tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41591801027187369872024-02-07T18:48:30.031-07:00Prayerfully Serving God, God's Way - The McBride FlockJoin us on our journey of God's calling on our lives to serve in New Zealand, land of the long white cloud.Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-23742020503798141892019-12-11T20:07:00.000-07:002019-12-11T20:07:43.660-07:00Christmas Letter 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yVh043PjVpATVeEkwCJikCT1ON0iiytoKBZ_WnVb0lW_jc_4ELsKbFToBsCj49pWs30F8bWZuQNPRkgGRee5XgLbpfHLf2jfPCDvSYfuPOhxzHwRhKUi-uOsiWH6P7JY0Xw4cStCWs4p/s1600/Christmas+Letter+2019+lights+white.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="137" data-original-width="1317" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yVh043PjVpATVeEkwCJikCT1ON0iiytoKBZ_WnVb0lW_jc_4ELsKbFToBsCj49pWs30F8bWZuQNPRkgGRee5XgLbpfHLf2jfPCDvSYfuPOhxzHwRhKUi-uOsiWH6P7JY0Xw4cStCWs4p/s400/Christmas+Letter+2019+lights+white.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;">Grab a cup of tea or coffee and get
caught up with us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2019 has been a year filled with
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did we know on January 1<sup>st</sup>
all of the changes we would go through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Andrew visited his parents in January to see how his father’s health was
doing regarding his cancer re-occurrence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cancer had returned in less than a year and with a vengeance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became apparent during that trip that time
was of the essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Upon his return to New Zealand, Andrew
and I prayed for guidance on what we should do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We both felt led to move back to Minnesota to be with his parents for
the remainder of his father’s life and to be of assistance to his mother, Gerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was so much going on and both of his
parents were pretty warn out from the health struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Once the decision was made, the next
step was to share with the leadership team and staff at the school that we
needed to move back to the States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
totally took care of all of the needs at the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He brought a new admin on staff that semester
and I had a week to train her with all that I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew’s classes were taken care of – either
by another teacher taking them on or they were cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything lined up, but the hardest part was
saying good-bye as this wasn’t just a bit of an extended visit to the States,
but rather good-bye until the Lord crosses our paths again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many tears and so much love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a new assignment and we chose to walk
the path of obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Upon our arrival in the frigid great
north, we were greeted by snow and lots of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His parents welcomed us into their home and it was so good to see them
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had two wonderful weeks with
Andrew’s father, Brice, before his journey took a sharp turn towards
eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On March 8<sup>th</sup>, Brice
took his last breath here and his first breath in the presence of God
Almighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The military honor service and
the memorial service at the church were both touching and memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lived a life well lived and was dearly
loved by many.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We settled into his mother’s house for
a while until we had jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding a job
was not the easiest thing, nor rather the quickest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hunted for weeks and weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed for God to open the doors to where
He wanted us and to keep the doors closed where He didn’t want us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was absolutely faithful as we surrendered
once again our lives to His will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew
was invited to join a call center team as a manager at Wells Fargo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was headhunted by a temp agency for an
executive admin position for the president of seed company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally God kept those doors closed until
the one He deemed appropriate for us came up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Having jobs gave us the opportunity to
start preparing to get a place of our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We considered renting, but looking at apartment complexes that were
within our acceptable livability, a studio apartment with two garage spots
(which is necessary up in Minnesota) was running over $1,400.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A studio!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So we relooked at the possibility of buying a townhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our wish list of features and started
our hunt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We found a couple of townhouses that
were acceptable and prayed again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord,
please guide us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found one we really
liked and it felt like home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, the seller accepted a higher bid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We kept looking but comparing it to the one
we loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The owner came back to us and
wondered if we were still interested and we re-established our bid and it was
accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved in at the end of
September and it has been a blessing!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dawn’s mother had loaned us a vehicle
in March to help us get on our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After the purchase of the townhouse, the next item to buy was a vehicle
so we could return the loaner to her mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a blessing to have a second vehicle, especially while job
hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are grateful to her and her
husband for their generosity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a
CRV that fit the bill for Dawn and she is enjoying how it handles in the snow
and cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew bought his father’s
truck before he passed and has enjoyed the height and comfort a truck can give.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The transition back to the US has not
been easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been mourning two
great things, the passing of Andrew’s father, and the closure of a dream and
ministry that we loved so dearly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you ever felt so a part of something that you just move in the groove with
