Outreach has been good, and a lot of work is put into it, but I aim to bring joy, hence the bad joke.
Our last week on Osaka was full of youth outreach which involved dances, street evangelism, large amounts of participating in selfies, and no small amount of struggling to learn more Japanese. I forgot some already!
It was great to see how much God can do in just a few weeks. At first it seemed our contacts weren't quite sure to do with a MAD team, but God opened doors to youth, churches and the community in crazy ways! I found it a bit hard to get my bearings in it though, because I'm not a performer, so being onstage is hard, but not having a place onstage when the rest of the team does is equally frustrating. I have taken my role of Intercessor, as well as onstage art sometimes. It's hard to bring such large paper when your way of getting around is walking, and a train like a sardine can!
Before we left Osaka, we walked to Kyoto in the footsteps of two famous missionaries, and visited some of the shrines. I won't be going to shrines again, they hurt!
We travelled by bullet train to Tokyo two days ago. everything is noisy, full of people, and lights dazzle you every corner. It's beautiful and I love it so much! The first thing we did here was learn some Japanese worship songs, and sing them at Shibuya Harvest that evening. After that we cleaned toilets. We never had time for lunch, and we finally got to having dinner around 10 pm. Pizza that night was the most amazing thing I tasted, simply because it was long anticipated. (I had wanted pizza since BEFORE outreach and never bothered to order it, because I don't want to waste money on things I don't really need. That didn't deter me from buying green tea KitKats though! they were cheap.)
The next four weeks we are looking forwards to teaching English classes, doing some church work and performance, and there's always the element of surprise.
The family we are staying with are personal friends, and it's so nice to be in a home setting again! I have heard that they are a bit famous in Christian sphere in Japan, which makes sense, because right now the Dad is doing a crosswalk walking across America. Yup.
Our team is getting closer it seems, and hardly a day goes by without Daniel taking a picture of his food, Me coming up with a new way to mess up my words, and all of us in random outbursts of song and dance.
Our biggest prayer is that we would stay healthy, and that we would we be given the right heart and words to reach the ones God loves. Which is everyone BTW.
Japan has been good to me so far, And I really believe I grow so much every time I travel elsewhere. This is what I want to spend my life doing!
Monday, 10 March 2014
Sunday, 2 March 2014
week one in Japan!
I have no pictures to show. It's quite sad, because I would love to keep all the things I see clear, in picture form.
This week we have been focusing a lot on art, music, and dance outreach. We held a meeting at a local church and performed various skits and dances, and I have begun to use large scale art in stage performance and street evangelism. I d I have begun to use large scale art in stage performance and street evangelism. I never thought art was actually a tool for God to use, but people beeline to beautiful things! I have started a series based on a red balloon in a grey world to symbolise hope. It goes along with my testimony. To me, the red balloon means being filled with Hope. Not from what you can see, but from Jesus Christ. That, with God, we can rise higher than the things that hold us down. And that God gives us the ability to have joy even when the world seems dark. The red balloon is a reminder of who God is, and how much he loves us.
I have gained so much respect for my pastor though the recent experiences, I didn't realise how hard giving a testimony or a sermon was! I get pretty nervous beforehand, but I realise God is with me, and then the only thing on my mind is "People need to know this! They need to understand how great God's love is!' and everything turns out fine.
We have been helping out the local pioneering churches(most churches in Japan ARE pioneering.) Japan has a tradition of young dancers practicing in front of windows of the city council buildings,and so we have a chance to talk to dancers on the streets, as well as teach and learn some dance steps. Yesterday was really interesting, because in Japan, there is no "Oh no, what if I offend them?" when it comes to evangelism. As our team was haltingly talking in english to a group of JR. High boys, one of the church ladies starts talking to them in rapid Japanese. Then she turns to us and says " I told them you were Christian missionaries from Australia, and if they had any questions about God, you could answer them. Would you like to talk to them one on one?" we were a bit stunned on both sides, Kids and first time missionaries!
we have also been drinking lots of tea, bearing the cold to tract at train stations, and eating a lot of rice.
