Digging In...

Hello Again!

 Wanted to give you all an update. Life is just lovely here...been perfect weather and more than that, we've been building our relationships with others more and more. We are trying REALLY hard not to fall too much in love, as we do have to go home to AL. But if God opened up a door for us here, I can't say we would jump on it (if God told us to that is!) If God told us to go anywhere in the world we would. That's definitely been solidified in me since being here... wherever in the world God sends us, we will be surrounded by family (bros and sis in Christ) and he WILL provide for us. We've said before, God has eliminated that "gap" of fear for us when it comes to new places and insecure circumstances. This time has only solidified that even more.

Jonathan is at "Man's Camp" right now about 4 hours away at Pandori Dam...having the time of his life rolling in mud, grilling on cinder blocks, and not bathing. I'll take my cup of coffee, homemade honey oat bars and time to do my nails any time! BUT there are several teen and young adult guys there that Jonathan has been building relatioship with. I'm excited to see how God opens up deeper conversation and opportunity to speak life and truth into them while he is gone. No better time for digging in to someone's life than around a campfire!

This coming week is going to be packed full. We have a presentation with City Women called "What's Happening to Our Girls" on Thursday. This will present the horrible and sickening effect that our culture has had on girls in Toowoomba and the world at large. Addiction, depression, abortion, drop-out, STD's, plastic body parts...its what our world teaches women to be. City Women (particularly Bella programs) seek to be a counter-cultural force, restoring value, worth, and the understanding of TRUE BEAUTY to these hurting girls. It's such a privilege to be working with Bella Chicks (a youth group for these girls meeting at the local movie theater), Bella Magazine (a magazine seeking to counter the horrible stuff found in things like Cosmo), and others to bring Jesus love, acceptance, and truth to these girls. In March I will be going to Bella Camp as a leader. There will be 25 girls who deal and face such issues as mentioned above. I have been asked to give me testimony of depression and anorexia at Bella Camp, and I can't wait to see how God uses it! Please pray for me and for the girls..that I could dig in to lives that they would be changed eternally. This Friday I will be going to a local school to be on a Q&A panel for teen pregnancy and STDs. High School girls will be asking questions all about these issues, and I will get the chance to make a lasting impression on girls that could be at a pivotal point of decision about the direction of their life.

Jonathan is still doing an amazing job with Easterfest...learning ALL ABOUT what it takes to put on such an event. So far we've sold around 120,000 tickets and expecting thousands more. It will be an awesome awesome event celebrating the Easter message...incense rising all over the city! Jonathan has mentioned half joking half not joking about applying to be CEO of Easterfest (the current CEO is leaving after this year). At first I was like "what in the world?? NO WAY are we qualified for that!!" But who am I to say what God has and hasn't qualified us for. I support my husband in whatever God tells him to do. It's so refreshing to follow....

I've mentioned before that we are helping with the church's youth group. Last night was an "all girls" night, and it was just awesome. At one point the leaders presented each girl with a special card telling them a character quality that is admirable in them. You could see the power of "words of life" spoken over those girls. It's so important to speak life over people...especially teens...for some of those girls it could have been the first time in a LONG time someone encouraged them personally. All the youth have attached to us...I think its the accent personally haha! However, at least one girls last night wasn't so attached...she pulled the chair out from under me only to discover four bleeding scrapes down my spine. Bless her heart, so was so embarrassed and upset later. What a great time to tell her she is loved :)  It does hurt a little though....

Finally, I did want to mention quickly about the flood situation here. While it has lost news coverage now, the impact from the floods here in Toowoomba were DEVASTATING! Hundreds are living in tents on their once thriving farm land...owning nothing but their pride. The city and church (as in body of Christ) has rallied so much to help, but there is such anger, bitterness, despair, and deprivation that has engulfed so many of the flood victims. Please continue your prayers for the recovery here. While some have been open to help from the church, others are just angry at God and man.

If I'm failing to write about some major point of interest for you, please shoot us an email or comment! We'd love love LOVE to hear from you there....

Family Shout Out: I miss my momma :) I love you mom!!

Blessings

Living in God's Paradox

"The same power that raises the dead lives in me!" 

