Often when you're at the end of something, you're on the beginning of something else."

God has been showing me what this means more and more lately.  It's exciting to see what He has for me in the next couple weeks.  I'm growing spiritually and the Bible coming to life more then I ever thought possible.  I don't want to take my time here for granted.  I'm here for a reason and I need to see this thing through. I am so incredibly blessed to be here. 

the seed I've received I must sow

Every Thursday night is Coffee Van outreach.  We get pastries donated from a local bakery and serve free coffee, tea and milo to people in Southport.  It's an informal way to talk to people, hear their stories and tell them about Jesus. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled when I saw I was on the schedule to go tonight.  It's not that I don't like it, I do.  I was really drained with everything we did today and was looking forward to a laid back night.  God kept saying to me "I have great things in store for you tonight.  This is your mission field and these are my people."  I was exhausted, but I said "okay God, give me the energy I don't have." God showed me when He calls me to do something He will give me everything I need and then some.  He is everlasting, faithful and sovereign.  I couldn't help but write about what happened tonight. :)  What God is doing in my life is incredible.


So many people came tonight.  It was awesome.  I found that it was easy to talk to them and the conversation was good.  But then this couple came up. It was obvious the man was drunk, but his wife wasn't.  She was yelling at him the whole time as we got him a drink.  I asked her something about what they were doing tonight and her face turns stone cold.  She looks at me and says "Nothing." Then she starts backing away.  She then says " I hate people right now; I hate Christians!"  Time out.  They were only at our stand for 30 seconds.  There was no way in that time she could have known that.  After he got his coffee, she grabbed him and walked away.  The people sitting around me saw what happened.  Our leader said there was something demonic going on.  She explained that the way she kept backing away from us, it was like they couldn't handle Christ in us.  The fact that she knew we were Christians without us saying anything says something in itself.  I felt a real heaviness being around her.  We prayed that the spirit would be broken in Jesus name.  That was a pretty crazy experience for me, as well as the other students who saw it happen.

Tonight I got to talk to and pray for two guys which was really neat.  The one man has been in and out of rehab.  He just got kicked out today and has to wait a week before he can go back in.  I could tell he is really making an attempt to get back on the right path.  We talked for a while and I got to tell him about Jesus.  Then Caitlin and Laura came up and we prayed for him. We encouraged him to stick with it and keep fighting. He seemed to appreciate it, and I'm continuing to pray for him.  Toward the end, I prayed for another guy.  He goes to a university in Southport, and looked like he just got done with classes. We small talked for a while about New Zealand and music, but then I felt like the conversation would go deeper. Usually when I ask "How are you tonight?" people say " fine" or "good" but he totally opened up to about his life at home.  It was pretty intense. I felt compassion for all he is going through. Everyone else was occupied so it was him and me. I asked if I could pray for him and he said yes! We prayed and could really feel God's presence.  I don't know this guy well at all, but I'm praying for his home and family life?  Only God can do that.  The words were definitely God's and not mine.  I am continuing to pray for him as well. It's unbelievable the stories people have, underneath any facade or mask they put on , people are people who need love and acceptance.

That was Coffee Van tonight!  God is teaching me lately to step out in faith. It's so exciting to follow Him.  He will provide everything I need and then some.

Along the lines of God providing: This morning we all gathered and had an "encouragement circle."  Some of the things people said to me totally made my day.  What everyone said was so nice and sincere.  It was just what I needed.  Also I got a package from my mom in the mail!  In it was a book on Australian/ Aboriginal cultures and etiquette.  I am so excited to read this(which is a miracle considering my love for reading is a 2 on a scale of 1-10 ) Since I'm going to the outback on my outreach trip it will be perfect!  Also in the package was lots of gum!  That made my day.  God knows what we need and when we need it.  When I put my trust in him he is always faithful and will provide. 

weekends are bomb

This weekend was awesome!  After a week of sitting in classes and being so busy, it's great to relax and spend time with everyone. 