it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t misunderstand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ministry is hard and taxing, but when you
love what you do, you don’t mind how taxing it can be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming back to the States left a big void in
both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do we do now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We serve where we work and we are starting to
serve at the church we attend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Oh yeah, church hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding a church that we felt at home and
able to grow with was one challenge we didn’t anticipate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had the church changed so much in the three
years we were gone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We attended many
churches and hoped more than once that we had found our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it took a few visits to know if a
particular church was home or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
have landed at a church where it’s not quite home, but God is meeting us,
feeding us, repairing us, and building us back up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a place where we can give back and
we will see what He does through us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Through all of the things we have
experienced this year, we have a few things we want for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you find a church home where you feel
safe, strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you know that you are loved and deeply
cared about, even with your flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
one is perfect, only Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you
know that failure is not fatal and trying is worth it even if you fail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May you know the love that Jesus has for you,
even just a little more.. for His love knows no bounds and He never
changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the same Jesus that
healed the lame and made the deaf to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is the same Jesus that took the fish and loaves and fed the
5,000.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is trustworthy, even when you
are hurting, ESPECIALLY when you are hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May you know that you are never alone, even when it feels like no one is
listening and everyone is so far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is right beside you and knows your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is right there and loves you with an
everlasting love.. meaning it has no end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We love you and appreciate you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Merry Christmas from our hearts to
yours!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: bhatoshine; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Dawn
and Andrew McBride<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-87537706867308559322019-06-23T19:27:00.000-06:002019-06-23T19:27:25.795-06:00God is so good!! Hello all!<br />
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We have great news to share. God has been so good to us. He is so faithful! We both now have jobs! Dawn started her temp to perm job on Monday (June 17) and Andrew starts his job on Monday (June 24). <br />
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Now we are dreaming about what is next... finding a place to call home. When we left Colorado, we sold everything and had no plans of moving back. With the passing of Andrew's father, we are committed to staying here in the Minneapolis metro area. We have started a GoFundMe page and would like to share it with you:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-mcbrides&rcid=r01-156133829787-d069b6b2b32d47af&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a></span></div>
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We are still on the hunt for a church home, but know that God will reveal when we are "home". Thank you for praying with us as we continue to seek His will. There is a place that He has for us that we can grow and give back.</div>
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Thank you for joining us on the journey of faith. God has been with us every step of the way. Our hope is in Him and He has never failed to keep His promises. Be encouraged that if you are facing a difficult journey, you are never alone! He is right there with you and has promised to never leave you or give up on you.</div>
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Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for visiting our GoFundMe page. Take care and God bless!</div>
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<i>Dawn and Andrew</i></div>
Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-77468948685632017622019-05-28T17:43:00.001-06:002019-05-28T17:43:05.986-06:00Fear is a thiefI was introduced to a new saying - when the tough times come or “the pinching season”, our heart shows. Returning to the States and to a new place to live has been a tough time for me. Being home with Dad McBride was amazing and I am uber grateful to God for bringing us home when He did, but the transition has been anything but easy or comfortable.<br />
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Fear had gripped my heart. I allowed fear to steal my joy and rob me of what this “down” time could have been. I still struggle from day to day with the "what ifs". 😳<br />
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<ul>
<li>I was afraid that we will never get jobs and have to get government assistance.</li>
<li>I was afraid that we will never get a place of our own. </li>
<li>I was afraid that we will never find a home church in the Minneapolis area that aligns with our hearts and doctrine. </li>
<li>I was afraid that the life I once knew of financial independence to buy pretty things or have some fun spending money would be gone forever. </li>
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As I write these fears down, I see that they have lost their power… because fear is not based on fact, but on the unknown. When I remember who God is, the promises He has made, and that He keeps His promises, I can let go of my heart’s enemy.. fear. He is not a friend. He is not one that cares about me, but wants me under his thumb, to rule me, to squash all of my joy... leaving me in despair.</div>
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So here we go.. what is the truth?<br />
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<ul>
<li>We will get jobs according to God’s plan and timing. They may not look like what we thought they would, but God will provide for us.</li>
<li>We will get a place of our own according to God’s plan and timing. Again, this place may not be what we are thinking of, but God will provide for us.</li>
<li>We will find a church where we can plug in to… to be fed and to give back.</li>
<li>We will have all that we need, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.</li>
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I am seeing God in the midst of my unknowns. He has provided a loaner vehicle for me through my Mom. Thanks, Mama! He provided a truck for Andrew (he bought his dad’s truck). I am connecting with ladies at a Friday mommies prayer meeting. They know I am not a mom, but I really enjoy the group as we laugh .. and it is so good to laugh again. <br />
