CAPE TOWN UPDATE - CHAPTER TWO

Welcome to the second chapter of my summary of the Lausanne experience. As the days fly by I’ve noticed that much of what I experienced in South Africa wasn’t just an ‘event’, but rather the beginning of a journey. I’m sure the coordinators of the congress would be thrilled to hear it – since that’s why they call it a ‘movement’. Their hope is that our time together in October would get us moving in unity of purpose and vision.

Time is also good because it helps you ‘get over’ the low-lights: those things that perhaps weren’t what you’d anticipated or particular activities that seemed like a waste of time. I had specific prayer points as I prepared for the trip, which included:

Prayer For Divine Appointments

That I would meet godly Christian leaders who could connect with my disciples in their home nations and be a part of blessing their future in Christ.

Okay – so I’ll mention just two that will help you praise God with me. As we gathered around ‘the table’ (daily small group), one of the young leaders at my table was Kurt. He is a filmmaker in Los Angeles with a heart for God. (http://www.missionrise.org/) His organisation, RISE was founded by Kurt and several veteran missionaries to mobilize and inspire the next generation, through the language of film narrative, to find their role in the great commission.

Currently, they are in the early stages of a film project called “Los Traficantes” which highlights God’s saving love in the life of Esteban Mendoza, a former Mexican drug lord. It will be filmed in Tijuana. As Kurt shared, I mentioned Claudia and her experience with TV in Guadalajara, that she graduated from our internship programme and her dream was to do just this kind of project. He asked if she was bi-lingual (of course), and then wondered if she’d be willing to go back to Mexico and work with them! Just like that! I immediately e-introduced them and well… Claudia flies to Los Angeles on 16th of November to meet up with the team and head to TJ! WOW! For more info, check out the blog: http://missionrise.blogspot.com/2010/11/many-from-around-world-join-rise-for.html

Another great connection was with a sister from Japan. As I sat in the ballroom amongst over 100 big round tables, Midori carried her dinner plate looking for a place to sit. There were lots of empty spaces, but God led her to ask to sit by me. As we began sharing – I found out that she had served the poor in Bangladesh for 11 years, and is now serving in ministry in Japan and is a ministry leader at a church in Yokohama (near Tokyo).

So why is this a divine appointment for my grads? Because Daniel and Mai Meyer (Mai lived with me for 3 ½ years) are praying about opportunities to serve the Lord in a developing nation, and Bangladesh is at the top of the list! And, to have contact with a Japanese sister who had done it would be great in terms of advice and orientation and connections!

That I would get a sense of what God is doing through international student movement all over the globe so I could communicate it to everyone who will listen.

This was awesome. I was able to attend three of the four dialogue sessions coordinated by Leiton Chinn, who is the chair of the LCWE International Student Ministries special interest committee. Being among dozens of leaders who minister to international students throughout Europe, Asia (including India), and the Pacific, as well as USA and Canada, was exciting. Right now there are approximately 2.8 MILLION international students scattered in schools around the world. Most are being sent from what we classify as “unreached people groups” and “restricted access nations” and 10/40 window nations.

Let me say it again… 2.8 million future leaders now studying in nations where they can hear freely about the life and teaching of Jesus. 2.8 MILLION. God not only says “go there”, but He has also brought the harvest RIGHT HERE to our doorsteps in the USA, New Zealand, Japan… how many international students have you invited into your life?

That the Lord would guide me into discussions that would help me know whether to remain with my sending organisation or become an independent missionary as I continue to work with ISMNZ.

Through some great conversations, I believe God brought wise and godly counsel my way during the Lausanne congress. As a result, beginning January 2011 I will no longer be a seconded worker through The Navigators to ISMNZ.

Going forward, I will work for ISMNZ directly, and my faith support will be processed through ISM NZ North America for my USA supporters, and forwarded to ISMNZ for my pay and ministry expenses.

I am excited about the future, and am grateful for all the support and training I received through the Navs. Having become a permanent resident in New Zealand, and knowing this is a long term calling to serve with ISMNZ as a part of their National Leadership, this transition is timely.

Praying For Confession and Repentance

That the word of God listened to, preached, studying and prayed would change my heart and renew my vision for the nations.

Besides the awesome daily time in Ephesians, there was one message that still rings in my ears: Confronting Idols by Chris Wright! http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11556

I’m still quoting it and trying to understand it more deeply as the days pass so I can live with more humility, integrity and simplicity for the sake of Jesus’ glory.

That God would be glorified through the unity amongst those participating in Cape Town 2010

Another GREAT speaker that caused great conviction in my heart was Patrick Fung (Singapore), who serves as General Director of OMF International (formerly China Inland Mission). Patrick himself became a follower of Jesus Christ as an international student while studying in Australia.

