Hey friends!
We need your help in covering 24/7 prayer! The territory is doing a year of 24/7 prayer and we need some time slots covered between:
28th (7pm) - 31st May (7pm)
If you are able to participate for any of these hours please do so! We need to make sure that we are covered in prayer!
Peace.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
It's War
In the past month I have been reading Salvation Army History. Through this time I have been struck by the attitude of the early Salvationists.
These men and women of The Salvation Army really did have the mindset of a soldier fighting on the frontlines of war. Their motto was “To win the world for Jesus” and they believed that through the power of the Holy Spirit they would. We can learn much from these Salvationists.
While I don’t believe for a moment that we have lost sight of trying to “win the world for Jesus” maybe we have forgotten that we are engaged in a war. The early Salvationist recognised that they were in a fight. If they were going to win the fight they had to adopt they mindset of a soldier.
We can learn much from these people. We are in a war, a war for souls and as we remember Anzac Day it is only fitting that we remind ourselves that we too need to fight. Like the Anzacs we need to risk ourselves in order to win the world for Jesus just as our early Salvationists did. Let’s be aggressive, let’s fight and let’s be a true soldier for Christ and the Salvation Army for we do indeed belong to an Army.
Phil
These men and women of The Salvation Army really did have the mindset of a soldier fighting on the frontlines of war. Their motto was “To win the world for Jesus” and they believed that through the power of the Holy Spirit they would. We can learn much from these Salvationists.
While I don’t believe for a moment that we have lost sight of trying to “win the world for Jesus” maybe we have forgotten that we are engaged in a war. The early Salvationist recognised that they were in a fight. If they were going to win the fight they had to adopt they mindset of a soldier.
We can learn much from these people. We are in a war, a war for souls and as we remember Anzac Day it is only fitting that we remind ourselves that we too need to fight. Like the Anzacs we need to risk ourselves in order to win the world for Jesus just as our early Salvationists did. Let’s be aggressive, let’s fight and let’s be a true soldier for Christ and the Salvation Army for we do indeed belong to an Army.
Phil
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Sharper than a Double Edged Sword
Lately I have been struck by Hebrews 4:12 which says,” For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires”.
This scripture has made me realize how powerful God’s word is. Now you might ask why have you only just noticed? It is because I have started using a technique (which some of you know) and that is praying the scriptures. In other words reading the scripture and then repeating it as a prayer to God.
An example of this is Micah 6:8 “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”. This scripture is repeated over and over again as I offer up prayer to God.
As I have started doing this, the scriptures have come alive and Hebrews 4:12 has become real to me, His word exposes things within us that we may not even realize are there. The word also helps us to reach for God. Most I all I find that the word challenges me to take up the fight, to win the world for Christ and be a warrior for God.
This is our call, our challenge. Take up the fight with the word in your hand like a sword, and start proclaiming the good news of the gospel to those that have yet to hear it.
Phil
This scripture has made me realize how powerful God’s word is. Now you might ask why have you only just noticed? It is because I have started using a technique (which some of you know) and that is praying the scriptures. In other words reading the scripture and then repeating it as a prayer to God.
An example of this is Micah 6:8 “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”. This scripture is repeated over and over again as I offer up prayer to God.
As I have started doing this, the scriptures have come alive and Hebrews 4:12 has become real to me, His word exposes things within us that we may not even realize are there. The word also helps us to reach for God. Most I all I find that the word challenges me to take up the fight, to win the world for Christ and be a warrior for God.
This is our call, our challenge. Take up the fight with the word in your hand like a sword, and start proclaiming the good news of the gospel to those that have yet to hear it.
Phil
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Living Sacrifice
We have just completed the Easter period when we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. Hopefully over Easter you were able to spend time in reflecting on the sacrifice that Jesus made for you.
Jesus expects us too to make sacrifices for Him as well Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
This means that when we offer ourselves to God (I mean every part of ourselves) we become God’s own instrument in which He can work through our own lives to help others. This is a true indication of humility before God and others.
With the Self Denial Appeal this weekend we can use this as a time to sacrifice ourselves to God. While we can do this through our money we can also do this through other means as well.
