Geography lesson!

Now, in America I know that geography is taught in almost every grade level.  I also know that the South Pacific region is not really emphasized... we all know where Australia is because we're taught the 7 continents but nothing else.  How many children know where Indonesia is? How about Papua New Guinea? Solomon Islands? Tonga?  Yup, that's right.  I couldn't locate any of those places 6 weeks ago.  The South Pacific region spans roughly 3 million square miles, has a population of 35 million, and has 28 official languages! 

How many of these islands have heard the gospel?  Who will go and bring the Kingdom to these places?  It could be you!  Whether that's you physically going or maybe you supporting a missionary in prayer or money... everyone is commanded to fulfill the Great Commission!  God has been filling my heart with ABUNDANT love for the South Pacific!  Funny thing is that when you pray for people, you start to fall in love with them! 

Each of these islands have a rich history and culture!  Last week, a few of us went to the Culture Fest here in Townsville.  There were traditional dances and songs performed... lots of great food of course!!

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.  I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  John 10:10

5 week recap!

The main chunk of lessons are done!  We will be going camping starting next week too! (August 24- Sep. 5)  This is the start of transitioning to our outreach phase where we will be on the road going to a different location every week!  We will be traveling from Northeastern Queensland- Townsville, Australia- to NewCastle in southeast New South Wales.  That’s 1,948 kilometers or 1,210.5 miles!

 

 Here’s a recap of what I’ve been learning the past 5 weeks!

 Hearing God’s Voice:  this was only for a couple days… wished it had been longer!  God loves to communicate with us!  Who knew?!  And He uses all of our senses to get our attention!  God doesn’t talk to us all the same either… He knows some of us are better with pictures, or words, or Scripture verses.  We have to be in tune with his medium of talking, ask Him to communicate more, and LISTEN to every small thing!

 Clear Conscience:  this week was about knowing what you believe in, knowing your convictions, and knowing WHY you stand for them.  We want lasting fruit that multiplies which means we need to know the rules of God’s game.  We need to minister and love people in a way that is unique to them.  Again, no one fits the cookie cutter mold!  I also learned not to make absolutes out of amoral issues (ex: tattoos, smoking, certain styles of dress). 

 Identity:  “God is about diversity not conformity!”  That statement brings me so much freedom!  This week I really realized that I was defining myself by everyone else’s words and standards.  Satan knows God’s children are valuable and he seeks to plant counterfeit ideas that give us a false identity.  Huge revelation and breakthrough this week! 

 Father Heart of God:  Having an intimate relationship with God will give us confidence to MOVE FORWARD!  Even with God, we cannot evade pain and fear.  God is personal, He loves me, I am his beautiful princess!

 Relationships:  This week we learned about relationship with God and other people.  We looked at what love looks like, what having a growing and flourishing friendship with God looks like, and how pride affects all relationships. 

heaps & stacks & loads!

There's some Aussie lingo for you! Instead of saying "a lot" they say heaps, loads, or stacks... sometimes a couple in 1 sentence.  crazy Aussies.

Last week our lecture topic was the Father heart of God.  The main theme was understanding that God is personal and He loves us as a father loves his children.  Of course God is awesome and perfect so that makes His love for us awesome and perfect!  We also talked about pride and how that could affect our relationship with our Father.

Last week was Keevy's (staff member) and Abby's (fellow DTS-er) birthday!  I helped Krystal and Sophie make a movie for Keevy.  We were searching all over Townsville to "find" her.  No one's ever made anything that special for me... I felt special just helping with the video!  It was a huge hit!  There were tears, laughter... tears from laughter!

Yesterday (Sunday), we went to the beach to watch one of our crew (YouthStreet student) get baptized!  A year ago she did not believe in God. Now, she's a beautifully redeemed young lady that exemplifies great character! 

This week in lectures we are talking about relationships.  God and man, man and man, & man and self.  "Every problem is a relationship problem"- Dean Sherman.  "The keys to relationships are love and holiness" -Adriel (our current speaker & beautiful wife of our DTS leader).  This should be a great week!

Billabong Sanctuary

This past Sunday we went to a zoo of sorts... some animals were caged, the kangaroos weren't!  It was so amazing!  The kangaroos were just walking around freely and you could pet them or feed them!  We also had a private tour guide to show us around and teach us facts about the animals!  Here are some pictures!!

Pictures of Friends... part 1!

These are a few pictures of everyone here in Townsville, Australia!  More to come... ENJOY!!

Above- game night one of the 1st days here... (left to right) Jess, Krystal, Hannah

Above- Katie Fisher!

Above- Hannah, Violet, Felicity... these girls are on my DTS with me!

Above- Cherie!

Above- Holly (the best interpretive dancer ever), Katie, & I at YouthStreet!

Above- Amanda, Sophie

Mena, Brenden, & Greg (DTS leaders) grilling some awesome tasting food!