Instead of going to Surfers Paradise beach, a small group of us went east to Burleigh.  I loved it!  It was less touristy than Surfers and is pretty much what one would picture if they thought "Australian beach". Many shops and cafes line the streets on the way to the ocean. There were lots of hippies and VW busses parked in the lot. A surfing competition sponsored by ripcurl was going on, which was so neat to watch.  The day was perfect!  In fact, I can't think of a way it could have been better.  The way the sun hit the water made it look so blue. The shoreline was on a curve, so I could see the city of Surfers Paradise,  which was fifteen miles away.  I have always loved the beach.  For me, it's the most liberating place to be. so to be at one this beautiful is incredible.

God is such an awesome creator.  When I see something as beautiful as the beach, I'm reminded that the same God who made the blue Pacific Ocean made me and you.  We were thought of even before that was created.  After the Father Heart of God week, I keep being reminded with ways in which God loves me. I want to encourage you to find something that you enjoy whether it's being outside or doing something creative and to invite Jesus with you.  It's great to quiet your thoughts and hear what he has to say.

Psalm 27: 4-5 

LOVE is spelled GIVE

Every week during the lecture phase, a speaker comes in and talks about a certain theme of the week.  This week the speaker was Chris Twinn.  The topic was the Character and Nature of God.  I learned so much about God and who he is.  Questions and confusion I had about the Bible and God were answered. He said in the beginning of the week "I don't want what I'm teaching to be information, but revelation."  You know he's a good speaker when its 9:30 pm and everyone wants to stay in class asking questions.  I'll write out a few of the revelations  I had this week.

• Truth is higher than fact

• I never understood how God is love, when he wiped out all those tribes in the Old Testament.  What was going on in the land was some pretty hardcore stuff. It was God's attempt to save his people and land. Chris said it like this: "Because I love my wife and kids I will do anything to protect them.  If anyone tried to hurt them, I would do anything to make sure my family was safe." Even if I don't understand why God did everything, from now on I will say "God, even though I don't understand why this happened, I'm believe in my heart, you're a God of love."
• Isaiah 54:14- God doesn't make businesses go bad, people get cancer or make us do things we don't want just to teach us a lesson.  That is NOT his character .
• Elevate truth from fact.  If I am sick, I shouldn't publicize it right away. There is so much power in our words. Pray in faith you will be healed.  Because "By his stripes we are healed." Don't pull the Word of God down to our experiences such as "I know so and so had this, got sick and died." I know. Much easier said than done. Matthew 12:37. Words contain faith or fear.  Words are so powerful!
• About to say something negative or demeaning about someone?  It is best to be silent.
• Sometimes Christians go around searching for signs and wonders others are doing.  What we don't realize is we can be doing the same things.
• He emphasized living a life of excellence and quality.   Being on time and a trustworthy person are important. 
• Instead of focusing on past sins (which is detrimental and gets absolutely nowhere) Take them, bind them up and cast them down. It's the enemies way of getting you to think youre not good enough.  Meditate on the Word, Holy Spirit and pray if feelings of inadequacy arise. I am already forgiven, it is a matter of forgiving myself.
• Faith is the substance we can not see; it's the substance by which we can change things. Unforgivness in my heart will stop faith. God is always working plan A.
•  A lot of time people look for the spectacular, but God wants to speak in the little things of life so its important to be attentive to that.
• We are manifestations of Jesus on Earth. 
• I will always have my needs met and be taken care of because He loves me.
• Read the bible before Email and seek His face before Facebook.  Big challenge for me!  I'm learning it's not because God doesn't like them, but it's important to have a mind on Christ before anything else.

Key Bible verses for me this week: John 10:10, Isaiah 54:14, 2 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 5:7  Hebrews 11:3,  Matthew 12:37, (about words)Galatians 6:7, Galatians 5  Romans 1:16, John 4:24, 1 John 4.

