that she was going to punch me at any moment, and so did my teammates.
At one point a cop car pulled up and the officers asked us if we needed a ride home. When we said that we were fine and were just talking to some friends, they made prejudiced comments and left. When the lady I was talking to said that treatment was "typical", I said, "I'm sorry that it's typical. You're worth more than that." She didn't exactly accept the compliment. She replied, "Well, aren't you precious?" So that didn't go over too well.
Then a Drug-ARM van pulled up and started giving out hot drinks to everyone. I offered to get her coffee, which she accepted. Once I had given it to her, she took a tiny sip and commented on how hot the coffee was. Then she really appeared to be thinking about throwing it in my face. She kept walking towards me with the coffee stretched out in front of her, and I took several steps backwards. Just as I was thinking, "Ok Lord, if you want me to take hot coffee in the face for you, I will. Just please protect my eyes", she stopped, lowered the coffee, and looked me in the eye. Then she said, after 45 of minutes of hostile conversation, "Thank you for coming out here tonight and talking to me. It's really amazing." YES! She let me shake her hand, and for the last ten minutes that we were out there she was really nice to me and we had a good conversation.
I saw Friday night how persistent love can break down walls. And looking back, I'm surprised by how quickly her walls did come down. It only took 45 minutes of attention to make an angry, hostile woman accept friendship from a stranger. How many other hurting people are there around us that just need persistent love?
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WOW! All I can say is WOW!
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11/6/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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I have always heard about God's healing power and how he can use us to do it, but I have never seen anyone healed on the spot.
I have always believed in the power of prayer, at least I thought I did, and that He can heal people through prayer. I have never, however, seen anyone healed through the laying on of hands and on the spot. I am still seeking God on what this all means, so for those of you who know me and I have not told you about this...sorry...I just do not know how yet.
Anyway, with all that said here is what happened...This past Friday night I was really seeking the Holy Spirit and asking him to fill me. Upon this prayer, He told me to go lay hands on Lee's ankle (it had been bothering her all day, and sometimes it would just give out on her). At first, I was very reluctant, and argued back and forth with God a bit. Then finally after some dealings with Him, I submitted.
I went into the kitchen where Lee was and asked her which ankle was bothering her. She told me that it was the left ankle. I then told her that I believed that God wanted me to lay hands on it. She readily agreed, because it was bothering her so much. We sat down, and I obeyed. I laid my hands on her ankle and in the name of the Holy Spirit I prayed for the healing. After I was done, I did not know what to do, so I just left.
As I went outside Michael, whom I had told earlier what was going on, asked me if it was healed. To which I replied, "I don't know." He then said, "Well go find out!" As I walked to go see, Lee was walking out in tears. She was saying, "It doesn't hurt! It doesn't hurt!" All I could say was WOW! I was excited, but very humbled, but very scared. I had several emotions, but right now I am just seeking understanding of it all. It was all God, but why did he use me?
I am growing and experienceing a whole lot. God is real inside me, and I am excited about that!
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Caution: God At Work
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11/5/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Church- Plymouth, WI
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I finally feel useful. Life has become busy. My internships have fully taken off. I know have plans to meet weekly with two girls for 1-on-1’s and do tutoring after school with a group of boys!
Things with the soup kitchen are taking off. We have seen evidence of God working in amazing ways through it. This past week I meet a young couple Jalayah (20) and Kahn (19). Neither of them have jobs at this point but both have big dreams! They’ve agreed to meet me for church tonight so I’m excited to see God work in their lives!
The church I’m meeting them at is new to me. I just started attending the night service 2 weeks ago and I LOVE it! I am a minority amongst the Pacific Islanders and it feels good to be that…I finally can tell I’m in a different country. The people have been so friendly and inviting and I’ve become actively involved in their community, trying to learn as much as I can from their rich culture! One part of the culture here involves sports, which I very much enjoy. So, I jumped on the opportunity to join a Rugby Tag (flag) team with mostly Pacific Island locals! Camilla has also joined the team and we had our first game on Tuesday, winning 14-12 (I even scored a tri (touchdown)).
God has been so amazingly wonderful and blessing the work that goes on here. Relationships are being built between so many people and God can be spread and shown through relationships.
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Stretched!!!
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11/3/2005
By: Ryan Amstutz, FYM
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Wow, my last report I said it was hard just helping someone out with there drink. Yea that is very insignificant compared to this past weekend at the camp with Disaabled Trust, a camp that had well over four hundred people. It was probably the hardest weekend of my entire life. I got to camp Friday night (Oct.21) to find out that I was to care for a man with cerebral palsy. I was thinking whoa God I don’t think I’m ready for this. I wasn’t ready, but God was ready to catch me. God truly was my strength that weekend and he led me through it step by step. The most awesome thing was the praise and worship times throughout the weekend. It was so incredibly awesome to see that many people with or without disabilities praising God with all of their hearts. I was really touched by everyone’s willingness serve and to be served. In the end I feel as if I was more blessed by those that I ministered to than what they were. God put in me such a passion to really care for them as he does. I praise the Lord for stretching me beyond what I thought I would be able to be!
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New Internship!!!!
