Friday, March 19, 2010
Brighton, England - 3 to 22 February 2010
Nicosia, Sicily - 18 to 30 January 2010
This post was also written on 1 February 10...
On the last night we were there, we organised an all-night of prayer and an hour for the kids. It was so much fun. We played "pass the parcel" which was my idea and I loved setting it up; a game where they had to dress someone in their team with all these different materials eg, toilet paper, plastic bags, card; the "Hai" game we learnt from Jenny during the lecture phase; and had face painting, balloons and dancing in the end.
The all-night prayer was organised by Will, Rafa and Andy. There were 6 cards with different prayer points about the organisation, leaders, volunteers, adopters and the children. We all took an hour slot praying, worshiping and asking God to speak to us. All the cards got filled with encouragements, bible verses and other words. It was a really awesome night.
We did a lot of practical work, mainly painting. The first work duty I did was weeding in the rain, it tested me. All about mindset, you gotta turn these things into joy. The others worked inside - preparing the hallway to be painted and painting two bedrooms. Now I don't know why but the thought of painting didn't float my boat. You get it all over your clothes, if you make a mistake it takes a bit to change or correct it. Then Dan, Andy and I then varnished the playground. The first time I really used a paint brush. I was so worried I wasn't doing it properly or correctly and kept asking Dan to check it. Then I got confident and went for it! It was so much fun and it looked awesome!
Catania, Sicily - 13 to 18 January 2010
This blog was written on 1 February 10 and I'm only now entering it on the website...
Catania, Sicily
Serena and I went shopping for Pastor Octtavia's birthday and we bought lots of chocolates. Dan then made a balloon basket to hold them in, it was so cool. He was really impressed with the gift, "chuffed" if I do say so myself. We all gathered for heaps of pizza and then played this Italian game where we stand in a circle and count to however many people are in the circle, in Italian. I didn't get it, wasn't sure how you get elimÌnated. There was also another game where one person turns their back to everyone and someone hits you, then you have to guess who did it, the boys seemed to really enjoy it.
We spoke at a youth service and went evangelising in a small village the church goes to every Sunday. Not many people actually come out of their houses, but they set up a sound system and sing, talk and tell the people about Jesus. Dan and Andy made balloons for the kids and they had a great time, it was so cute. I wasn't sure if I wanted to speak and Andy said to let him know when the time came. When he first asked I said no then really felt I should. There was a worship song and during the song I had a picture of crying as I was talking and getting on my knees. Speaking was something I felt I should do once I saw it and one of the organisers wanted someone to say a simple Gospel message, and picked me. I got up to speak and had forgotten about the picture. I spoke about how much God loves them...and I cried. I really felt God's love for all of them. Before I came on outreach we had a session where they told us to ask God what He wanted to show us on outreach, God told me he'd break my heart for the lost...and He did at that moment. It was a really amazing experience and I truly felt God's heart for them.
On the Sunday night we all split into three different churches. Will, Rafa and I went to our host church. We'd all prepared something to say but we didn't feel confident about it, due to not having spoken before about what we'd written, no practice run. When we got there I also felt we weren't meant to speak, then we found out we only had 5 minutes. I got nomÌnated to speak about the Next Wave and the tour they're doing in June/July this year. It was a pretty big church and I didn't feel at all nervous.
Ellie Mc
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Messina, Sicily
Messina, Sicily
29th Dec - After spending the night in the airport, we got woken up by Mr Security at 0600hrs telling us to get off the floor. How rude! We were all pretty tired at that stage and our flight wasn´t until 10am or something. We flew into Trapini (West side of Sicily) and took a bus to the bus station. We almost had to camp there also as the buses had stopped for the day. It wasn´t until Andy called one of his contacts that we were then told to basically run to another part of the station and catch the bus of a friend who was leaving immediately. We got into Messina okay. Mission accomplished.
When we got to Messina (West Side) we were taken to a villa in the hill belonging to a Pastor of a church, Natale (which in English is translated “Christmas”). He is Papa Natale to us. This is the view from the Villa over Messina. You can´t see it in this photo, but where the haze is, is where Italy is. HOT SHOWER at last! Oh it felt sooo good.
We went for a walk around the area and up this hill where there were German bunkers – so cool. The view was amazing, we could see sea on all sides.
New Year´s Eve was fun. We built a huge bonfire, which Andy totally ripped off the second toe nail off. Dan went into medical mode and Ashley freaked out somewhat. It was gross but cool to see at the same time. Close your ears H&S peeps - that´s what you get for collecting wood with thongs on. The boys set off a couple of flares, loads of fireworks cause they´re legal to buy here….and I held a sparkler. The banquet of food was amazing, like a huge Christmas meal. We watched the fireworks over Messina and Italy, it was really cool. We´re so far up that they looked like sparks.