Patrick's message on Partnership: Equilibrium vs. Diversity in Unity really hit home in terms of the mission of all peoples and generations (not the powerful to the powerless). He brought out the truth that the ministry of reconciliation creates partnerships – how people from nations and tribes once at war with one another are now working and serving together in the mission field. And how everyone keeps saying, “In the 21st century the mission belongs to Asia” because the ‘balance of power’ has shifted to Asia.

He reminded us that is flawed thinking. That the only power is God’s sovereign power and on earth there is no one single power. The gospel goes from everywhere to everywhere, from everyone to everyone, we all have a wonderful story of redemption to share.
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/conversations/detail/11611

That God would humble us and reveal to us where we continue to fail in HIS mission to the nations by using our own strategies and wisdom to ‘win’ one more for the kingdom.

There is so much still to reflect upon. I remember looking at a map on the first night which has burned into my retina’s and I can’t shake. It was a map of where God has been growing His church… Asia and the global south! Those nations in South America, Central America, India, Africa, South East Asia, Pacific, etc. were bright. But sadly – the part of the map that was in darkness now was Western Europe and North America and ‘the west’ in general. The ‘enlightened’ ones have built their Babel’s and the growth of the church has been thrown in reverse.

But, church in America and New Zealand – be encouraged… if our fellow countrymen have replaced the truth of God with a lie and are now worshipping the created instead of the Creator, God has harvest field for you even still. Sorry to sound like a broken record – but God is sending you a harvest of international students and migrants to reach out and demonstrate the truth of God, the love of Christ and the ministry of reconciliation towards!

What we must do is repent of fear and pride and argumentative nature (which believe me I understand!) and pray for God to return us to our passion for Christ and sharing the foundational truth of the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to live like strangers and aliens in this world because we are citizens of another kingdom. We are just like the migrant or international student amongst us. This world is not our true home, and we need to let it go and live ‘in’ it the way God has created us to… being good stewards of all He has given us, most importantly – the gospel.

Keep it simple (they don’t care about your theologies or Greek or Hebrew – they want to know what it means to YOU to be a follower of Jesus Christ – can you answer that?)… get back to basic discipleship! Here’s what we’ve been using this past six months (My First Steps) and believe me – it’ll change your life and the lives of those you share it with: http://www.omega-discipleship.com/usa/prod5.htm (for USA folks); or http://www.omega-discipleship.com/_online/prod5.htm (for New Zealand).

Praying For Great Fellowship

That reunions with Leihlyn (UK Navigators ISM) and Ching Ching (Singapore Navs) would encourage us

I don’t know about them, but I was greatly encouraged by these two young women in God’s service. It’s not easy being a single woman in mission, but God gives grace in perfect measure. And it is so good to be able to spur one another on, and also admit that we share much of the same hopes and struggles as we live the life to which we have been called.

That Xiaoou and I would enjoy rooming together and encourage one another (we minister in the same town, and even through the same church – but seldom see one another because of the area of the harvest God has us labouring in)

What a blessing it was to spend time with Xiaoou. I didn’t see much of her when she returned to NZ after graduating from Wheaton. She was deeply involved in developing the leadership amongst our Chinese student outreach and Mandarin congregation, then went to southeast Asia in preparation for her marriage. She and Jikang returned and have been settling into NZ life as newlyweds. It is exciting to see her at the edge of the ‘next stage’ of life and ministry. She will be a key person in developing our graduate returnee network for those returning to Mandarin speaking nations. It is a more difficult network than Japan due to ‘access’ issues in various countries. But God is working out divine appointments for that in the world wide international student network! Please pray for X&J as they grow in their first year of marriage and capture a vision for what they will do in the coming years for the people of southeast Asia and beyond.

That the network of missions, churches, and missionaries who work with international students around the globe would be strengthened and unified, with One heart and One voice.

As I said before, the dialogue sessions were so encouraging. I realised just how unique our situation in New Zealand truly is… the freedom we have and the way that secular educational institutions and the NZ government look to the Christian community as partners in the care of international students is truly by God’s hand.

Also, the incredible network in NZ amongst churches, other missions organisations, and migrant support groups is truly an example of unity in the body of Christ.

And, the reality that most of our international graduates (approximately 85%) WILL return to their home nations makes NZ a unique mission ‘sending’ opportunity. There is a lot more migration into North America and Europe by international grads. But, that provides great long term investment opportunity for more partnership in the gospel.

Prayer that I could bring back something for everyone to share (Ephesians Bible studies)

I can’t say enough about this! If you want a great daily or weekly study in Ephesians…watch the messages from Cape Town.