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10/31/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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The Lord is so faithful! As most of you know, I have been desiring to work with women who are living a life in prostitution. I keep seeking any route that will get me there but none of them have consistent availabilities. This week, though, the Lord finally set up a meeting between a lady named Bronwyn Morris and me. She and her husband Gregg own a home entitled Awhina Teina (sounds like A-fina Tea-ena), which ministers to girls 17 years old and younger who are involved in prostitution. (The house can only hold three girls at the moment, but they are looking to expand.) After talking with Bronwyn, we agreed that I can help out at their house each week! I will head over there on Tuesday afternoons and do anything she needs of me whether it is cleaning the house, doing dishes, laundry, planting a garden, weeding the gardens, whatever it is that will help her focus on the girls. She has also invited me to stay for dinner on Tuesday nights with the family and also told me that on Saturdays they go out to the beach or go out hiking and wanted to know if I would enjoy hanging out with them. Of course I would love that! The Lord truly provided! He has enabled me to serve a wonderful ministry and grow in relationships with the girls and family members! Thank you for all who have been praying for me and my internships! The Lord is so wonderful to me!
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A toothpick? Yes, but I am duct-taped to a lead pipe!
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10/31/2005
By: Aubrey Lyn Polin, FYM
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Last night a few of us were feeling adventurous, so Vee said, "Let's go climb a mountain or something!" Jason (the coolest Kiwi around) took us out to this mountain by the sewage drains (sorry, TMI) and we climbed it. Actually, we hobbled up, huffing and puffing, because this pile of dirt had a 110% incline for about 100 miles ("HUFF It's ok PUFF Jesus climbed HUFF Calvary PUFF I can climb HUFF this"). But it was worth it. When I got to the top, it was kinda funny because I saw this tree with some boulders around it and thought, "That would be a perfect place for a Bible study". That's just where my mind is these days. I really like teaching Sunday school and trying to show people who God is and why he's such a cool dude. I'm finding that as I prepare and even teach the lesson, I learn so much more than the kids I'm teaching!
I've been teaching on God's goodness and his strength, and how they work together. And I never even saw before how absolutely different God's strength is than mine because of his goodness tha goes with it. God can crush my lungs, form mountains, silence the birds if he wants, but he's good. So instead, God flies with me through my good times, sustains me when I'm hungry, dies on crosses for me, tenderly loves my soul through dark and lonely nights. Only God can because of his strength, and only God will because of his goodness. I'm going through a time of really missing my fiance and trying not to be distracted by it but also remembering to let myself feel it so that I don't harden my heart, and it's kind of hard (understatement of the universe). But God spoke and said to me from Psalm 73:"My heart and my flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" and then he said, "Do you know what this means, Aubrey? It means I am enough. I am enough to get you through this. Just like your portion for dinner sustains your body through the night, so I am enough to sustain you through this night. Come to me, and you will find rest for your soul." Oh, good stuff.
She is no fool who loses what she cannot keep in order to gain what she cannot lose. God is good all the time, and he has satisfied me and always will. I love him.
GO TEAM GOD!!!
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Drug Arm
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10/31/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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What is Drug Arm you may ask... Well I'm you ask. Drug Arm is a ministry that focuses on helping the prostitutes, drug addicts, and homeless. They do this by taking a van out every weekend and serving them hot drinks, food, and the love of God. This is a ministry that has been made available for us to be apart of and one that I am very interested in being apart of, if for nothing else, just to open my eyes and catch a glimpse of what life on the streets is really like. Last weekend we went to a Drug Arm training course where they told us what Drug Arm is about and gave us a brief run down of some of the most prevalent drugs and substances that are abused here in New Zealand. We should be able to start going out in a van within the next few weeks. So, stay tuned and I'm sure that there will be some interesting stories that come from this.
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Madly In Love With You
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10/30/2005
By: Travis Buchanan
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Recently, our paryer as a team was that 'what we do in here fills the streets out there' meaning that the ways in which God is revealing His love and grace to us in new and mighty ways would be revealed to the people we meet each day on the streets. That it would be blatently obvious that we are madly in love with our Lord and Savior!
Each Thursday, we have what we call 'Family Day.' This is where we get together and minister to the community of Papatoetoe as a team. It amazes me more each day how God has provided for this soup kitchen we call The Upper Room. This is the ministry we have assisted Michael in starting for the underprivelaged here in the community to come for a free quality lunch. The overall goal is to turn into a resource center where people can come to us with various needs and we will either help fulfill those needs ourselves or point them in the direction for other ministries to assist them.
It has been going on for two weeks now. The first week we had about 20 people. Within a week, the Lord brought close to 50 and we are hoping for at least 75 this next week! God is definitely moving here in Papatoetoe. Please continue to pray for the hearts and souls of the people here in Papatoetoe and all of New Zealand!
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Psalm 13
28
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10/27/2005
By: Emily "Emma" Martin
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My goodness! Where do I begin? The past couple of weeks have been a series of ups and downs for me. I still don't have a "ministry" persay that I am involved in. For some reason, nothing has been working out. I'm a girl leader for YFC on Tuesday nights, but I still need an internship for the days. Needless to say, towards the end of last week I was getting quite frustrated. Not just at myself for not having anything, but at God as well.
Fortunately I realized this, and I went straight to Him concerning all my doubts and questions. The best part is He answered me - well for the questions He wanted to at least. Vee has also been a huge blessing to me while we figure things out.