The first week, we bought a really big bag of rice because it was on sale. A few days later our hosts bought us a big bag. The next day, the church we were performing at gave us two shopping bags full! We have rice almost every meal, but it's ok, because the green tea that we drink with it helps. We have tried Mochi (green tea rice candy) Natto, which is moldy beans... uhm yeah. Stomach of steel over here had a hard time keeping that down! It's an acquired taste.
We may not have a lot of down time, but we make use of what we do. We went and saw Hideyoshi's castle in Osaka, and as we were walking through the cherry trees, we got to talk to a guy from Sweden about God. We really stand out in Japan, so people are either drawn to us, or try to walk around us.
Seeing into people's lives around the city has been sad. They are wonderful people, very polite, but sometimes it seems hollow. They won't steal your wallet if you forgot it, but they also won't return it to you. They are dependant on their friends and Jobs, but won't let many others in to their self contained world. I think much of the world is like this. It's sad to think that even though the Japanese people are always smiling, they have the highest suicide rate in the world. I so want God to use me to bring hope and Joy, because sometimes, what looks like happiness is a facade.
The second week is looking to be even more full of trains, churches, and walking, and after that Team Japan is off to Tokyo! If you guy's want more info than my insight, check out Team Japan 2014
This week we have been focusing a lot on art, music, and dance outreach. We held a meeting at a local church and performed various skits and dances, and I have begun to use large scale art in stage performance and street evangelism. I d I have begun to use large scale art in stage performance and street evangelism. I never thought art was actually a tool for God to use, but people beeline to beautiful things! I have started a series based on a red balloon in a grey world to symbolise hope. It goes along with my testimony. To me, the red balloon means being filled with Hope. Not from what you can see, but from Jesus Christ. That, with God, we can rise higher than the things that hold us down. And that God gives us the ability to have joy even when the world seems dark. The red balloon is a reminder of who God is, and how much he loves us.
I have gained so much respect for my pastor though the recent experiences, I didn't realise how hard giving a testimony or a sermon was! I get pretty nervous beforehand, but I realise God is with me, and then the only thing on my mind is "People need to know this! They need to understand how great God's love is!' and everything turns out fine.
We have been helping out the local pioneering churches(most churches in Japan ARE pioneering.) Japan has a tradition of young dancers practicing in front of windows of the city council buildings,and so we have a chance to talk to dancers on the streets, as well as teach and learn some dance steps. Yesterday was really interesting, because in Japan, there is no "Oh no, what if I offend them?" when it comes to evangelism. As our team was haltingly talking in english to a group of JR. High boys, one of the church ladies starts talking to them in rapid Japanese. Then she turns to us and says " I told them you were Christian missionaries from Australia, and if they had any questions about God, you could answer them. Would you like to talk to them one on one?" we were a bit stunned on both sides, Kids and first time missionaries!
we have also been drinking lots of tea, bearing the cold to tract at train stations, and eating a lot of rice.
The first week, we bought a really big bag of rice because it was on sale. A few days later our hosts bought us a big bag. The next day, the church we were performing at gave us two shopping bags full! We have rice almost every meal, but it's ok, because the green tea that we drink with it helps. We have tried Mochi (green tea rice candy) Natto, which is moldy beans... uhm yeah. Stomach of steel over here had a hard time keeping that down! It's an acquired taste.
We may not have a lot of down time, but we make use of what we do. We went and saw Hideyoshi's castle in Osaka, and as we were walking through the cherry trees, we got to talk to a guy from Sweden about God. We really stand out in Japan, so people are either drawn to us, or try to walk around us.
Seeing into people's lives around the city has been sad. They are wonderful people, very polite, but sometimes it seems hollow. They won't steal your wallet if you forgot it, but they also won't return it to you. They are dependant on their friends and Jobs, but won't let many others in to their self contained world. I think much of the world is like this. It's sad to think that even though the Japanese people are always smiling, they have the highest suicide rate in the world. I so want God to use me to bring hope and Joy, because sometimes, what looks like happiness is a facade.