Most of the time spent in Sicily was all about church services, hanging out, sleeping and eating. It was pretty quiet during this time because of the New Year and holiday mode.
During the church services we all took turns to give testimonies and preaches. So far I´ve presented a testimony of my life based on the topic of Bondage and renewing your mind, and a preach based on making God No. 1 in our lives and our relationship with Him. I created a devotion on the victory we have in Jesus and that we´ve overcome the world. I also ran a small group discussion on the Fear of God (which is to hate sin) with some of the people from church and with our team.
We did street evangelism on 2 days. On the first day Serena, Abby and I were up until 0230hrs creating cards. We basically created 4 cards to hold up to the traffic and people saying that Jesus is the healer of broken hearts. The card idea was given to Serena and Andy in dreams. On the first day Andy saw a couple from his dream and they behaved in the same manner as in his dream. I felt this was confirmation from God that we were in the right place. I felt so much joy as I was standing there holding a card.
This is us on the second day. We started in the same spot as the first time, but I felt we should move to this one, so we did. Oh, this day Andy and Ashley said that Dan and I were to lead the day, so we did. To be honest, I felt like I was part of the group, running around singing and feeling so much joy. A couple of people stopped to talk and be prayed for, it was awesome.
So in general about time spent in Messina…
Sickness – I´ve never been so sick in my life as in those 2 weeks. I had a cold/sinus issues the whole time; tooth aches for 2 days which gave me a headache; a migraine; general headaches; ear ache for 2 days. Crazy! I don´t know if it´s like spiritual attack but man! I´m heaps better now but am being so careful what I eat and drink. I´m scared to drink pop (soft drink) or chew lollies for fear the tooth thing will happen again. I think it was a nerve thing. Whatever it was it was the hardest 2 days emotionally, spiritually (to keep a pure heart) and physically – I cried! Soooo painful.
Food – my goodness they know how to eat, and serve! Their hospitality is awesome here. A bit much at times. They gave us a whole bunch of food to cook, but no time to cook it cause they just served and served and served. They eat in courses and never mix their food. First course is generally pasta or some type of carb, then it´s salad, then meat, then dessert which is normally a Panatone cake thing. They have LATE dinners, like 10pm!
Timing – they have a Siesta in the afternoon (Western afternoon) between 1-4pm. Their afternoon starts at 5pm and evening around 8-9pm. We had to watch our communication. “Remain flexible” is the motto here in Sicily, VERY VERY flexible. It is definitely challenging my time management or lack of flexibility. You cannot plan much here, especially since you don’t know what you´re doing until 5 minutes before hand, if you´re lucky to get that warning.
Villa – what an experience. Note to self, when in Sicily do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. We only figured this out the day we were leaving the villa. The system cannot handle it and it flooded into the garage area. Only water, but smelly water. Serena and Ashley´s room got flooded we think by the washing machine (which we got for a couple of days then couldn’t use it cause of the flooding). One night I got freaked out cause it was windy and there were noises, like someone was playing around with heavy stuff. Dark, windy and away from help…eeek!
Apart from all that, I am doing fine. I´m being tested and tried with a range of different things but God really is helping me out. We have a great team and loads of different personalities. My motto “The sooner and quicker you adapt to/accept you´re environment, the more fun you´ll have.”
Ciao for now
Liz
Spain
We made it! Left and arrived in Spain on 14 December and took two buses to get to Palamos where the Next Wave ship is docked.
I´m going to get specific with names in this so here is a photo of our team with names:
Serena (Mexico), Will (England), Rafael (Brazil) Andy behind Rafa (England, leader), Camy (Switzerland), Roos (Netherlands), Abby (USA), Dan, Ashley (USA, leader).
The Next Wave
What an adventure...if you see it that way. It´s a sailing ship which is part of “Marine Reach Ministries." Dan and I have the only double bed on board which is pretty spacious considering how many people it sleeps. Once you get over the noise of ropes tightening as the ship bumps around in the wind, waves and swell, it can be a peaceful rest. It rocks most of the time (as I am typing I feel the computer and I swaying) which is perfect for me to sleep in. It only becomes restless when there is banging because the ship hits the dock - so scary. Once you get over the fear, you can rest easy and have confidence the ship won´t snap in two!
