Almost 3 Months: Life Update!

It is hard to believe that in less than a week, I will have lived in New Zealand for three months!  I am amazed by God's faithfulness and still in awe of the opportunity to be here and be part of His work.  I want to apologize for MY lack of faithfulness to keep my blog updated!  So much has been happening that I just have neglected it!  Here's a solid update on life and ministry lately.

EASTER CAMP

(Pictured Above:  Group shot at the end of Easter Camp outside the marae)

This Easter was the most remarkable of my life!  Easter Camp is a tradition in New Zealand, and I had the privilege of attending a small Easter Camp at a marae with three of our church youth ministries.  The majority of the camp was Fijian, and I was the only palagi (white person) there.  However, by the end of the camp I had been given sulus (Fijian wrap skirts) to wear, participated in action chorus dances, and even told I was now "from" Nawaka, Nadi in Fiji. :)  It was a beautiful cultural experience, but more than that, it was a beautiful Jesus experience!  Two young people made first-time commitments to Christ, and many found victory through the Holy Spirit over areas of struggle in their lives! We heard reports of, "I've never really understood what Easter was about until now!"  I've also heard of parents expressing that the young people who came back home after camp were not the same young people who went to camp.  How good is our God?

CONNECTING WITH CHURCHES

(Pictured Above:  With new friends after a garage youth prayer meeting on Sun. night)

Over this past month, I've been able to connect with nine of our churches/youth ministries.  I am still amazed by the diversity of the Body and the ways God is moving.  Just this week, I heard the testimony of another young man in one of our churches who had just given his life to Christ!  I am so excited about what God is doing and greatly anticipating what might be next!  By the end of June, the plan (by God's grace) is that I will have connected in some way with all of our churches on the North Island. 

REST, FUN, & NEW EXPERIENCES

(Pictured Above:  At the beach to go jet skiing with friends!)

 (Pictured Above:  With some mates having a picnic at Hunua Falls)

(Pictured Above:  Placing poppies on the monument at the Anzac Day ceremony)

One of my favorite quotes for a long time has been by Jim Elliot, "Wherever you are, be all there; live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God."  It's my aim to do just that, both in terms of diving into ministry and diving into new experiences.  Sometimes I can be a pretty major chicken, especially in situations that require me to have any sort of coordination... haha.... But there is so much to explore and experience in this beautiful country!  I went jet skiing for the first time in my life, had a picnic with friends in front of a beautiful waterfall, and went with a youth group to the Waiwera Thermal Hot Pools!  The thermal hot pools were quite the experience... it's like Splashing Safari at Holiday World meets a hot tub and a movie cinema... Pretty sweet!  Finally, on Anzac Day I attended the dawn ceremony in downtown Auckland.  Anzac Day is the day of remembrance for those who died in war as well as those who have served in the military.  It was incredible to be part of this event.

All in all, life and ministry are exciting!  I still have lots of learning to do, emotional ups and downs are still part of transitioning into a new culture, and I recognize ways God wants to refine and shape me--but I am thankful and stoked for the journey!!!