Some New Undertakings

Some of the consistent things that i will be giving my focus and free time now that my master's is done are:

Supporting cession|community more:
Cession is a great church with a lot of fun people, and this is a first impressions team dinner where i laughed til it hurt. It will be good to see this place continually reach out and grow not only in numbers but its depth as it continues to shape.

Mentoring:
I have the opportunity to meet with about 6 boys from an alternative education program between 13-16 years old to share life lessons with a Christian slant. Basically, this these guys last chance at school because they have been removed from the public school system due to some of their bad choices or mistakes and this is there last chance to return back to those schools, continue through alternative courses, or hopefully transition into a job. It is through ATC Train Me and you can read the first 6 week trial course starting up in two weeks here: Pilot Course
I would love your help or feedback if you have any on revising this since it is a work in progress.

Becoming Domesticated: Cooking and Mowing

Living in the new place has brought on some new fun. I decided i need to get better at cooking so i am looking at making Thursday nights an open meal where i cook and have people come over to just hangout or teach me a new recipe or something new about cooking if they feel so inclined.

Also, i tried out a new lawn mowing tool here in New Zealand. I always used a weed wacker back home but here people use an edger sometimes. I feel like i look like a complete idiot when i try and use this, but i decided i had to give it a go and i am okay being the neighborhood entertainment. Here was the final product:

Help out with National Wesleyan Church where i can:
Since the Wesleyan churches are still young and expanding. There are so many openings that can be filled as to youth pastor roles, volunteering, and improving our summer youth camp called Ignite. I will continue to serve where ever and however i can.
Evangelism:
My perspective has changed a little bit on this one. I definitely have avenues where i am meeting new people constantly and trying to get them connected and involved with church, but more and more i am looking to support local people who are doing this more. Not knowing how long my stay in New Zealand will be after this term, it is essential that i am not building up just my "own" friendships, but that my friendships and connections are connected to other local friends and people in the church so that longevity and consistency in one's spiritual journey and walk happens.

Adventure mainly comes from Activity

I was just thinking this morning that most of my adventures have come from being active or around other active people.


Two nights ago a guy named Ryan Thorpe was mentioned. Basically the description given of this guy is that when he is around, you always end up randomly going out and having a good time.

Yesterday, Paul Milbank and I went out for a surf on our day off and i found that the adventure made itself as we simply put ourselves out there by just being active and going.

This doesn't mean that other people's lives are less interesting or adventurous if they don't live how i live, but simply to say, if you're in need of an adventure, it always helps for you to make something happen or put yourselves around people who are.

These are pictures from Stockade Hill. If you live in the Pakuranga or Howick area and never get up there, that's a sin. Not literally... but you definitely have a great view and an amazing place to visually pray over your community and just find God in a place of serenity right under your noses.

Also, i just love the landscape of New Zealand.

Rough Few Weeks

If you noticed i haven't been blogging a lot the past month, you're right. I thought finishing my Master's would make me more productive, but i had the reverse effect at the beginning.

Nothing devastating or absolutely horrific has happened over the past few weeks, but it has just been a rough patch of trying to figure out what my new routine will look like with the new free time and mental focus. Plus i think i just went on internet shutdown a little.

It is interesting though. I was talking to a friend whose mom had me on her heart and had been praying for me specifically over the past little bit. Amazing how God works like that. Thanks for all those that continue to support me through prayer and encouragement.

But i am doing good and in a good head space and feeling encouraged as of late which is crucial since there are so many really awesome opportunities just laying in front of me.

Before i move completely past it,
My Last Paper that i had to turn in was on The Gospel in Culture(you can read it here). It is long, like 20 pages, but I think it would be a helpful read if it sounds interesting since i learned a lot in the process of even just writing it and the reading quotes from other people. It also includes short quotes from Brett Jones and Frank here in New Zealand!

A Camp Promo Video that the teens Made!

This last Weekend some of the nz youth group teens shot and edited this Promo video

It would be AWESOME for you to actually go on youtube and watch this video and give it a good rating there to encourage the teens. Thanks.

Click Here to Watch this video on Youtube

Also, i will be in charge of the media for camp this year so you will be seeing different ways i am investing in this youth camp in the future to help since it is a big part of helping move the youth groups and church movement forward here in New Zealand.