BUT before you do, read the text yourself (or if two or more are gathered, have someone read it out loud and just listen)…break out the book like this:
Study 1 – Ephesians 1
Study 2 – Ephesians 2
Study 3 – Ephesians 3
Study 4 – Ephesians 4:1-16
Study 5 – Ephesians 4:17 – 6:9
Study 6 – Ephesians 6:10-24

After you have read the chapter, do a brief (10 minutes) ‘inductive’ study (here is a link to how: http://www.lausanne.org/es/cape-town-2010/experience-god-through-great-bible-study.html)

THEN watch the video: go to the link below. Each day – under “Plenary 1” you’ll see a link to each of these Bible Expositions (1: Ajith Fernando; 2: Ruth Padilla Deborst; 3: John Piper; 4:1-16: Vaughn Roberts; 4:17-6:9 Calisto Odede; 6:10-24 Ramez & Rebecca Atallah)

This is a great study to do with a home group or Sunday school group! Awesome stuff: http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010/schedule.html

That this experience would motivate me to spur YOU on as a follower of Jesus – so that each member of the body (that means YOU) would live in a manner worthy of the calling to which you HAVE been called!

See all the above… I hope some of it has inspired you!

REFLECTIONS ON CAPE TOWN 2010

"PERFECT FEAR CASTS OUT LOVE!" I don't even remember who said it, but throughout the Lausanne Congress it kept ringing in my ears. Fear is possibly the biggest chokehold on the spreading of the gospel of Jesus today. Fear of rejection. Fear of terrorism. Fear of people of other faiths. Fear of him who can harm your flesh. Fear of the future. Fear of risk. Fear of poverty. Fear of pain.

All of these fears keep the people of God from living out their purpose in life - to love God, to love our neigbours, to love one another, to love our enemies. We hide in our comfort zones, our political arenas, our church buildings, our safe places and forget there is a world that we are to be engaged in through living the gospel, teaching the gospel, and loving the way the gospel demands. And I am not trying to sound condemning in any way - I've preached this message to myself every day since day 2 of the conference.

PERFECT LOVE CASTS OUT FEAR! I know where I heard that! I've studied 1 John quite a bit this year. But, I also heard it at the Lausanne meetings. A beautiful little high school girl who, with her family had to flee North Korea. Here is an excerpt of their story:

In China a relative brought her family to church where her parents came to know Jesus Christ. A few months later, however, her pregnant mother died from Leukemia. Her father started to study the Bible with missionaries and eventually the Lord gave him a strong desire to become a missionary to North Korea. But in 2001 he was reported as a Christian, was arrested by the Chinese police, and was returned to North Korea. Forced to leave his daughter behind in China, he spent three years in prison. During this time the girl shared that it only "made my father’s faith stronger” and that he “cried out to God more desperately rather than complain or blame Him.

After three years he was able to return to China where he was briefly reunited with his daughter. Soon after, however, he gathered Bibles having resolved to return to North Korea to share Christ among that hopeless people. He was given the opportunity to go to South Korea, but he turned them down.

In 2006 he was discovered by the North Korean government and was arrested. There has since been no word from him. In all probability he has been shot to death publicly for treason.

For a full story, see Michael Oh's blog on the Desiring God website:
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/weeping-for-north-korea

This little girl has since become a follower of Jesus while studying in South Korea. She closed with the following words:

"I look back over my short life and see God’s hand everywhere. Six years in North Korea, 11 years in China, and a time of being in South Korea. Everything that I experienced and love, I want to give it all to God and use my life for His kingdom. I hope to honor my father and bring glory to my heavenly Father by serving God with my whole heart.

I believe God’s heart cries out for the lost people of North Korea. I humbly ask you, my brothers and sisters, to have the same heart of God. Please pray that the same light of God’s grace and mercy that reached my father and my mother and now me will one day come down upon the people of North Korea… my people."

Yeah! Janeen (NZ) & Leihlyn (UK) reunite in Cape Town!

So, how do you sum up a life experience that includes:

• 23 hours of travel to your destination (Wellington, to Sydney, to Johannesburg, to Cape Town, South Africa)
• 6 ½ days of meetings (6 days of which were from 8.30am – 9pm)
• 4200 delegates + 1100 volunteers
• 1 ½ days touring Cape Town and realising it hasn’t been that long since they became a true democratic nation
• One afternoon touring Robben Island (touring prisons used for centuries, the last of which was during apartheid)
• Focus on the word of God, the gospel of Christ, and the way God is on the move in the world in the 21st century – and how we can participate in HIS plan and agenda (and break some old molds)
• Many divine appointments
• Catching up with a few very dear friends who are around the globe
• Making new friends
• Enjoying a ‘multi-tasking’ roommate
• 23 hours returning to New Zealand
• Still getting over jet lag one week later.

Yep – not an easy task, even for the best thinkers.

On the final night celebrating an amazing time of communion with
a former Cardiff Chateau summer guest, Ching Ching with Singapore Navs

A-123 Table Group!!! Stephanie, Kurt, Johannes, & me
Imagine the effort of setting out tables of 6 for 4200 delegates!

The ISMNZ girls represent (me & Xiaoou)! On our one day off we toured Cape Town
on a double decker! Me, Xiaoou, Leihlyn & my boss Terry.

