Also, please do not forget New Zealand in your prayers in light of the Christ Church earthquake. There is still so much to be done, and the country is still hurting tremendously in the wake of such a tragedy. My good friend Stephenie Garey just returned to the Auckland area after serving in Christ Church with the Salvation Army. Another GP missionary, Rob Reynolds, is there currently. Steph just reported, "Being in a disaster zone for a week is an indescribable experience. Going door to door, asking to people if their needs are met & how they are coping- wow- I saw so much: destruction, loss, sadness, and tears. YET, I also saw rebuilding, strength, resilience, and HOPE. ...I am amazed at what the Salvation Army is doing- the compassion & organization- what an honor to join with them. It is a long, difficult road for the Cantabrians. Be encouraged that as the city rebuilds, a Christian organization is helping lay that foundation by supporting the community tangibly, emotionally & spiritually in this secular environment." Please keep the prayer coming New Zealand's way!
It has been three weeks of TEENAGERS! I love teenagers, have I ever mentioned that before? :) Two weeks ago, I subbed four of five days. The first two were spent with 5th, 6th, and 8th graders at a Christian school, and the last two were with high school students. I LOVE TEACHING! :) The next week, I was blessed to go with my good friend and fellow youth pastor, Beth Brown, to take some awesome students to an event in Minneapolis. We had an incredible time that involved a LOT of slap-happy moments. The night before the trip, Pastor Beth and I both only got four or less hours of sleep. We were up for almost 24 hours that day... The trip home was the same, and we drove through the night. I got home at 5:30 in the morning feeling like I'd been hit by a really big truck!!!! It was such a great time though. God really encouraged me through the messages, and the students we took were able to encounter God in a pretty powerful way. I started this week by subbing again at the high school.
Last night at The Grounds, four students made spiritual commitments in my living room!!! Two put their faith in Christ, and two others were seeking God for a renewal of joy and love in their walk with Him. It was so encouraging! To think, I initially said I did not want to be in youth ministry while I was home... This journey to New Zealand is involving a lot I didn't expect, but God is so good. I sense Him preparing me in ways I didn't realize I needed preparation! I am so thankful for His presence and work along the way. This weekend I have a double-header; I will be speaking at a church in Evansville in the morning and a church in French Lick at night. Please pray for God to work!
In His Love, Amber
No comments:
Post a Comment