I was sitting on a mat on the floor of a lounge, sharing a traditional Tongan meal with my brothers and sisters in Christ in their home, when IT HAPPENED! As I prayed with two teenage girls, one who wanted to start the journey of really committing herself to Christ and another who wanted to commit to discipling her friend, IT HAPPENED. IT HAPPENED again around a picnic table over tea with a youth pastor, and again on a beach as I witnessed for the first time a baptism at the beach. Yet again, IT HAPPENED while I sat on floor mat singing worship songs in Fijian with new friends, and again when my new "Fijian sister" and I sat on a couch just sharing our hearts for young people with each other. While sitting in a small circle in a church hall, sharing the Word of Life with young people, IT HAPPENED. Over and over again, IT HAPPENED-->the fresh and beautiful revelation struck me that I am in New Zealand, where God has called me to be!
There is no way to fully explain the beautiful diversity and outstanding faith that I encountered on my tour of several of our churches in the central region. I still have many churches to connect with, but it was so incredible to see what God is doing in some of our congregations and build relationships with pastors, youth leaders, and students. I was able to share my "Jesus story" on different occasions, but more than anything I was able to learn, observe, and connect. I was so excited to hear SEVERAL testimonies of recent conversion from our students. God is moving! Those of you who were praying for Ignite camp in January--your prayers and the prayers of others were definitely heard! As two teenage boys shared with me, one night at camp, the Lord just pushed them forward to give their lives to Him. I am so excited to be part of this movement and come alongside our leaders as they pour themselves into these young people!!! One over-arching theme that I heard from leaders over the past week and a half is that there are not enough leaders to meet the needs! Please be praying for God to raise up more leaders who will commit themselves to serving young people and the church in general in New Zealand.
Today, I went with seven other young adults to a Young Life training conference. It was a great day, but I am definitely exhausted after ten days of traveling, and short night's sleep, and a full day of seminars. It's time for laundry and a bit of rest before hitting the ground running again. Below are some pictures to try to convey some of my trip. If you want the full effect, check out the albums on Facebook.
Maori performance at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua
With a Maori carving at Whakarewarewa, representing Disciple of course :)
My Tongan friends though it would be fun to dress me up as a Tongan. :)
With Gisborne Tongan youth group
Another pic with Gisborne Tongan youth
With Pastor Sione and family
Beach baptism with Living Waters Church
With some of my new friends from Streams Gathering
Kathy, my Kiwi friend who took me on this trip, and leaders from Whanganui Wesleyan
With youth from Whanganui Wesleyan
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