What a paradox... this is the view of the SA mainland from hell...
Robben Island was used for centuries to hold prisoners
and most recently used during apartheid.

This was the daily diet schedule for prisoners. Divided between the Indian/Asian (B)
And blacks (C) - so so so wrong!

Our prison guide was a former prisoner for seven years. Now the island is home
to those who work there where former prisoners & prison guards live side-by-side.
Talk about a message of reconciliation and forgiveness!
Not easy - but PERFECT LOVE casts out fear.

So - what did I learn? Way more than you have time to read. But here's a summary:

1. Realising as we studied Ephesians, that long before Nelson Mandela lived, it was the Apostle Paul who wrote the first manifesto against apartheid from prison – a letter to the first century church that rings loud and clear today.
2. To live in a manner worthy of the calling to which you were called!
3. Every single person in the body of Christ needs to recognise (and respond) that they are individually called to a life of full time mission (in the home, the marketplace, the neighbourhoods, the campuses... every day life). If even one member of the body is not serving according to the grace God has given them and the calling to which they have been called, and working in unity with the body of Christ, the impact of Christ’s saving work is not glorified. We are not living and breathing on this planet as redeemed, adopted children of God for our own sakes. All areas of our lives must be lived for the sake of the gospel and the sake of His glory.
4. That it is not rocket science. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God to save… not our opinions nor our own words! LEARN to share the gospel clearly and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
5. That even though we have our denominational, cultural, and organisational differences – they are not an excuse for division. In a global 21st century, we must work together – partner together – as the whole church bringing the whole gospel to the whole world!
6. There is a drought of Biblical literacy in the world-wide body of Christ… we need to get back to the ‘great commission’ which again – is not rocket science – disciple all ethnos, baptising them and teaching them what the Word of God (Jesus is the Word and the whole Bible is the word of God) says and how to live it as we live it ourselves.

LESSONS FROM PRISON!
Our trip to Robben Island has fueled my passion to continue to disciple people from every nation that God brings into my life through the ministry to international students and the 'scattered' peoples (migrants) in the world. Injustice is a consequence of SIN! It's not rocket science. Man tries in their own wisdom to raise up systems of justice - but punishment avails and injustice comes from the very justice we try to hold to. Mankind is easily corrupted. Our hearts are deceitful.

But, "if anyone is in Christ they are a NEW creation: the old has gone and the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting peoples' sins against them. And He has COMMITTED TO US THE MESSAGE OF RECONCILIATION." (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

This is the challenge God laid on my plate while I was in Cape Town. Is my message to every ethno-linguistic (and religious or atheistic or humanistic) people group one of sharing the gospel of reconciliation? Is that what motivates me? Drives me to live on?

So, to my friends who do not yet know Jesus... He is THE way, THE truth and THE life...

"We (those who follow Christ) are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us... we implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew NO sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

Reconciliation begins with forgiveness! And forgiveness is received through faith. And faith is God's gift, and faith comes by hearing the word of God! "God demonstrated His love to us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)

August showers bring September... quakes?

Sunday Night Delight -- conTagious Students!
What a blessing it has been journeying through “My First Steps” – a 20 week discipleship study we are doing at Grace City Church. There are 42 people in our fellowship going through the study in various small groups and our student group.

I have been LOVING my small group (within the larger group of students). Zarette & Giselle & Kerrianne are three high school girls who have grown up in the ‘church’. Kerrianne’s mum came to NZ as a child-migrant from China and was a part of the Chinese migrant outreach ministry that eventually became Grace City Church. So, Kerrianne is a true Kiwi. In the same way, Zarette and Giselle are now officially PK’s (their dad Kellis is our pastor). They moved permanently to NZ (from Fiji) in 2003 so the girls really are very Kiwi in many ways.

Since we’ve been going through the study, God has really helped them take a look at whether or not they are truly born again. What has resulted is truly amazing. They are enjoying the study (they do their homework and the Scripture memory each week), and really beginning to see a change in their lives and attitudes, and most especially in their relationships with others. They are excited at the changes in our church family, excited to come to church and student group, and most especially seeing our church family becoming on fire for God. I’m enjoying being with them and seeing the light in their eyes grow brighter and brighter each week.

Please pray over the next few weeks as we take on the subjects of baptism, and the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would receive the word with power, and that many in our fellowship who haven’t been baptised would make decisions to do so. But with that comes the need for protection… because we face an enemy that doesn’t like on fire followers of Jesus. Pray that Zarette, Giselle and Kerrianne would all grow strong in their faith and impact their high school campus for Jesus!

Contagious joy!