I'm now in a place where I can see a lot of the blessings that the Lord has provided me with during this limbo time. He's allowing me to be flexible in my schedule so that the other girls and I can have one on one times together (One of my goals while I'm here is to learn how to be vulnerable again - somedays are better than others). He's helping me work on trusting Him more and more everyday - not that that comes easy to me. He's breaking me of things that I usually would do and preparing my heart for when I eventually do get an internship.
We've got a couple more contacts concerning potential places that I can work with youth, but it's all in the Lord's hand. Please be in prayer for me and just that the right doors will be opened for me (and I don't want to push it, but for them to be opened soon). Thank you all so much, you rock!!! Praise the Lord for His faithfulness!
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27
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10/27/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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What a week! We have been so busy and I am loving every minute of it. I am getting to know a lot of the kids at Baptist Action (where I am interning) so much better! There are are so sweet and I am being reminded daily to have the heart of a child. So many kids have been through so much more than they deserve and it is awesome to be able to show them the love that they have sadly missed but are so worthy of. The soup kitchen (The Upper Room) is going great. Yesterday was the second time that we had it and we cooked Chickpea Curry Chicken, which an experiment for us, but seemed to be a real hit. Many people came and left with a bible and saying that they were planning on coming back next week. God is workiong through that ministry and I am excited for the weeks to come. I feel so blessed to be in this beautiful country and am continuing to just learn so much. We are taking a Drug Arm class tonight and tomorrow to learn how to minister on the streets to prostitutes and the like. I can't wait. Thanks for all your prayers and support!
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Arts and crafts
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10/26/2005
By: Emily "Lee" Leestma
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I am excited to report that I have started working at my internship wtih Radio Lollipops at Middlemore Hospital in Manukau. Radio Lollipops is a service at the local hospital in which I hang out in the waiting room of the ER and entertain kids and talk with parents and just bring light and humor to the place.
Yesterday, there was a girl there named Shayal with a broken arm and we started coloring together. Her dad came over and so we started to have a conversation. I was praying for the Lord to give me an opening if He wanted me to share with him more than just a smile. The topic of beliefs came up and so he shared with me what he believed about heaven and hell and basically said that he didn't believe in either but something about that the way you treat your parents will decided whether your children are blessed or not on this earth.
My heart hurt for him because he was so deceived by Satan's lies. Unfortunately, in the hospital scene I am not "allowed" to talk about religion or anything like that, but just at that moment my supervisor told me she wanted to go outside to smoke. Praise Jesus! So discreetly but purposefully, I was able to share with him about the love of Jesus and God's grace and mercy. He just nodded and pondered it but didnt really say anything but a seed had been planted and even Shayal was listening to what I was saying. Then the doctor called and they had to go, but it was so sweet the way the Lord provided for me to share verbally His love on my first day of work...and I didnt get fired! :)
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God Works In Mysterious Ways!
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10/25/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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Sometimes we think God is telling us something for the day and that is what we plan to do, but the truth is God had something else altogether in mind. This is exactly what happened to me this past week
This one particular day was a beautiful day, which is rare for New Zealand at this time of year. It was a beautiful day for playing basketball. I normally bike into town, but this one particular day I got a ride in, because I was suppose to be meeting with one of the pastors there to see how I could help him in his ministry. Therefore, he was going to drive me home. Well, God had other plans.
As I said it was a beautiful day to play basketball, so I took my basketball with me, so I could play while I waited on my pastor friend. I began shooting around (at the time I was the only one there). As I was playing, I could see two guys walking from the distance. Initially, I just thought they were just guys walking around, but as I shot I could tell they were coming toward me. I tried to play it cool until I knew for sure they were coming up to me, plus I knew that my pastor friend was suppose to be there soon and that I thought I would be leaving soon.
They did finally walk up, and asked if they could play. I naturally told them that they could. These guys were an odd pair. One of the guys was a fairly tall, Polynesian guy. He was probably about 6'5" and had a bit of a gut. His eyes were red as if he had been smoking a lot (which I found out later he does). The other guy was a short, Vietnamese guy. He was probably about 5'4" and very skinny. Needless to say, they were an interesting pair to look at. I also should point out that these guys gave off a bit pf a thug-like apprearance. They had thier caps turned sideways and their clothes were very baggy and dark. As we played, however, I learned a bit more about them as well as their names, of which I will keep anonymous.
Meanwhile, I was wondering where my pastor friend was. He was suppose to be there at 2:30 and it was about 3:00. But as I was talking to these guys, they figured out that I was from the States and new to the area and that I had no car. They began talking about wanting to take me "out," to which I just politely declined. They then asked if I had been to the malls in a town nearby, and I told them that I had not but had heard about it. They wanted to take me there, which I thought ok sure, but they wanted to go right then and there. I had known these guys for 30 minutes and they wanted to take me, in their car, to some place I had never been before. Realizing that this could be two relationships that could be good for my ministry, I reluctantly told them that I would go. Therefore, on the way to the car I was in continuous prayer for protection, since the neighborhood I was in has a quite a bad reputation and they didn't give off the best appearance.