Wow what a powerful statement. I really don't think we could ever FULLY grasp the power of the Father that lives, works, moves, and rises within us. It has been a cry of my heart for God to reveal that more fully to me while we are here in Australia. So many need God's power in their life....His freedom, a fresh movement, and fresh word, and moment of tangibly feeling His love. How I so desire to bring that fullness of life that is in Christ into the world. Oh God would your power rise more and more and more within me!

The view from our home!

This is Melissa here :) While we have only been here for about two weeks, this has certainly already been a journey for me. It seems as though Jonathan doesn't always need a "journey." When God wants Him to have something, he just gets it! I have to work at suppressing my jealousy of that gift from God, but maybe its good that one of us takes a little more time to "chew" on things.

I know that God has revealed many things to me about myself...how I truly am when I'm stripped away from all that is normal, all that is comfortable, all that is easy. Not that life at home is easy, and not that anything here is anywhere close to difficult, but change is always something..umm....new. Our God is such a God of paradox. Our God is constantly making all things new, yet he never changes. He is our solid rock, yet he stirs movement throughout His people. I desire to be ever moving with God's "pillar of fire," yet I also desire to never be tossed to and fro by the winds, but to stand firm on God's rock without flinching. How do you get to that ultimate place with Jesus. How do we reach that place like Enoch who was walking with God yet so utterly, steadily one with God that He was taken to the reality of how he was living on earth...living in God's Kingdom. I'm just sitting here so empty before God and so hungry to be completely consumed with Him, while still being consumed with living out His love through relationship with others.

The "flat top" mountain Jonathan is climbing!

I'm sure you would like to know more the specifics of what we've been up to... LOTS haha! Jonathan is currently out with some guys climbing a mountain for one thing. Haha, he woke up singing Miley Cyrus "It's the Climb" this morning as he assured me that he would return in one piece. This week has been a full week of working with Easterfest and City Women. It's awesome how God had the perfect spots of need for us that match our giftings. I have been working hard on the City Women website. I even learned a new website creation program! Get ready TLC for a new website when we return :). I am also going to be working with the Bella Magazine, specifically marketing and promotion in schools across the nation. If you have never heard of Bella Magazine, please look it up!! It a magazine meant to counter the horrible, disgusting material that our young girls and women are reading everyday. It is all about true beauty, worth, value, and purpose as a women created by God. If anyone has a connection with Lifeway, please let me know! I am also the volunteer coordinator for all the Bella activities at Easterfest. Thanks my wonderful mother-in-love for your training in volunteer management.

Jonathan has been doing an AMAZING job in his role at Guest Itinerary Coordinator for Easterfest. Working with headline artists to secure flight info, hotels, schedules, meals, etc is no small feat, especially when you don't know the area. He has also designed the entire 3-day schedule for the event...organizing every minute of 3 days with artist concerts, speakers, etc. He has grown so much in his administrative gifting, and I'm super proud of him :) Oh how I LOVE LOVE LOVE my husband!! He delights in me as I know God does..what a blessing.

Us with little Alyce and Ben - Isaac's (CEO Easterfest) beautiful children

I will get to help lead worship tomorrow. Super excited about that :) We have a pool party tonight with the young adults, and our host family leaves for a 3-week "holiday" to New Zealand on Tuesday...so we will be on our own! We love you all so much and are praying specifically for many of you. We trust God in your life just as we trust him in ours.

I'll leave you with this quote I heard today at a ladies meeting:
"If you don't have change you don't have butterflies"
I thought that was fairly fitting for all God has been stirring within me :)

Blessings!

Everything Is Meaningless

Remember Your Creator While Young

 ⁷ Light is sweet,
   and it pleases the eyes to see the sun.
⁸ However many years anyone may live,
   let them enjoy them all.
But let them remember the days of darkness,
   for there will be many.
   Everything to come is meaningless.  ⁹ You who are young, be happy while you are young,
   and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
   and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
   God will bring you into judgment.
¹⁰ So then, banish anxiety from your heart
   and cast off the troubles of your body,
   for youth and vigor are meaningless.

 There are two things that last, the word of God and the souls of men. These things are not meaningless. I have been very busy working at the Easterfest office, and even when I am not here I catch myself thinking about it or something else. Right now I am asking God to maintain the divine order in my life that I would not conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Inside of this order I can have PEACE. I don't have to worry or fret about anything. I'm happy staying busy and love to work but I cannot let myself get caught up in all this work if things are not in order in my spirit. I have been blessed with a peace beyond all understanding and thank Jesus for that. Inside of Gods divine order I find purpose in doing everything not just as if I am doing it for him but I am doing all for him. 