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I hear God’s voice telling me over and over to be still, be patient, and wait. These words... they are not easy for me to put into practice. I don’t sit still very well. I don’t wait very well, but having applied for jobs like a mad woman has not made a difference, so I have chosen to trust Him and take Him at His word.<br />
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Now it's your turn. What are you struggling with? What are things the Lord has told you and you are fighting against? Let me ask you this... do you trust Him? Do you trust that His promises are true and that He really does have plans for good and not to harm you? He is there with you and has NEVER left you. Not once. <br />
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Be still, quiet your heart, and give Him space to speak to you. He loves you more than you can imagine and if you allow Him to, He will open doors where He wants you and close doors where He doesn't want you. He is so trustworthy! I love this saying, "God's past faithfulness demands our current trust." It's true. He has never ever failed me. <br />
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A very special song about fear has been one played over and over recently. I want to pass it on to you. The message is very clear and worth your time!<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/sQTnREEtuNk" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Music Video: Fear is a Liar</span></a></div>
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Let me know how I can be praying for you! I know there is a lot on your plate and so much on your mind, but I would love to partner with you and pray for you. We are never alone! Never let fear make you believe that lie.<br />
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God bless,<br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">Dawn </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;">McBrideFlock@yahoo.com</span></i><br />
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Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-71409098331565907952019-04-10T13:14:00.000-06:002019-04-10T13:14:14.405-06:00Now what?Since arriving in Minnesota on February 19th, so much has happened. We had the special opportunity to be with Andrew’s father during the last days of his life. He peacefully passed away at home on March 8th and has joined the crowd of heavenly witnesses as mentioned in Hebrews 12.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hebrews 12:1-2</span></i><br />
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It was an honor to be with him when his last breath here was his first breath in heaven. To be in the presence of the Almighty God, to worship in His presence, oh how we look forward to those days ahead. We celebrated Brice and honored his military service. The ceremony at the military cemetery was very moving as seven soldiers shot three volleys from their rifles. The melancholy sound of Taps brought tears to our eyes as Brice’s day was done, gone the sun. Thank you for your service, Brice!<br />
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The following day’s memorial service was one of tears, laughter, and tender memories. Andrew shared Brice’s eulogy, his mom shared about the joy we have in Christ, and I shared the poem, The Dash. We both were moved during our moments of sharing as Brice had a life well lived. He cared much and loved deeply. Those that knew him, knew that he loved them, that he cared for them. Whether mowing someone’s lawn, shoveling their snow, or taking care of something in their home, people knew Brice cared.<br />
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With each day, the mourning has eased but there are days where a curve ball of mourning arrives without warning. Deep breathes and remembering where he is at, no longer struggling to walk, breath, or simply talk, helps to gather our hearts. God has been ever so present, so close. Through spending time reading devotionals and the Bible, as well as writing out my thoughts and prayers, His presence is known and brings comfort and confidence for tomorrow. One devotional book that has been especially helpful is Streams in the Desert.<br />
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It’s been a month since his passing, now what? We have decided to make Minneapolis our home and plan to be available to assist Andrew’s mum in whatever way we can. There has been a culture shift for us and we are adjusting to our new normal. The time we spent in New Zealand has planted a mighty oak of memories and love that will not soon fade away. Every time I see a photo or watch a video posted on social media, my heart smiles and weeps as part of my heart will forever be there. We miss our dear friends and the team at CCBI, but know that God will make a way for them, as He always has.<br />
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We are getting back into the job market, applying for jobs, and interviewing here and there. We believe that God will open the doors where He wants us and will keep the doors closed where He does not want us. We both look forward to finding positions where we are growing and supporting organizations. We have some fabulous ideas on how we want ministry to look like for us in the coming months, but until we can “set up shop”, we are waiting to pursue those ideas.<br />
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Thank you for your support as we served in the international missions arena. Your love, encouragement, prayers, and financial support were pivotal and dearly appreciated. Even though we are State-side, we are still passionate about serving. We look forward to all that God has for us here in Minnesota and look forward to serving as He leads.<br />
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Much love to you!<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride </i>Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-48239217999474121912019-02-18T14:17:00.001-07:002019-02-18T14:17:56.761-07:00Big Announcement You may be wondering what happened to us as it has been a while since we have updated our blog. It’s been an unusually busy season for us and the CCBI team. CCBI has moved to a new location and we helped with the move. After the school moved, we helped to move our friends, Jake and Tecla. Then in January, a few short weeks later, we moved to the new campus and then helped our friends, Mark and Gwyn, move to the new campus.<br />
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We had the opportunity to step away for a two-night stay in Dunedin, which is located on the south island. Dunedin is one of the most beautiful little towns that I’ve ever seen. Some of the buildings date back to the late 1800s. It was a sweet time to see this new place in New Zealand. I even walked up the world's steepest residential street - Baldwin Street. I had to stop a few times, but it was so worth it!<br />
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The same day we returned from Dunedin, while still at the airport, we welcomed two new staff members, Ken and Jemma, from Australia. Between that time and the start of school, we all worked to get the new campus ready. Some people painted, some people worked with drywall, and the list goes on and on. It was exhausting work, but so much fun to see the campus ready for the students. We have really enjoyed living on-site in our own flat and being so close to the school.<br />