The second week is looking to be even more full of trains, churches, and walking, and after that Team Japan is off to Tokyo! If you guy's want more info than my insight, check out Team Japan 2014
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Konichiwa!
I was six the first time I told my parents I was going to be a missionary in Japan. This week my dream come true.
After our week of manual labour in the hot Aussie sun, the five members of Team Japan were off on a full day of traveling, with a short stop in South Korea and an extremely full bus and train. you need to be prompt with timetables in Japan, nothing is ever late from what I see. Japan is absolutely beautiful, with presentation as a huge part of culture here. They may not have a lot of space, but they are so good at using what they have well. If at all possible, we walk. Bicycles are everywhere, trains are well used, and there is almost no litter. Osaka is such a beautiful place.
Our base is a very old traditional building, situated between a power plant and a shrine. It is quite cold, so we use kerosene heaters when we are in the rooms.
Our days so far have consisted of dancing and handing out tracts with our faces on them (written in Japanese) in preparation for a Music Art Dance night held at the local church. We met some sweet girls who were super excited to use their English skills, and worked on figuring out the Yen system while some slightly complicated shopping. Guesswork was involved while buying groceries, but It turned out well so far! the base staff are great, helping us get our bearings the first few days.
There are quite a few surprising things I have learned while here. Some of which are most things in Japan are smaller and less expensive. Slippers are the best things ever. (The Korean airline gave us disposable ones for the flight!) Green Tea stops altitude nosebleeds. When served, the servers always start with "I'm Sorry" and then continue to serve you. Never hand cash to the cashier directly, put it in the tray first. Japanese rice, curry and noodles are amazing. Chopsticks are fairly easy to use after the first few tries. Cherry blossoms and cabbages are beautiful. It's impolite to speak loudly in public. Playing loud music in a neighborhood may get you a visit with the police, simply because it's unusual. If you want to be a supermodel, wear tye-dye and have blue eyes and freckles. If you want to stand out, be taller than 5 feet. Squatty potties and large amounts of buttons on everything is not unusual. Total Eclipse of the Heart is now our theme song. Art is a HUGE part of culture here. If you can do Manga, the kids love you. Hugging isn't normal.
There you go, observations for the evening!
I love Japan, and the new experiences are going to last a lifetime. I never knew how very Canadian I was until now though! I'm really enjoying reading Anne of Green Gables in my spare time, and rereading it now, I know why my mother used to call me that. Anne is just like me when I was young!
God has really been using the language barrier to teach me to trust my leaders. I have always been extremely independent, so it's a hard lesson to learn. That, and I can't read! I think I would love to stay longer if I had the chance. Next update I'll try to give some real news, not just observations, but for now Sayanora!
Before we left for outreach, the fine art track went on a field trip to the Brisbane art gallery, so the first pictures are from that. The last few are the very small amount of pictures I have taken so far in Japan. If you want to see more, check out our hashtag at #teamyapan !
After our week of manual labour in the hot Aussie sun, the five members of Team Japan were off on a full day of traveling, with a short stop in South Korea and an extremely full bus and train. you need to be prompt with timetables in Japan, nothing is ever late from what I see. Japan is absolutely beautiful, with presentation as a huge part of culture here. They may not have a lot of space, but they are so good at using what they have well. If at all possible, we walk. Bicycles are everywhere, trains are well used, and there is almost no litter. Osaka is such a beautiful place.
Our base is a very old traditional building, situated between a power plant and a shrine. It is quite cold, so we use kerosene heaters when we are in the rooms.
Our days so far have consisted of dancing and handing out tracts with our faces on them (written in Japanese) in preparation for a Music Art Dance night held at the local church. We met some sweet girls who were super excited to use their English skills, and worked on figuring out the Yen system while some slightly complicated shopping. Guesswork was involved while buying groceries, but It turned out well so far! the base staff are great, helping us get our bearings the first few days.
