I've heard this question a few times in reference to my role in New Zealand over the past few weeks. While I can summarize my role here--"I am serving as the National Youth Consultant of the Wesleyan Methodist Church of NZ. This means my role is to be a pastor to youth workers and a source for them of consultancy and resources, to bring a sense of unity and "team" to Wesleyan youth ministry in NZ, to encourage and facilitate the development of new leaders, and to help plan national youth/youth leader events," there are still lots of moments when I am trying to figure out what exactly that looks like! I can tell you some of the activities I participate in on a regular basis--research/preparation for future training, planning meetings for the national youth calendar, traveling to churches, sharing my story and preaching, meeting with youth workers and individual students... But in the midst of trying to sort through how God wants to use me here, the Holy Spirit has been teaching me so much about the way Kingdom work happens, especially when we are serving in a context that is foreign to us. I want to share a few of these lessons I'm learning.
1. Mission takes time. Most missionaries, upon entering a country, spend the entire first year just learning the language and the culture and building relationships. Just because most people in NZ speak English does not mean that a missionary here is allowed to skip over the culture-learning stage. Also, NZ is such a melting pot of cultures that this stage is even more complex in some ways here than it would be in a mono-cultural setting.
2. Taking the posture of a learner and focusing on relationships are key. One of the most important concepts in NZ culture is that of "mana." Mana is a Maori word that means a deep, earned respect/trust. Without having established mana, an outsider coming in could easily offend and burn bridges, doing more harm than good. Thus, rather than coming in with an attitude of arrogance, a foreigner has to come with humility, recognizing that the host culture has a lot to teach him. In many ways, the missionary is the most ignorant person in the Church of the host culture. Thus, before anything can be taught, a LOT must be learned. The missionary should be the first to experience transformation as a result of his presence in the host culture.
3. Spirit-led planning is just as important as acting. Especially in a role focused on national development, a lot of planning has to happen on the front end to ensure that objectives are being accomplished. Spirit-led planning is not somehow less important than the actual "work" of the ministry being planned.
Even in the midst of transition time into a culture, God can graciously allow us to see fruit. Even though I am still very much in this time of transition, I can testify to how God has worked through my time here. I have had the privilege of praying with teenagers, watching them get excited about a relationship with Christ and serving in His Kingdom. I have seen the Holy Spirit begin to tear down walls and minister freedom and healing in young people's lives. Through relationships with non-believers and struggling seekers, I see how God is drawing them slowly to personal knowledge of Himself. I have been privileged to pray and share my heart with fellow youth workers as we walk this journey together. Every now and then, God pulls back the curtain to reveal some small purpose of why I am here. While I believe Him for great things, I am humbled to even be part of the small things. What exactly am I doing???? I am looking to Jesus. (See the devotion below)
"...We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help." 2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT
As a leader you'll be called upon to make decisions regarding relationships, money, time, values, opportunities, and disputes. And your decisions will show up on the bottom line. There, in the clear light of day, your leadership will be judged. And there's something else you need to know; in that realm it takes longer to recognise your brilliance or stupidity because you're forced to lead for long periods of time without the benefit of knowing if you made the right call. By the time your crop starts coming in, it's too late to change your agricultural procedure. You have to wait until the next season of planting.
When it comes to leadership, uncertainty is a permanent part of all progress; it never goes away! Furthermore, uncertainty isn't an indication of poor leadership, it just underscores the need for it; it's the environment in which good leadership is most often discovered. As a leader you may think you should always know what to do, but in reality there will be few occasions when you are absolutely certain. It's why King Jehoshaphat prayed, 'We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.' Since you'll constantly be called on to make decisions with limited information, your goal should not be to eliminate uncertainty but to develop the ability to trust God and be courageous and clear in spite of it.
It's not your job to remove uncertainty; it's your job to inspire clarity, faith and progress in the midst of it. When you can do that, you are learning to be a leader.
--The Word for Today, March 15th
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
God Speaks...
I've been reflecting today (as the result of a wonderful conversation with a friend) on the fact that God speaks to His people. Sometimes it's tricky to discern His voice. We have to (1) know His character, (2) know His Word, (3) watch for confirmations through others and circumstances, and sometimes (4) we just have to wait. Today has been one of those days when I have experienced Him speaking to me in His own subtle, lovely ways. This culminated in reading my NZ "The Word for Today." The devotional spoke to me, and I thought I would share it. (It is copied at the end of this blog.)