My wife and I have decided do live as those in the poorer countries of the world would live such as not purchasing non essential items and cooking the type of food as you would find overseas such as rice etc. This type of living will give us a better understanding of sacrifice even if it is limited and artificial. (I suggest that if you can find the time to do this it might be a good option for you, because it might just help you understand a little bit better about sacrificing for God)
Our sacrifice to God will make us who we are in Christ because it means we give everything of ourselves to Him; there is not one part of our lives that do not belong to God.
Jesus expects us too to make sacrifices for Him as well Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
This means that when we offer ourselves to God (I mean every part of ourselves) we become God’s own instrument in which He can work through our own lives to help others. This is a true indication of humility before God and others.
With the Self Denial Appeal this weekend we can use this as a time to sacrifice ourselves to God. While we can do this through our money we can also do this through other means as well.
My wife and I have decided do live as those in the poorer countries of the world would live such as not purchasing non essential items and cooking the type of food as you would find overseas such as rice etc. This type of living will give us a better understanding of sacrifice even if it is limited and artificial. (I suggest that if you can find the time to do this it might be a good option for you, because it might just help you understand a little bit better about sacrificing for God)
Our sacrifice to God will make us who we are in Christ because it means we give everything of ourselves to Him; there is not one part of our lives that do not belong to God.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Lifestyle Choices
Recently, my wife and I made the decision to start swimming. As a result we bought a 10-swim pass at our local pool to get started. This decision was made out of the realisation that we needed to be more active and get our level of fitness up so we could lead a healthier lifestyle.
Today we see a large number of people that also have made those same personal lifestyle choices. How many people do you see run, walk or ride their bikes now!
While we may make these and other choices in life get our bodies healthier, do we make the same choices when it comes to our spiritual life?
I suggest that we need to work out our spiritual lives with the same dedication and commitment as we would our bodies. We need to make the same healthier lifestyle choices in our spiritual life if we to grow, so we can be more than followers of Christ but rather Warriors of Christ. If you know of people that are warriors for Christ then I would say they are men and women that soak up the word of God (more than just read it!), they act on the Word of God and also they are people of prayer.
If we are going to be able to be called warriors for Christ then we need to develop those same disciples into our spiritual journey with God.
Phil
Today we see a large number of people that also have made those same personal lifestyle choices. How many people do you see run, walk or ride their bikes now!
While we may make these and other choices in life get our bodies healthier, do we make the same choices when it comes to our spiritual life?
I suggest that we need to work out our spiritual lives with the same dedication and commitment as we would our bodies. We need to make the same healthier lifestyle choices in our spiritual life if we to grow, so we can be more than followers of Christ but rather Warriors of Christ. If you know of people that are warriors for Christ then I would say they are men and women that soak up the word of God (more than just read it!), they act on the Word of God and also they are people of prayer.
If we are going to be able to be called warriors for Christ then we need to develop those same disciples into our spiritual journey with God.
Phil
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Seeing History in our Future
Up until a certain point in my life, I had never been one to have an appreciation of history, particularly when it came to Salvation Army history. Maybe this was brought about from the misguided thought that what William and Catherine Booth started way back in the UK in 1865 (under the banner of the ‘Christian Mission’) wouldn’t be able to work now because we live in a different age.
Thankfully now I have changed my mind about history. We can learn a lot from what others did before us. While it maybe true that if we tried to adopt some of the things that our early pioneers of The Salvation Army, they may not work today because of the changing world we live in, we need to learn from history and apply the timeless principles that they have left as a part of their legacy to us.
Personally, I believe it is paramount that we hold onto the principles established by William and Catherine Booth. Firstly because it makes us unique as The Salvation Army, and secondly, these principles such as our doctrines are brought about by sound Christian values and practises.
We can all learn from history and I am encouraged to come across many people who are rediscovering the history of the Salvation Army. Remember William Booth said, “Go for Souls and Go for the worst!” This is our mandate today, which was born out of our history.
Thankfully now I have changed my mind about history. We can learn a lot from what others did before us. While it maybe true that if we tried to adopt some of the things that our early pioneers of The Salvation Army, they may not work today because of the changing world we live in, we need to learn from history and apply the timeless principles that they have left as a part of their legacy to us.
Personally, I believe it is paramount that we hold onto the principles established by William and Catherine Booth. Firstly because it makes us unique as The Salvation Army, and secondly, these principles such as our doctrines are brought about by sound Christian values and practises.
We can all learn from history and I am encouraged to come across many people who are rediscovering the history of the Salvation Army. Remember William Booth said, “Go for Souls and Go for the worst!” This is our mandate today, which was born out of our history.