This morning I led intercession.  YWAM Gold Coast has students from all corners of the globe.  I had it on my heart to pray for our cities. We split up in groups and gave 3 prayer points about the city, state or providence we're from.  Then we prayed for a different one than our own.  Afterward we all came together and prayed Korean style for a different city that was mentioned.  Not only was it a great way to learn more about where people come from, but ways we can lift up the places they live in prayer.

Today was also the last day of Angels and Mortals. I made my John (the leader and my Mortal) a rap.  Since I was leading intercession, I surprised him with it. I had a few girls come up and do the chorus.  It was a good laugh!  I think he liked it because he kept talking about it :) Today I got gummy bears and the sweetest card from my angel, who I found out was Amanda.  I was so blessed this week by her notes and gifts!

This afternoon it was a beautiful day so we spent the day doing beach outreach.  It's real low key.  We set up volleyball and soccer nets, have free water, and invite people to come play. It the opportunity arises, we talk about our faith or ask if we can pray for them. I love how laid back and chill the beach culture is here. If we ask people to play they are like"oh yeah! that sounds fun!"  It's pretty neat.

I am looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend.  Thank you for the prayers for me leading intercession.  It went very well! Love and blessings,
Emily


   

angels and mortals

It's another great week on YWAM Gold Coast!  God is really moving in our group as well as me. On Teusday during intercession, we prayed for unity in our group.  Ever since then, I have noticed a real change in the group.  I believe unity is so important in the body of Christ.  I'm experiencing this first-hand; living community style, having to rely on people and being relied on.

This week is also Angels and Mortals week.  It's like spirit week, YWAM style :) Everyone got a name and whose name you received you are there "angel" for the week.  You are also a "mortal" which means you get lots of nice things done by your secret angel.  We have been having a blast with it!  I must say, I have the best "angel" ever!  The first night I got a note with a flower, Yesterday, a box of cookies, a note and  night off dinner clean-up! Today,after my run I found on my pillow I found a package of roasted almonds.  Then after small groups someone goes "Emily, don't worry about dinner clean-up tonight. Your angel has it covered."  Seriously, it has been such a HUGE blessing!  Dinner clean-up takes about an hour, so for someone to take over for me means a lot.  I have been so blessed to be apart of such an awesome, caring group. 

My "mortal"  is actually the main leader.  It's kind of challenging because he doesn't have work duties or other obligations like the students. I made him a smiley face out of mints(his favorite) and left him several notes.  I wish I could be more creative. I have a few good ideas for tomorrow :)

Prayer request:  I lead intercession tomorrow.  I have a topic and everything planned out but I want God to move and have it not be my own agenda, but his.

I don't have enough time now to update on what is happening spiritually, I will very soon because it is incredible.  Thank you for your support and prayers.   

G'day Mate!

Being half way around the world, it has been interesting to learn the culture in Australia.  Although it is similar to America, here are a few things I've noticed that are different here:

• Minimum wage is about $13.00.  This makes everything a little more expensive than the U.S.  It's funny because I thought coming to Australia everything would be cheaper.  Not so.  The sales they have here, we would consider expensive in the U.S.
• PopTarts and Koolaid are rarities.  Poptarts are $10.50 a box and KoolAid is $8.50. 
• Sushi places are everywhere
• The bus system is always late by15 minutes.
• They love Nicole Kidman (and then, who doesn't?)
• Students have to wear these terrible looking uniforms to school.  They remind me of a slightly uglier version of my old Girl Scout ensemble.
•   Australians don't tip.  Everything is already in their salary. The downside is the service isn't as good because there is no motivation.
• Australians take a lot of pride in rooting for the "little guy" or the underdog in sporting events.
• The church going rate in Surfers Paradise is 10%
• They drive on the opposite side of the road.  Most  cars are stick shift.
• Gas is cheaper here than in the U.S. Although I'm not sure how much because its measured in liters.
• A lot of people have blond curly hair.
• Where I live there are so many hills!  The views are fantastic!
• Hungry Jacks is the Australian's Burger King. It's the exact same from the crown to the menu, just different names.
• They call breakfast "Brekky" and the coffee is usually from a french press. 
• There are pictures of kangaroos and koala bears everywhere!  I have yet to see a real one...But I will on my outreach trip!!
• Vegemite is a staple in 9 out of 10 Australian homes.  It's a black, pasty and is spread on bread for sandwiches.  If you're not used to it, it could be the worst thing you've ever eaten.  Seriously, we had to try it and it was terrible!  No one likes it in YWAM except Dave, who is from Australia.
• Saturdays and Sundays are family days.  All stores and businesses close at five o clock.
• Tim Tams are to Australia as Oreos are to America.  We go crazy when they go on sale.  They're these wafer cookies coated in chocolate.  Sounds ordinary but trust me, these things are incredible.  One is not a true Australian until they have done a Tim Tam Slam.
• People walk barefoot everywhere, even to the stores or places we wouldn't think of.
• All the roofs are tile.
• No offense, but every dog here I have seen has been ugly.  I don't mean to sound rude, but it's true.  Most are breeds I've never seen. I guess it's whats you've grown up with, but there are no yellow labs!
• Instead of saying "your welcome" Australian's say "That's alright."