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Throughout last semester up until today, there has been something underlying and heavy on our hearts. Andrew’s father is battling cancer once again. It came back much quicker than the doctors thought and his body has struggled with the treatments. Andrew had the opportunity to go see his father right before the semester started and it became apparent that his father’s body just wasn’t doing well. After much prayer we came to decision that we would return to Minnesota at the end of the semester. Having settled that in our hearts, we were fine with this decision and looked forward to being of some help to his parents – whatever that would look like.<br />
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Recently however, Andrew’s father has changed and our time table has been moved up. Andrew and I will be moving to Minnesota on Tuesday, February 19th. We feel compelled by the Lord to come alongside Andrew’s parents and help them in any way we can. We don’t have a lot of details at this time – such as how long we will be in Minnesota, but if you would like to reach out to us, please email us at <a href="mailto:McBrideFlock@yahoo.com">McBrideFlock@yahoo.com</a>.<br />
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<b>Prayer Requests:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Please pray for us as we head to the States. </li>
<li>Pray for Andrew’s parents and family as this is a very challenging time. </li>
<li>Pray for CCBI as they transition with us leaving. There is a lot to learn in a short amount of time. </li>
<li>Pray for our transition back into American culture, as reverse culture shock is real. I experienced it living abroad for a year in the late 1990s.</li>
<li>Pray for wisdom for the decisions we have to make, as well as his parents.</li>
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Even in the midst of this crazy whirlwind, our great and mighty God already knew this and we believe He will continue to take care of us. He always has and we don’t believe He is going to stop any time soon.<br />
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Thank you for your love, support, and prayers! We appreciate you more than we can express!!<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i><br />
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Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-76061720839337679902018-11-24T15:37:00.000-07:002018-11-24T15:37:03.066-07:00It's been a little crazyHello all!<br />
We are alive and doing well. This semester at Calvary Chapel Bible Institute NZ has been full on. So many great things have happened since the last update and we hope to catch you up as briefly as we can.<br />
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<b>Outreach Week</b><br />
Andrew co-led a team to Calvary Wellington's holiday program (aka Vacation Bible School). Great things happened as children who didn't know Christ, came closer to Him. A family of young ladies who did not attend Calvary Wellington have started attending that church since the program. We even saw two of the ladies at the family camp (mentioned later). The team from CCBI had a great time sharing in this holiday program and even got to see a bit of Wellington too!<br />
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<b>Whole58.75</b><br />
Dawn completed her Whole30 in September but didn't want to stop. She aimed for another 30 days for a grand total of a Whole60, but the Ladies in Leadership retreat shortened it by a day and some change. It was a challenging experience to tack on an additional 30 days, but she is glad she attempted it. Would she do it again.... probably not. :)<br />
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<b>Calvary Ladies in Leadership Retreat</b><br />
CCBI NZ hosted a retreat for the ladies in leadership at the Calvary Chapels across New Zealand. It was a time to get together, to encourage, pray with, and let each other know they are not alone. It was a profitable time as many of the ladies left encouraged to keep fighting the fight. Please pray for those in ministry within New Zealand as it is challenging.<br />
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<b>Genesis</b><br />
Andrew has been teaching through the book of Genesis this semester. Some of his big take aways from teaching this book are:<br />
- That God, in His infinite wisdom and knowledge, already had a plan for man through Jesus. We forget that not only was God at the beginning, but so was the trinity. God made a way through Jesus and it begins in Genesis.<br />
- We don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. We just need to purpose in our hearts to follow and obey Him.<br />
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<b>Ladies Class - God's attributes</b><br />
Dawn had the opportunity to team teach the ladies class and they focused on God's attributes as seen in the Psalms. Dawn taught on God's immutability (God is unchanging) and God the Creator. One quote that stood out was from Ravi Zacharias:<br />
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"When God is our Holy Father, sovereignty, holiness, omniscience, and immutability do not terrify us; they leave us full of awe and gratitude. Sovereignty is only tyrannical if it is unbounded by goodness; holiness is only terrifying if it is untempered by grace; omniscience is only taunting if it is unaccompanied by mercy; and immutability is only torturous if there is no guarantee of goodwill.” </blockquote>
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The goodwill of the Father makes His unchanging nature not overwhelmingly challenging. He is good, He is full of grace (giving us what we don't deserve), and He is merciful!<br />
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Dawn enjoyed sharing fun and uncommon facts about some creatures and our known universe. She shared information from Louie Giglio's video about How Great is Our God and the four stars he focused on. If the earth were a golf ball..... She now has a golf ball on our bookcase to remember that God is so much bigger!<br />
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<b>Calvary Wellington Family Camp</b><br />
Dawn joined a team that went down to Calvary Wellington's family camp. It was good for her to connect with ladies she hadn't seen for two years, when Andrew taught at their family camp in 2016. Amazing how time flies, but the heart connections are still there. The team helped with catering the camp as well as ministering to the children that attended the family camp. Two young ladies that were introduced to Calvary Wellington during the Holiday Program came to family camp and got a good dose of lovin'.<br />
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<b>Speakers Week</b><br />
We had the privilege of hosting the following people at our Speakers Week:<br />
- Fernando Ortiz and his family (Colorado, USA)<br />
- Frank and Tammy Bartsch and their nephew Sterling (Sydney, Australia)<br />
- Charlies Mareu (Fiji)<br />
- Brian Kelly (Calvary Auckland)<br />
- Doug Calhoon (Shoreline Church)<br />
It was great and full of challenging messages where God exhorted us and encouraged us. If you would like to listen to the messages, you can find them at this link: <a href="http://www.ccbi.ac.nz/bible-studies?sapurl=Lys0OGU4L2xiL21zLys0bnMycnA0P2JyYW5kaW5nPXRydWUmZW1iZWQ9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">CCBI Speakers Week - November 2018</a><br />