Phil
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Young people making a BIG impact
I have always believed that young people are capable of doing the most extraordinary things. This weekend again confirmed that in my mind.
On Sunday I travelled to one of the country churches in my division. I attended the church in the morning, participating with the worship band. I then shared lunch with the people from the church before returning to the officers house for a while in the afternoon, before returning to the church to share with the junior soldiers and speak at their youth service in the evening.
While I was at the officers house their 8 year old son asked if I wanted to see his worm farm. Apparently he had nagged his parents for some time for this worm farm, and was very excited about having it. For those like me who are unfamiliar with the concept of a worm farm, the basic idea is that you get the worm farm equipment and upwards of 1000 worms, and then you put food and garden scraps into the farm for the worms to eat and then cover everything with newspaper and keep everything moist by adding a small amount of water to the newspaper. The result of this is that the worms eat the scraps and produce worm castings which are apparently very good for your garden. Another by-product of the worm farm is that the water which is added to the newspaper, and some of the other moisture generated from the farms processes drains to the bottom of the farm and out of a tap where it is collected in a bucket in a substance referred to as worm juice. Apparently this worm juice is a fairly valuable commodity at garden centres and is quite beneficial to the garden also.
This 8 year old boy, on his own initiative, decided to sell this 'worm juice' to people at his church for $1.00 a litre, is now nearing the $100.00 mark of funds raised. That in itself is fairly impressive, but his next idea blew me away. Instead of using the money he earned for buying a bike or a video game, this 8 year old boy is giving everything that he earns from this venture to The Salvation Army's Self Denial Appeal!!!!
Here is an 8 year old boy who through his own initiative is making a difference in peoples lives on the other side of the world!!! If that doesn't blow your mind, I'm not sure what will.
I praise God for his work in this boy's life, and pray that we will see more young people stepping up to make a difference in the lives of those around them and even those on the other side of the world.
Never let anyone tell you that you're too young to make a difference, if an 8 year old boy can do it, so can you!!!
On Sunday I travelled to one of the country churches in my division. I attended the church in the morning, participating with the worship band. I then shared lunch with the people from the church before returning to the officers house for a while in the afternoon, before returning to the church to share with the junior soldiers and speak at their youth service in the evening.
While I was at the officers house their 8 year old son asked if I wanted to see his worm farm. Apparently he had nagged his parents for some time for this worm farm, and was very excited about having it. For those like me who are unfamiliar with the concept of a worm farm, the basic idea is that you get the worm farm equipment and upwards of 1000 worms, and then you put food and garden scraps into the farm for the worms to eat and then cover everything with newspaper and keep everything moist by adding a small amount of water to the newspaper. The result of this is that the worms eat the scraps and produce worm castings which are apparently very good for your garden. Another by-product of the worm farm is that the water which is added to the newspaper, and some of the other moisture generated from the farms processes drains to the bottom of the farm and out of a tap where it is collected in a bucket in a substance referred to as worm juice. Apparently this worm juice is a fairly valuable commodity at garden centres and is quite beneficial to the garden also.
This 8 year old boy, on his own initiative, decided to sell this 'worm juice' to people at his church for $1.00 a litre, is now nearing the $100.00 mark of funds raised. That in itself is fairly impressive, but his next idea blew me away. Instead of using the money he earned for buying a bike or a video game, this 8 year old boy is giving everything that he earns from this venture to The Salvation Army's Self Denial Appeal!!!!
Here is an 8 year old boy who through his own initiative is making a difference in peoples lives on the other side of the world!!! If that doesn't blow your mind, I'm not sure what will.
I praise God for his work in this boy's life, and pray that we will see more young people stepping up to make a difference in the lives of those around them and even those on the other side of the world.
Never let anyone tell you that you're too young to make a difference, if an 8 year old boy can do it, so can you!!!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Cause Worth Fighting For?
Recently at our cell group we discussed our responsibility and response to the environment and the earth’s resources. This got me thinking about how the environment has become a prominent issue, particularly during the recent election, and how people fight for this cause because they believe that they can make a difference.
Today we see people getting involved in causes like the “Make Poverty History” campaign. The Salvation Army is no different with the “Stop the Traffik “ campaign which fights against human trafficking, such as child slavery”. While no one can argue the merits of such campaigns, one has to ask the question about how serious are we about being involved? Is it enough to merely say we support these causes and wear the t-shirts but then do nothing tangible about it or do we support it in a meaning full way?