There are quite a few surprising things I have learned while here. Some of which are most things in Japan are smaller and less expensive. Slippers are the best things ever. (The Korean airline gave us disposable ones for the flight!) Green Tea stops altitude nosebleeds. When served, the servers always start with "I'm Sorry" and then continue to serve you. Never hand cash to the cashier directly, put it in the tray first. Japanese rice, curry and noodles are amazing. Chopsticks are fairly easy to use after the first few tries. Cherry blossoms and cabbages are beautiful. It's impolite to speak loudly in public. Playing loud music in a neighborhood may get you a visit with the police, simply because it's unusual. If you want to be a supermodel, wear tye-dye and have blue eyes and freckles. If you want to stand out, be taller than 5 feet. Squatty potties and large amounts of buttons on everything is not unusual. Total Eclipse of the Heart is now our theme song. Art is a HUGE part of culture here. If you can do Manga, the kids love you. Hugging isn't normal.
There you go, observations for the evening!
I love Japan, and the new experiences are going to last a lifetime. I never knew how very Canadian I was until now though! I'm really enjoying reading Anne of Green Gables in my spare time, and rereading it now, I know why my mother used to call me that. Anne is just like me when I was young!
God has really been using the language barrier to teach me to trust my leaders. I have always been extremely independent, so it's a hard lesson to learn. That, and I can't read! I think I would love to stay longer if I had the chance. Next update I'll try to give some real news, not just observations, but for now Sayanora!
Before we left for outreach, the fine art track went on a field trip to the Brisbane art gallery, so the first pictures are from that. The last few are the very small amount of pictures I have taken so far in Japan. If you want to see more, check out our hashtag at #teamyapan !
Friday, 21 February 2014
week one and a giant donation!
This week has been a busy one. Most of outreach so far has been a lot of gardening (Yay rake blisters!) and impromptu skits and concerts.
This morning our team led intersession for the base, and it really brought what prayer is into focus for me. Why? Physical representations. we focused on war in certain countries, and my station was two chairs set for people to stand on, and then someone in the middle to bridge the gap. I stood in first. Lifting my arms, I realised that's what prayer is. Lifting your arms and praying until you are sore with someone else's pain, then giving it to God. God is constantly calling for someone to intercede, like I called out to those around me, but no one would come. Who will lead, and lift up those who can't reach God for themselves? This is God's heart for the nations!
We also cleaned up the Meals on Wheels kitchen, gardened at a mental care home, and right now my team is at youth group. I didn't go because I have a headache, but I still want to be productive so blog post it is.
Yesterday we were nearly 7000 AUDs short, but today we had an anonymous donor give us the full amount, so WE ARE ALL GOING!!! No team member left behind! thank you all so much, God provides miraculously!
I can't say how truly amazing it has been so far, and I'm stoked for the future. Hard, but good. The best place for me is working for God.
This morning our team led intersession for the base, and it really brought what prayer is into focus for me. Why? Physical representations. we focused on war in certain countries, and my station was two chairs set for people to stand on, and then someone in the middle to bridge the gap. I stood in first. Lifting my arms, I realised that's what prayer is. Lifting your arms and praying until you are sore with someone else's pain, then giving it to God. God is constantly calling for someone to intercede, like I called out to those around me, but no one would come. Who will lead, and lift up those who can't reach God for themselves? This is God's heart for the nations!
We also cleaned up the Meals on Wheels kitchen, gardened at a mental care home, and right now my team is at youth group. I didn't go because I have a headache, but I still want to be productive so blog post it is.
Yesterday we were nearly 7000 AUDs short, but today we had an anonymous donor give us the full amount, so WE ARE ALL GOING!!! No team member left behind! thank you all so much, God provides miraculously!
I can't say how truly amazing it has been so far, and I'm stoked for the future. Hard, but good. The best place for me is working for God.