The toilets - oh my! The motto is "If it´s yellow let it mellow, if it´s brown flush it down"...or not cause they don´t always flush - I don´t know whether it´s by choice or because the pump doesn´t work so well. Makes it interesting when my work duty is toilets - somehow cleaning the toilets with...stuff...still in it defeats the purpose. Well, at least our butts are sitting on a seat that has been disinfected. I´ve some horror stories but will not share them (I´m getting better at being discrete), if you wish me to do so, please contact me in 9 weeks time...or not.
The showers - cold! The boiler is not working, therefore it is a matter of boiling water on the stove, adding cold water, then bucket showering - reminds me of bush trips, ahhh the memories. I won´t wash my hair until I get to Sicily, which will be two weeks. Tis only hair. The only problem is the shower I use is the same place where a toilet is...stewing. I air the room out before I go in, can´t hold my breath for that long.
Team Stuff
Most days we´ve been having team devotions. Reading through a couple of books in the Bible and discussing what has really spoken to us. We´re spiritually preparing for our time in Sicily.
It was Rafael´s birthday on the 19th and we decorated the Saloon (place where we eat) with pirate stuff, wore patches and bandanas. Andy took him out on the Little Wave (a smaller boat) and brought him back in with us making noise and calling out for Captain Barbosa (his surname and character from Pirates of the Carribean), saluting him. It was heapsa fun. Poor Rafa didn´t get it until we explained it sometime later.
Girona
We left for Girona after Rafa´s party on the 19th. We went and worked with a small church there. We went to a meeting that night where Will, Camy and Roos gave their testimonies.
On Saturday arvo we went and enteratined at an old people´s home. We sang some Christmas songs in English so they probably didn´t understand, then just said a few words to them and did the Spanish kiss thing where you start with the right cheek and made the kiss noise, then the left. It´s like the handshake of Australia - it´s personal, and nice really.
On Sunday we went to their service at 10am. We did our "Box" then I gave a testimony about trusting God, with Serena translating. Ashley spoke about Christmas, reflecting on Jesus´ humility and giving up all He knew to be with us here on earth. To experience life itself and then die for us. How great is His love!?
While in Girona we stayed at different people´s houses, oh the shower was awesome! Ashley, Roos and I stayed at Nancy´s. She was so funny and a great host. One morning we were eating breakfast and I was concerned about the time because we were running late. She said not to worry because people don´t arrive early, so we continued enjoying breaky. Then her brother came over and all of a sudden it was "vamos" (let´s go!). We didn´t get to finish our breaky, it was like "relax...relax...go!" So funny...had to be there.
Will, Dan and I got invited to go to a small church plant in Cadaques Sunday night. It is such a beautiful place. To get there you wind through the mountains, I got a bit sick because it was a low car as well as the windy mountains. There were about 8 or 9 of them and it was so good. Will and I said a few words about what are experience had been in Spain thus far and Dan spoke on how Jesus started His ministry at the age of 30. They had a Christmas dinner and I thought I was eating some kind of seafood...no, it was cow stomach, it was tasty, the texture was a little strange.
By the end of the weekend, I was sooo tired. It was the language more than anything because I wanted to learn some Espanol at the same time. I can only imagine what it was like for Rafa and Serena as they translated the whole weekend. Abby and Ashley speak some, Camy can understand but the rest of us – nil´ish.
Christmas
We celebrated by having a big feed on Christmas Eve. So good. Then Christmas morning I was up at 4am calling the family (9 hours difference, ouch) - anything for my family mob - LOVE YOU!
We had brunch at 11am and then pressie opening after. We had a Secret Santa (which I got myself, hmpf). Then went to the beach with Serena and Ashley and we took photos of each other, I got a bit artistic and had some fun. The weather was awesome, really blessed.
Other
The other night we were in the cafe here and we skyped our other two teams, it was sooo awesome to see them again. There is an Equador and France team. They were in London over Christmas having a party with the homeless, serving and loving them.
So, I think I told you I was praying for snow before we left for outreach. Well, Andy skyped his mum back at the Oval (Harpenden) and it was covered in snow! I found out that 2 days after we left - it snowed! Couldn´t believe it...I almost cried, seriously. Missed it by two days, timing huh? I guess the only thing to do is be glad for those enjoying it... :oI
So, that´s about all I have to say. I am going to post photos on Facebook, which there are a lot of.
Love you all.
Lizzie Mc
25 December 2009
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Issues
I'm having issues with blogspot. I had a HUGE entry to post and I lost it...but luckily I copied and pasted to a Word Document, however I now cannot copy and paste into this page. So...when I have longer access to a computer I will probably post something on Facebook, as well as my photos.