Those are just a few.  Australia is a wonderful place, but many things are different here.  Ill think of more and share them later :)  I love learning about different cultures so experiencing one is an amazing experience!

"God will speak if you will listen"

This week the topic was Hearing God's Voice.  I really enjoyed our speaker. Dave Bartch.  His energy and passion for God made it easy to pay attention to.  I can honestly say this week changed the way I talk to God. 

At first I thought we would get a step by step way to hear the voice of God.  I have never heard him directly speak to me.  Therefore, I was a little skeptical about it all.  It wasn't like that, and Dave backed up everything with a scripture reference.  This week was amazing! 

We did two exercises to help us hear from God.  I can honestly say they changed my life and God met me in a profound way. 

We did the first one on Thursday.  Dave told us to quiet ourselves and ask God to lead us to an object or place, pray about it and see what happens.  I had thoughts going through my head like"What if God doesn't lead me anywhere?  I don't want to be the only one that didn't hear from God."  I was able to block out all those doubts.  (which I need to more often) I said "God lead me."  He did.  With my mind, body and soul in His hands, I was led to these stone steps with a closed gate at the top.  I had no idea why.  I prayed about it and this is what God spoke (I will do the best I can, however it won't do justice to what I experienced):

"I love you so much and you are my special Daughter.  I treasure you and want you as close to me forever.  I take great delight in you.  Emily, I brought you here because these steps you've climbed up represent the challenges to have overcome to fully reach my presence.  You will no longer descend these steps, but keep moving upwards."

At this time, I kind of started to cry because I looked back at all the things of my life I clinged to for security.  All it created was a false sense of identity.   Although I was always close to God, the things I was holding onto were creating a separation between Him and me.  Fully surrendering seemed scary for a while, but it is actually the most freeing feeling one can experience. 

As I kept meditating on these words God said this: (I was on the second to top step, and there was a closed gate with cracks only to reveal some green grass)

You still have some ways to go but once you let go of that, you will be able to fully walk in my presence." (my hand was touching the gate as I was praying) " You  are so close, Emily.  Just trust me and let go of that which you have been holding onto for so long.  I will help you.  I am Almighty and I never let go"

After this, I was very encouraged. We all shared our experiences and it was very moving.  I had this amazing God high the rest of the day. 

For the second exercise, Dave counted us off by twos.  half of us went up and closed our eyes and Dave put an individual in front of us and we had no idea who it was.  We were told to ask God what he had to say for this person.  I prayed for Matt, and the things I prayed out, he later told me related to him.  It was God, because there was no way I would have known that. When he prayed for me, he kept saying God was telling him that I am ready to serve God and I have a strong desire for him.  He is also proud of me.  He also kept saying harvest.

Harvest.  That has been the word for me it seems like.  It has come up on many separate occasions when people have prayed for me.  It is so exciting to see what God means by this word and what he has for me.

