Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

As I reflect on Semester 1, I am left with one resounding refrain in my heart and I am led to sing "PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!" This past semester has been filled with so many blessings! I have had amazing classes, survived exams, made great friends, been on adventures, and served in a variety of ministries. I have been stretched, supported, and challenged in my faith. I have experienced so much more of the height, depth, bredth and width of the great love of God. My heart just sings!!! Let me share some blessings with you!

Exams

The main focus of the previous prayer request was about a series of big assignments and end of semester exams. The week of exams, I had a recurring nightmare that I was starting the second of 4 essays for Biblical Theology with 27 minutes left of the exam!!! Haha! I was so terrified that I wouldn't be able to confidently respond to more than 1 question. So, it was a great joy to open the paper and see so many questions I could answer and then to recieve such good marks at the end! God is so good!

I am also so thankful for the girls who helped me study, and took me for ice cream study breaks! Such a blessing!

I recieved my mid year transcript this week and by God's grace and much prayer I have passed all my classes! Praise God that all assignments were completed successfully and recieved good marks! But you know, the greatest praise is for all the wonderful things I have learned during this time.

I have been so encouraged through studies of the New Testament, I read each verse with a new perspective, and open heart, and now have useful tools to better handle study of God's Word.

Church History has humbled me as I marvel at how God has perserved his church and Word through thousands of years of persecution, well-intentioned missionaries and convicted men of faith taking a counter-cultural stand.

Biblical Theology has helped me to appreciate and explain how God's eternal salavation plan is clear from Genesis through to Reveleation. I have never been very good at memorizing passages and references, but through study for this exam, I have picked up a new skill! My overall handling of scripture is much richer as I now have passages and verses in mind and heart.

Leadership in Various Context assignments have forced me to reflect deeply and have provided me with strategies to carefully consider areas of personal growth.

Cross Cultural Christian Communication has given me new sensitivity to the value of listening well to others and understanding the cultural contexts that both help and hinder their understanding of the gospel.

Music Leadership Course has helped me to think theologically and practically as a band leader and musician. I have stepped into new opportunities with more confidence than before and feel better equipped to serve with my gifts in the music minsitries of church.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSING FLOW!

On to Semester 2

The pressure of assignments and ministry this semester have forced me to accept my weaknesses and encouraged me to depend less on my own knowledge and skill, but to lean wholly on God my Sustainer, Provider, and Saviour. Please praise God with me for He is great and greatly to be praised! It is by his hand that I am able to learn while studying here this year. I now look ahead to Semester 2 with anticipation praying that God will continue to deepen my faith and knowledge of His precious Word as I continue on to study Old Testament, Biblical Interpretation and Doctrine classes.

I have an opportunity this Semester to do more with music as I step into more responisbilities at church and get involved with more EmuMusic events. This is probably the most exciting opportunity I have had since being in Sydney! To get to work alongside Liv at church and learn from the Emu Team in Music lectures and at Word in Song Events is amazing! I am blown away by the opportunities God gives me!

Time at Vine Church has been really enriching as well. The weekends away with both the 11am (photo below) and 4.30 services have helped to solidify new friendships in the church community. It is a joy to serve in the band and with kids work on Sundays alongside brothers and sisters here in Sydney. The training and teaching we get as student ministers is incredible! I have the opportunity this semester to take up a bit more responsibility at Vine supporting the music teams more actively as Liv prepares for maternity leave. New challenges ahead!

It has been so much fun to learn guitar from Liv, take band leading opportunities in class and church. I have been invited to teach a high school music workshop with the Emu Team in August and even spent time this holiday recording with them for their Hymnbook app and new album. Honestly, so surreal and just FUN!

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

Support Update

Back in 2023 as I was planning to head off for College, I wrote to you all to explain the financial needs I would face for the year while on sabbatical. Your response to this has been humbling and encouraging. I have been so moved by the generousity of my church, friends and family from around the world! Of the £35,000 budgeted for the year, I have already reached and incredible £23,085. You have no idea how encouraging it has been for me to see how God has provided for my college expenses throughout Semester 1 through your faithful giving. It is because of your support in both ways that I could enjoy classes without worrying about fees and I could buy textbooks to help me work through the class content.

It is thanks to your generousity that I can live in Chappo House surrounded by the most amazing people, making new life-long friendships, being fed delicious meals and being daily encouraged in my walk with the Lord. The girls in Chappo House are one of the greatest blessings of all!

I have Lisa and Emily as shoulders to cry on, late night beach walks, star gazing, and trips home. I have been on snorkling adventures with Kessia all over Sydney - she is working on my fear of sharks. Aimee is a fount of wisdom, is giving me vocal lessons as we jam out to Broadway Musicals. Gloria and Yumin are always up for a movie night! Hannah, and Lucy are down for all the adventures, laughs and hangs! Honestly, I couldn't have asked for better friends! It is going to be impossible to leave them...

The love and support I have felt through your prayers and giving as you partner with me during this year brings joy to my soul. I ask you now to continue to partner with me as I head into the second phase of my time downunder. Please pray that God would provide the remaining finances but also praise God with me for how he has been providing for all my needs thus far, for he is GREAT and greatly to be praised!

If you are able to financially partner with me so that I can continue on at college, and finish my studies without the distraction of worry, please get in touch with me at hassell.ba@outlook.com for more information.

Adventures

These last few weeks have been filled with adventures. If you are following on Instagram and Facebook you are up-to-date but if not here is the short update with photos through out the blog post! (head to gallery page to see more pics!)

1. Carols by Candlelight

2. Late night beach trips, movie nights and exploring Sydney with the gals!

3. Weekend Away with 11am service!

4. Music Intensive Course

5. Girl's trip to Airlie beach in the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

6. Visit from Oldfield School friends!
   

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!