It was pointed out to me just recently that there are people who use the Salvation Army’s work in such a way. The Army, as an organisation does great work and fights for the disadvantage but is simply being associated with our organisation good enough?
I would suggest that it is no good enough to hide behind the Army’s reputation or just wear the T-Shirts that state ‘I’II fight’ and not do anything more.
We must therefore ask the question, if we are serious about such campaigns then what are we going to do about it? God is not asking to support causes such as those mentioned above from the sidelines but to actively campaign for them, not just with our mouth, but our actions as well.
Let me know what you think?
Just a Note: Freedom Day 29th March 2pm till’ 5pm @ Box Hill Gardens
This is great way to start being involved. Contact your DYS for more information
Today we see people getting involved in causes like the “Make Poverty History” campaign. The Salvation Army is no different with the “Stop the Traffik “ campaign which fights against human trafficking, such as child slavery”. While no one can argue the merits of such campaigns, one has to ask the question about how serious are we about being involved? Is it enough to merely say we support these causes and wear the t-shirts but then do nothing tangible about it or do we support it in a meaning full way?
It was pointed out to me just recently that there are people who use the Salvation Army’s work in such a way. The Army, as an organisation does great work and fights for the disadvantage but is simply being associated with our organisation good enough?
I would suggest that it is no good enough to hide behind the Army’s reputation or just wear the T-Shirts that state ‘I’II fight’ and not do anything more.
We must therefore ask the question, if we are serious about such campaigns then what are we going to do about it? God is not asking to support causes such as those mentioned above from the sidelines but to actively campaign for them, not just with our mouth, but our actions as well.
Let me know what you think?
Just a Note: Freedom Day 29th March 2pm till’ 5pm @ Box Hill Gardens
This is great way to start being involved. Contact your DYS for more information
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Ministering To Each Other
On Sunday night I led a group of youth from around the Division in a unique worship style.
Instead of having one person choose the songs and format of the evening, and instead of having one person speak on the selected Bible passage and theme, we all shared in guiding worship and exploring what the Bible passage and theme meant.
I have labelled this format Un-Church, after the un-conference idea. It was great to see the youth of the division participating and sharing in worship and exploring the passage (1 Tim 4: 12 - 15). An interesting addition to the evening was my being pelted with plastic coins every time I said the words Make Change, and the loud, sometimes forced laughter after every mention of the words New Zealand, organised by one group and joined in by everyone else.
I truly think that it is amazing what young people are capable of when we allow them to teach us something. I know that I personally gained fresh insights into the verses of scripture that were shared on Sunday night, and it is my hope that others did too.
God is at work within each of us, some of us recognise it and allow Him to work, others recognise it and try to stop His work, and perhaps others are unaware of it and miss the opportunity before them. How different would the world be if we all recognised the Holy Spirit at work within us and allowed it to work???
Joel
Instead of having one person choose the songs and format of the evening, and instead of having one person speak on the selected Bible passage and theme, we all shared in guiding worship and exploring what the Bible passage and theme meant.
I have labelled this format Un-Church, after the un-conference idea. It was great to see the youth of the division participating and sharing in worship and exploring the passage (1 Tim 4: 12 - 15). An interesting addition to the evening was my being pelted with plastic coins every time I said the words Make Change, and the loud, sometimes forced laughter after every mention of the words New Zealand, organised by one group and joined in by everyone else.
I truly think that it is amazing what young people are capable of when we allow them to teach us something. I know that I personally gained fresh insights into the verses of scripture that were shared on Sunday night, and it is my hope that others did too.
God is at work within each of us, some of us recognise it and allow Him to work, others recognise it and try to stop His work, and perhaps others are unaware of it and miss the opportunity before them. How different would the world be if we all recognised the Holy Spirit at work within us and allowed it to work???
Joel
Monday, February 25, 2008
More from Simon!
It's been a while since I added anything on the old blog. Sorry about that.
Last week we had our annual Aquatics water splash day. It's just a time where people of all ages come and have fun in a pool. We have the jumping castle, slip & slid, badminton Etc. It's good to see people hang and have fun.