I don't want to let anyone think that I feel the work I'm doing is meaningless but if it remains just work it is. I have the Joy of working with amazing people and doing work that will change peoples lives. Data entry, Email, mail-out, pick up the mail, take out the trash, meetings, ect.......

ALL MEANINGFUL :) 

Love the friends and fam back home. Talk to y'all soon.

Work :) and the "Red Hornet"

"Then the Lord reached out His hand to me and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:9-10

We feel God beginning to touch our lips and guide into building and planting more of His kingdom here in Toowoomba. While we have just begun to build relationship and gain our bearings, we feel God's presence over us. As we begin the "real ministry" next week, we anticipate the words of God being placed into our lips flowing out more and more. More than anything we are seeking to be an "anchor of peace" in the midst of Easterfest, City Woman, and the other ministries of Toowoomba City Church as many are rattled and nerved by the recent flooding and the overwhelming spirit that many times attacks ministry.

So I (Melissa) finally get to write one!!

On a fun note, today was "just lovely" (what everyone says here instead of awesome haha). We went to the park  with Issac, his beautiful wife Mel, and their oh so funny children. Man is the weather and landscape here beautiful!!!! I just can't get enough of it. We got the "Red Hornet" today, our lovely Ford Festiva. The one hicupp....stick shift...on the left side hahaha. Jonathan had fun learning to drive a stick while driving on the wrong side of the road in the wrong side of the car using the wrong hand to shift gears. Me...lets just say I was slightly nerved. Got groceries though! Enough PB and J to last a couple months I'm sure. Everything cost way more here... but we have been so blessed with meals and coffee courtesy of our hosts, Issac, Adam, and      others. Our God has provided so well.

Beginning Monday Jonathan will be working 8-5 on the Easterfest staff. Isaac (CEO of Easterfest) said today, "Big J, I believe you will be a bit of a help more than I anticipated". Big compliment to my amazing husband. Jonathan has caught on quite fully to the Aussie sarcasm, but I'm still getting there. Maybe I have a little more southern hospitality in me! I will be working 8-5 with City Women, beginning on the magazine editorial team for Bella magazine, which is an awesome magazine geared towards the inner beauty of women. I will also eventually work in the schools with a program called "Shine", which seeks to restore worth, strength, and purpose to abused, hurting, depressed, etc. girls. Closer to Easterfest, we both will work with the Guest Coordinator to provide guest services to the artists (like Switchfoot, Shawn McDonald, Petra, Darlene Zcheck). We also are joining in on a weekly gathering for Christian Leaders here in Toowoomba as well as church staff meetings to soak up any God-given principals for ministry and experience some awesome Holy Spirit inspired city unity in the body of Christ. Finally, we are joining in on the youth group and young adult group to disciple youth and young adults a little. We will be busy!! We are so excited though. There are many other things we will join into. Here are the links to Easterfest and City Women to find out more about what we are involved in:
http://www.easterfest.com.au/
http://www.toowoombacitywomen.com/

So I'm going to leave you and enjoy this 120km view of the sunset. Don't know how I'm ever going to leave this!! Here are a few pics from the past day or two to enjoy. Please comment! We'd love to hear from you :)

Blessings
Melissa

What did you say mate?

Help!! Need some tough skin and a translator to make it out here. Well maybe its not that bad but it could not be CRIKEY(just and exclamation used to express surprise) I'm in Aussie land :) We are now at Adrian and Joan Mestins  and had an amazing sleep last night. Had dinner with them before bed time where jet lag beat the stew out of us, but before it won we ate and talked and toured their house and they have an amazing view. While talking with Joan about my work CFA I talked about biscuits and they thought I meant cookies. In trying to explain what a biscuit is we could not find anything that she knew of similar enough to compute. Needless to say we are going to cook some American food for them and friends while here.

Today we are meeting Adam Grant to see the church and downtown area as well as to discuss what we will be doing here. We have a small car to pick up on Sat. it is a two door Ford Focus? We are excited and look forward to what God has for us. And till next time Cheerio(goodbye)

P.S. We will make a dictionary while we are here of words and bring them back to the states.