Since my last blog post, I can already see how God is continuing to form me and speak more truth over my life in the process. I have slowly started moving into my office. Tomorrow I am taking some more books to leave there. I've visited another church and youth group for the first time, East City Wesleyan and their student ministry, SURGE. It was a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to building a stronger relationship with them. I've already gained quite a few Facebook friends out of the visit. :)
I went through the car-hunt process and came out of it yesterday when I officially paid for and drove home my adorable 1997 Mazda Demio hatchback which I have named Ruthie. One of my Kiwi friends suggested the reference to Ruth/Naomi as one that would say, "whereever you go, I will go." I love it. :) I'm slowly gaining confidence with the whole driving on the left-hand side of the road thing.
I've also met with three different youth leaders over the past week. Tonight, after a wonderful coffee meeting, a few of us went walking around the bay after dark. It was a perfect close to the day. I drove home with the comforting thoughts in my mind, "This feels like home." Tomorrow night, I am going to Papakura youth group to hear a student speak. Last week, he told me that he would be willing to speak the next time I was able to visit. I'm really excited. :) Thursday, I have a meeting with the National Youth Ministry Director to do some hard-core planning/discussing about our goals and plans for the national calendar. On Friday, I will be going with a youth pastor/missionary friend into one of the schools for the day to observe/learn more about Kiwi youth culture. I am spending the weekend with her. Friday night, I will speak to her youth at Shore Grace. Sunday morning, I will be with her at her for morning worship as well. Then Sunday night, I am speaking at East City Wesleyan.
In the midst of all the activity and getting settled, I just sense God's presence. While I haven't heard a booming voice from the heavens, I have a peace that He is speaking words of encouragement over me. I hear His pleasure while I wait on Him, trying to discern what my role here looks like. I hear His truth as He teaches me through the testimony and example of my new Kiwi friends and co-laborers in the Gospel. His Word resonates in my spirit. My God speaks.
Ok, below is the promised devotional, if you are still reading that is. :)
The Word for Today, Tuesday, March 6th:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it..." Psalm 127:1 NKJV
In God's Kingdom, centre stage is not for those who think they've got their act together and deserve public recognition. Nor is it limited to those in leadership and public ministry. It's a call to action, to you, whoever and wherever you are today. When you trust God's timing He grooms you for bigger and better parts.
But there are some things you must and must not do: (1) Don't try to make it on your own. Popular wisdom says, 'Fake it till you make it,' and you'll be tempted to debut in your own strength. Don't do it! If you do, you will get in the way of a much greater production. The Bible says, 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.' Trust God, and when your moment comes He will give you your cue. (2) Leave the shadows. Are you ready to transform 'acting' into an authentic performance that reveals the real you? Fear of rejection is powerful. It takes courage to be yourself. But you gain strength from the struggle and power from the pain when you are willing to risk moving from the shadows into the light. (3) Confront your inner critic. We are all subject to the little voice within that says, 'You'll never be smart enough, rich enough, pretty enough or good enough to stand in the spotlight.' But when God raises you up, nobody can put you down. So remind your inner critic of God's promise: '... You shall go to all whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak' (Jeremiah 1:7 NKJV).
Since my last blog post, I can already see how God is continuing to form me and speak more truth over my life in the process. I have slowly started moving into my office. Tomorrow I am taking some more books to leave there. I've visited another church and youth group for the first time, East City Wesleyan and their student ministry, SURGE. It was a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to building a stronger relationship with them. I've already gained quite a few Facebook friends out of the visit. :)
I went through the car-hunt process and came out of it yesterday when I officially paid for and drove home my adorable 1997 Mazda Demio hatchback which I have named Ruthie. One of my Kiwi friends suggested the reference to Ruth/Naomi as one that would say, "whereever you go, I will go." I love it. :) I'm slowly gaining confidence with the whole driving on the left-hand side of the road thing.