It's kinda like what Jesus did a lot it seems to me that most of his ministry was spending time with people. He ate with them, walked with them, travelled in boats with them. A lot of how he discipled his disciples was in the every day I think.
I think we did some every day stuff on Saturday. My prayer was that the unsaved saw in us a life worth living.
Blessings
Simon.
Last week we had our annual Aquatics water splash day. It's just a time where people of all ages come and have fun in a pool. We have the jumping castle, slip & slid, badminton Etc. It's good to see people hang and have fun.
It's kinda like what Jesus did a lot it seems to me that most of his ministry was spending time with people. He ate with them, walked with them, travelled in boats with them. A lot of how he discipled his disciples was in the every day I think.
I think we did some every day stuff on Saturday. My prayer was that the unsaved saw in us a life worth living.
Blessings
Simon.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Feeling Seperated?
Today is a historial day in the history of our country. The Government says sorry to the aborginal and torres strait islander people for being forced to seperate from their families.
Now you can argue wether this should happened long before today or not, however this now means the long road to reconcilation can now begin. God who is the Father of reconcilation has long been calling us to come back to him and this has been made possible through His Son. When we are reconciled to God we feel valued just like our aborginal people will hopefully feel today.
Every Monday (through volleyball) I witness how people who are often ignored by society are feeling as though they are now valued because of this competition. For many of the partcipants, the competition has become their own community thus they in some way have felt reconcilation with the larger community all becuase of their new found self worth they have.
God transforms people when they reconcile themselves with him, so the the question is this. Are you reconciled with God?
If you are then what about those that aren't? Is there something you can do to start the the process of reconcilation with God?
Phil Shelton
Now you can argue wether this should happened long before today or not, however this now means the long road to reconcilation can now begin. God who is the Father of reconcilation has long been calling us to come back to him and this has been made possible through His Son. When we are reconciled to God we feel valued just like our aborginal people will hopefully feel today.
Every Monday (through volleyball) I witness how people who are often ignored by society are feeling as though they are now valued because of this competition. For many of the partcipants, the competition has become their own community thus they in some way have felt reconcilation with the larger community all becuase of their new found self worth they have.
God transforms people when they reconcile themselves with him, so the the question is this. Are you reconciled with God?
If you are then what about those that aren't? Is there something you can do to start the the process of reconcilation with God?
Phil Shelton
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Journey's Shared
Recently I was priviledged enough to lead a group of 11 youth from the division on a trip to New Zealand. Once we arrived in New Zealand we joined a group from Northern Victoria Division and spent some time touring around the north island. Over the time I had the opportunity to really get to know these awesome young people.
While we were in Auckalnd we were hosted by the Manukau Salvos who kindly fed, cared for and even allowed us to sleep on thier corps floor, couches, chairs etc only asking us to bless them with our leadership/participation in Worship on Sunday morning.
During the first few days we were accompanied by one or two of the youth from Manukau, but on Sunday the Manukau youth group as a whole joined us. what a blessing this turned out to be. after the initial 'get to know you' phase we quickly became a very tight group with people from all groups blending easily. It really wouldn't have been the same if the Manukau crew hadn't joined us!!
During this trip I watched as these young people made new friendships, learnt and experienced new things, and gained new insights. I know that some of them had some awesome God moments while actually at the MakeChange conference, but from talking with many of the young people since getting back, some of the most profound or lifechanging moments they experienced were as part of the large western/northern Vic./Manukau group
I praise God for the work He has done in their lives, and pray that He will continue this work.
I just want to say a huge thanks to all of the group for making the trip so great, and a special thanks to Stu and Nari for the organisation stuff they did to make this trip truly awesome.
While we were in Auckalnd we were hosted by the Manukau Salvos who kindly fed, cared for and even allowed us to sleep on thier corps floor, couches, chairs etc only asking us to bless them with our leadership/participation in Worship on Sunday morning.
During the first few days we were accompanied by one or two of the youth from Manukau, but on Sunday the Manukau youth group as a whole joined us. what a blessing this turned out to be. after the initial 'get to know you' phase we quickly became a very tight group with people from all groups blending easily. It really wouldn't have been the same if the Manukau crew hadn't joined us!!
During this trip I watched as these young people made new friendships, learnt and experienced new things, and gained new insights. I know that some of them had some awesome God moments while actually at the MakeChange conference, but from talking with many of the young people since getting back, some of the most profound or lifechanging moments they experienced were as part of the large western/northern Vic./Manukau group
I praise God for the work He has done in their lives, and pray that He will continue this work.