We are grateful for their willingness to share what the Lord has been teaching them!<br />
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<b>Shoreline's Men's Conference</b><br />
A small team of us went to the Shoreline's Men's Conference to serve. Andrew was part of the worship team, playing bass guitar. Dawn was serving in the kitchen with Tecla and Jordi - the dynamic duo. The men were encouraged, exhorted to press into God, and well fed. If you would like to view any of the teachings, you can find them on the Shoreline Church's Facebook page.<br />
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<b>Thanksgiving</b><br />
The school came together and celebrated an American holiday. We have staff and students from other countries (Denmark, Fiji, England, Romania) and they also joined in the festivities, some celebrating Thanksgiving for the first time. Turkey was a first for a few of them. There is much to be thankful for and we shared the loves during this time. A big shout out to the kitchen team, the dishes squad, and the decorations crew for making this a special celebration. We are so thankful for you!!<br />
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<b>What's coming up: </b><br />
CCBI NZ is moving at the end of this semester to Te Awamutu. We as a family are moving in January and will be back on campus and in our own flat. We are excited for the things God is doing and look forward to what He has for us. So much is going on and God is so good to meet us where we are at.<br />
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<b>Prayer requests:</b><br />
- Both moves to go smoothly and without any glitches.<br />
- Next semester: God would bring the students and interns He would have be here.<br />
- New staff moving from Australia. Pray for an easy transition and for the move to go well. Pray they acclimate to staff life well.<br />
- Brice, Andrew's Dad, is battling cancer again. Pray for both of Andrew's parents as they walk this road.<br />
- God would continue to direct us and take care of us.<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to catch up on what is going on in our world. We appreciate you and pray that God would make His love even more real to you.<br />
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Blessings from Aotearoa!<br />
Dawn and Andrew McBrideAndrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-83443144645669039552018-09-23T17:48:00.003-06:002018-09-23T17:48:49.382-06:00Starting Our Fifth WeekHello all!<br />
It's hard to see that we are in the fifth week of classes. It has been moving so fast and so much has been going on. So much so that I thought you might want an update of what we've been up to.<br />
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Classes started during the last week of August and have been going strong ever since. This semester I have decided to sit in on Hebrews which is taught by Mark Walsh. Oh. My. Goodness! I loved Hebrews before. Now I feel like I am down the rabbit hole as there is so much goodness to chew on for a long while. <br />
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One of the big take aways for me has been about unbelief. It's not about a lack of knowledge or a lack of faith. If we step back and look at the Jews that wandered in the wilderness, they had unbelief that God would provide certain things like water, food, etc. They had just been through some crazy experiences watching God move on their behalf, and yet they lacked belief that He would take care of them after that. We do that, don't we!? We have seen God's past faithfulness in our lives and then, when faced with a new difficulty, we wonder will He take care of us again.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b><span style="color: purple;">"Past times of deliverance are strong pleas for present assistance. What the Lord has done in the past, He will do again, for He never changes. He is faithful to His promises and gracious to His saints. He will not turn away from His people." Charles Spurgeon</span></b></i></blockquote>
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I am challenged daily with these questions... do you trust that He will take care of your needs? Do you trust that He will provide for you? Going to the Word, I am reminded that He sees and He will take care of my needs. I don't need to worry about it. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="color: purple;">“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?</span></i></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="color: purple;">“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?</span></i></b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span style="color: purple;">“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? Matthew 6:25-27</span></i></b></blockquote>
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And we learn that "Therefore" points to what was said before it. Looking at verse 24, it talks about serving two gods - God and riches. Okay, Lord, I won't worry about You taking care of my needs because You value me more than the birds of the air which You also take care of.<br />
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As you can see, I am really enjoying Hebrews and what I shared is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more. I could pull out my notes and just share what I've learned with you. Let me know if you are interested and I may do a blog entry on that class alone.<br />
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Andrew is teaching the book of Genesis this semester and seems to really be enjoying it. I believe he wishes he had more time to teach it like he would like to, but it is taking shape as more of a survey of Genesis. If you would like to learn more about his take aways, send him an email at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com and ask him. I am sure he is more than willing to share them with you.<br />
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Every semester we have Outreach Week where we send out teams to various locations for 10 days. This semester we have outreaches to Fiji, Lower Hutt (NZ), Camp Raglan (NZ), and Camp Kedron (Sydney, Australia). The teams head out this Friday and we are so excited to see what the Lord is going to do in the teams and through the teams.<br />
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Andrew is co-leading the team to Lower Hutt where they will serve at Calvary Wellington's holiday program, which is like a Vacation Bible Study (VBS) in the States. They will come alongside the program and help with dramas, activities, and engaging the youth that will come out for this program. <br />
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It seems strange to think of a holiday program at this time of the year, but New Zealand does schooling a wee bit different than the US. The kids will go on a two week break from October 1st through the 12th. The location this program will be in is a lower income area and the kids seem to have less privileges. It will be great to see the team love on this kiddos and share how Jesus loves them.<br />
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I will be staying back as the Lord has been challenging me to wait. I was planning on going on one outreach and then my heart was touched by another outreach. God started sending me the word "wait" over and over again and I didn't understand until it became apparent it was regarding outreach week. Wait? I want to go! It's such a special time of working along side the students and interns. You really have a special bond after such a time together. <br />