Where did Tuesday go?

Left Tuscaloosa, AL @ 10am Feb. 7th, arrived in Brisbane Australia Feb. 9th. Hahahaha. We left LAX at 11:30pm and 14 hours later (flying against the curvature of the earth) arrived in Aussie land :) Since arriving we have gotten a phone, drank coffee 3 times, been swimming in the Pacific, tasted Vegemite, and started speaking Australian. Our goal is to not sleep till we have to trying to beat the jet lag.  Going to barbie later and we will see how we feel after that.

UPDATE: The "barbie" (aka grill out...not a southern BBQ) was so amazing! Their parks are right next to the beach...you feel like you are in a tropical jungle and on the beach at the same time. Just lovely.

God is such a good God and is moving in us. We are open to what God wants to teach us and are praying he continues his work in us. Thank you so much for all who have been praying for us and the support you have given. Lots of love. Here are a few pics from whats gone on so far.........

Jesus Commands Us To Go

We are one day away and feel so many mixed emotions about being gone for three months but God reminded me this morning of the JOY of doing what he has called us to do. Jesus Commands Us To Go. I was listening to some Keith Green music this morning soaking in the words of somebody who sings because they truly love Jesus and wondering why we join the world in living life sub par from what God has for us when we know His awesome plans. I'm posting a video of Keith Green's performance and you can watch it if you would like and if you don't it is here in cyberspace and is not going any where. If you choose to listen, listen all the way to the end to here the challenge he issues to people. I want to be Bananas for Jesus.

Baggage

When travelling internationally you must conform to the rules and regulations of the airlines or.... you can't fly. The speed bump we just ran into was that we have too much stuff and our bags would be too heavy to fly V Australia. Fortunately V Australia is just flying on behalf of Delta our main airline carrier. All that means is we now have the ability to pack everything we need. 


Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Since we have been made free in Christ we are free indeed. Just as Delta over rules V Australia even more so our Gods authority supersedes any authority Satan or this world thinks they can have over us. As Hebrews 12 says we must throw of everything that can hamper us and run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
On a lighter note the trick to weighing your baggage at home is to first weigh yourself without the suitcase then again with the added weight. 58lbs? What, I'm 8 pounds over...... back to work on packing.

P.S. Don't worry or be burdened about our packing God will make it work. We don't want to weigh anyone down. :)

Preparation

Nehemiah 9:19-21


"Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. ²⁰ You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. ²¹ For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen."


As we pack our clothes and prepare to leave, our God has already gone before us. We truly believe He is at our front, our back, and all around us preparing the way for his loving children. Jehovah Jireh has already provided everything we need for life and godliness and we lack nothing for this trip. This is the theme for our trip, to follow God where ever he goes and not to tarry where He is not.
Our prayer "Oh God let us follow you. Open our eyes to see your pillar of fire to lead us through this dark world. Ready our feet and our hearts so we may be ready and able to go where you are going. Steady our souls and don't let us be anxious but in everything trust in you. Bring peace to our lives, peace not that the world knows but a peace beyond all understanding. And finally let us be mistaken for Christ, not so we can boast in our own ability but that Christ may be glorified."

Hebrews 12:1-3

 ¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Here is the Down Under

The fall of 2010 Greg and Pam Rogers (Jonathan's Parents) met with us over dinner at Panera and God planted a thought of us quiting everything and living in Australia for three months. Short story, we have an awesome God and Monday February 7th, 2011 Melissa and I following Gods call on our life and heading Down Under. Long story........I'll let Melissa relate that one a bit later (she can type really fast and has good grammar and everything) All you really need to know for now is Melissa and I are interning in Toowoomba  AU for TCC (Toowoomba City Church) and Easterfest. TCC does a lot of city ministry and lives out John 17:22-23. Easterfest is a music festival of over 50,000 people and 200+ artist coming together over Easter weekend to celebrate Christ resurrection. Melissa and I will be involved in both ministries and closer towards the festival will be heavily involved in the administration side of Easterfest.

We are truly blessed and desire the grace and peace of God as we begin our travels. Stay tuned to the same blog time, same blog channel. (Maybe my Dad will read this and smile)