I know this was a lengthy post.  It is honestly the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me though.  Here everyone is so encouraging and seeking the same thing. I have this desire to spend time with God like never before.  I hope anyone reading this can sense my enthusiasm.  God is doing things greater than I can ask or imagine.






 

Alice Springs!

I knew something was going on tonight at dinner.  The leaders wouldn't let us in the dining room because they said there was a surprise. We got excited because we thought there was a good chance we would find out our outreach teams.  Each student was blindfolded and lead into the dining room by a leader.  I had no idea what to expect.  Then they said they said "TAKE OFF YOUR BLINDFOLDS!" My eyes saw this little Australian set-up with a map, didgeridoo and adventure hat.  This confirmed that my outreach location will take place in Alice Springs, Australia.


Dear friends, I wish I could tell you that my heart skipped a beat and I cried tears of joy.  That was not the case.  Although I genuinely love everyone here, I am not in the same group as the people I have spent the most time with.  Also the other group is going to Pupa New Guinea, which I would have loved to have gone.  My new teammate, Cassie has such a sweet, kind and infectious personality.  Her enthusiasm  was contagious. Our leader, Sarah, gave us more details during dinner about Alice Springs and what our mission will be.  We will be working with the aboriginal people, working in schools, building relationships and sharing the love of Christ.  Another pro is this trip is half the cost of P.N.G., since we will be driving.  Sarah told me I was one of the first people God confirmed to go on this trip.  And when one is following the will of God, what can go wrong?  For his ways are higher than mine.  I will hold that truth close to my heart as God prepares it in these next few weeks of Lecture Phase.

 Another plus:  I will for sure see some Kangaroo, hug a koala,  hear didgeridoos on a regular  basis,  engage on one on one relationships with people, and experience some real Aussie life! (outback steakhouse is going to look sooo commercial when I come back home!)

This was an unforgetable night! I am already beginning to sense that this is going to be a wonderful experience.  God has these people on my team for a reason. He is so faithful and I know together, we will do some amazing things through Him.

It has been a great week thus far in Australia!  The rain decided to stop and now the sun finally came out!  Tuesdays are always busy days on the base.  In the morning we have intercession that is led by the students.  We prayed for Tensburg,  Norway which is the hometown of one of the students.  I love these times of learning about the countries and cultures of where others are from.  Then Sarah and I go grocery shopping for our houses and the Kitchen hall.  Lectures are in the afternoon.  Last night, I went on a run with my roommate, Tara.  Later, some of the girls came to our house to watch a movie.

Wednesdays would have to be my favorite day of the week. (aka "dress up Wednesday" because all the girls dress up)  Today was awesome! We all gather for worship in the morning.  I'm enjoying these intimate times with the Lord, and really look forward to them.  The Topic this week is hearing the voice of God.  I am getting so much out of it.  It's crazy  when I think of how much I'm growing and learning in the short three weeks I've been here.

There is a lot God is teaching me.  Someone prayed over me that God just wants me to be his daughter and he longs for me to know how much he loves me.  Okay, I cried a lot when she prayed that  because that was exactly what I was going through.  I sometimes struggle with feeling how much God loves me.  However, I block it out and put up walls because I don't want God to see the real me.  I came to the revelation that God sees all of me; good and bad and he likes me despite it all.  How incredibly blessed we are to have a God like that.

Tomorrow I am greeting the day young with an early morning run to Surfers Paradise with some guys from my team.  I am also doing the Coffee Van outreach in the city next evening.  Cant wait. God is good!

rain, running and reading...

6:45 AM:  I woke up this morning to the sound of rain on the tile roof.  I rolled out of bed kind of disappointed because it's been been the third consecutive day it has rained here!  Everyone that lives here is says it is so rare for it to be raining this much.  My roommate, Laura is from Seattle so we joke she took the bad weather with her.  Our weekends here are Sunday and Monday so we can talk to our families in different time zones.  It would have been awesome to go the beach today.  I suppose it all worked out though because I was able to get my homework done and finish the reading assignment.  

