Congratulations to our dear family Graduates!!!
Ashley Price, HS in New Jersey
Brigitta Andrews, HS in New Holland, PA
Kirsten Andrews, From Pleebehood in the US Naval Academy
Brian Johnston, HS in West Chester, PA
Well done guys, Let God Lead!
Thursday, June 03, 2004
On our way to a play date yesterday (Julie and the kids)we were driving up the A9 and wouldn't you know... bump bump bump I got a flat tire in Frank and Beckys car! The kicker was that there was no place to pull over, I had no cell phone, no way to contact the people we were to meet, Marc couldn't rescue us even if I could call him because he had no car and the kids were teary eyed thinking they wouldn't get to play at Rebeccas house. Ugggg!
So, like the adventurous auto mechanic that I am, I decided to find the tools for a change. There was a spare, but I could not get the jack to work. (Yes, my hands were completely black and hair was frazzled already!) I was also afraid that it would bust into the rusty spots in the bottom of the car. So as I lay on the ground looking for a safe spot for the jack, I muttered something about how "friendly" these people were whizzing by on the highway and asked God for some help! I was failing miserably at my attempt. I was ready to beg for help.
wouldn't you know the next vehicle that I decided to flag down just happened to be labeled a licensed AA (equivalent of our AAA) Tire Repair man with his gadgets in his van and everything!!! (Now really, how often do you see one of them?) I told him he was sent by God and the kids and I agreed that he was our auto angel! What a riot! We drove away laughing!
So, like the adventurous auto mechanic that I am, I decided to find the tools for a change. There was a spare, but I could not get the jack to work. (Yes, my hands were completely black and hair was frazzled already!) I was also afraid that it would bust into the rusty spots in the bottom of the car. So as I lay on the ground looking for a safe spot for the jack, I muttered something about how "friendly" these people were whizzing by on the highway and asked God for some help! I was failing miserably at my attempt. I was ready to beg for help.
wouldn't you know the next vehicle that I decided to flag down just happened to be labeled a licensed AA (equivalent of our AAA) Tire Repair man with his gadgets in his van and everything!!! (Now really, how often do you see one of them?) I told him he was sent by God and the kids and I agreed that he was our auto angel! What a riot! We drove away laughing!
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
To say we are a little frustrated at this point would be like saying Abraham Lincoln was a little significant in the course of American history. Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, isn't he one of the presidents on Mt. Rushmore? So I guess you could say this frustration experience would rank high up there on the Mt. Rushmore catagory for frustration in our lives.
In case you are wondering what we are talking about. Oh just a little thing like finding a place to live. The refrigerator box is looking more and more like a real possibility. Just kidding for those of you that aren't familiar with my sense of humor. As it is right now, we put money down on a house last week and have been waiting for our reference check to go through. I (Marc) called yesterday to check on the progress and was told there is a snag because all of our income comes from the USA and therefore cannot be validated. This is a bit strange since we told them at the beginning that we are here on missionary visas and therefore by law, cannot earn income in the UK.
We made it very clear to them how we recieve our income and that they could have this verified through the Impact World Tour main office in Kansas City, Mo. We would later find out that they never even contacted the office. So, basically at this point our only options are to pay 7 1/2 months rent up front (which we can't do) or to have someone from the UK co-sign on the lease for us. Since we don't know anyone very well here, this is a little difficult. So at this point we've contacted the ywam national office and they are seeing what they can do. We will keep you up on the latest developments as they come in.
This whole thing though does put things in perspective. We do have a roof over our head, we do have plenty of food to eat, we do have warm beds to sleep in, we do have each other, we do do have the peace that transcends all understanding in Christ and we don't have to worry about someone killing us because of our faith in Christ. Many people around the world have none of that.
Over the weekend we visited a castle in the town of Doune. While we were there we were able to see the living quarters of kings and queens of Scotland during the early renaisance period. We came to realize that the average American or westerner for that matter, has a higher standard of living than Kings and Queens of not that long ago. So, this should serve as a reminder to all of us of what we do have, and none is more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ. Praise God! He will be glorified somehow through this whole thing.
This brings me back to Abraham Lincoln. Many of you I'm sure are familiar with his struggles early on in his poiltical career. He failed time after time in running for office only to get up every time to try again. Over the years he worked his way up to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest president in the history of our great country. What kept him going? Not his own might or power, but God's spirit. God had given him an eternal perspective which puts everything else in it's proper perspective.
Well I know that this started out as a bit of a rant, but I thought I would share what was happening with you all since some of you seemed a little confused by the whole thing. As Rick Warren so aptly put it in his book The Purpose Driven Life, " life is a test, a trust and a temporary assignment. That has been ringing in my ears all throughout the day. If you have the book, read chapter 5 and you'll know what I'm talking about. If you don't have it, get it and read it! We'll see how this test turns out.
God bless you all!
More later
In case you are wondering what we are talking about. Oh just a little thing like finding a place to live. The refrigerator box is looking more and more like a real possibility. Just kidding for those of you that aren't familiar with my sense of humor. As it is right now, we put money down on a house last week and have been waiting for our reference check to go through. I (Marc) called yesterday to check on the progress and was told there is a snag because all of our income comes from the USA and therefore cannot be validated. This is a bit strange since we told them at the beginning that we are here on missionary visas and therefore by law, cannot earn income in the UK.
We made it very clear to them how we recieve our income and that they could have this verified through the Impact World Tour main office in Kansas City, Mo. We would later find out that they never even contacted the office. So, basically at this point our only options are to pay 7 1/2 months rent up front (which we can't do) or to have someone from the UK co-sign on the lease for us. Since we don't know anyone very well here, this is a little difficult. So at this point we've contacted the ywam national office and they are seeing what they can do. We will keep you up on the latest developments as they come in.
This whole thing though does put things in perspective. We do have a roof over our head, we do have plenty of food to eat, we do have warm beds to sleep in, we do have each other, we do do have the peace that transcends all understanding in Christ and we don't have to worry about someone killing us because of our faith in Christ. Many people around the world have none of that.
Over the weekend we visited a castle in the town of Doune. While we were there we were able to see the living quarters of kings and queens of Scotland during the early renaisance period. We came to realize that the average American or westerner for that matter, has a higher standard of living than Kings and Queens of not that long ago. So, this should serve as a reminder to all of us of what we do have, and none is more important than our relationship with Jesus Christ. Praise God! He will be glorified somehow through this whole thing.
This brings me back to Abraham Lincoln. Many of you I'm sure are familiar with his struggles early on in his poiltical career. He failed time after time in running for office only to get up every time to try again. Over the years he worked his way up to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest president in the history of our great country. What kept him going? Not his own might or power, but God's spirit. God had given him an eternal perspective which puts everything else in it's proper perspective.