I've also met with three different youth leaders over the past week. Tonight, after a wonderful coffee meeting, a few of us went walking around the bay after dark. It was a perfect close to the day. I drove home with the comforting thoughts in my mind, "This feels like home." Tomorrow night, I am going to Papakura youth group to hear a student speak. Last week, he told me that he would be willing to speak the next time I was able to visit. I'm really excited. :) Thursday, I have a meeting with the National Youth Ministry Director to do some hard-core planning/discussing about our goals and plans for the national calendar. On Friday, I will be going with a youth pastor/missionary friend into one of the schools for the day to observe/learn more about Kiwi youth culture. I am spending the weekend with her. Friday night, I will speak to her youth at Shore Grace. Sunday morning, I will be with her at her for morning worship as well. Then Sunday night, I am speaking at East City Wesleyan.
In the midst of all the activity and getting settled, I just sense God's presence. While I haven't heard a booming voice from the heavens, I have a peace that He is speaking words of encouragement over me. I hear His pleasure while I wait on Him, trying to discern what my role here looks like. I hear His truth as He teaches me through the testimony and example of my new Kiwi friends and co-laborers in the Gospel. His Word resonates in my spirit. My God speaks.
Ok, below is the promised devotional, if you are still reading that is. :)
The Word for Today, Tuesday, March 6th:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it..." Psalm 127:1 NKJV
In God's Kingdom, centre stage is not for those who think they've got their act together and deserve public recognition. Nor is it limited to those in leadership and public ministry. It's a call to action, to you, whoever and wherever you are today. When you trust God's timing He grooms you for bigger and better parts.
But there are some things you must and must not do: (1) Don't try to make it on your own. Popular wisdom says, 'Fake it till you make it,' and you'll be tempted to debut in your own strength. Don't do it! If you do, you will get in the way of a much greater production. The Bible says, 'Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.' Trust God, and when your moment comes He will give you your cue. (2) Leave the shadows. Are you ready to transform 'acting' into an authentic performance that reveals the real you? Fear of rejection is powerful. It takes courage to be yourself. But you gain strength from the struggle and power from the pain when you are willing to risk moving from the shadows into the light. (3) Confront your inner critic. We are all subject to the little voice within that says, 'You'll never be smart enough, rich enough, pretty enough or good enough to stand in the spotlight.' But when God raises you up, nobody can put you down. So remind your inner critic of God's promise: '... You shall go to all whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak' (Jeremiah 1:7 NKJV).
Friday, February 24, 2012
Reflection on 10 Day Trip; Back Home in Auckland
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
Monday, February 13, 2012
Insights on the Beach for my Land-Locked, Midwestern Friends
So, when I was growing up, a trip to the beach was something that might happen every so many years. When you are land-locked, going to the beach becomes synonymous with mega-holiday! I am quickly learning, however, that on an ISLAND, this is not the case at all! In fact, there are TONS of public beaches within a twenty minute drive of my house! Going to the beach is not synonymous with holiday here--it's just a normal part of life--like a trip to the park or the store. So, when you see pictures of the beach on my facebook page, I just want to explain that this doesn't mean I'm here on vacation! In fact, it means that I am spending time where people are and learning more about Kiwi culture. This past weekend, I had the joy of spending a day on the beach in a group of seven young adult gals who are all up and coming leaders in the Church in New Zealand. It was a wonderful time to learn more about culture and engage in some awesome theological discussions. This trip was more of a one-day holiday than most beach trips because we were visiting friends who had a "bach" (beach house) at Pauanui, which is about 2 and a half hours away. It also meant that I got some valuable driving experience. :) However, most beach days will be close to home. Going to the beach is a cheap way to chill out and build relationships for an evening or a Saturday! It's also a common youth group excursion. :)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
I'm in Love...
Kia ora from Aotearoa!!! That is, hello from the Land of the Long White
Cloud (New Zealand)!!! We still don't have internet at our house, so my communication has been
limited. Pray that the router comes today and hooks up without a problem!
Yes, I think I'm in love. This has to be what it feels like, but I'm in love with a people, a place, and a culture (actually, multiple cultures) rather than a guy. My flatmate and I watched a chick flick the other night to chill out before going to bed. Afterward, in the reality post-movie let down, I remembered where I am and realized that my actual reality is better than the movie's false one!!! I'm in love!!!!!
Every time I'm around teenagers here, my heart breaks and spirit soars
at the same time. Can't explain it. I'm praying daily for an
outpouring of the Spirit that will bring heaps and heaps of these youth
to the hope of Jesus Christ.