Monday, 17 February 2014
Send-offs
OUTREACH HAS BEGUN!
This weekend Team Peru, Malaysia and Vanuatu flew out to to their prospective areas.
We have been practicing skits, stomps and sermons all weekend, and our Aussie week of outreach officially started.
Two days in We did a bit of gardening and manual labour, which wouldn't be bad, but it's so hot! It's nice to feel accomplished though, however sweaty we are. We helped with the filming of a skit for the base, (Hello Broadway!) and then went and sang at a retirement home. Some of them were firmly convinced we were a professional band form America that came to sing to them, and that we were all married with family back home. My name somehow got changed to Catherine while I was there as well. I talked to this 97 year old WW2 veteran who kind of disliked Daniel because he thought he was Japanese. (I refrained from telling him that's where we were headed.) The next things we are doing are yet to be determined, other than the fact that we are helping out with Soundwave, a crazy hard rock festival. (look it up!)
As a team, we are still short on finances, so prayer for that will be awesome, as well as health. Our leader, Hannah, may be coming down with a cold. NOOOO! Those things shouldn't interfere with our outreach though.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, and feel free to contact me and the team. Bye!
This weekend Team Peru, Malaysia and Vanuatu flew out to to their prospective areas.
We have been practicing skits, stomps and sermons all weekend, and our Aussie week of outreach officially started.
Two days in We did a bit of gardening and manual labour, which wouldn't be bad, but it's so hot! It's nice to feel accomplished though, however sweaty we are. We helped with the filming of a skit for the base, (Hello Broadway!) and then went and sang at a retirement home. Some of them were firmly convinced we were a professional band form America that came to sing to them, and that we were all married with family back home. My name somehow got changed to Catherine while I was there as well. I talked to this 97 year old WW2 veteran who kind of disliked Daniel because he thought he was Japanese. (I refrained from telling him that's where we were headed.) The next things we are doing are yet to be determined, other than the fact that we are helping out with Soundwave, a crazy hard rock festival. (look it up!)
As a team, we are still short on finances, so prayer for that will be awesome, as well as health. Our leader, Hannah, may be coming down with a cold. NOOOO! Those things shouldn't interfere with our outreach though.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, and feel free to contact me and the team. Bye!
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
The Update before Outreach
Hey everyone! The first part of this blog is what I have been up to, she second part is what I will be up to.
These last two weeks have been really busy. The last Beach to Bush DTS just graduated, so our base had to say goodbye to some really great people, but I guess that's what happens when you live in a place called the Go Centre! Today the new Sports, MAD (music, art, dance, film, photography, fashion design) and Beach to Bush school students were welcomed with a huge banquet lunch.
There has been quite a lot of surprises as well. I can't tell you a lot about our Missions Simulation other than it was hard, challenging, and amazing and that my team learned a lot about outreach and each other. I succeeded in writing a 30 minute sermon in less than ten minutes, and preached it in front of a mock Japanese church.
In lectures our last two speakers posed more questions then answers. Last week's lecturer was a funeral director who was talking on the poor and needy, and missions, but focused more on his adamant belief in the Gap Theory. This week we had a guy who was the first missionary to preach to monks in Tibet. The craziest part of it was a Communist official translated for him! He is speaking on unity in the Church body, and the importance of intercession. It's so good to see why we pray, and the differences it can make.
This brings me to the second part. Our school is officially starting outreach on Monday.
We have five teams going to different areas of the world, So I'm going to add a bit of info and some prayer requests for each one. If you guys feel led to pray for any of the outreach teams, the base, or missions in general, please do!
Team Peru: Team Peru will be helping out at an orphanage located in the Amazon. They would like prayer for excitement in what they are doing, and for the children at the orphanage.
Team Malaysia: Team Malaysia is focusing on building stronger relationships in the villages as well as reaching the youth of the country. They would like prayer for team unity, and that the Malaysian people would be open to hear the Gospel.