Well I know that this started out as a bit of a rant, but I thought I would share what was happening with you all since some of you seemed a little confused by the whole thing. As Rick Warren so aptly put it in his book The Purpose Driven Life, " life is a test, a trust and a temporary assignment. That has been ringing in my ears all throughout the day. If you have the book, read chapter 5 and you'll know what I'm talking about. If you don't have it, get it and read it! We'll see how this test turns out.
God bless you all!
More later
A beautiful day hiking the mountain ridges of the Ochil Mountains. The kids were amazing and seemed to love it! The sugar rushes from the rock candy helped too Im sure!
Still waiting, now not so patiently on the home situation. It seems as though things are not running as smoothly as planned for 2 Graham ave. and we would like to get the shippment from the states on its way on Sat. Ahhhh we will take a breath and see what God has up in His plans.
Liam is becoming quite a chatterbox... and you thought Kayleigh was a talker! Heh-Heh! They are eating up the workbooks that everyone sent and loving "school" time! Thanks to so many who thought of them and gave things to do for the kids!
Still waiting, now not so patiently on the home situation. It seems as though things are not running as smoothly as planned for 2 Graham ave. and we would like to get the shippment from the states on its way on Sat. Ahhhh we will take a breath and see what God has up in His plans.
Liam is becoming quite a chatterbox... and you thought Kayleigh was a talker! Heh-Heh! They are eating up the workbooks that everyone sent and loving "school" time! Thanks to so many who thought of them and gave things to do for the kids!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Hello again from the land of green hills, bagpipes and men in skirts. Sorry it has been a week since we've last written. It has been a busy week indeed as we have been chasing down houses, researching schools, attending YWAM meetings and just generally trying to get acclimated to the area.
As far as the house, it looks as though we may have found a place in the Stirling area. This isn't a definite as yet because our referenses must still pass the test, but it looks pretty good. The house is a detached cottage (which is amazing to find) in a part of Stirling called Causewayhead. The place is very small, but is in a good location for the kids and I believe a strategic location for the ministry.
Speaking of ministry, one of things that God has put on my (Marc) heart is to pray from the hilltops. The last couple of mornings I have been walking up to the top of the hill here in Clackmannon for excersise and to start my day in prayer. There are many hilltops and mountain tops here to climb so I will have much variety for excersize and prayer. One of the great things about the house we hope to get is that it is at the foot of the William Wallace monument hill. It was on this hilltop that Wallace watched as the English approached Stirling Bridge, where they (the english) would be defeated in the battle of Stirling bridge (1297 AD). This will prove to be not a place to bring glory to wars of long ago, but to live a life today as one that is passionate about the battle for the hearts, minds, and most importantly the souls of the people of Scotland. This battle though will not be won with swords, but with much prayer. (2 COR. 10:4-6; Zech.4:6)
PRAY FOR SCOTLAND!
More later.
As far as the house, it looks as though we may have found a place in the Stirling area. This isn't a definite as yet because our referenses must still pass the test, but it looks pretty good. The house is a detached cottage (which is amazing to find) in a part of Stirling called Causewayhead. The place is very small, but is in a good location for the kids and I believe a strategic location for the ministry.
Speaking of ministry, one of things that God has put on my (Marc) heart is to pray from the hilltops. The last couple of mornings I have been walking up to the top of the hill here in Clackmannon for excersise and to start my day in prayer. There are many hilltops and mountain tops here to climb so I will have much variety for excersize and prayer. One of the great things about the house we hope to get is that it is at the foot of the William Wallace monument hill. It was on this hilltop that Wallace watched as the English approached Stirling Bridge, where they (the english) would be defeated in the battle of Stirling bridge (1297 AD). This will prove to be not a place to bring glory to wars of long ago, but to live a life today as one that is passionate about the battle for the hearts, minds, and most importantly the souls of the people of Scotland. This battle though will not be won with swords, but with much prayer. (2 COR. 10:4-6; Zech.4:6)
PRAY FOR SCOTLAND!
More later.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Many of you are wondering if we are keeping warm, yes, thank you for your concern re: our body temperature! We are quite warm and believe it or not have not seen a real rainfall since we have been here. They tell us that this month may be as warm as it gets depending on the summer and its hitting somewhere in the 70s. The warmth of my laptop keeps me warm too! Frank & Beckys flat is central heated with double glazed windows which is a luxury we are looking forward to in our new home.
Please keep praying for us in this. Its more complicated than you want to read about with refinancing our home in the process, but basically the rentals here are 1 bedroom and only occationally, very occationally 2 if you jump on it quick. I guess most landlords find it more profitable to split a house into 4 quarters and destroy any single home. We will find something, I know God has something in store, and maybe we will have to work with an office, play room, dining room and living room all in one room. (Again usually just about 12-14 feet long and 1/2 that wide) Please don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining just trying to adjust to the culture... we are all used to the honkin big Americans Homes. Its all good! We are getting to learn our way around this way!
Had dinner with a wonderful family after church on Sunday. (Church, We'll tell you about that one next blog) The kids played on the Slip n slide in their yard, yes THEY have a yard big enough but that is rare in town. Liam got a little bike handed down and Kayleigh got a pair of rollerskates on sneakers handed down and we all got a wonderful dinner and new friends. I'd say we made out quite well! It really was an answer to prayer. The kids all practically cried when we left.
There are loads of opportunities to share why we are here since every time we open our mouths our thick twangy accent comes out and they are automatically interested in why we would leave the states and come here! Its nice though, they seem to be fond of Americans so that is a comfort. Every person clerks, tellers, attendants etc. have all gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I feel like its something of a Truman Show at times.
I spoke with a very nice lady at the park who moved here from England and she still senses tension from the Scotts. They are a strong people here, amazingly unified in their culture and roots, a bit rough all around and maybe feeling a bit inferior in their worth. Maybe we are way off, but that's our observation so far. Its different living in a town vs living on a YWAM base as you can imagine. You have much more opportunity to observe and participate in the community. Speaking of, I think I will go participate in the community of my pillow and my mattress.
Please keep praying for us in this. Its more complicated than you want to read about with refinancing our home in the process, but basically the rentals here are 1 bedroom and only occationally, very occationally 2 if you jump on it quick. I guess most landlords find it more profitable to split a house into 4 quarters and destroy any single home. We will find something, I know God has something in store, and maybe we will have to work with an office, play room, dining room and living room all in one room. (Again usually just about 12-14 feet long and 1/2 that wide) Please don't get me wrong, I am NOT complaining just trying to adjust to the culture... we are all used to the honkin big Americans Homes. Its all good! We are getting to learn our way around this way!