In short, we're now in Sicily (after being in Spain for about 2 weeks) and have done some street evangelism this week. We've had to get over the holiday period and are staying in a villa the Pastor owns in the hills overlooking Messina and Italy across the way - sooo beautiful. Yesterday was a public holiday here and God truly blessed us with an awesome day of warm sunshine - in the middle of coldish winter days! He has blessed us all personally and through the hospitality of our brothers and sisters here in Messina. Truly beautiful people and you really feel like you belong in the family.
Love you all and please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.
Love Liz
:o)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Lecture phase over...
The lecture phase is now over and our team fly out tomorrow arvo. Time to put into practice what we've learnt. Exciting, scary, challenging, great! I think everyone in the school has itchy feet and just want to get out there now.
So, lecture content for the past 5 weeks! Quickly. There isn't time or available emotion to put into words everything I've experienced these past weeks - all I can say is GOD IS AWESOME! For how Holy He is, He is so gentle and loving. I can't wait to get to know Him more and even moreso on the outreach phase.
I am weary of going into too much detail because I know there are people from different levels in life reading this, so I will try to be as broad as I can and make sense at the same time. I can't help but share though, 'why, if you had the cure for cancer would you not share it?' If at any stage you want me to clarify or explain or share - email me (lizabef777@hotmail.com)! It's just sooo exciting!
Week 7
Teaching on the Orphan Spirit - of the world as a whole and how fatherless nations and even individuals are. God is the ultimate Father! Well at least He wants to be in each of our lives.
Boxes - which the world and everyone (including ourselves) puts us in. God wants us to be free from all those: appearance, what you 'do', intelligence and money. Which ties in with identity, which is sooo awesome when it's in Jesus because the world cannot offer solid identity - it's wavering and fallible. But oh the freedom we have in Christ - if we so choose.
Dreams - how big your dreams are, is a reflection of how big you believe God is. Wow! The image of running into God's arms and saying, 'Daddy, how about we do this and that!'
Spiritual Gifts - that the Bible talks of. I'd never seen the three types of gifts been spoken about - Motivational, Ministry and Manifestational.
Week 8
This week was a little difficult to grasp and my notes were as specific, but they were plentiful nonetheless. The lecturer spoke on leadership, identity, missions, the Trinity, working with different people groups/tribes/culture and missions. It made me think a lot of my family heritage regarding missions - the work my Nana and Pop, and Pop's parents did in the Pilbara area. The name I gave the lecturer was 'Father and Encourager of the Nations.' He was very passionate about other nations, he had a real heart to serve and has done for many years.
Week 9
This was the Missions week. Very good stuff in preparation for going out. The lecturer was very balance in what he spoke about. He made a very interesting comment, that because Jesus' Great Commission was to GO OUT, that you'd better have a calling to STAY. And some people are - but not to just be ignorant, but support those who are in missions - through, finances, encouragement, prayer or be an advocate for a particular tribe or people group. He explained that more of our money is given to the areas where there are people who have access to the Gospel (story of Jesus) than for those who have never heard or don't have the Bible even in their own language - 2% in fact goes to the 'unreached people groups in the world. It is not enough to be comfortable in ignorance, there is plenty of information on the internet - The Joshua Project is one.
Week 10
Oh my gosh, this week was awesome and hit me between the eyes. I won't say too much about it though because it's quite in depth. It was on spiritual warfare and deliverance. Oh how much we don't know and understand about the spiritual world! For all who believe and don't believe. All I can say is there is more to our lives than what is tangible and we can see.
Week 11
The last week and we have a lecturer who has the most passion I've seen in one person ever! Maybe apart from my good friend Joseph (love you man). It is infectious! She spoke about the Holy Spirit and His power in our lives - if we allow Him to flow as 'living water' in our lives.
We had to do one last book report - our choice of book. I chose one by Joy Dawson called 'Intimate friendship with God, through the Fear of the Lord.' Oh my gosh - this is such a good book and it really challenged me in a lot of areas of my life. When I did my book report, I pretty much re-wrote the book! I actually read it twice through to make sure I got everything out of it I could :)
General
So yeah, unfortunately because we're on base the entire lecture phase, there isn't too much I get up to. During the outreach phase we should be able to get online once a week and then I can post more interesting and exciting things.
Prayer Requests
Unity - we have people from all over and at different ages, understanding and life experience. And we have someone who wants to tear us apart because he doesn't like what we're doing :p
To remain humble, open and willing before God my Father.
For God to reveal more of His character and love.
So, I hope this hasn't been too boring for you. I am all too aware that this stuff can be more exciting for the person in the experience, than the hearer of it.
I'm posting my photos on facebook cause it stores better.
Love you all.
Elizabeth