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Awe, Lord.. are You sure You want me to wait and not go? Wait. Wait. Wait. Even this morning I saw that familiar word again.. Wait. So I am staying back and taking the time to regroup, replenish, and rest. I also plan to use that time to craft and even learn some new crafting skills. I am sure God has a plan, so I am not making any hard and fast plans.<br />
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We have a praise report! We have a home that God has blessed us with. It is in Taupo, which is 35 minutes from the campus, but it is really quite a gift. The windows bring in so much sunlight and the deck has a beautiful view. It is a two bedroom flat that is the top floor of a house that was divided for in-laws. We are so grateful for this place that God has provided. I hope to share pictures soon.<br />
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<ul>
<li>We need to apply for our next visa which will last for five years. It comes with a good bit of cost. Pray for God to take care of the timing and resources needed.</li>
<li>Pray for strength and refreshment as living so far away from campus means long days. </li>
<li>Pray for our health as semesters are demanding and we are starting a journey of a more healthy lifestyle (going to the gym and better eating habits).</li>
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We love you all and appreciate your love, encouragement, prayers, and support! Send us a note at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com. We'd love to hear from you.</div>
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Blessings and love,</div>
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Dawn and Andrew McBride</div>
Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-68694365998561377832018-08-04T01:36:00.000-06:002018-08-04T01:36:20.641-06:00What we have been up toHello all,<br />
I thought it was about time to update you on what we have been up to in the past nine weeks. We headed to the States on June 4th for an eight week furlough. We kicked off the trip with the wedding of my sister and her groom. It was a fabulous time in Virginia and it went by so quickly. The wedding was beautiful and the couple were happily wedded.<br />
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We took a road trip down to Florida with my dad and stepmom where we stayed for a week and a half. Andrew got to play golf twice with my dad, while Rhonda and I op shopped (second hand store shopped). I found some treasures which are always nice, but I didn't really think about my luggage limit. Oops!<br />
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We were off to Colorado for four weeks and had 44 meet ups in 27 days. This didn't include the precious time we had at church on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. No wonder we were dragging by the time we got to Minnesota, but it was sooooo good to see everyone.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rpnzLl4Do6uJD-ibKa-QCVTULrx4wLFflv-0vwn50bFS0h6e3eB_BWR8Nolse7VFen7ZfWAKQjHSnnkndNvGzIqjc6MOUsuJJqCFykGCw-aGhc0CfZsfT35_vvV5hSA1tOVbSbRdj5a7/s1600/Callie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rpnzLl4Do6uJD-ibKa-QCVTULrx4wLFflv-0vwn50bFS0h6e3eB_BWR8Nolse7VFen7ZfWAKQjHSnnkndNvGzIqjc6MOUsuJJqCFykGCw-aGhc0CfZsfT35_vvV5hSA1tOVbSbRdj5a7/s320/Callie.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Dawn and Callie in Estes Park</span></td></tr>
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We had the opportunity to have time where were honeymooned almost nine years ago (at the time of the visit). While is Estes Park, we spent some time with Callie, a past student and graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible Institute (where we serve in NZ). It was really fun spending time with her and encouraging her. Please be praying for her, if you would. She is a wee bit homesick as she is from Arizona.<br />
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There were so many wonderful memories made in Colorado. Lots and lots of Mexican food, a tour of Celestial Seasonings, walking in the rain on Pearl Street Mall, catch ups at Sonders Coffee and Chick-Fil-A, long drives out to Julesburg, driving with the convertible Camero with the top down on the highway, connecting with missionary friends, a hike up near Grand Lake, game night, fireworks downtown on the 4th of July, and the numerous touch points with friends and family over a meal or beverage. Thank you for the memories, Colorado!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">A hike near Grand Lake, CO</span></td></tr>
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We headed up to Minnesota ready for some rest and a slower pace. Mom and Dad McBride were wonderful hosts and we also had a few opportunities to spend time with Jered and Jenn (Andrew's best friend from college and his lovely wife). This is where we came face to face with the reality of luggage weight limits. Oh how we wanted to load up and bring more back, but alas, it was not to be so.<br />
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I was pleasantly surprised to see fireflies a few nights that we were outside. There is just something special about these insects that have intermittent glowing bums. I tried to catch one as it flew past me, but I was not all in and the bug flew by me. After the mosquitoes started feasting, the tranquil time had passed and we headed inside.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Playing cards is serious business!</span></td></tr>
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Playing cards is favorite past time with Andrew's parents when we visit and the game can get heated with competition. Dad McBride even pulled out his electronic shuffler. Watch out, this was getting serious. :0) Laughter and snacking where the hallmarks of these evenings. These are moments that we don't want to forget.<br />
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We headed back to New Zealand on July 30th and arrived on August 1st. One whole day was lost in translation, but the silver lining was that it wasn't our anniversary day that was lost. We have been married for nine years now and it has been a ride, a journey, and a blessing! God has brought us so far in these past nine years. I can't wait to see what He does in the next nine years and beyond.<br />
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We are now house hunting... looking for a little house to rent, as our time on campus has come to an end. We are looking forward to walking around in our jammies (comfies) and cooking in our very own kitchen with an oven and regular sized fridge. I know that sounds silly, but it is the little things that we miss and over time it adds up. We have been blessed to stay on campus at the lodge for 17 months, but we are excited about this new chapter. Would you join us in praying for the right little home to open up for us? We are praying that God would close the doors where He doesn't want us and open the door where He does.<br />
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Our next semester starts soon! Interns arrive on the 23rd and students on the 25th of August. It will be another sweet time with these students as we walk with them through the learning, growing, and stretching time during the semester.<br />