Team Vanuatu: Team Vanuatu Will be doing some practical labor on the new YWAM base there. They would like prayer for focus in their team.
Team Australia: Team Australia will be travelling around the country as an outreach music band. They would like prayer for the youth they are focusing on, and encouragement within the team.
Team Japan: Team Japan will be helping Team Australia for a week, Then going to Tokyo and Osaka. We are focusing on youth outreach with the Arts, as well as teaching English. We would like prayer for us to be able to bring hope to the country.
A couple general requests for the teams would be continued health, and finances. There are quite a few people that don't have the funds to go yet, so that's a huge thing right now.
I thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. See you all soon!
P.S. I heard that the comments section on my blog isn't working, and I don't know how to fix that, so you can reach me at kynyangel@hotmail.com, my facebook page, or my mom, who is amazing. Bye!
These last two weeks have been really busy. The last Beach to Bush DTS just graduated, so our base had to say goodbye to some really great people, but I guess that's what happens when you live in a place called the Go Centre! Today the new Sports, MAD (music, art, dance, film, photography, fashion design) and Beach to Bush school students were welcomed with a huge banquet lunch.
There has been quite a lot of surprises as well. I can't tell you a lot about our Missions Simulation other than it was hard, challenging, and amazing and that my team learned a lot about outreach and each other. I succeeded in writing a 30 minute sermon in less than ten minutes, and preached it in front of a mock Japanese church.
In lectures our last two speakers posed more questions then answers. Last week's lecturer was a funeral director who was talking on the poor and needy, and missions, but focused more on his adamant belief in the Gap Theory. This week we had a guy who was the first missionary to preach to monks in Tibet. The craziest part of it was a Communist official translated for him! He is speaking on unity in the Church body, and the importance of intercession. It's so good to see why we pray, and the differences it can make.
This brings me to the second part. Our school is officially starting outreach on Monday.
We have five teams going to different areas of the world, So I'm going to add a bit of info and some prayer requests for each one. If you guys feel led to pray for any of the outreach teams, the base, or missions in general, please do!
Team Peru: Team Peru will be helping out at an orphanage located in the Amazon. They would like prayer for excitement in what they are doing, and for the children at the orphanage.
Team Malaysia: Team Malaysia is focusing on building stronger relationships in the villages as well as reaching the youth of the country. They would like prayer for team unity, and that the Malaysian people would be open to hear the Gospel.
Team Vanuatu: Team Vanuatu Will be doing some practical labor on the new YWAM base there. They would like prayer for focus in their team.
Team Australia: Team Australia will be travelling around the country as an outreach music band. They would like prayer for the youth they are focusing on, and encouragement within the team.
Team Japan: Team Japan will be helping Team Australia for a week, Then going to Tokyo and Osaka. We are focusing on youth outreach with the Arts, as well as teaching English. We would like prayer for us to be able to bring hope to the country.
A couple general requests for the teams would be continued health, and finances. There are quite a few people that don't have the funds to go yet, so that's a huge thing right now.
I thank you all so much for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. See you all soon!
P.S. I heard that the comments section on my blog isn't working, and I don't know how to fix that, so you can reach me at kynyangel@hotmail.com, my facebook page, or my mom, who is amazing. Bye!
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Today's news in three main points...
OK! this blog will be set out in specific categories. The first order of business is class, and general news, as is ordinary for me.
This week was triple lectures again. We focused on biblical worldview, which is about how our culture, personality and surroundings affect how I view the world and the Bible. Our speaker was a Canadian with hilarious jokes, And it made me realise that no matter how frustrating i thought it was to sit down and study the bible during school, it influenced me in a good way. (Keep going Mom!)
Strengthfinders was about what each of us as an individual had strength in naturally, and how our team dynamics would work. It's funny, because most of my team are relators, and I am almost purely intellect driven! Positivity isn't anyone's top ten, but we are all fairly upbeat people. WOO! Our teacher on this one was Dave, the base Director.
