VIDEO INFO
Too much footage and too little wifi.
That is the story here in Australia, but just be expecting an awesome video out of it when I am finally finished.
COFFS HARBOUR
My team Crossfit along with two others teams just got back from being in Coffs Harbour. We stayed there at Lifehouse Church through Sam and Katlin from YWAM. They were our connection to the church and were absolutely wonderful. While we were there we connected a lot with the local churches. We went to different youth groups in the area and got to know the local believers and planted encouragement there.
On Sunday, we all were split up and went to different churches. I got to meet Ani, the children’s pastor, and hang out with Bre and Samala, two girls from the youth group. After church, we went to a headland and checked out the amazing views of the ocean. They taught my squad mate Connor and I several Australian slang words and we reciprocated in kind i.e. bludge.
My teammate Erica went to a church called Voyage and met a girl named Spliv. She was so excited to see a large group of people her age show up to church. Voyage is only a year old and lacking her age group at the moment, but that’s soon to change.
Later that week she came and picked Erica and I up and we got to hang out with her the rest of the day. She was greatful to hang out with us, but we were grateful to be somewhere else. Spliv is beautiful inside and out and I loved hearing her stories and heart for the Lord. Even though I feel like Erica and I didn’t really do much of anything, she was so encouraged by our presence.
LESSONS LEARNED
Everywhere we go we carry the presence of God with us. If people are not feeling loved when we are around, then what are we doing? Coming from a Midwest work ethic, if you’re not sweating and physically putting everything you got into it, you’re not working hard enough. That mentally also carries into our ministry. We’ve been learning that ministry isn’t always pulling weeds (but we did do that) or cleaning (definitely done that too). Sometimes it’s just showing up and being present for people. Am I wanting to work hard and do ministry to receive my “do-gooder” badge for the year? Or am I trying to be intentional in loving people where they are at and for what they need? Sometimes people just need you to be present.
I’ve also learned that ministry is fun!
Sometimes we work up in our minds that ministry should be a real drag, but if that’s the case, you’re doing it wrong. I had so much fun hanging out with that Spliv, gardening with Mark at the Botanic Gardens (even though I got bit by KILLER ANTS FROM SATAN….GAHHHHH), and cleaning up the play place at the church with my team. It’s a blessing to be a blessing to people and it’s only month one!
INSIDE STUFF
I feel like God has been working on healing some inward wounds I have. It’s been awesome getting out of my culture and into another and sharing my hurts with a team that loves me and is for me. We all have baggage, but after spending some time with God, I just am already feeling transformed. There’s been miraculous healings and whatnot that have happened around us, but I think for me, God healing what others can’t see is the greatest miracle of all. God is giving me life again and I am so thankful for it. I’m not the same person I was at launch and that’s a good thing.
Currently, we are back in Byron Bay and planning our company move to Indonesia. We already know where we are being sent and super excited to get there! Be praying for safe travels and favor along the way! This is only the beginning.
God be with you!
Maybe killer ant attacks are part of being related…I as well have had those encounters on mission work.
Thank you for the update Heidi!
“I am not the same person…” I am so thrilled for you to have this opportunity. May God continue to bless your travels. I am proud of you and the work you are doing.
Thank you!
Loved this line! “Am I wanting to work hard and do ministry to receive my “do-gooder” badge for the year? Or am I trying to be intentional in loving people where they are at and for what they need? Sometimes people just need you to be present.” SOO GOOD!