Had dinner with a wonderful family after church on Sunday. (Church, We'll tell you about that one next blog) The kids played on the Slip n slide in their yard, yes THEY have a yard big enough but that is rare in town. Liam got a little bike handed down and Kayleigh got a pair of rollerskates on sneakers handed down and we all got a wonderful dinner and new friends. I'd say we made out quite well! It really was an answer to prayer. The kids all practically cried when we left.
There are loads of opportunities to share why we are here since every time we open our mouths our thick twangy accent comes out and they are automatically interested in why we would leave the states and come here! Its nice though, they seem to be fond of Americans so that is a comfort. Every person clerks, tellers, attendants etc. have all gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I feel like its something of a Truman Show at times.
I spoke with a very nice lady at the park who moved here from England and she still senses tension from the Scotts. They are a strong people here, amazingly unified in their culture and roots, a bit rough all around and maybe feeling a bit inferior in their worth. Maybe we are way off, but that's our observation so far. Its different living in a town vs living on a YWAM base as you can imagine. You have much more opportunity to observe and participate in the community. Speaking of, I think I will go participate in the community of my pillow and my mattress.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Hey All! Surprise, it's actually us up and running, alive and well! Well, at least alive. Seriously, we appreciate your prayers and appreciate Gods mercies as we travel, search and rove about the green hillsides of Scotland from town to town seeking a home. We are staying at Frank and Beckies while they are in the States. Its a small, but comfortable upper flat that is richly decorated by Ikea and Martha Stewart, I mean Frank & Becky. I am enjoying the well stocked kitchen and quiet warm house.
The kids and I found the Clackmannon playground yesterday and met a local mom that filled my mind with all kinds of recommendations for schools and nice towns to settle or "dodgy" towns to avoid. Please pray with us on this one. Its such a hard decision, there is a lot on the line and we just want to be at the RIGHT corner of the country and in the right neighborhood. This Sun. we are invited to a Christian family's home in the next town over that send their kids to a renowned private school just up in a town called Dollar. The kids do speak of home but seem to be happy here and especially like having us around and not both in the office:)
It was soooo good to be home and see many of you even if it was very briefly. Very refreshing, but not too restful. (Thats ok, we will have a bit of time here before we set up the office) It was wonderful! Man, I was so thankful to be back for grandma's funeral and to be able to make it to Gayle Richardsons Moms funeral as well. Sure are reminded of our fragile and quick lives here on earth and the blessing of family and friends. (The understatement of the year!)
I found this awesome "New Testament in Scots" in their house here. (Not Scots Gaelic, that's in the highlands) This interpretation lends a glimpse of the robustness of the sounds of the new Scots and lowlands of this country. The language is a bit challenging to understand although its English, mostly! Old Scots is a rich brew of a language and what it lacks in dignity it more than makes up for in vitality and color. So here's a taste for you to leave as a benediction authored by Jude.
~ Nou, Til Him at dow keep ye frae stoiterin an set ye sakeless an rejoicin forenent his glore, til the ae God, our Sauviour throu our Lord Jesus Christ, be glore an maijestie, maucht an authoritie, afore aa time, an nou, an for iver an ey!
Peace to you, Julie
The kids and I found the Clackmannon playground yesterday and met a local mom that filled my mind with all kinds of recommendations for schools and nice towns to settle or "dodgy" towns to avoid. Please pray with us on this one. Its such a hard decision, there is a lot on the line and we just want to be at the RIGHT corner of the country and in the right neighborhood. This Sun. we are invited to a Christian family's home in the next town over that send their kids to a renowned private school just up in a town called Dollar. The kids do speak of home but seem to be happy here and especially like having us around and not both in the office:)
It was soooo good to be home and see many of you even if it was very briefly. Very refreshing, but not too restful. (Thats ok, we will have a bit of time here before we set up the office) It was wonderful! Man, I was so thankful to be back for grandma's funeral and to be able to make it to Gayle Richardsons Moms funeral as well. Sure are reminded of our fragile and quick lives here on earth and the blessing of family and friends. (The understatement of the year!)
I found this awesome "New Testament in Scots" in their house here. (Not Scots Gaelic, that's in the highlands) This interpretation lends a glimpse of the robustness of the sounds of the new Scots and lowlands of this country. The language is a bit challenging to understand although its English, mostly! Old Scots is a rich brew of a language and what it lacks in dignity it more than makes up for in vitality and color. So here's a taste for you to leave as a benediction authored by Jude.
~ Nou, Til Him at dow keep ye frae stoiterin an set ye sakeless an rejoicin forenent his glore, til the ae God, our Sauviour throu our Lord Jesus Christ, be glore an maijestie, maucht an authoritie, afore aa time, an nou, an for iver an ey!
Peace to you, Julie
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Marc and Julie didn't have time to blog at all while they were in the states. The 11 days went by like a whirlwind I'm sure.
I just got this report from mom, so I thought i would post it.
------
Julie called today when they arrived at the Kremer's house where they will be staying until they find a house Kremer's will be gone until June 20 . So they are hopeing to have their own place by then.
Julie said that their flight was uneventful which is good. They did sleep some . Kayleigh and Liam slept more.
Scotland is just 5 hours ahead of us so that is not too complicated to figure out.
It will take a while to get the computer and e-mail going so do not expect to get email for a bit so says Julie.
The town that they are in is Clackmannan and she described it as a "playtown" the streets are tiny and narrow. And the houses are all close together. there is one of each thing as one pharmacy, one bank,one fish and chips, one night and day shop, etc.
They were tired and were getting ready for bed. It was 3:30 here but 8:30 there.
Thank you for praying for traveling mercies. The Lord is good.
Marc and Julie Hamer Phone until June 20
#011 44 1259 720 076
Temporary address: The Hamer's
%The Kremer''s
25 Castle St.
Clackmannan
FK 10 4EJ
Scotland UK
I just got this report from mom, so I thought i would post it.
------
Julie called today when they arrived at the Kremer's house where they will be staying until they find a house Kremer's will be gone until June 20 . So they are hopeing to have their own place by then.
Julie said that their flight was uneventful which is good. They did sleep some . Kayleigh and Liam slept more.
Scotland is just 5 hours ahead of us so that is not too complicated to figure out.
It will take a while to get the computer and e-mail going so do not expect to get email for a bit so says Julie.
The town that they are in is Clackmannan and she described it as a "playtown" the streets are tiny and narrow. And the houses are all close together. there is one of each thing as one pharmacy, one bank,one fish and chips, one night and day shop, etc.
They were tired and were getting ready for bed. It was 3:30 here but 8:30 there.
Thank you for praying for traveling mercies. The Lord is good.