I just want to say a huge thanks to all of the group for making the trip so great, and a special thanks to Stu and Nari for the organisation stuff they did to make this trip truly awesome.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
MakeChange
It was good to catch up with most of you during the NZ conference. I had a great time hope you all did also.
One thing I noticed was this theme coming through about Loving God and that leading to Loving Others. (Hmmm I've seen that somewhere before). I think the message of 2Love we are starting to teach live and have as our mantra is in God's heart for his people. It was the Vision of the THQ youth team last year it was the message of shakers this year, and it was the heart of the NZ conference. I think God is reminding us of something.
Blessings.
Simon.
One thing I noticed was this theme coming through about Loving God and that leading to Loving Others. (Hmmm I've seen that somewhere before). I think the message of 2Love we are starting to teach live and have as our mantra is in God's heart for his people. It was the Vision of the THQ youth team last year it was the message of shakers this year, and it was the heart of the NZ conference. I think God is reminding us of something.
Blessings.
Simon.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Out of the Limelight
I will just introduce my self before I get started, my name is Phil and I have just joined the "team".
One of my first jobs was to attend a conference (not bad for a guy that just started). While on this conference God taught me something totally unexpected, Being Humble (considering it was about sports ministry this came as a surprise)
However this is an important lesson because Jesus gave us the example when he washed the disciples feet. The world that we live in also goes very much against this. I know that I'm guilt of not being humble enough - I'm always looking for this whizz bang new ministry and here is God telling me humble yourself before me.
This is an important lesson we can all learn form, Philippians 2:3 says this, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves" (NLT)
Remember that as you journey with God to humble yourself before God and He will bless you
Phil
One of my first jobs was to attend a conference (not bad for a guy that just started). While on this conference God taught me something totally unexpected, Being Humble (considering it was about sports ministry this came as a surprise)
However this is an important lesson because Jesus gave us the example when he washed the disciples feet. The world that we live in also goes very much against this. I know that I'm guilt of not being humble enough - I'm always looking for this whizz bang new ministry and here is God telling me humble yourself before me.
This is an important lesson we can all learn form, Philippians 2:3 says this, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves" (NLT)
Remember that as you journey with God to humble yourself before God and He will bless you
Phil
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Joys of Camping
Just finished camping with a group of teens at a beautiful part of Tassie, called Fortescue Bay. Amazing white sand, blue water and the perfect surfing wave coming through from the heads. It was truly paradise.
One of the important things I have learnt from doing this sort of thing with youth is that the time you spend away with them is so valuable to them. (Even if they fill your sleeping bag full of leaves, twigs and dirt). There is this respect that comes from the youth to their leaders for doing this sort of thing with them.
I love the conversations you get to have walking along the beach while splating jelly fish. Or the meaningful night gathered around the camp fire, laughing, pranking and the boys doing what the boys do best with body gasses.
My prayer for them is that they felt the same joy and happiness I felt. My prayer for some is that they realised the fun they had without drinking. But my hardest prayer for each of them is that grew to see Christ in a bigger way and that this lasts a life time.
Blessings.
Simon.
One of the important things I have learnt from doing this sort of thing with youth is that the time you spend away with them is so valuable to them. (Even if they fill your sleeping bag full of leaves, twigs and dirt). There is this respect that comes from the youth to their leaders for doing this sort of thing with them.
I love the conversations you get to have walking along the beach while splating jelly fish. Or the meaningful night gathered around the camp fire, laughing, pranking and the boys doing what the boys do best with body gasses.
My prayer for them is that they felt the same joy and happiness I felt. My prayer for some is that they realised the fun they had without drinking. But my hardest prayer for each of them is that grew to see Christ in a bigger way and that this lasts a life time.
Blessings.
Simon.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Planetshakers
Well we are just back from Planet Shakers, Of the 20 that we took no one missed God. I love events like these and camp and connections. It's a time where we can get away from our lives, look to God and let him challenge us about our lives, I love watching our youth get clean during these time. It motivates me in my ministry.
My prayer for our youth during this time is that they are placed on a soul journey, that lasts a life time.
Blessings
Simon.
My prayer for our youth during this time is that they are placed on a soul journey, that lasts a life time.
Blessings
Simon.
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