Grace and peace to you my friends, in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ!
It has been some time since I have given an update on how I am doing here in New Zealand. I have now been away for 10 months from everything I once knew. Much change has taken place in my life and walk with God. All good change yet at the same time challenging.
Life is full on in every way. I live with the wonderful Albiston Family (which have four boys: Elijah 6. Caleb 4. Benjamin 3. Simeon 18 months) I have enjoyed becoming a part of the family and doing the Kingdom work along side of them.
We started Church Alive at our home in April of 2011 alongside another committed family with four great children who are such a blessing. We have placed more of our emphasis in this season on building our leadership team, not so much the push for numerical church growth yet. It has helped in learning each others gifts and how we all work together as the Body of Christ. God has also shown us that the foundation is very important! So many times people want to hurry through the foundation to build up the building or numbers of the church over making sure we are firmly rooted in the grace and love of God and what he wants us to do.
I am the Covenant Kids Director (Meaning- Children's Ministry) I get the great honor of learning more everyday how much God not only loves children, but how He wants to use them in the Kingdom work of heaven here on earth. My eyes have been opened wide to the wonder of God at work in the lives of the awesome children that have been here from the beginning of Church Alive. It is a great joy to see their hearts open up to more of God and seeking His face in every area of their lives.
The neighborhood in which we live is full of families three or more children. Many of them are not a part of a church, and some do not even know who God fully is yet. We understand more why God has placed us where we are right at this time. We have been learning to be culturally relative to where the people are so that we can show the love of God more fully in every way. The 15 plus children that live around us spend a lot of time on our land which opens the doors for us to love on them in a powerful way as their hearts become awakened to God.
As for me, many of you know it was a long waiting season to get my work visa . But Praise God, I have overcome it through the grace of Christ. I know have a three year working visa under Church Alive; That gives me the freedom to serve with the time of three years maybe more. I know I am where God wants me right now and it's hard to put into words the blessings of that.
Do I miss life in the states? Yes, I am very blessed to have a great family that love and support me, along with so many friends that have enriched my life. Coming to New Zealand and having to start all over in family, friends, network of people, and life as I knew it has been a challenge.
God in His great faithfulness reminds me daily of His goodness. For He has hand picked and choose people to cross my path in the last 28 years of my life which has grown me into the person I am today; So greatly and awesomely blessed by God!
Living in New Zealand has been the favor of God and touched my hearts desires. The landscape here is just beautiful in every way. The city of Tauranga is on the coast, I live 5 to 10 minutes from the beach, yet also enjoy beautiful hills and green farm land.
God is so good!!!
I have also been doing a internship since February that has given me many great things to learn. It has touch every part of who I am and what I am doing. My personal life and hands on ministry has not only been challenged, but grown in so many rich ways.
Thank you for being a part of not just hearing from me but also praying for me and the work God is doing here. I believe that New Zealand is going to play a key part in the bigger picture of the Kingdom of heaven coming to earth more and more.
Be encouraged, God is always on the move speaking life in everything and everywhere. So seek He more passionately in your life every day, He is longing to show Himself more intimately in these last days. Look for Him; for He is all around you. His great love for you is shining so bright that you will not to miss it if you choose to open your eyes.
Thank you for partnering with me in sharing the love and grace of God throughout the nations!
In Christ,
-Joyful