Marc and Julie Hamer Phone until June 20
#011 44 1259 720 076
Temporary address: The Hamer's
%The Kremer''s
25 Castle St.
Clackmannan
FK 10 4EJ
Scotland UK
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Ok, so we managed to travel for 3-4 days and actually get out of Dunedin to see the amazing country of New Zealand! It was beautiful and more amazing the the post cards and Lord of the Rings epic, of course!
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Ok, so we managed to travel for 3-4 days and actually get out of Dunedin to see the amazing country of New Zealand! It was beautiful and more amazing the the post cards and Lord of the Rings epic, of course!
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Sorry, we did'nt get the pics up yet! We did scan them in Dunedin, however could not send them throught the office for complicated reasons. Uggg. We'll try again at home.
We were shocked to get word in Dunedin that My Grandma (Julies moms mom) was suddenly ill and did get a chance to call and say goodbye just 3 hours or so before she went to be with Jesus! I was so sad not to be there and there for my mom, but God worked it out for us to go home just in time for the funeral and viewing and to be with the family! Hows that for a Sovereign God who knows our thoughts and desires and had this all planned out! Im so thankful!
The funeral was today and we were blessed with amazing Spring weather, the fellowship of friends and family and the amazing blessing of knowing the godly heritage that she gave! What an inheritance! "How beautiful heaven must be"... I can only imagine! Randy gave a great message on the freedom and security we can have in Christ and the hope of eternity if we trust in him. It was powerful! Jeff, Candi, Marc and I sang (at the request of mom) and it was fun, but we did goof a bit... it was a tricky song, but everyone seemed to enjoy it anyway.... "Christ is my hope / Be still my soul... the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord. When disapointment grief and fear are past, sorrow forgot, loves purest joy restored. Be still my soul when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last! (Hope we'll meet you there one day too!)
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
I cant believe its a week since I last wrote in this blog! Im sooo not keeping up with Jeff! I guess if we had a regular computer in a heated room I may be a bit more inclined to go there. Anyway, when we settle in Scotland, I promise I'll do better. Speaking of heat, I dont think many Kiwis care for central heat. I think they think we are spoiled and wimpy or something. They are a hardy bunch! Bob P. told us that "many are thawed, but few are frozen"! Heh!
Today was quite a shopping day! (I did work in the office a bit too.) We had to run around buying gifts, (on quite a budget I might add) for all the executive committee members in Dunedin. It couldn't be all chocolates or rubber chickens, but something creative and special for each of them. (Frank & Beckys idea... a good one, but more work, but better in the end.) Anyway, its a challenge when you don't know the stores or the isles to find things in. I know this sounds so petty, there are just some things that we take for granted. Enough about shopping! Ugggg.
I should say something about Easter. Here in New Zealand they take 4 days off! I mean, nothing is open save a few restaurants and churches. On Good Friday we went to the cathedral for an evening Tennenbrea service. It had scripture mixed with a choir that sounded like angels as it echoed through the halls... no mics... just pure old school cathedral candlelit reverend kind of thing. It was absolutely amazing! Just thinking quietly and reverently what Jesus went through for us! The only down side was that Liam had swooshy pants on and everytime he moved it made noise and Kayleigh wanted an interpretation of the speaker which she couldn't hear or understand. Those of you who have sat in one of those services on wooden pews on marble floors surrounded by concrete walls and pillars know how sound travels. Heh!
Sat. we celebrated Marcs birthday at Speights for a surprise lunch with about 12 friends. (By the way that morning we received a fabulous care package from the Millers and Zion friends! It was amazing...Veggie tales video, candy, Easter craft kits, eggs for a hunt... and so much more. It sure was a lifter! We looooove packages!) It was a difficult eve. cuz' we found out mom was in the hospital again for HBP. Its so hard being far away at times like this! I have to remind myself to trust in our Sovereign God that I am in the right place and that He is protecting and comforting her. Hey, while Im thinking of it, would you pray for her for healing and peace. Thanks! She is home now, but still going through some tests. I just want to give her a hug!
Sunday was Easter and we tried another church. I couldn't believe that the pastor didn't even mention Christs resurrection! Its Easter Sunday for crying out loud!!! The worship leader mentioned it between songs, and maybe Im just a traditional girl, but I missed the Easter message! It seams that they don't celebrate it quite the same here. Its all low key. It bothered me at first but I had to check myself to see what I celebrate. Is it tradition or my Gods Resurrection?! I know its Jesus, but I bet He is pleased when we enjoy each other and our little traditions too! I bet He would kick back and share a peanut butter chocolate egg with us if He was here in the flesh. :)
Right, so my toes are tingling now and My finger tips are so cold I cant feel them. Im going to sit on our little plug in heater box and then quickly jump in bed. Nighty night!
BTW... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFEY WEFFEY!
Today was quite a shopping day! (I did work in the office a bit too.) We had to run around buying gifts, (on quite a budget I might add) for all the executive committee members in Dunedin. It couldn't be all chocolates or rubber chickens, but something creative and special for each of them. (Frank & Beckys idea... a good one, but more work, but better in the end.) Anyway, its a challenge when you don't know the stores or the isles to find things in. I know this sounds so petty, there are just some things that we take for granted. Enough about shopping! Ugggg.
I should say something about Easter. Here in New Zealand they take 4 days off! I mean, nothing is open save a few restaurants and churches. On Good Friday we went to the cathedral for an evening Tennenbrea service. It had scripture mixed with a choir that sounded like angels as it echoed through the halls... no mics... just pure old school cathedral candlelit reverend kind of thing. It was absolutely amazing! Just thinking quietly and reverently what Jesus went through for us! The only down side was that Liam had swooshy pants on and everytime he moved it made noise and Kayleigh wanted an interpretation of the speaker which she couldn't hear or understand. Those of you who have sat in one of those services on wooden pews on marble floors surrounded by concrete walls and pillars know how sound travels. Heh!
Sat. we celebrated Marcs birthday at Speights for a surprise lunch with about 12 friends. (By the way that morning we received a fabulous care package from the Millers and Zion friends! It was amazing...Veggie tales video, candy, Easter craft kits, eggs for a hunt... and so much more. It sure was a lifter! We looooove packages!) It was a difficult eve. cuz' we found out mom was in the hospital again for HBP. Its so hard being far away at times like this! I have to remind myself to trust in our Sovereign God that I am in the right place and that He is protecting and comforting her. Hey, while Im thinking of it, would you pray for her for healing and peace. Thanks! She is home now, but still going through some tests. I just want to give her a hug!