To make an already long story shorter, God protected me and blessed our time together. The three of us spent all afternoon together. I got to know them pretty well, but the best thing is I planted a seed in them. I told them that God had sent me all the way from America to tell them that He loves them. I gave them the Gospel in words and I believe in actions as well, because they came back to see me at the courts the very next day.
They may be coming to play ball with me simply because I have a basketball, but either way I get to share God with them every time I see them, and sometimes that involves words.
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Broken
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10/20/2005
By: Ryan Amstutz, FYM
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Wow just when you think you know what your doing God steps in and wakes you up. I thought I was just going to do these 9 months in New Zealand then go on to a career, other mission opportunities, Bible college, or... I had kind of decided on a game plan with this but....This morning God spoke to me and just broke down a lot of those plans. He told me that I needed to just give up everything including my future, my comfort, my family, my friends, my desire to be with them, and everything to serve God.(Matt.10:37-39) This was very difficult but my desire is to serve God comepletely. This doesn't mean that I forget about my family and friends, but that I place my love for God first and formost.
I have been voluntering at Christian Minitries with Disabled Trust. It has been a stretch, but God has been teaching me so much about listening, caring, and compassion. Probably the hardest thing I did this past week was feed a guy a cookie and give him a drink. God is definitely teaching me to be a servant.
This past weekend I went to a camp with some young adults from the local church. It was really sweet. It was at a beach and it was so peaceful. It was so wonderful just to see the beauty that God has created. Through out the weekend we watched some dvds on evangelism which were very helpful.
Praise God for the work that he is doing here.
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Joy Comes in the Morning!
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10/18/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Church- Plymouth, WI
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Things have changed SO much. God has completely won my heart. Joy has returned to me…thanks to all those who prayed for me. I’ve been blessed! Things have fallen into place with the selection of my internships and the busyness of our ministry work has begun! I will be working in a three different areas, two of which are with an organization called P.A.C.T. (Papatoetoe Adolescent Christian Trust). First with p.a.c.t. is Sports Impact, where I work with kids (8-15) who live at a place called Dingwall. Dingwall is a group home/school for kids who have been neglected or abused. Many of them have behavioral issues and difficulties working well with others. We help correct this by teaching them sports skills and promoting exercise. I already have relationship with a few of the girls and am hoping to be able to spend more time pouring into them.
The second ministry with p.a.c.t. is Perk-Up café which offers low cost coffee and biscuits for parents with young children…many of which are single parents. My hope is that I can connect with the single moms of the bunch and spend time supporting them however they need it. Lastly, I’ll be assisting at the church I’m attending (Papatoetoe Baptist Church), with the children’s ministry. All of these internships are exciting but I’m most excited about the kids at Dingwall. Please pray that doors will open up for me to work more closely and regularly with them.
Other things that have been heavily on my mind and heart are the importance of ministry in our everyday lives. That is so much of what we are doing here. It’s amazing how much time you have open if you actually sit down and schedule things out. You DO have time to minister to those around you! So, I’m excited to take what I’m learning here home with me but before I do I want to pass it on to a Kiwi that they can continue the work that’s been begun! As always, with God, exciting things lay ahead! Praise God for His faithfulness and genuine concern for our daily lives!
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Soup
22
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10/17/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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We are in the beginning stages of opening a soup kitchen here in Papatoe. So, this week has been filled with getting things ready for our "grand opening" on this coming Thursday. This ministry is the result of a vision that Michael had and shared with us when we first arrived here in New Zealand. God has really been behind this from the start. Not only did God give Michael the vision for it but He has also just this past week, provided a building for us to have it in free of charge. So, please be in prayer that we will continue to seek the Lord in the direction He wants this to go.
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Hearing the Lord
21
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10/16/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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The Lord is so wonderfully amazing. He has been teaching me about surrender and to let go of all that I hold onto so dearly. To fully live for the Lord I must die to my fleshly desires, which for me was the unhealthy attachments to family and loved ones back home. I went a period where I did not hear from a loved one, and because of that, I had to cling to the Lord every day because I missed them so much. On the last day, I finally admitted to Him that only He could truly fulfill me. I knew that only in the Lord could I find my true identity and security. The LORD IS FAITHFUL! He spoke a single phrase to me, but with such love that I knew it was not my own thoughts but His! I have begun clinging to Him and seeing how intimate we can be! I truly do not NEED anyone, but because God loves me, He places all of my loved ones in my life as icing on the cake, His agape love for me disguised in human form. As the week has continued, I have seen the need to stay in this initmate relationship, and how much I take for granted. I have the PRIVILEGE to read the word everyday! I have the PRIVILEGE to pray every single day! Forget about reading and praying because we have to! I read His word because it expresses His love to me even more, and I pray because it gives us a chance to converse freely with each other. PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GOODNESS! :) Obviously the time here has been amazing, and the Lord is working through this team in extraordinary ways. Thank you to each of you who made this trip possible for our team. Keep checking up on us to see where the Lord is working because He is obviously here in New Zealand!
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Mochos, Rugby and Bloodshed
20
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10/16/2005
By: Aubrey Lyn Polin
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On Friday night, Gretchen, Mandy, Lee and I went out to Hunter's Corner to do some street ministry. It's a pretty effective place to be if you're a prostitute, so we went there intending to talk to them.