The next classes were how to write a sermon, along with writing our updates, reports, and things of that type. It was really good to learn how to work with a translator, what to avoid when speaking, and how to respect the audience. Angel is such a good teacher on this, because she had to learn it. It wasn't just a natural "I'm a good talker" thing.
To the second Part!
Outreach is in about 2 weeks. Right now Team Japan is working on preparation.
Skits- writing, acting, props, translation ease.
Dances- Practice, practice, practice for ALL of us !
Kids ministry- age appropriate games, crafts, stories.
Speaking- each person writes and practice to perfection two sermons and a testimony, each with three different versions for timing.
Finance- PRAYER. We are about 10,000 AUD short, so we are working like crazy fundraising, emailing and praying for provision. I totally trust that God will come through in this!
The first week- prep for a Hard Rock fest and various other outreach and volunteer positions.
(we will spend the first week helping Team Australia, then head out for Tokyo/Osaka for some children's and art outreach.)
The news part of this is that tomorrow we are doing a fundraiser, Movie in the park. :) We went all out for this in a beautiful way.
The third part is fun! I somehow managed to get one of the guys on base to shave his beard and have just a mustache for a day. He looked like a creeper and it was awesome.
My small group went to a chocolateria and consumed more chocolate that I usually eat in a year! I guess splurging once in a while isn't bad, but I won't do that often!
The MAD DTS is celebrating all the birthdays with a lip sync competition!
All the work we do over here might be a lot, but it really evens out with the fact that our base knows how to celebrate!
Just a few prayer requests, Can I ask that you pray for good weather this weekend, that finances would come in, and that our team would be healthy and zealous to do God's will? Thanks for the support! God bless!
This week was triple lectures again. We focused on biblical worldview, which is about how our culture, personality and surroundings affect how I view the world and the Bible. Our speaker was a Canadian with hilarious jokes, And it made me realise that no matter how frustrating i thought it was to sit down and study the bible during school, it influenced me in a good way. (Keep going Mom!)
Strengthfinders was about what each of us as an individual had strength in naturally, and how our team dynamics would work. It's funny, because most of my team are relators, and I am almost purely intellect driven! Positivity isn't anyone's top ten, but we are all fairly upbeat people. WOO! Our teacher on this one was Dave, the base Director.
The next classes were how to write a sermon, along with writing our updates, reports, and things of that type. It was really good to learn how to work with a translator, what to avoid when speaking, and how to respect the audience. Angel is such a good teacher on this, because she had to learn it. It wasn't just a natural "I'm a good talker" thing.
To the second Part!
Outreach is in about 2 weeks. Right now Team Japan is working on preparation.
Skits- writing, acting, props, translation ease.
Dances- Practice, practice, practice for ALL of us !
Kids ministry- age appropriate games, crafts, stories.
Speaking- each person writes and practice to perfection two sermons and a testimony, each with three different versions for timing.
Finance- PRAYER. We are about 10,000 AUD short, so we are working like crazy fundraising, emailing and praying for provision. I totally trust that God will come through in this!
The first week- prep for a Hard Rock fest and various other outreach and volunteer positions.
(we will spend the first week helping Team Australia, then head out for Tokyo/Osaka for some children's and art outreach.)
The news part of this is that tomorrow we are doing a fundraiser, Movie in the park. :) We went all out for this in a beautiful way.
The third part is fun! I somehow managed to get one of the guys on base to shave his beard and have just a mustache for a day. He looked like a creeper and it was awesome.
My small group went to a chocolateria and consumed more chocolate that I usually eat in a year! I guess splurging once in a while isn't bad, but I won't do that often!
The MAD DTS is celebrating all the birthdays with a lip sync competition!
All the work we do over here might be a lot, but it really evens out with the fact that our base knows how to celebrate!
Just a few prayer requests, Can I ask that you pray for good weather this weekend, that finances would come in, and that our team would be healthy and zealous to do God's will? Thanks for the support! God bless!
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