Ann & Jerome... representing Asia & Pacific :-)

Awesome bunch! The four on the left are fully conTagious...
Giselle, Jerome, Vinnie and Zarette

ISMNZ Ministry Internship
Can I just say again how much I LOVE being a part of our ISMNZ Ministry Internship programme? Of course I can! I LOVE it. First of all, Pathways Bible College is a GREAT partner. They love our interns as much as we do, and together we get to impact the lives of these young future servants of Christ. What a privilege!

This semester I am leading three courses: Making Disciples, A Vision for the World, and Focus on the Future. I teach in Palmerston North, but for the first two lessons of Making Disciples I also travelled to Auckland to teach the girls there. Also, Masa has stayed on (he finished his degree at Massey in June) to do a one semester certificate in ministry internship with us. He is a key leader in J2 Palmy and we are so happy to be able to provide some training and preparation for him before he returns to Japan at the end of the year.

The best part of it is seeing them take hold of how they can impact the world around them and begin to prepare for their next stage in life. For some it means returning to their home countries to find work, for others they will remain in NZ to try and get a job in their area of qualification, and yet for others they will do further training based on what they desire to do next. In every case… the foundations being laid for their spiritual life are awesome. They are seeing God at work in their life, and experiencing His answers to prayer as they study and do ministry and relate with others. It’s not always easy and they face many trials and tests, but WOW is their faith deepening!

It has also been a real pleasure 'supervising' Laurel McDonald. Laurel is a Kiwi from Palmy (who speaks Japanese and served teaching English in Japan for three years). She's already a great ESOL teacher, and now she is growing heaps in her walk as a disciple and making disciples and gaining lots of ministry experience. Whenever we have our mentoring sessions, I learn so much from what she is learning. Keep praying for Laurel, as I know God has more amazing ministry in store for her future. I am so grateful to have her as part of the J2 Palmy leadership team.

All I can say is THANK YOU for making it possible for them to get this training. As you support me through encouragement, prayer and financially – I can serve them without distraction. They are learning heaps from what I’m experiencing as a faith-funded missionary as I testify of the goodness of God I receive because of YOU!

important time away from block course...

Allen & Masa at the marae visit during Bible College block course

Allen, Koyo, Joel, Emma,Aina, Mayumi, Laurel...

J2 Palmy Ministry
We continue to work on building our J2 ministry here in Palmerston North. August was a great month to really focus on the future, and allow old things to pass away and new things to come. As a result, Laurel has started to lead English studies using the Book of Hope with some of the Japanese women. Masa has launched a men’s Bible study/dinner time every Friday night. God continues to help us build good friendships with the Japanese students here in Palmy.

Please pray for us as a leadership – Masa, Laurel, Brendon, Maki, Taka, Natsuko, Yosuke and myself as we plan ahead for the upcoming camp: What is Love? Pray many will join us and be blessed as we share the three loves of the Bible (and even the forth as mentioned by CS Lewis).

Speaking of J2… Mai-chan (back in Tokyo) arranged a holiday for her younger sister (Fumino, 19) and a friend (Masumi, 19) to visit us in New Zealand! What a blessing. It was like having a bit of my Mai back again… the girls arrived in Palmy on 28 August and stayed with us ‘til the 3rd Sept, then fly up to Auckland to spend time with our J2 family up there. I am so grateful to God for the lifelong relationship that began when Mai was only 19 herself. I am thankful to God that her parents trust me with their daughters, and generously covered the costs for me to be the tour guide. We had a marvellous time, soaring on flying foxes, spinning on rapids jets, taking long hikes around the place and soaking in boiling hot springs. An added blessing was having them attend church with us (they were both keen), and all the joy and laughter they brought to Cardiff Street and J2. Please pray that as they have returned to Tokyo, they would be keen to join Mai and Daniel for the J-tree fellowship and come to know Jesus.

Masumi & Fumino @ Massey Uni... walking in the steps of Mai-chan!

why is the water so green? Is it from all the people getting sick after too many 360 spins
or just from the rough jet ride over rapids? heehee

a reluctant farewell party for Miyuki-chan

Miyuki giving her farewell speech... she's back in Tokyo now.

Taka & Brendon (J2 leaders)

Maki &Natsuko (J2 Leaders & mrs. of above)

M-bai brothers... Nobu-chan (met thru Boys High student who brought him
to Grace City... he's doing discipleship, J2... and getting 100% on
Scripture memory -- in English! YEAH... he loves Jesus now!)

tenpin anyone? Jingxiu, Masa, Nonoka, Masumi, and Yosuke!

a budding photographer... cute as May-chan!

ISMNZ National Leadership Team
August was an especially exciting month for me as one of those in leadership with ISMNZ. We had a very special Board meeting which led to us having great hope that we are closer than ever to finding our new National Director. My boss (Terry) has already gone beyond two terms, and is coming to the end of the time of extension he agreed to. So, in 2011 we will face a lot of change. As a result, whether we have our new National Director in place or not – we will move forward through the transition as a “team” of leaders.