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Thank you for praying for us and with us! We appreciate your love, prayer, and support as we serve in New Zealand!<br />
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Love and hugs,<br />
Andrew and Dawn McBride<br />
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Our prayer requests:<br />
- To find the home God has for us<br />
- To have a great semester with our students and interns<br />
- To be obedient to and diligent with God<br />
- Outreach week is coming up. Pray for the leaders to be prepared.<br />
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A few more photos from our time in the States:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutWbUhal4CrOtvRPj5j1VRPr1nB4SMrmyA-rJ61IHDjUvmJxbxB4SRmOsyM-0ncxRy6suZ7LJnU18v_9sBlF_pjXtikdkYB3lffmW4yV7RYo81wiXhqFeBIUIwu1_7czxRTrh4njVxyMr/s1600/Flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutWbUhal4CrOtvRPj5j1VRPr1nB4SMrmyA-rJ61IHDjUvmJxbxB4SRmOsyM-0ncxRy6suZ7LJnU18v_9sBlF_pjXtikdkYB3lffmW4yV7RYo81wiXhqFeBIUIwu1_7czxRTrh4njVxyMr/s400/Flower.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Columbine - Colorado state flower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv91teQZvQs1eJg23uigtTATNngsa0ew5ceSU0F5HCaYVPKGQk170BNaEKj9aJEGr7y3IlZ7CJC115WS5W0xnwUdR1t1vmdpMYViogixAOqLKZ4WPMdcdg4siwxWfHuwTaHaoWBDwZQfkP/s1600/Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="1600" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv91teQZvQs1eJg23uigtTATNngsa0ew5ceSU0F5HCaYVPKGQk170BNaEKj9aJEGr7y3IlZ7CJC115WS5W0xnwUdR1t1vmdpMYViogixAOqLKZ4WPMdcdg4siwxWfHuwTaHaoWBDwZQfkP/s400/Pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Pizza pizza! Anthony's Pizza downtown on the 4th of July</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPTf7mja3-_j6rOQ1e0qbwpBmOXNuc-rNrLINglvrg-zBSZlz3-bUzSItigOxBNdaXFwsw8xSreml8lJIDD4x0azWCRFK2p8ZufPpTgC6fTy5flJgHr4kqXukIrWR6pilPH6YDHvU-euR/s1600/Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1374" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPTf7mja3-_j6rOQ1e0qbwpBmOXNuc-rNrLINglvrg-zBSZlz3-bUzSItigOxBNdaXFwsw8xSreml8lJIDD4x0azWCRFK2p8ZufPpTgC6fTy5flJgHr4kqXukIrWR6pilPH6YDHvU-euR/s400/Ride.jpg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Enjoying the top down in the Camero.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJroFx0SdbWYIVft79lBGdQQmiAW3g0d77RZ9gRHhjazUAOcpDiItMU5BbHVT2W1o14zLN1f7lxl2mXLQEJFv5h0PI8MscBqlCtWXIL-B0XaOEKoXNctjhZdaQwcDTRH2_13grXPXNrkD/s1600/Us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJroFx0SdbWYIVft79lBGdQQmiAW3g0d77RZ9gRHhjazUAOcpDiItMU5BbHVT2W1o14zLN1f7lxl2mXLQEJFv5h0PI8MscBqlCtWXIL-B0XaOEKoXNctjhZdaQwcDTRH2_13grXPXNrkD/s400/Us.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Waiting at the airport.</span></td></tr>
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Thank you again! We love you!<br />
<br />
"The LORD your God in your midst,<br />
The Mighty One, will save;<br />
He will rejoice over you with gladness,<br />
He will quiet you with His love,<br />
He will rejoice over you with singing.”<br />
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJVAndrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-74556206436491134772018-06-22T09:45:00.002-06:002018-06-22T09:45:35.888-06:00We're in the US!Hello all!<br />
It's been way too long since I have sent you an update, but wanted to share with you that we are back in the States during our winter break. Yes, it is winter in New Zealand and we are not missing the chilly, wet winter days. We started our furlough in Virginia as we celebrated the marriage of my sister and her new husband. It was a crazy, beautiful, fun time and I look back on it with fond memories. Congratulations to Jackie and Darrell!!<br />
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We then caught a ride with my dad and stepmom to Florida. We enjoyed our time with them as the heat and humidity soared. Fortunately, they have a lovely pool where we could cool off. We enjoyed spending time with them and their three feline children. They were wonderful hosts that allowed us to slow down and breathe again. School stuff is still going on and students are applying for this semester which is so exciting. Having the opportunity to visit family and friends has been even more exciting.<br />
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We had a wonderful time catching up with Mike and Liza Gilbert, who moved from Colorado to Florida to plant a church.... Calvary Chapel North Port. We had a sweet time of fellowship and then Andrew and I presented at their Saturday evening service. You can find them on Facebook at @CalvaryNorthPort to see what they are up to. They also provide live video from their services. We are so happy and proud of this family for taking a huge step of faith and following the call God has put on their hearts. Since moving to Florida, their family has grown again. We love Mike, Liza, Maranatha, Phoebe, and Zoe!<br />
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We are now in Colorado for a few weeks and would love to catch up with our friends and family here. Send us an email at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com to connect with us. There is simply no place like home... friends and family make it home!<br />
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We will be presenting at Julesburg Christian Church on Sunday, July 8th and Calvary Aurora on Wednesday, July 11th. We look forward to sharing about what God has done in our lives these past two years.<br />
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We also look forward to enjoying some food that we simply can get over in NZ.. like - Anthony's pizza, Chick-fil-A, Tamale Kitchen, Santiagos, John Holly's to name a few. There is really no true Mexican food in our area of New Zealand and we haven't flushed out Auckland to see if there is a great little place waiting to be discovered by us.<br />
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We will head to Minnesota on July 18th and spend time with Andrew's mom and dad. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at the end of July. We hope to have a special meal with them and Laurie, Andrew's sister. We are also looking forward to catching up with our newlywed friends, Jared and Jen and their fur baby, Sadie. Ms. Jen and I enjoy looking at pretty shiney things while Jared and Andrew enjoy playing expensive "quality" musical merchandise. He he.. Andrew's words.<br />
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All around, this trip back to the States has been a blessing and refreshing. We look forward to making new memories and hope you will be part of them too! Hope to hear from you soon. Lord bless you and keep you!<br />
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By the way... we have updated our prayer requests which are located on our blog (<a href="http://www.mcbrideflock.blogspot.com/">www.mcbrideflock.blogspot.com</a>). We have some big things coming up and we would appreciate your prayers. We love you and appreciate you!<br />
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In His love,<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i>Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-6583988152531689182018-04-13T05:15:00.001-06:002018-04-13T05:15:44.682-06:00Is it already April?Hello all!<br />
We are still alive and doing well. It's been quite the semester, as it has been very consuming on so many levels. I wanted to send out a quick update so that you would know that we are still alive and doing well.<br />