Earlier that day, God had said, "I've got some work for you today." I said, "Anything I need to know before I get started?" He used a phrase from John Ortberg's "Love Beyond Reason" and said, "Love me, love my rag dolls." Then he said, "Romans Road". So I thought, "Sweet, I'll lead someone through the Romans Road today!".
So we're out there on this strip that night and not having much luck with the prostitutes. They told us to go away because we were bad for business. Then we walked past this Maori man with a mocho (a tribal tattoo covering his face). We asked him abotu it, and his culture, and his life. The conversation turned to God when Lee asked what God Maoris worship and who they think he is. Then God said, a little louder than he usually speaks to me, "Romans Road"...no it was more like "ROMANS ROAD". Then Lee started immediately to share from Romans 6:23, which is part of the Romans Road. I was so excited and started sharing too.
I don't know what it was, but something was happening inside him as we spoke. I knew God had been faithful and had ordained that nighttime conversation. I got to pray with him and it was so cool (I'm squirming in my chair I'm so happy!). He said, "I just came down here to get a drink and see my old neighborhood, and that you Christian girls would come talk to me at night when I'm drunk makes me very happy." Whoohoo!
On Saturday we went to a rugby game, Auckland vs. North Harbour. I'm pretty sure it was one of the most fun two hours of my life! That game is so intense! The guys had no padding or helmets and ran all over this field trying to kill each other...it was beautiful. I'm excited for the finals this weekend!
After we got home, four of us girls tried to "scrum", which involves locking shoulders with the other team and trying to knock them down with your brute strength. I ended up knocking heads with Camilla, and the sound was louder than Arco Arena during game 7 of the finals. She cried, I was dizzy, and we resolved to practice more.
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19
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10/14/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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Well, after some research and thought...I have an internship! I am going to be working at a place called Baptist Action. It is a shelter for battered moms and their children. I will be working with the kids and helping do some of the office work - two things I love. I am also plugged into a great chuch: Papatoetoe Baptist. This past couple weeks has been great, getting to know the area and the people..figuring out what my schedule is going to look like...and getting to know each other even better! We have been learning a lot from each other and mostly from our amazing leaders! I can't wait to learn so much more and to tell you so much more!
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Cheers, eh?
18
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10/10/2005
By: Emily "Lee" Leestma
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My goodness how the weeks fly! We have been in New Zealand for almost a month now and it is incredible to see how the Lord is already at work in this team, in this community, and in this country.
I had the privilege on serving along with Emma and Travis at a SpringBreak Youth for Christ camp down in Lake Taupo. In all honestly, it was rough and even discouraging working with kids who wouldnt listen or obey you, but God is so faithful. He provided opportunities for me to talk one on one with some kids about who He really is and what He has done in my life. I got to talk to a kid named Elijah about who Elijah was in the Bible and the cool things he did. This boy, Elijah, had never heard those stories before about his namesake, but just knew that his name was in the Bible.
The Lord has been teaching me lately about seeing God as El Shaddai, God Almighty! He is powerful and desires to show his power and answer us when we call to him. He is also working on my heart to change it into a heart of pure thankfulness and gratitude in all situations. Through this, I realize how much joy there is in living a life of ministry!
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Psalm 119:32
17
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10/10/2005
By: Emma
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It's really Emily M., but Emma on this trip since we have two Emily's
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Wow! Where do I begin? Last week I went on a Spring Breakaway camp that was run by Youth For Christ, with Travis and Lee. It was craziness! Imagine 60 some odd 11-14 year olds together. YFC primarily ministers to unchurched kids as well. So, it isn't like a typical "Christian" camp that one would think of from over in the States. The purpose is to present these kids with the gospel - and for a lot they are hearing it for the first time in their life.
What did I go through? A whole heck of a lot! I dealt with a lot of frustration because it took forever for the kids to listen. The Lord worked on my patience to say the least. He was there in all our conversations as well. The kids would approach us about things that were talked about in the chapel times, or even just ask us about our own lives and our experiences. One day I was able to steal a few moments away and I was asking the Lord why He had Travis, Lee, and I there. He basically told me that we were there to be a light, not only to the campers but to our fellow leaders.
There is so much to say, but what I want to leave you with this. One night the Lord for some reason felt the need to privledge me by using me as means for one of the boys at the camp to accept Christ. It was so awesome! I've never lead someone in a prayer before to ask Christ to be their Lord and Saviour, and it was totally the Lord in that moment that was speaking to Liam. Please keep him in your prayers, that the Lord will move mightly in his life. God is good!
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16
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10/10/2005
By: Travis Todd Buchanan III
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As we are seeking the Lord for which internship He wants us at, one of the options here in PapaToetoe is to help out with Youth For Christ (YFC). Mark Cambell, the gentleman that heads it up here, came and shared all about the program and some needs with office work. In the course of that time, he also mentioned about this trip they do for intermediate aged kids (11-15 yr. olds) that is called "Spring Breakaway." Mark came to speak to us on a Friday and the trip was the following Monday. Well, to make a long story short, God totally intervened and allowed three of us, Emma, Lee, and myself, to attend this trip and help out in any area possible. We really didn't know exactly what we would be doing, God just told us to go offer our services.