As of September 2010, we have two regional leaders. Mitch Gingrich & wife Beth came from USA and are serving the southern region. They are based in Christchurch (and the earthquake did no damage to their home). Mario Garcia & Saling are originally from the Philippines and are leading the northern region from Hamilton (covering Auckland as well). We are still praying for a central region leader. In addition to this, we have Paul Stock (staff development and internship), David Broughton (pastoral care of staff), John Wallis (national operations manager), Terry (who will continue as a part of leadership), and myself (national support and administration and whatever rolls down hill).

Even more exciting has been the answers to prayer for more labourers to work with us in this harvest. Again I say THANK YOU for praying with me on this. In 2010 we’ve had one couple go from part time to full time ministry, another go from volunteer to part time and now serve as a city leader in Hamilton, the Moore’s in Wellington have settled in and joined the team, Colin and May Zhao (from China) joined staff-in-training in Auckland earlier this year, Yang Yang Wu (also from China) is also staff-in-training in Auckland with us. And right now there is another fellow American in the process of applying (she’s already serving alongside Yang Yang in ministry in Auckland). It seems our hope to build teams is becoming a reality!

I am enjoying working on newsletters, publications and communications. But still feel stuck in the mud as I try to get our DVD project settled. This is my one and only final priority for this year – in fact – THIS MONTH I want it in the hands of our producer. Please pray for me that I will have focussed time to organise it.

just had to include this photo of The Centre...
it's the Christian hub at Massey University where I get to teach our internship classes!

The Road to Cape Town…
It’s hard to believe but my adventure to participate in the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization is only 40 days away. EEK. There’s so much ‘homework’ to do in the meantime. But, I’m not complaining. Recently, some of the delegates that will be attending from New Zealand got together in Auckland. With 4000+ scheduled to attend the congress, we figured it would be good to get to know one another a little bit so we can waive from across the convention centre at one another.

In an interview I was asked, “what do you want to take away from your time in South Africa?” There are so many things I could say – but really – let’s be practical. What can little ol’ me do in the scope of impacting the world with the love of Jesus? Ah ha! The answer was clear… if the mission I live and breathe is to help international students become lifelong followers of Jesus to reach people for Him in their home countries… then I need to meet Christians from their countries who are leading the way.

That way, as I prepare them to return home or go to another country, I can link them to mentors and help them make connections into their communities. So, to enable our returnees to care for their communities, I need to find out what is happening in various countries and what groups are meeting needs and build those networks. YEAH! I am excited. Pray that I will make divine appointments.

some of the NZ delegates going to Cape Town...

A Season of Trials

There are so many things I thank God for... every day! There are so many people I pray for, and give thanks to God for... everyday! If you are reading this - you are one of those people. When God called me into this mission field of international students in New Zealand, I never imagined I would be able to do this for so long.

This work is a blessing, but the most humbling and deepfelt blessing out of all of this is that I have such an awesome group of people who have partnered with me. YOU are serving me - with your gifts of love, faith, encouragement, teaching, mercy, giving, intercession... THANK YOU! This is OUR ministry, and YOU are reaching the nations with the love of Christ. YOU are investing eternally in the kingdom.

I saw an awesome message by Louie Giglio (Passport, DVD - get it!). The one thing that really stood out to me was this: "To the degree that you embrace the mission HERE, is the degree that you'll enjoy HEAVEN!"

You see, heaven will be filled with brothers and sisters from EVERY (which in the Greek means EVERY ethno-linguistic people group - not geopolitcal nation) tongue and tribe and nation! Are you ready for that? Well, whether you realise it or not, because you are on my team at International Student Ministries of New Zealand, you are reaching heaps of those people groups listed in the EVERY. So let me tell you... you are going to really enjoy eternity! Because you do play a major role in this ministry!

So, I thought I'd give you a little picture of "our" town square. Our (yours and mine) ministry hub is Palmerston North, New Zealand. It's a wonderful little place and if you are interested, here's a link to our city council:
http://www.palmerstonnorth.com/Default.aspx, and also we are a sister city: http://www.missoulacultural.org/sistercities/palmerston_north.htm to Missoula, MT.

I so often refer to the "Cardiff Chateau". If Palmerston North is the hub (national office) of the ministry we do with ISMNZ, the Chateau is the heart. Thank you so much for helping me offer this home to so many international students. Seriously - if I didn't have your support, there would be no home to minister in. I'd have to say that the majority of money I spend in New Zealand is on food for hospitality, wireless internet for my girls to do their studies and communicate with their families back home, and of course HEATING cuz as one of the new students from Estonia said, "living in the house in New Zealand is like living in a tent!"

Speaking of Estonia... pray for my new friend Merilin that she will continue to enjoy her New Zealand semester abroad, and that her studies will go well. I invited her to join Miyuki (new J2 girl) and I to watch the All Blacks game in our home. Merilin had never watched rugby, nor seen the All Blacks Haka!

