Random Thoughts.

I'm writing this after talking to a friend doing mission work in Greece this summer. We were talking about how incredible it is that so many people we know are all over the world this summer doing work for the Lord. And how, though we are all doing very different things, we are all part of God's movement, his reconciliation of the world to Himself. Though the world is so different, people are so diverse, He is working in the same way in so many hearts.

I'm sorry if I haven't really been taking the time to write in more detail lately. Unfortunately, I don't have opportunities for extended time on the internet too often, so I have been giving brief updates. Maybe I'll try and tell you all a little more about the people I'm working with here in this post.

Australians are a very unique people. They are very laid-back and friendly at first glance, in general. And they are also quite influenced by the Western pop-culture, the same things that we are influenced by. One of the first questions a lot of Australian kids ask me is "Have you ever met anyone famous in America?" But many Australians are very hardened - by the environment, by experience; thus, many are hardened to religion. I think the demographics are similar to that of the United States - many say they are Christian; there are actually a lot of Anglicans and Catholics. There is also the presence of the "prosperity gospel." There is a rising Muslim influence, as well as Eastern religions. There is a large group of atheists or agnostics. Australians are also in the post-modern, "I just want to feel good, but you can have your religion if it makes you happy" phase.

We are so lucky to get to experience both sides. First, a very healthy, solid Baptist church with people who truly love the Lord and are living for Him daily. Then, when we go into the public schools to teach RE, we get to see the children who are not brought up in church, who don't have believing parents, who have heard that being a Christian is boring and want nothing to do with it. And yet, we get to bring them the gospel week after week. How amazing is that! That is why the Australian schools still need so much prayer, to keep this privilege in the schools.

Prayer is needed, just as in America, that people will see the true gospel and that they will know who God really is. That people can see Him, not the distorted, tainted views of Him that are out there. That the love of Christ will spread to all areas of Australia, including the Aboriginal culture. And that Cameron and I can be a light for Him while we are here - that we wouldn't let anything get in the way of that, be it exhaustion, irritability, comfort, etc.

I so badly want the Lord to be able to work in me while I'm here. I know that at times I have placed my own needs above His work. I have taken shortcuts because I've been tired, or because I've been selfish. And yet He continues to delight in me and desire to work through me. I am astounded by His love and mercy, and so grateful. Pray that I will continue to seek Him first, above all else, and the rest will flow from me knowing Christ crucified. I want so many things for this trip, but I want what HE wants the most - whether I get to see the fruit of that or not. Pray that I won't get discouraged.

Sunday marks the half-way point through the trip. Wow!! I can't believe it. In some ways it feels like I've been here forever. But there is still so much to do. VBS starts Monday. Youth camp the next week. So much has already been accomplished. So much left to do.

Thank you, again, for the prayers....
Keep looking to HIM!