Well, as we all know, God is faithful and true to His word. Emma, Lee and I were completely blessed in and through this camp. God threw me into the role of leading 8 boys and a 'junior leader.' I really didn't know much as to what I was supposed to do, but God was able to use me anyway. The majority of these kids had never even been to church before. This technically wasn't a 'Christian' camp, it was a camp lead by Christians. Only about 1 hour a day was designated to chapel time. I know that doesn't sound like much, but God was so powerful and evident in those times and used those times to change some of the kid's hearts. I know of 6 boys in particular who made a decision to follow Christ. Praise God for His unchanging love!!!
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15
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10/9/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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Imagine if you were a part of a group of people that have never been out of your own home town. You have never even been to the next town over. The most exciting thing to do is to go to the local flea market on Saturday mornings. You live in a place that is considered by the rest of the region to be the very worst place to live. You are considered part of the minority and in a troubled place. You, basically, have no self-confidence, because that is all you have ever known your whole life...
This may be hard to imagine, but these are the type of people God is sending me to minister to. He has told me to go to this town carrying a basketball and just start playing. The idea is to attract kids, play ball with them, and share with them the hope in Jesus Christ. I have no idea what will come of this, but how cool would it be if God uses this town and these people to change the spiritual face of New Zealand!
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Feeling Joy
14
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10/2/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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Plymouth Alliance Church- Plymouth, WI
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I don't even know where to begin. I've just felt so weighted down. I'm fighting to hold on to the joy that I once had for ministry. I know it's there but I can barely grasp it! I was really thankful for my leader Amy who pulled me aside this week and asked me what was going on with me? I was able to share with her and discuss what's really going on. She was so encouraging in letting me know that she's been where I am and understands. I've asked several people to pray for me and I can already feel the Lords hand outstretched to me! The Lord is faithful. I know He has me here for a specific purpose and Satan is just trying to stop me from seeing that. I WILL NOT let him! I will find my purpose and the ministry God has set out for me here in New Zealand. There is so much that can be done. I just want to serve whole heartedly without holding back. I want to feel!
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Knowing the Community
13
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10/2/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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Here I am into week three in New Zealand, and it has been wonderful! So far we've had a Day of Solitude where our leaders dropped us off in the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Auckland. Our goal was to spend our time from 9:30am until 4:00pm with the Lord, listening to see if He had any leadings for our internships. Even though I did not hear anything specific from Him regarding an internship, it was wonderful to enjoy all the beautiful flowers, plants, and trees that He created.
We've also had a "Family Day" in which we get out into the community. This past Thursday we walked around our block (which has 140 houses on it), and talked with every person that was outside. God opened each person up and they were all willing to talk with us! It was so inspiring and uplifting! We started many relationships that day, which we can continue to grow and show people the Lord's love.
Lastly, we have begun mobilizing others who are interested in trips through Adventures in Missions. Mobilization is just a fancy word for contacting those who have shown interest and getting them through the application process onto the field they are interested in.
The team continues to grow together with our leaders through the Lord, and we continue to grow in the community.
Once again, thank you for all of your support and love!
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12
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10/2/2005
By: Aubrey Polin
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Things are beginning to get settled here finally. We began mobilization last week, which is basically office work sending out e-mails and making phone calls to people that are interested in mission trips with AIM. I'm having a fun time with it because I really like administrative work.
I'm also in the process of finding a church to attend and deciding which internships to do. Hopefully by next week I'll have come to a conclusion about both of them, but I'll be flexible. I'm looking into doing administrative work (yet again) for the local Youth for Christ office and also helping with the youth meetings, teaching Bible in Schools, leading a sunday school for 9-13 year-old-Cambodian girls, and also a local ministry with prostitutes. I don't know which of these I will do, but I'm gathering information and praying about it.
On Saturday, our day off, everyone went to our new friend Todd's house to play video games and deep fry stuff. That wasn't really my thing so I watched a movie with our base leader, Trena. We had a fun time eating a bunch of popcorn and drinking Coke.
All in all, I really like it in New Zealand, but the most amazing things that have happened here so far have been in my quiet times with God. I'm discovering a lot more about him, and the more I learn, the more I like. He's providing me with comfort and courage in a way that no other person ever could, and I'm falling in love with him so hard.
Three people (Travis, Emily M and Emily L) are gone this week at a youth camp and I miss them already, but I know that they're where God wants them and they'll come back with good stories. Peace out girl scout.
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Deep Fried Mars bars....yumm
11
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10/2/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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CHBC- OKC, OK
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So, last Saturday night we went over to a guy named Todd's house and hung out with him and a few of the locals. We watch movies, played xbox, and best of all...deep fried everything we could find. Donuts, starburst, mince pies, and oh yes, Mars bars. Good times!
It's been fun getting to know the people here, they are all very welcome and friendly. It's a nice change from the States, where most people you wouldn't want to just go up and talk to because they probably wouldn't say more then two words to you.
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Adjustments
10
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9/26/2005
By: Gretchen Palmer
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When you fly half way across the world there are obviously many changes you will encounter. Changes in culture, in environment, in speech, in communication, in spiritual mindset and most challenging for me in health. I've been fighting some sort of sickness nearly every day since I've been here. It's been weird but I haven’t let it get the best of me! My team members are so supportive and encouraging of one another. We've all had struggles with our separation from people at home but God continues to be our comforter and strength. I'm learning SO much about letting go of control and letting God do His job. He is definitely humbling me. Most recently my prayers has been that God will strip me of my pride and take away my insecurities.