Sunday was Easter and we tried another church. I couldn't believe that the pastor didn't even mention Christs resurrection! Its Easter Sunday for crying out loud!!! The worship leader mentioned it between songs, and maybe Im just a traditional girl, but I missed the Easter message! It seams that they don't celebrate it quite the same here. Its all low key. It bothered me at first but I had to check myself to see what I celebrate. Is it tradition or my Gods Resurrection?! I know its Jesus, but I bet He is pleased when we enjoy each other and our little traditions too! I bet He would kick back and share a peanut butter chocolate egg with us if He was here in the flesh. :)
Right, so my toes are tingling now and My finger tips are so cold I cant feel them. Im going to sit on our little plug in heater box and then quickly jump in bed. Nighty night!
BTW... HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEFFEY WEFFEY!
Monday, April 05, 2004
So, this past weekend was Impact World Tour in Dunedin! There is soooo much to share about the school assemblies, crazy running around catering to the teams, and so many cool stories, but I have to tell you, about the weather since I asked you to get involved..... it was amazing! A miricle!! Thanks for praying! We did keep the venue at Forbury Raceway Park despite the warnings and multiple problems.
We had a cold rain and harsh winds straight through 3 days prior to the first day of the event. (Actually mostly rain about 3 weeks before!) Thurs. morning in Dunedin it started to clear and it was still windy, BUT at the venue... it was perfectly calm and sunny! That night we could see the stars in the sky for the first time in a loooooooong time! (Even the southern cross, cool!) Everyone was amazed at Gods hand of protection around the place! I couldn’t stop looking up! Team Xtream was that night... breaking concrete flaming blocks with their heads (and even some afros heh-heh), blowing up hot water bottles, bending steel bars, rolling cars and all that stuff... oh, yeah and preaching the clear gospel message and even teaching on creation vs evolution! (The owner of the venue said that it was the largest crowd he’s seen in the place!)
The next day in the morning it poured again. The sound booth tent was flooded and equipment was covered. We were racing around trying to find alternative venues, but could not for the size of it. We could do the show in the rain if the equip. was already powered up, but it had to be turned off due to the horse race track. So we would decide by 4:00pm. 3:30 came and didn’t blue sky fly in overhead! Heh! It actually got hot out for a while! Warm enough to wear our new “IWT Crew” short sleeves shirts and warm enough to dry the equip. quickly to start it up! That night was the still and beautiful calm weather! Almost tropical enough for Island Breeze, the indigenous cultural night of island song and dancing. (Kayleigh loved the dancers, you can imagine!) This was an amazing production. Even better... still the stars were in the sky!!! We just kept praising God!!! You have to understand that if it rained at all during the evenings, most likely nobody would come out and all that work (years of it) would just have to be eaten. Yeah, I hear you... we are defiantly thinking indoor venues for Scotland!!!
The Last night Sat. was GX International. (The BMXers & Skaters & Bboys...) They took the stage with a bang! The crowd was cheering in amazement and listening to every breath of those stoked, totally sold out dudes and dudetts. The gospel was boldly preached in front of about 9,000 that night. (The venue has seating for 5,000 so you can imagine the crowd!) God was on the move!... and satan was not happy! The entire show was calm, but at the alter call that night, the winds kicked up out of no where after people started to come down. It started to rain. People still came up! It was packed!!! Some fights broke out, I started to get a headache(which has lingered even now) . It was soon pouring and was crazy for a while. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot... the stage, this thing is huge...began to cork screw that day too. Crazy! It was almost like a spiritual struggle manifesting in different forms. I know it sounds crazy, but I really believe it! God protected and still did great things that night!
We are just so blessed by so many people praying for us being involved and supporting this ministry! I just couldn’t get over how God held off the rains until it was over! I will have to get the numbers straight, but it was just under 1,000 people that responded to the alter call just in Dunedin over those 3 nights! It was an amazing sight seeing those people RUN to the front ready to make a change in their lives! It moved me to tears! Hearing the stories from the local links/ councelors was just amazing too! Stuff that went on the next day with their new friends, and all these people with new bibles and new questions. We expect to get some photos back soon to shoot out on this blog so check back in a couple days or so if you want some visuals. :)
I could write another 12 pages, but I guess Ill save some for the next newsletter and some for our next visit. Love you all so much! Thanks for reading!
It was all worth it! We have alot of clean up now and working on the data base and discipleship upkeep, making sure everyone is taken care of, letters, thankyous, closing down the office, and still some events to plan, like a city wide celebration and pastors prayer time.
We had a cold rain and harsh winds straight through 3 days prior to the first day of the event. (Actually mostly rain about 3 weeks before!) Thurs. morning in Dunedin it started to clear and it was still windy, BUT at the venue... it was perfectly calm and sunny! That night we could see the stars in the sky for the first time in a loooooooong time! (Even the southern cross, cool!) Everyone was amazed at Gods hand of protection around the place! I couldn’t stop looking up! Team Xtream was that night... breaking concrete flaming blocks with their heads (and even some afros heh-heh), blowing up hot water bottles, bending steel bars, rolling cars and all that stuff... oh, yeah and preaching the clear gospel message and even teaching on creation vs evolution! (The owner of the venue said that it was the largest crowd he’s seen in the place!)
The next day in the morning it poured again. The sound booth tent was flooded and equipment was covered. We were racing around trying to find alternative venues, but could not for the size of it. We could do the show in the rain if the equip. was already powered up, but it had to be turned off due to the horse race track. So we would decide by 4:00pm. 3:30 came and didn’t blue sky fly in overhead! Heh! It actually got hot out for a while! Warm enough to wear our new “IWT Crew” short sleeves shirts and warm enough to dry the equip. quickly to start it up! That night was the still and beautiful calm weather! Almost tropical enough for Island Breeze, the indigenous cultural night of island song and dancing. (Kayleigh loved the dancers, you can imagine!) This was an amazing production. Even better... still the stars were in the sky!!! We just kept praising God!!! You have to understand that if it rained at all during the evenings, most likely nobody would come out and all that work (years of it) would just have to be eaten. Yeah, I hear you... we are defiantly thinking indoor venues for Scotland!!!
The Last night Sat. was GX International. (The BMXers & Skaters & Bboys...) They took the stage with a bang! The crowd was cheering in amazement and listening to every breath of those stoked, totally sold out dudes and dudetts. The gospel was boldly preached in front of about 9,000 that night. (The venue has seating for 5,000 so you can imagine the crowd!) God was on the move!... and satan was not happy! The entire show was calm, but at the alter call that night, the winds kicked up out of no where after people started to come down. It started to rain. People still came up! It was packed!!! Some fights broke out, I started to get a headache(which has lingered even now) . It was soon pouring and was crazy for a while. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot... the stage, this thing is huge...began to cork screw that day too. Crazy! It was almost like a spiritual struggle manifesting in different forms. I know it sounds crazy, but I really believe it! God protected and still did great things that night!
