A lot has happened since I last wrote. And a lot is still to happen, hence why I thought I should let people know.
I came back from doing my DTS with YWAM, a changed man. It wasn't always obvious but deep down I knew I was, and I hope it showed. I came home for three weeks for a bit of a rest from the whirlwind ride and to see people and hang out. Hanging out is so good. Then I went back to Newcastle for three weeks to do a Staff Training school.
The STS is basically a leadership school gearing you up to be a leader in full time ministry, specifically in Missions. We learnt about developing character and how important that is for leaders. We got to help run an event called Not for Sale, which raised awareness and gave tools to help fight human slavery, which still exists and is SO prevalent today.
We also went away for a week to a beautiful place called Tahlee. It is an estate in the bush where we are going to run schools in the future. It was a good place to spend some time alone and think and pray on what our future holds and best to serve as we go into staff.
So then I came home, and have been home for the last 6 weeks or so. Its been a good time of rest, and especially of building relationship and getting to encourage others. I also spent the time telling people about what I have been doing and especially what I am planning to do.
Which is?
Well, I feel called into full time missions overseas at some point in my future. But I want to make sure I am prepared for this, as well as gain experience in missions and in leadership along the way. Also, I felt I grew so much on my DTS that I want to encourage others and help grow them to know God more, and I feel like I have the skill set to do this.
So with this, I am going back to YWAM Newcastle on staff for at least a year, to grow myself and to bless others. Its been a challenging journey. Everyone in YWAM relies on support, which means we don't get paid and rely on people who believe in what we're doing to support us to continue doing it. And that in itself has been hard to accept, and then to act out on to ask people for this support. But that has grown me and stretched me.
I hope for whoever reads this (all 3 of you) you can understand just why I am doing this, and I would love your support in any way. I can't do it without you! Literally. I hope you can think about supporting this ministry, in any way! And I hope you will be willing to come along on this journey with me.
Yours in Christ.