We are beginning to sketch out what our schedules will look like each week as we leave orientation and begin our ministry. My specific internship is yet to be defined but God has brought to mind some ideas of where He may want me; either doing some brunt work in beginning a new AIM ministry of a soup kitchen or working with those struggling with drugs and sex. This week will be the determining week! I'm excited to get things on the way!
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God is good...
9
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9/26/2005
By: Jonathan Stapp, FYM
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Cherokee Hills Baptist Church- OKC, OK
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So, I've been here for a little over a week and a half now and have no complaints so far. I have no problems with the team at all, they are all great Godly people and I'm looking forward to working with and getting to know them better. It was really nice to be able to meet and work with the team for a week in the states before we got here in NZ. I think it helped us to "mesh" a little better then if we had just all shown up here and tried to get to know each other while "in the field".
Today we had a "day of solitude" where our leaders took us all to the Botanical Gardens and just dropped us off from about 9:30am till 4:00pm. The rules were that from the time we woke up until the time they picked us up at 4:00pm we could not talk to each other. The purpose was for us to spend the whole day having "God time". Just us and God for a whole day... I think the thought of spending a whole day doing nothing but talking with God scared some of us. After it was over though, we all sat down and shared how our day had gone. I don't think any of us were bored all day and a few people even shared that they didn’t' feel like they had enough time. So, I think we all came out of today with a better understanding of who God is and just realizing that we can spend all day with only Him and not get bored.
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Getting the Swing of Things
8
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9/19/2005
By: Amanda Owens
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Well, here I am finally in New Zealand! I cannot believe we are finally here, but God has gotten me here just as He promised so long ago. I want to thank all of you who have made this possible. You are the heart of God to me, and I want each of you to know how thankful I am to be here! This week we have been getting to know New Zealand culture, which is a lot different than I had expected. Yes, English is the main language, but you would not believe the language barrier here. You talk with some people, and they look at you like you were from another planet! It's taking some time getting used to the different words used here, and the common day-to-day lingo. So far, we have gone out into the community around us, and gone to one of the local churchs. We've begun learning about the internships available, and when that apsect of our trip will begin. I am so excited to begin ministering to the people here! Until then though the Lord continues working in me. I have begun to feel this high anticipation for something very exciting to happen. The only thing I can say is the Lord is about to do something A-MAZING! I can't wait to keep all of you updated! Once again, thank you for making this possible! I will talk to you again soon but until then...praising the Lord in Auckland!!
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New Zealand Excitement
7
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9/19/2005
By: Ryan Amstutz
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Well here I am in New Zealand!
What is it like? Cold, wet,sunny,windy, it changes by the minute!
People-what are they like? They have an awesome accent! They have been very friendly. We definitely stand out as American. We were asked at Kmart if we were like movie stars or something. Right?
What are we doing? Well,we're getting over jetlag. We're getting to know our way around Papatoetoe (pronounced "Papa-toey")We're also getting to know each other.
What's next? Finding a ministry to plug into. Exciting!
God has been very good, and I'm excited to see what he is going to do next!!!
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Starting out strong!
6
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9/19/2005
By: Emily Leestma
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Wow! It is so neat to look back and see how the Lord has gotten me to where I am right now in Auckland New Zealand and also what He has shown me in the past two weeks of beginning this First Year Missionary program. After arriving in Atlanta Georgia for training, I found out that we were heading down to Baton Rouge to serve at a shelter there for a few days of our training. It was such as eye opening experience for me to see the Lord's heart of compassion for his people.
Last thursday my team of nine other incredible people from all over the states flew out to New Zealand. Now in country, I am so excited about serving the people of Papatoetoe and living a life of service and ministry. It is so humbling to be used by the Savior of the World to love on the people of Papatoetoe and to walk closely behind him as he leads.
PRAISE JESUS!!!
Emily :)
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On a New Journey
5
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9/19/2005
By: Chris McArthur
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It is so amazing to finally be here in New Zealand. God has being really doing some incredible things in my life through what I have been doing and where I have been. He has stretched me and challenged me to know him more. I am so excited to see what he will do in my life while here in New Zealand.
God gave me an opportuntity to serve him and his people in Baton Rouge. who are sufferring form the loss of their homes as a result of Hurricane Katrina. This was a very humbling experience for me. God molded me, but the great thing is he gave me a real freedom from a bondage that has been holding me down. God is good!!!
Now in New Zealand, I can see a need here. I am excited to work with the people here. God has already given me a heart to reach out to the young guys here through basketball. I am excited to see what will happen.
I also have an amazing team that is already challenging me and teaching me new things. The journey we are all about to take together is going to be incredible!!!!
God is Good All the Time!!!
Chris
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I'm Finally Here!
4
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9/19/2005
By: Aubrey Polin
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Months of anticipation and preparation have finally come to fruition! We've been in Auckland for four days, and already I an certain that God wants me here. I've known that for months, it's true, but to actually be here gives me an even deeper peace.
Of course there have been some cultural adjustments, but I love being in New Zealand. Our leaders are down to earth, the people of Papatoe are friendly, and the weather is beautiful and rainy.