We are just so blessed by so many people praying for us being involved and supporting this ministry! I just couldn’t get over how God held off the rains until it was over! I will have to get the numbers straight, but it was just under 1,000 people that responded to the alter call just in Dunedin over those 3 nights! It was an amazing sight seeing those people RUN to the front ready to make a change in their lives! It moved me to tears! Hearing the stories from the local links/ councelors was just amazing too! Stuff that went on the next day with their new friends, and all these people with new bibles and new questions. We expect to get some photos back soon to shoot out on this blog so check back in a couple days or so if you want some visuals. :)
I could write another 12 pages, but I guess Ill save some for the next newsletter and some for our next visit. Love you all so much! Thanks for reading!
It was all worth it! We have alot of clean up now and working on the data base and discipleship upkeep, making sure everyone is taken care of, letters, thankyous, closing down the office, and still some events to plan, like a city wide celebration and pastors prayer time.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Here is a prayer update for the Hamers. Please pray!!! Love in Jesus, Betsy
***********************************************************
Thank you soooooo much for continuining to pray for this ministry and our
family! If ever the time to pray... its now! There is a mighty battle
going on...(computer probs., sched. changes etc.) but there is some very
encouraging news too!
1. Last night at ChristChurch there was the largest response yet in NZ for
1 night! About 1,000 responded and there was a recorded 945 decisions for
Christ! This highlights a bit of a concern for us. There is a desporate
need for more Christian Counselors and discipleship plans since there has
been such a response!
2. Please also pray for the Christians/ Volunteers to sense this as a
Celebration of Eternal measure and not a burden of extra things to do.
3. Continue to pray for our family. This week will be INCREDIBLY busy.
Please pray that the kids will be patient and understanding, for precious
family time, for good relationships to be established with the tour members.
***********************************************************
Thank you soooooo much for continuining to pray for this ministry and our
family! If ever the time to pray... its now! There is a mighty battle
going on...(computer probs., sched. changes etc.) but there is some very
encouraging news too!
1. Last night at ChristChurch there was the largest response yet in NZ for
1 night! About 1,000 responded and there was a recorded 945 decisions for
Christ! This highlights a bit of a concern for us. There is a desporate
need for more Christian Counselors and discipleship plans since there has
been such a response!
2. Please also pray for the Christians/ Volunteers to sense this as a
Celebration of Eternal measure and not a burden of extra things to do.
3. Continue to pray for our family. This week will be INCREDIBLY busy.
Please pray that the kids will be patient and understanding, for precious
family time, for good relationships to be established with the tour members.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Hello everybody, Marc here with a quick update. This is the big week here in Dunedin. Things are happening at a break neck pace and we are hanging on the best we can. As of last night we thought we lost our venue due to high winds. So after scurrying around unsuccessfully for a day trying to find an alternative venue that would seat thousands of people we have decided to go for it and pray that the wind would subside and wouldn't you know it, the sky is completly clear and the winds have died down to a gentle breeze. Please continue to pray that we will have good weather all this week. We'll let you know what happens. God's blessings on you all.
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Today is a busy day. I’m working on some hospitality details, meal schedule changes for the 125+ evangelists coming next week, weekly Dunedin email update and welcome / information packs with maps, schedules, and misc. important info. for all the traveling team leaders and techies and staff w/ IWT. Its amazing all the little details that one might forget to think of. Good thing that Becky & Frank are around to direct us! Heh-heh. They have been so wonderful and have treated us well! We have eaten at their host home 3 times already and the kids really enjoy them too! Good thing because we will be spending tons of time with them in Scotland!
Speaking of hosting... we really enjoyed a meal and the company at some friends of our host family this evening. We are really appreciating the invitations out!!! (I really miss my kitchen.) Anyway, she made a traditional New Zealand/Australian dessert called pavlovia. It was delectable! Pretty much a baked egg white whipped thing with cream in it and fruit on the side! Yum! Their garden was beautiful too! Her Dahlias were as large as my hand and the most amazing vibrant colors! Ok, this morning was so chilly! I guess central heating is just not very popular in these parts. Its so cold today that 3 Albatross flew into KFC at the rotisserie and surrendered! Yeah, by the way... KFC is so popular here. There is either a Fish & Chip shop, Chinese Take-Away, or KFC on every block! No, we did’nt cave in yet! YET!
Oh, one last thing for today. Could you pray with us re: the weather for the tour. It seems like rain has been following the tour! The extended forcast looks cold and rainy for those days. God has done incredible thing in spite of the rains (ask us the stories when we are back), but it would be nice to have clear skies since its at an outdoor horse race track in this city. Must go get busy! Blessings on you today!... and hey, why not invite a new visitor or family into your home for a meal, get to know them and be a blessing, I’m sure you will be blessed too!...never know, maybe you will be entertaining Angels! :)
Speaking of hosting... we really enjoyed a meal and the company at some friends of our host family this evening. We are really appreciating the invitations out!!! (I really miss my kitchen.) Anyway, she made a traditional New Zealand/Australian dessert called pavlovia. It was delectable! Pretty much a baked egg white whipped thing with cream in it and fruit on the side! Yum! Their garden was beautiful too! Her Dahlias were as large as my hand and the most amazing vibrant colors! Ok, this morning was so chilly! I guess central heating is just not very popular in these parts. Its so cold today that 3 Albatross flew into KFC at the rotisserie and surrendered! Yeah, by the way... KFC is so popular here. There is either a Fish & Chip shop, Chinese Take-Away, or KFC on every block! No, we did’nt cave in yet! YET!
Oh, one last thing for today. Could you pray with us re: the weather for the tour. It seems like rain has been following the tour! The extended forcast looks cold and rainy for those days. God has done incredible thing in spite of the rains (ask us the stories when we are back), but it would be nice to have clear skies since its at an outdoor horse race track in this city. Must go get busy! Blessings on you today!... and hey, why not invite a new visitor or family into your home for a meal, get to know them and be a blessing, I’m sure you will be blessed too!...never know, maybe you will be entertaining Angels! :)
Monday, March 22, 2004
from an email...
Julie writes
The last 2 days we went to Christschurch for a road trip to meet with Mark Anderson (The founder of IWT!) It was great! He really shared the BIG Picture for what God is doing in NZ and really prompted the Kiwis to not wave their flag, but to humbly be active in sharing their faith and not to blow it... (what God is calling them to do!) We also got a short chance to hear some Irish music on St. Patties day! It was a long drive, but we had fun! We stayed again with the Clarks from the picture on the web site. They are soooo kind and invited us to come up a couple days before we leave so we can catch our breath before our flight! The tour is getting closer and things are really picking up! Must go just now.. they just called me to pray.