Life here is beautiful. Can't wait to share pictures. Next week I leave for a ten day trip seeing different parts of the North Island and connecting with churches. I will take lots of pics too.
My little house (above) is seriously perfect and the landscape is beautiful. My flatmate, Jessica, is great. I definitely see God's hand in putting us together. She is doing sports ministry in a school and a church.
I've got some amazing time with Joanne, Carmel, Sara, and Steph as well, my instant circle of friends. For those who don't know, Jo became an immediate best mate when I was here before. She's a called and gifted youth pastor who seriously shares my heart. Its been so good to go for a stroll and a coffee with her and just get quality hang out and talk time again as well as to see her in ministry action this week. Carmel is a young adult believer whom I just met in person. She has a passion and gift for evangelism and is just a lovely gal. She recently started working in youth ministry at her church as well. She took me driving for the first time on Monday night! Sara is an American who graduated from IWU and has been here for five years as a teacher. We watched the Superbowl together. :) Steph is an American missionary youth pastor at one of our churches and is the gal I came with the first time to NZ. All that to say, relationship building is alive and well, so I don't feel isolated.
I've played ping pong, dodge ball, and croquet already with teenagers. I've also walked through the botanical gardens in Manurewa as well as part of Totara Park. I'm keeping active and eating healthier than ever before--already lost almost 8 pounds!! I spoke on Wednesday night for Papakura youth group. Nothing like sharing my heart for Jesus with teenagers to get me stoked!!! I also had a phenomenal meeting with Pastor Atu, the National Youth Ministries Director whom I will be working very closely with here in New Zealand. We truly share a heart and vision, and I'm honored to learn from and serve with him.
I'm constantly observing and learning culture. Its draining actually, because nothing is mindless, but I'm loving the challenge and mental thrill. FYI, I've found my Hebrew vowels are very helpful in learning to pronounce Maori words.
In His Love,
Amba
Yes, I think I'm in love. This has to be what it feels like, but I'm in love with a people, a place, and a culture (actually, multiple cultures) rather than a guy. My flatmate and I watched a chick flick the other night to chill out before going to bed. Afterward, in the reality post-movie let down, I remembered where I am and realized that my actual reality is better than the movie's false one!!! I'm in love!!!!!
Every time I'm around teenagers here, my heart breaks and spirit soars
at the same time. Can't explain it. I'm praying daily for an
outpouring of the Spirit that will bring heaps and heaps of these youth
to the hope of Jesus Christ.Life here is beautiful. Can't wait to share pictures. Next week I leave for a ten day trip seeing different parts of the North Island and connecting with churches. I will take lots of pics too.
My little house (above) is seriously perfect and the landscape is beautiful. My flatmate, Jessica, is great. I definitely see God's hand in putting us together. She is doing sports ministry in a school and a church.
I've got some amazing time with Joanne, Carmel, Sara, and Steph as well, my instant circle of friends. For those who don't know, Jo became an immediate best mate when I was here before. She's a called and gifted youth pastor who seriously shares my heart. Its been so good to go for a stroll and a coffee with her and just get quality hang out and talk time again as well as to see her in ministry action this week. Carmel is a young adult believer whom I just met in person. She has a passion and gift for evangelism and is just a lovely gal. She recently started working in youth ministry at her church as well. She took me driving for the first time on Monday night! Sara is an American who graduated from IWU and has been here for five years as a teacher. We watched the Superbowl together. :) Steph is an American missionary youth pastor at one of our churches and is the gal I came with the first time to NZ. All that to say, relationship building is alive and well, so I don't feel isolated.
I've played ping pong, dodge ball, and croquet already with teenagers. I've also walked through the botanical gardens in Manurewa as well as part of Totara Park. I'm keeping active and eating healthier than ever before--already lost almost 8 pounds!! I spoke on Wednesday night for Papakura youth group. Nothing like sharing my heart for Jesus with teenagers to get me stoked!!! I also had a phenomenal meeting with Pastor Atu, the National Youth Ministries Director whom I will be working very closely with here in New Zealand. We truly share a heart and vision, and I'm honored to learn from and serve with him.
I'm constantly observing and learning culture. Its draining actually, because nothing is mindless, but I'm loving the challenge and mental thrill. FYI, I've found my Hebrew vowels are very helpful in learning to pronounce Maori words.
In His Love,
Amba
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
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