I am facing a trial of sorts because of the house. I need your prayers as I seek advice and recruit helpers to do some seriously needed maintenance. I have no driveway - so our three cars have begun to sink in the bog of the wetlands (the mud that has replaced the parking area). We also have a family of mice who are smarter than traps and poison. AND the plumbing - well... in NZ to hire a plumber and replace hardware the cheapest price is $200 for the visit.But, I will not lose heart... because this home is the heart of reaching the nations from my doorstep.


Pastor Kellis has been preaching from Nehemiah! And God spoke to me so much through just the first two chapters. I continue to pray, and seek Him for the right plan. This home is for HIS glory, and I know it will continue to be a blessing, and He will bring the extreme home makeover team that He has chosen!!

http://www.omega-discipleship.com/_online/index.htm

The title of this blog is "a season of trials" and it has been! Recently I helped our church launch a major 20-week disciplemaking series. And the powers and principalities came out in full force. I have never felt so oppressed or depressed since coming to New Zealand. The attack was so thick it was as though everything was shrouded in fog. On top of it, my age & stage in female life is beginning to experience the 'change' - so let's just say... eegads! Meltdown!

But, praise God for my praying family and friends in the states, in Japan, and in New Zealand! I thank God for you all! The Lord has renewed my strength, and His light has burned away the fog of spiritual war.


Lots of busyness on the ministry front. Semester two has begun at Massey University in Palmy. Over 200 new international students arrived the first week of July. Dozens of them are from a major University in China! We've already made some wonderful connections with them, most recently at International Food Night (some of the OCF students shown above) hosted at the chaplaincy by the Overseas Christian Fellowship & Massey Uni Christian Fellowship group. AND, one of the new students from China accepted an invitation to our church and even came to the discipleship class. Pray for "S". He told me he believes there is a God, and has been wondering if there is a way to know Him.

Speaking of the Cardiff Chateau... we've had two awesome J2 ladies nights recently. God has brought us so many Japanese girls who are keen to build friendships. Laurel (ISMNZ ministry intern) has begun doing one-to-one Bible studies with two of the girls, and we continue to reach out to them at J2 events.

I am enjoying getting to know so many of the girls and establishing those relationships. Pray for our girls ministry, that God would open their hearts as they sense His love through us. Pray specifically for more opportunities to help them improve their English skills through Bible study, as well as exploring Christianity in their first language.

Above is part of the spread for "Little Italy" Ladies Night @ Cardiff. One of the girls I am getting to know, Manaka, asked me, "how much will it cost?" -- It was such a blessing to be able to say, "nothing - you are our guest". Thank you again for your partnership in this ministry. And pray for Manaka. I had lunch with her on Saturday, and because it is mid-winter's Christmastime here in New Zealand, I gave her a copy of Ruth Bell Grahams beautiful book, "One Wintery Night". Pray that Manaka will enjoy the story and that God will give her understanding.

Below is an image from "Mexicali Fresh" Ladies Night @ Cardiff. Pray for Miyuki, Miyako, Haruna and Mari (left to center). Pray for God to open their hearts and cause His word to be planted in their hearts! Pray too for Hannah, Laurel, and Maki (and me taking the photo) - our J2 leaders. Hannah and Laurel both lived in Japan and can speak Japanese, and Maki is married to a Kiwi she met in Japan (Brendon who is also on leadership and a campus chaplain). Pray for their growing relationships with the girls.

April Showers bring Feijoas & they are still here in May!

It's autumn in New Zealand... the leaves are turning, the wind is picking up - rain is forecast for the next week (with threats of flooding on both islands). But, my feijoa trees are STILL dropping fruit! Dozens and dozens of these little beauties are offering themselves as sacrifices for the many who would feast on them during their short season.

One month ago the first of the crops came in... and yes, I put about one dozen in a suitcase, flew to the USA, and cleared right through customs without ever having to give up my stash! Lest anyone think I broke the law - I claimed "fresh fruit" on my customs documentation. The nice man who cleared me didn't even blink.

So, what is a feijoa you ask? Some call it: (Feijoa sellowiana), also known as Pineapple Guava or Guavasteen, is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 1–7 metres (3.3–23 ft) in height, originating from the highlands of southern Brazil and parts of Colombia, Uruguay and northern Argentina. But HEAPS of them are found in NEW ZEALAND!

The latest news from Feijoa-land!
It's been a wonderful April & May. Praise reports include:

J2 Palmerston North is beginning to grow. God allowed the new leadership time to grow together in His Word and begin to learn how to serve together as a team. And a couple of weeks ago He began bringing new students to fellowship with us. We're still in the "framing" stages, building on the foundations laid in years past, but the ministry will take a new shape without losing the vision of J2 mission. Please pray for the leadership here in Palmerston North, that we will continue to be led by the Spirit and faithful to reach out to these students with sincere love and friendship, and that we will have great opportunity to share the gospel of Christ with them.