To be honest, weekends are the hardest as far as missing home go.  I have to intentionally keep myself busy with things to do.  Thankfully that isn't very hard, everyone here is great company. My room mate has been baking up a storm (her scones are indcredible!) and yesterday we all had a movie marathon. :) Homesickness hasn't been too bad yet.  They told us weeks 3 and 5 are the most difficult.  I'm close with my family, so that may be the most challenging.

Yesterday I ran to the ocean!  It was an amazing prayer time.  God has been showing me that I can do what I enjoy, but to include him in it.  My ipod is loaded with music that distracts me from him.  I decided to take  a hiatus from the music (plus, it was raining) and to pray while I ran.  My mind felt so clear when I was done.  The ocean looked so gray and stormy.  If you know me, you know I LOVE the beach.  Anytime I'm close to the ocean Im at total peace.

This weekend is wrapping up pretty fast!  I think some people are coming over soon to play some dutch blitz.  Oh yeah!  I don't feel so far from home after all. :)

This week our speaker is Dave Bartch.  I'm not sure what the topic will be, but whatever it is I know it will be awesome.  Please pray my heart will be open to what God has for me this week.

Side note: I looked in our garage to see three surf boards!! They were donated by other YWAM students.  I can't wait to learn!

Life is good!

Although I have meant to blog more frequently then this; due to internet issues I have not been able to as much as I like.  As each day passes, God is showing me so much.  I always say to myself "I cant wait to share this with___" or "I cant wait to tell people this!" Right now Im grateful for the opportunity to fill you in on what has been going on these past few weeks.  God has been teaching me a lot.

YWAM is such an awesome organization to do missions.  The staff here are super committed to supporting the students to receiving all God has for them.  These first three months I am in what is called the Lecture Phase.  Speakers from all over the world come in and teach. Along with the lesson we have homework that helps us process what we are learning.  Right now I am reading the book by YWAM founder Loren Cunningham Is That Really You, God? Then do either a written report or creative project about it.  These in depth assignments are a way for me to process everything that I am learning.

One aspect of processing I like is the one-on-one times and small group meetings.  Each YWAMer has a staff and once a week they meet together and talk.  It can be as informal as going to the store or chatting over coffee.  My one-on-one's name is Rachel.  She also lives in my house and we have a lot in common as far as things we have been through.  We spent our time together running. (which I have really been enjoying here) The one-on-one time is very beneficial.  Small group meetings are neat as well.  In my group there is four students led by a staff. When we met I was initiated into the Australian tradition of the Tim-Tam-Slam.( a tim tam is the best tasting cooking and to preform the "slam" you take a bite out of each corner of the cookie and sip a hot beverage through it.  When you taste the beverage, you shove the cookie in your mouth and it literally melts with all the chocolaty goodness.) Then we selected verses that meant something to our lives and prayed them over each other.  Afterwards we picked a person who God laid on our hearts to pray for.  We didnt say anything about them or what they were struggling with, we just taped them on the wall in the circle.  From there we prayed for each individual Korean style (meaning we all prayed at the same time)  Being here I am learning how powerful prayer really is.  I really like being able to pray and talk about issues with that group of people.

This week our speaker is Rob Henser.  The topic is the Father heart of God.  Rob has a unique gift of making the bible come alive.  Through his personal testimony and stories I've learned:

God doesn't just love me, he LIKES me
God sought out Adam when he was still in sin, and he wants the same for me.
I can not disqualify myself from his love
I can not surprise God
Trust is the courage to accept acceptance
God is running and wanting me to accept his love which he want to freely give! (how awesome!)

Although It's busy here at the Gold Coast, we are always finding time for a good time.  All us girls go to the beach on the weekends, shop, chill, whatever. Everyone here is great. Anything we do is fun.

God is doing a lot in my life.  Particuraly with the aspect of control, accepting his love and not dwelling in my past sin.

Thank you to all for continuing to keep me in your prayers.  God is answering them.  I greatly appreciate it and I feel so loved.  Keep me updated with what going on in your life.  I would love to hear!

all my <3
Emily