Julie
Julie writes
The last 2 days we went to Christschurch for a road trip to meet with Mark Anderson (The founder of IWT!) It was great! He really shared the BIG Picture for what God is doing in NZ and really prompted the Kiwis to not wave their flag, but to humbly be active in sharing their faith and not to blow it... (what God is calling them to do!) We also got a short chance to hear some Irish music on St. Patties day! It was a long drive, but we had fun! We stayed again with the Clarks from the picture on the web site. They are soooo kind and invited us to come up a couple days before we leave so we can catch our breath before our flight! The tour is getting closer and things are really picking up! Must go just now.. they just called me to pray.
Julie
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Greetings and salutations all you freaks! The sun is shining today finally. It is a rare thing to see around here so it is much appreciated. The locals say it has been unusually rainy around here as though they have to appologize for the weather. My research tells me that it isn't all that strange at all. It seems that there is a very strong prevailing wind that comes right up from Antartica which travels over the relatively warmer air of the south pacific and that combination causes more frequent rainy periods over the south island which is where we are. So, to be quite blunt about it, the locals are full of it. I (Marc) am very jealous that I missed all the snow back home last week. I do however have access to accu-weather via the internet which is almost like being there. If you want to know what the weather is doing here just go to accuweather.com and then click on (world forcasts) and follow the directions to New Zealand. I know there are a few other weather freaks out there like me, so give it a try.
Things are getting busy as we get closer to the tour arriving in Dunedin and everything is actually coming together pretty nicely. Please pray though for the city of Dunedin that the people here would be receptive to the gospel message and that true revival would happen here. The Lord has impressed on several peoples hearts that New Zealand is going to be transformed in a mighty way and will be an example to the whole western world as to what a Godly nation looks like. Keep your eyes tuned in to the news.
That's all for now, more tomarro.
Things are getting busy as we get closer to the tour arriving in Dunedin and everything is actually coming together pretty nicely. Please pray though for the city of Dunedin that the people here would be receptive to the gospel message and that true revival would happen here. The Lord has impressed on several peoples hearts that New Zealand is going to be transformed in a mighty way and will be an example to the whole western world as to what a Godly nation looks like. Keep your eyes tuned in to the news.
That's all for now, more tomarro.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
***
this was emailed to Candace, but I thought you might be interested in reading "a day in the life" Julie, I've tried to edit out anything you might not want to be public information.
***
Julie writes:
Right, so I'll try to answer some of your loaded questions. Yes, we have
adjusted to the time zone by now, its a relief! The kids are sleeping well
too.
A typical day we would drop the kids at the Kindi with hugs and kisses as
they run off with their new friends. We always start the office day by
looking at the white board and try to cross some things off our list of "to
do" and add some to it as well. We pray for quite some time with Frank and
Becky and occasionally others who are with YWAM and in Dunedin that day.
Then its off to our duties, possibly a couple mins. to check emails, Marc is
actively involved with "Arrangements" which is making sure that the venue is
ready. (Ramps are being built, hundreds of duct tape rolls, generators and
electrical stuff in place, ushers and security committed, trained and in
place... Its big)! I am actively involved in Hospitality, Weekly updates
submitted to locals and the greater IWT staff, and organizing stuff like
Table hosts for the fundraising banquets, Organizing the Pastors lunches
(we are trying to be a vehicle to bring them together to pray and encourage this to
go on after the tour). The hospitality stuff is just making sure that the
Local Hospitality coordinator is given the appropriate list of needs for
some IWT speakers and teams etc for Housing, transportation, meals, welcome
packets, doctor info... Etc. And then staying on her to make sure it gets
done.
At some point in the day we try to spend about 2 hours or so on training
with either Becky or a visiting speaker. We are working through the manual
for IWT coordinators which is so very detailed and intricate. Today we
familiarized ourselves on the data base, which at this point is
overwhelming, but will soon be our dear friend.
Marc is at the moment picking the kids up from Kindi. Its 12:30 lunch time.
We will probably spend a couple hours here with the kids yet then one of
us will take them home for naps and prepare dinner.
Evenings are usually just dinner and we get caught up in a lively
conversation with whoever is at home and watch the kids play with toys or
slide down the steps on the boogie board. One of us often has either an
Executive Meeting or some other meeting a couple times a week, but one is
always with the kids. We are also going through counselor training which is
a couple sessions long at multiple times that people are required to go
through to be a counselor at the proclamation time. We will eventually be
equipped to lead these.
Saturdays and Sundays are pretty much our days as a family and this past
weekend we had a quiet house since the family was gone.
There is loads to do living in a city, wish we had more time to goof
off, but am glad to be usefully, learning and know that it is temporary!
This is probably a bit more detailed than you were thinking, but as I
started, I tried to whittle it down and it just wasn't possible, hey, maybe
I'll send it to mom too! :) There really is a lot more to the organizational
aspect of this than one could imagine. There is so much more that we
realized! Its sooooo cool to see all the hands and hearts that believe in
this mission and have changed their lives and schedules to pour themselves
into making it happen as well. I would estimate that nearly 700-900 people
are involved just in set up in one city.. Then there are satellite locations
at each hub city and of course all the teams and staff that tour and then
the main office in Kansas city would total probably nearly 1,200 that have
shifted their lives and schedules as well, to focus on this one ministry!
Its huge and God is rewarding it! Its great to be a little ant in the whole
picture!
Anyway, must go now to get some materials out (tickets, banners etc.) to
some locals.
this was emailed to Candace, but I thought you might be interested in reading "a day in the life" Julie, I've tried to edit out anything you might not want to be public information.
***
Julie writes:
Right, so I'll try to answer some of your loaded questions. Yes, we have
adjusted to the time zone by now, its a relief! The kids are sleeping well
too.
A typical day we would drop the kids at the Kindi with hugs and kisses as
they run off with their new friends. We always start the office day by
looking at the white board and try to cross some things off our list of "to
do" and add some to it as well. We pray for quite some time with Frank and
Becky and occasionally others who are with YWAM and in Dunedin that day.
Then its off to our duties, possibly a couple mins. to check emails, Marc is
actively involved with "Arrangements" which is making sure that the venue is
ready. (Ramps are being built, hundreds of duct tape rolls, generators and
electrical stuff in place, ushers and security committed, trained and in
place... Its big)! I am actively involved in Hospitality, Weekly updates
submitted to locals and the greater IWT staff, and organizing stuff like
Table hosts for the fundraising banquets, Organizing the Pastors lunches
(we are trying to be a vehicle to bring them together to pray and encourage this to
go on after the tour). The hospitality stuff is just making sure that the
Local Hospitality coordinator is given the appropriate list of needs for
some IWT speakers and teams etc for Housing, transportation, meals, welcome
packets, doctor info... Etc. And then staying on her to make sure it gets
done.
