On the Grind

Hi y'all! I realise it has been a while since my last post. Sorry about that! I will try to make up for it as best I can now! Disclaimer... the photos in this post have very little to do with what I write about... more of a showcase of time with friends!

Term 3 started in full force in August and I have been on the grind non stop since then! In between normal class time we had Mission Awareness week and a week of Annual Moore College Lectures with guest speaker Tom Schreiner. I started new lectures this term in Biblical Interpretation, Old Testament and Doctrine. These classes involve A LOT of reading which is stretching me. Don't get me wrong, I love to read, but I have tended towards epic fantasy and historical fiction rather than the works of theologians through the centuries! To be honest, before coming to college, I am not sure I ever finished a non-fiction book from cover to cover which is a shame. But I am glad that I have the chance now to get into the habit of reading more widely (even if for now I "have to" haha). I have been particularly enjoying the Life of Faith by Peter Jenson for our Doctrine class.

I was actually nervous about that class, especially after all the Biblical Theology stress last semester, but by God's grace, I have actually been deeply encouraged by what we are discussing and learning. Recently we have been working through the Doctrine of Revelation - how God reveals himself to us. One great encouragement is knowing that God chooses to reveal himself through scripture. I certainly believed this but had the extent of my belief tested in Old Testament this past week as I tackled an assignment on a challenging topic. Does every part of scripture reveal God? What about the hard parts and boring bits? I don't really know how to write about this... but yes.. God is there on the pages! I was excited and surprised by who God showed himself to be in such a difficult text and assignment. It has given me confidence to engage with "boring" or "challenging" parts of scripture and to expect to find a revelation of who God is. Let me encourage you...read the Bible with open eyes and an open heart. Expect to find God in the pages! It'll blow your mind!

Since I did all my electives for college in the first Semester, I have less lecture times this term and have managed to secure no classes on a Tuesday. So, I have started working an extra day at church to cover for Liv who is on Maternity leave. This certainly keeps me busy as Liv has left some big shoes to fill! I work closely with the Lead Minister, Toby, planning for the 3 services each Sunday. I have also started teaching myself a bit of greek.... yeahhh more on that in a minute! That keeps me quiet busy in the mornings as I try to catch up with the rest of the year group.

I had two fun Emu projects in August! Firstly, since I recorded some backing vocals for their next album, I was then included in their music video recording! It was lots of fun to hang out with the Emu team and be included in their project. Such a unique and exciting experience. I then went to a local school with the "Emu goes to school program" and teach a song leading seminar to the girls in the chapel band. It was so encouraging to be back in the classroom and teaching again, albeit a very different subject to Spanish or French.

So that's the update of the term! It has been full on and lots of fun! On Monday I am going away with some friends to the Blue Mountains for our spring holiday getaway. So excited! It is crazy to think that I am about to start my 4th and "final" term of the year. Which brings me to the major "behind the scenes" update.

When I first wrote to you about heading to Australia to study at Moore College I wrote of my desire to grow my gifts and passions for music in order to effectively edyify the church, encourage God's people and reach the lost in my local community. A year ago I believed that this step was God's will for me and that the Advanced Diploma Course at Moore would be helpful in equipping me with a better theological understanding in preparation to better serve my local church. The course has certainly done that and more. During my time of study God has opened my eyes to the breadth of gospel opportunity before me and opened my heart in desire to serve him in full time ministry.

A year ago, I asked for prayer that God's will would set my perspective in all things, that He would further his kingdom through my service and that His name alone would be glorifeid in all things. It seems that God's will for my life is taking new shape, or at least the next step is becoming more clear to me. I have spent the last few months praying and deliberating over the possibility of staying at college for another 2 years to complete the full Bachelors of Theology degree. By completing the degree I will recieve further theological training that would equip me for ministry with women, kids, and mission in addition to continuing with opportunities in music ministry.

I would ask you to pray with me as I make this decision.

• Pray that I would be open and obedient to God's will and that He would make it very clear to me.

• Pray for guidance and favor in applying for new visa.

• Pray that God would raise up people around the world would be keen to continue to support me on this journey.

• Pray for financial support from charitible commissions to help fund studies.

• Pray for wisdom on timing and message when comminitcating with work about my plans.

• Pray for comfort and encouragement as the decision means saying a more long term goodbye to friends and family.

• Pray for understanding and quick learning of greek.

  
  

  So lots to pray for but also lots to praise God for!

• Praise God that college is keen for me to continue, making pathways for me to learn and test into Greek 2.

• Praise God that I have been offered two student ministry placements for next year, either at Vine church or moving to work with Emu Music. (Pray for wisdom in choosing where to go)

• Praise God for fun opportunities to work with teams like Emu and Vine Church!

• Praise God that I have made a great network of friends here so am not feeling lonely even while being so far from family and friends.

• Praise God for great opportunities ahead to study more of His word, to learn how to write talks for women's events, to grow in skill and servicce in a variety of ministry contexts etc.

• Praise God that I can continue to teach SRE (scripture classes) at the local primary school.

• Praise God for the generous support and funding from friends and family all over the world this past year to see me through the Advance Diploma.

• Praise God for great weather that makes me smile!

• Praise God that in staying, I will be trained to serve in minsitry wherever the Lord calls me too next!

Please pray with me in these things. I will be making final decisions in the coming months. If you are interested in finding out how to support me in continuing my studies please head to the CONTACT page where you can subscribe to recieve my support letter by email. Thank you for reading these blogs and for patiently waiting these last months for an update! I am truly thankful for your love and encouragement over the past 8 months.