I am also thrilled to be moving forward on the ISMNZ DVD project. God brought us a professional who works for the local Christian TV station to help with expertise and production. Please pray for inspired storytelling, so that we can share with EVERYONE we can (via DVD and You-Tube) this awesome ministry of reaching the nations from our doorstep, as well as communicate how everyone with a heart for blessing these students can be involved. Pray I will be able to gather good material from staff and volunteers and students around New Zealand and also from returnees who are back in their home countries carrying on for Christ.

Another praise... the GINGRICH's are here. They are a couple from Ohio who, with their daughter Sarah, came to serve ISMNZ through the Nav's on a short term mission in 2005. As a result of their experience, they began to sense a leading from God that perhaps He was calling them into full time ministry with us in NZ. Mitch sold his law practice, Sarah graduated high school and came ahead of them in February (to study at Cantebury Uni), and Mitch & Beth have arrived in Christchurch to eventually serve as our Southern Region leaders. Please pray for them as they settle, that God would bless their home (already found one to rent across the street from campus!), their shipping and moving in, and the ministry that He has for them.

My home church, Grace City Church, has commissioned Pastor Kellis Byrne (Fiji) as our shepherd for the "English-speaking" international congregation. Whewhew! We've journeyed in the desert 3 1/2 years preparing for the Lord to provide two men to lead us into the promised 'land' (Palmy and the Nations)... first He brought Pastor Richard Tien (Singapore) in 2007 to take up the call of pastoring our Mandarin speaking congregation, as well as providing shepherding to the entire church. And now, Kellis has heard the call to leave the professional secular world and become our pastor. Praise God! "You've worked for men for 31 years, now it's time to work for Me". Please pray for Kellis and Dawn (and their girls, Brittany, Zarette and Giselle)... that God would protect and bless their family, and bring many encouragers and intercessors to support them.

Kellis and Dawn Byrne @ the commissioning in April!

The smiles on our faces (or are we laughing) demonstrate our joy!

Kellis and his girls! Zarette, Giselle, Dawn and Brittany

Will all the Fijian's please stand alongside Kellis and Dawn!
We enjoyed amazing worship with a Fijian choir...

There and Back Again: Across the SEA in Southern California
In late April I was blessed (by my brother) to be able to zip over to Southern California to be a part of my nephew's wonderful day! Sean Mills married his beautiful best friend and high school sweetie, Lisa! God really blessed the day - perfect weather (maybe even a little too warm, eh?), great friends and family, all of it. I am so thankful that I got to be there. Please pray for Sean & Lisa, that their first months will be filled with blessing and unity, and that they would be able to move into their new home (when all the Mills' men from three generations are finished with all the contruction projects they have planned for it) with joy!

My brother, Bruce with Lisa & Sean

What a good looking group! Lisa, Sean and his best man and brother TJ!
The speech RAAWKED!

Guess who my date was for the wedding? NOZOMI!
Awesome as! No-chan joined me for the wedding & I kept her up WAY too late
talking too much (who, me? talk to much? heehee)

Please pray for Nozomi's visit home for the summer on her break from
Westminister. Pray for blessed reunions, rest of mind, and joyful worship.

Still conTagious!
Even though I've been travelling a lot, my heart has not been far from our Grace City Church student group. In mid-April, the youth initiated an "after Easter" outreach for students in the city. They had it on a Saturday night... smoke machine, lazers, lots of yummy food, and great celebration in song and dance. But, I think more 'old folks' were there that night jumping around than students. They invited Stephen McIvor (ISMNZ ministry intern grad from a few years back - married to my dear daughter from Inner Mongolia, Christina) to share a gospel message. It was fabulous.

Still, sometimes great expectations (expecting many more to join us) lead to collosal let downs (God has a way of humbling us). So, I suggested they do it again the next night since we still had the 'equipment'. That night God brought many students and some from our Chinese ministry leadership. The Lord gave me a message to share with them about "Living as a Citizen of Heaven: God doesn't allow for dual-citizenship"... if we belong to Christ we are resident aliens on this planet and need to learn to follow the King of kings and His righteousness.

Please pray for 'conTagious' as we head into June LEADING the church in mission's month! That's a long story, but they have done amazing work finding special needs to introduce to our church... locally and in some of the students' home countries and in Haiti. They chose them and introduced them in our Sunday night meeting. Now we will expand it to the church. Also, we will be starting "My First Steps"... a discipleship series from Omega Discipleship. Actually - this is a church-wide 20 week series we'll ALL begin in various small groups the first week of July. Pray for MANY to commit to this walk.

Whewhew! Look at the pretty lights.

Don't quit your day jobs guys... ballet is not for you! (Kenny, Masa and Ma)

We are from HIS kingdom!