At some point in the day we try to spend about 2 hours or so on training
with either Becky or a visiting speaker. We are working through the manual
for IWT coordinators which is so very detailed and intricate. Today we
familiarized ourselves on the data base, which at this point is
overwhelming, but will soon be our dear friend.
Marc is at the moment picking the kids up from Kindi. Its 12:30 lunch time.
We will probably spend a couple hours here with the kids yet then one of
us will take them home for naps and prepare dinner.
Evenings are usually just dinner and we get caught up in a lively
conversation with whoever is at home and watch the kids play with toys or
slide down the steps on the boogie board. One of us often has either an
Executive Meeting or some other meeting a couple times a week, but one is
always with the kids. We are also going through counselor training which is
a couple sessions long at multiple times that people are required to go
through to be a counselor at the proclamation time. We will eventually be
equipped to lead these.
Saturdays and Sundays are pretty much our days as a family and this past
weekend we had a quiet house since the family was gone.
There is loads to do living in a city, wish we had more time to goof
off, but am glad to be usefully, learning and know that it is temporary!
This is probably a bit more detailed than you were thinking, but as I
started, I tried to whittle it down and it just wasn't possible, hey, maybe
I'll send it to mom too! :) There really is a lot more to the organizational
aspect of this than one could imagine. There is so much more that we
realized! Its sooooo cool to see all the hands and hearts that believe in
this mission and have changed their lives and schedules to pour themselves
into making it happen as well. I would estimate that nearly 700-900 people
are involved just in set up in one city.. Then there are satellite locations
at each hub city and of course all the teams and staff that tour and then
the main office in Kansas city would total probably nearly 1,200 that have
shifted their lives and schedules as well, to focus on this one ministry!
Its huge and God is rewarding it! Its great to be a little ant in the whole
picture!
Anyway, must go now to get some materials out (tickets, banners etc.) to
some locals.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Ok, Here it goes! I have been wanting to begin this blog for weeks now, but everything has held me back. There has been some kind of breakthrough so I am going to take advantage of it! I don’t feel like I should backtrack too much and spend time talking about packing the house, the plane trip or settling in New Zealand, that would take pages upon pages so we will just comment from here on out. My intentions in this blog site are to Journal brief snippets of random or related thinking a couple times a week (if possible) and also give updates on our mission for you to visit at your leisure. We hope and pray that it will keep you informed and involved, as much as you desire, in this ministry and in our lives.
Right, so... as I touched on before, it felt like we were in a cloud for the first week or so that we were in Dunedin. It seriously was like a depressing cloud almost of apathy, so contrary to the emotions and vision that brought us here! I don’t know if it was the jet/moving/packing lag, the feeling of closterphobia from the plastic completely covering our house windows (there is a painter working on the house..heh-heh...no it’s not Marc), or if it was some kind of spiritual oppression. Regardless of what it was, this past Thursday Marc and I finally had some good prayer time, the opening and unveiling of the windows began and I finally had a good night sleep. I praise God for your prayers! This morning in Church the pastor spoke on the passage in Exodus when Joshua and the army was fighting the Amelikites and as long as Moses held up his staff there was victory. You probably know that at one time Moses dropped his arms and quickly realized that he needed to have help holding them up in obedience to Gods leading. We totally sense our prayer partners holding us up when we are week. We are soooo thankful!
Hey, I did say this would be short, well it’s the first one, so please forgive me! :) This is an Amazing land! The untouched landscape just amazes us! Each corner we drive around is more amazing than the last! We hope to get a chance to explore a couple days after the tour. Right now Impact World Tour is just a bit north of us and is scheduled to be in Dunedin April 1, 2&3. We will try to update you bit by bit, but if your interested in the stats and testimonies of the people of New Zealand touched by God through IWT please visit www.iwt.nu/NZ/ . There have been amazing transformations of lives and cities and we are believing that for Dunedin too! Man, does it need some kind of radicle change! There is such opposition here! There have already been 2 IWT international leaders that stated Dunedin to be the most difficult city in New Zealand to “break through”. Boy is our work cut out for us and somehow we feel like this is a glimpse as to what will be before us in Scotland as well. Cool thing is, we know who wins in the end!
Ok, Marcs snoring so thats my cue to shut down the laptop and get some shut eye! Why is it that everyone denies that they snore? Yeah, and why do you only snore when you lay on your back and not on your side? Ahhh the marvels of the human body! Good night!
Right, so... as I touched on before, it felt like we were in a cloud for the first week or so that we were in Dunedin. It seriously was like a depressing cloud almost of apathy, so contrary to the emotions and vision that brought us here! I don’t know if it was the jet/moving/packing lag, the feeling of closterphobia from the plastic completely covering our house windows (there is a painter working on the house..heh-heh...no it’s not Marc), or if it was some kind of spiritual oppression. Regardless of what it was, this past Thursday Marc and I finally had some good prayer time, the opening and unveiling of the windows began and I finally had a good night sleep. I praise God for your prayers! This morning in Church the pastor spoke on the passage in Exodus when Joshua and the army was fighting the Amelikites and as long as Moses held up his staff there was victory. You probably know that at one time Moses dropped his arms and quickly realized that he needed to have help holding them up in obedience to Gods leading. We totally sense our prayer partners holding us up when we are week. We are soooo thankful!
Hey, I did say this would be short, well it’s the first one, so please forgive me! :) This is an Amazing land! The untouched landscape just amazes us! Each corner we drive around is more amazing than the last! We hope to get a chance to explore a couple days after the tour. Right now Impact World Tour is just a bit north of us and is scheduled to be in Dunedin April 1, 2&3. We will try to update you bit by bit, but if your interested in the stats and testimonies of the people of New Zealand touched by God through IWT please visit www.iwt.nu/NZ/ . There have been amazing transformations of lives and cities and we are believing that for Dunedin too! Man, does it need some kind of radicle change! There is such opposition here! There have already been 2 IWT international leaders that stated Dunedin to be the most difficult city in New Zealand to “break through”. Boy is our work cut out for us and somehow we feel like this is a glimpse as to what will be before us in Scotland as well. Cool thing is, we know who wins in the end!
Ok, Marcs snoring so thats my cue to shut down the laptop and get some shut eye! Why is it that everyone denies that they snore? Yeah, and why do you only snore when you lay on your back and not on your side? Ahhh the marvels of the human body! Good night!
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