An Aussie to Everyone

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews... To the weak I became weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." 1 Cor. 9:19-23

After 36 hours of traveling and by God's grace, we are here in Sydney. Thank you all for your prayers. It still hasn't hit me that I'm on the other side of the world. Hopefully most of you are sleeping right now. :) We were met at the airport by the sweet Korean missionaries. They showed us around the city (to the Opra House and Harbor City Bridge) a little before our jet lag hit too hard. Sydney is such a pretty city and so very diverse. I was talking to Theresa, one of the missionaries, and she said that Australia is actually Asian country. The pastor of the church told us today about his vision for more diversity in the church here. It was so convicting when he said that the most segregated time is Sunday morning for church. The kingdom of God is for people of all tribes, tongues, and nations.

Today we had ministry training with Jim Jung, the pastor of Harbour Community Church in Sydney and Rich, the Campus Outreach director in Brisbane, Sydney. There are not any Campus Outreach ministries in Sydney Uni's (Colleges), but we are hoping to plant one in the next few years. I learned so much about the culture today. One thing I learned is that the Aussies like to "pay out" (make fun of) people they like. I need to get comfortable with laughing at myself. I know that this will definitely a learning experience. Of course, you cannot blanket stereotype all people, but this is how many people think. Pray that the students will see their need for Christ. Pray that my love for the Aussies will grow abundantly and they will be open. God is so good! Love you all.

Their Nets Were Breaking

4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."
6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:4-11

When I read this passage this morning, I was reminded of my support raising process. Two months ago when we went on our CCP retreat, I was beginning to doubt if the Lord wanted me in Sydney this summer because I had not raised much support. My faith was so weak. Well, yesterday I got a call from my church saying that they would cover the rest of the expenses for the trip. I actually had to tell them that I needed less than what they were offering to give! I never would have thought that I would be asking this. God is so faithful to provide in His timing. This story about the fish shows that Jesus knew all along that there would be a miracle.
I feel so much like Peter, doubting as I "put out my net." He was obedient, but hesitant. Then suddenly the nets began to break, because of the catch! Notice Peter's reaction... he doesn't say, "Dude, that was awesome!" He falls at the feet of Jesus, realizing his sin. I'm so unworthy of the Love that Jesus has for me. I have realized my sin throughout the whole support raising process. I was hesitant to believe that He would provide for me this summer, and He has provided more than I need!
I pray that as I leave in 4 days, that I would have the same reaction as Peter: see my sin, and follow Christ. I want to be a fisher of men! I covet your prayers and praise God for His provision.

Towel to the Feet

First of all, I would like to say, Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and future moms out there. Today was a special day, because I was able to spend it with both of my grandmothers and my mom. God has blessed me beyond what I deserve with mothers who love me and care for me.
I got to go to church with my sweet sister and brother-in-law in Nashville today. The sermon was from Mark 10:35-45 when the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest. Just imagine the God of the universe in human skin looking at them bicker back in forth! Finally Jesus tells them that whoever wants to be great must be a servant and whoever wants to be first needs to be last. This is so opposite to our world today. We are told to climb the ladder of success and look out for number one. Yet even Christ did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mk. 10:45). What a great example to us! I pray that as I get ready to leave for Sydney, that the Lord will ingrain in me this servant attitude.
The pastor talked about how we pick and choose which Bible stories we want to read. He said, "I'd much rather take a slingshot to the forehead than a towel to your feet." Yet this is what Christ has called us to do. Oh, that my heart would be ready to serve!
I continue to thank you for all of your prayers and support. God is so good to provide financially for this trip. Today I received 4 more checks so I am just a little less than $700 short, Glory to God! He continues to amaze me each day! Please go on praying for God to prepare my heart and the hearts of the team members for our trip. I know that the enemy will try to get us down before we leave. If our God is for us, then who can be against us? Love you all.