Right now the ten of us are exploring where God would have us work for the next nine months doing ministry. This morning during my quiet time, I really felt a burden of prayer for the prostitutes in Papatoe. I was able to feel God's heart for them, and so I prayed for a long time for them. I found out that there is a ministry here that goes once a week from 10pm to 4am on the streets of Papatoe for the prostitutes. So I'm pretty excited, and I'm keeping my eyes and heart open for what God wants in that area.
I'm having a pretty good time getting adjusted to life with roommates and in a new country. I really like it here. I love everyone at home too!
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Here in Auckland
3
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9/19/2005
By: Camilla Morrissey
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This past week has been amazing! As many of you know, we left home on the 7th and came to Georgia for training camp. Well, we actually spent most of that time in Baton Rouge, LA helping out with Hurricane Katrina relief.
The NZ team worked at the Istrouma Baptist Church which had set up a distribution center. Evacuees who were staying at this center or a nearby center came to get the bare neccesities. We filled bags of things for them like toothbrushes, blankets, clothing, and baby supplies. It was heartbreaking to see that many of these people had absolutely nothing. At the same time though, it was such an experience to be able to sit and listen to their individual stories. Many of these people were without family members, and it has been a long time since someone had talked or prayed with them, given them a hug, or even a smile. What a blessing it was to be able to do that!
We had no idea that we ould be going to Baton Rouge, but God knew and it is something that I know I will never forget and I just hope and pray that some of those people will never forget the small impression we made on them. It was hard to leave because volunteers are sacred in Louisiana but...
Here we are in beautiful Auckland, New Zealand! For the next few days we are just getting orientated with city and the needs of the people here. Our team and our leaders are absolutely wonderful, and I am getting so excited to see just what my internship here in NZ will be!
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2
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9/19/2005
By: Emily M.
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Well, it's been kind of a whirlwind as of late. We've been to GA, Baton Rouge, and now we are in New Zealand within the past two weeks. We've laughed and we've cried together. Gone through our struggles together and our joyful times. We've bonded as a team - no make that a family.
Training camp in Baton Rouge was eventful to say the least. I was in what AIM calls "Placement Services" at a local Baptist church that was housing about 200 evacuees. Mandy, Gretchen, and I were thrown into it without much training because time didn't really allow for it. Elizabeth who was in charge of us did a phenominal job with the time allotted though! (Hi Elizabeth!!! We miss you dearly!) However, the Lord definitely provided us with the necessary skills. The individuals/families would come to the table and inquire about what we were doing and then we could go through a database in order to see if there was a potential match. We threw our whole selves into it, and we often weren't done with the numerous phone calls at "quitting" time. We continued in between our own training sessions to find potential matches.
God blessed us in so many ways by using us as His vessels in order to help these people. Yet, I personally felt some frustration at times as well. When some just were unyielding to any kind of change. They REALLY don't want to leave Baton Rouge. There are so many stories that I could tell you about individual families and people, but that would take the better part of the day. Just please please please keep these people in your prayers: Don, Cornelio, the Burton's, Lionel, and the Perez's. These are just some of the folks that I interacted with the most and that the Lord placed on my heart. All the victims, volunteers, Military Police, etc. need your prayers.
Papatoetoe is wonderful and God is already moving through our group here. It's just orientation for now though. So, updates on internships will be coming at a later date. Grace be with you all!!!!
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The response in Baton Rouge
1
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9/12/2005
By: Amy Nicole Ward, Leader
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The past few days have been extremely intense. This team has had the opportunity to respond to the incredible need in Baton Rouge, they have traveled very far, roughed it in tents, and has had the most amazing attitudes I have ever seen. This team is awesome. What a joy it is going to be to serve alongside them this year.
Our team has been working at a church that is partnered with FEMA and the Red Cross. The building is functioning for 3 purposes. Half the building is functioning as a shelter, housing about 200 evacuees. The other half is functioning as a distribution center to meet the needs of the numerous displaced evacuees. The majority of our team, Chris, Travis, Ryan, Jonathan, Emily L., Aubry, and Camilia have been working in the distribution center. This center is apparently the headquarters for donations in Baton Rouge, because the amount of donated toiletries, clothing, bedding and more is unreal. Anyone in the area or shelters who have been displaced come to this center and tell us of their needs and we sort through all of the stuff and provide it for them. Donations isn't really the need, it is people to sort through it all and get it to those in need. Friday afternoon there was a waiting list of over 2 hrs, for evacuees waiting to get the things they need. It was extremely overwhelming and our team stepped up and worked soooo hard to provide and minister to these people. I could see each one of them being broken for these people.
The others on our team; Gretchen, Mandy, and Emily M. worked in the shelter with a few AIM staff helping to place individuals and families with host families across the nation. Their stories were filled with hope for these people.
We head back to Gainesville on Tuesday, rest on Wednesday and fly out on Thursday. Everyone seems so excited to just finally get to New Zealand and get things rolling.
Thanks for all your prayers!!
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The Art of Listening Prayer - by Seth Barnes
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This interactive devotional is for the person who isn't satisfied with a dry faith. If you're dying to hear God's voice, the good news is that you can! Jesus is the door, and He has opened it up to you.
Don't Miss Out on Hearing God's Voice!
The Art of Listening Prayer |
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