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This semester has been refining us as a couple and when long weekend arrived, which is over Resurrection weekend, it was a blessed time set aside for our marriage. Friends from the church we attend in Tauranga invited us to enjoy the apartment on their property. It was a perfect get away, a marriage retreat of sorts. The space was peaceful and the time well enjoyed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View outside the living room of our vacation location.</i></td></tr>
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Andrew has been helping out with the Worship Fellowship night that Vickie, a fellow staffer, is managing at CCBI. He has enjoyed sharing his knowledge of music theory, which to me is an enigma, but a wondrous joy for him. Many of those that attend want to learn more, so it will be interesting to see if another fellowship will be set aside for more music theory. It is a deep black hole that cannot be explained in a few short sessions. Anyway, he has been enjoying his time with this fellowship.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6ql8x9Mdkc1gr4hTKEXIIi05E8s6McFQT-MX7ZB_uiWes400hzGWUTYo8luSNhyphenhyphenwYuTrULyZugwkjPiJeT3SjUYWwpbx7aj9UCh-KYdUpnlMoCBYDsmjEEVgXOZw8iYGaZSkaGbP3YsM/s1600/Andrew+-+music+theory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6ql8x9Mdkc1gr4hTKEXIIi05E8s6McFQT-MX7ZB_uiWes400hzGWUTYo8luSNhyphenhyphenwYuTrULyZugwkjPiJeT3SjUYWwpbx7aj9UCh-KYdUpnlMoCBYDsmjEEVgXOZw8iYGaZSkaGbP3YsM/s400/Andrew+-+music+theory.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Andrew teaching music theory.</i></td></tr>
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I just have to say, I loved watching him worship last night as he played the bass for Koinonia. As he worshiped, others were drawn in to worship. Pastor Mark and Andrew were both jamming and I wished I had the guts to pull out my phone to capture it on video. Those of you who attend Calvary Aurora may remember how Andrew unabashedly worships as he plays his bass and sings. That is one of the many things I love about him! He enters in and just goes for it.<br />
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I have been helping on the admin side of the school and we have been busy with getting documents ready for the local government to register the school's kitchen for food safety. FUN!! Ha ha.. he he! Thank you, Tecla, for taking such amazing care of the kitchen and the team that serves in there.. whether cooking, cleaning the dishes, or setting up the dining room. You lead that team with such strength and grace. I know you are constantly pouring into their lives whether they recognize it or not.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrXiR6xjOVWQSn4p9TPh2F2hvaYk2quI8gw5blBHYxs-pvIEI-KdkU1JK7BRfUtV_Qr0MGCufPxjEqGbDWXsJBXYgOZKpFLpLOGtPqKpBItQoFVoVWIj0G4w4dpJHNLwa5mA3UsOed4Fn/s1600/Tecla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="394" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrXiR6xjOVWQSn4p9TPh2F2hvaYk2quI8gw5blBHYxs-pvIEI-KdkU1JK7BRfUtV_Qr0MGCufPxjEqGbDWXsJBXYgOZKpFLpLOGtPqKpBItQoFVoVWIj0G4w4dpJHNLwa5mA3UsOed4Fn/s400/Tecla.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tecla, my crazy and wonderful friend in the kitchen.</i></td></tr>
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Tecla, this amazing woman mentioned above, is married to Jake.. our new director. Jake has been Mark's right hand for the past 6-7 years.. since the beginning of CCBI NZ and now is the director of the school. He is doing an amazing job learning the ropes and leading this team. So many things have come across his desk this semester and he handles it all with God's strength and he leans on God for wisdom. We love this family and ask that you pray for them as they continue to serve this school and their community. They are a HUGE blessing!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWQHAODOaR5tBHiKSy-8GkRLyUvfZ0J9nQdp_FcRw1_0a5OL_HR_BUSembWCgWV_ob-pdrqzw63M-NApNj0OcLQbHjQZ3QdNDOZ0gNlzBO2BUh_r0X0CJ8q5-lW3jF5sGzJd3vx1zi_x4/s1600/Jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWQHAODOaR5tBHiKSy-8GkRLyUvfZ0J9nQdp_FcRw1_0a5OL_HR_BUSembWCgWV_ob-pdrqzw63M-NApNj0OcLQbHjQZ3QdNDOZ0gNlzBO2BUh_r0X0CJ8q5-lW3jF5sGzJd3vx1zi_x4/s400/Jake.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jake with his son... we love this family! <br />(Not pictured - their adorable and energetic daughter - Jade)</i></td></tr>
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Andrew and I will be heading out to Sydney next week (early Friday morning - April 20th) to serve at Sydney Refresh. Andrew will be joining Mark on one of the worship teams for the conference. I am helping with the crafts for the kids ministry. It will be a great time to come alongside the team in Sydney and love on and encourage those in attendance. It reminds me of the Refresh conferences that Calvary Aurora has hosted. It takes a small village to pull these events together. A team of us from CCBI NZ will be focused on the kiddos that get to attend. We have all kinds of fun plans in the works. We would love your prayers as we go and serve this part of the body of Christ. We will share an update on the flip side of outreach week and let you know how it all went.<br />
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Fun news... we will be coming to the States for a furlough in June and July. Our first stop is in Virginia to join in the wedding festivities of my sister, Jackie, and her beau, Darrell. From there we will head down to Florida with my dad and stepmom. We look forward to a visit with them as well as some friends that live close to Englewood - Liza and Mike. From there we will head to Colorado on June 19th and look forward to catching up with family and friends. Our last stop will be Minneapolis on July 18th where we will celebrate a very special anniversary with Andrew's parents.<br />
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For those in Colorado, we look forward to catching up with you and sharing all that God is doing in our lives and learning what He is doing in yours. <br />
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We would love to hear from you! Drop us an email at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com and let us know how we can be praying for you.<br />
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For more information about our prayer requests and such, please check out the right hand column on our blog: mcbrideflock.blogspot.com<br />
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We love you and thank God for you!<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i><br />
<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-2740396691674189862018-02-05T01:09:00.000-07:002018-02-05T01:09:27.171-07:00Dawn's reflections on January (Part 2)<i>Recap... Aunt Susie's funeral on the 8th. My uncle went into ICU at the hospital on January 9th. I get really sick on the 12th and still am really sick on the 15th.</i><br />
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January 15th... Freezing rain has arrived and every surface outside is like an ice rink. I hear a strange sound while sleeping and wonder what the little man who is being babysat by his precious grandma has dropped. Oh.. he didn't drop anything. There is a knock at my bedroom door.<br />
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My friend comes in and gently lets me know that my rental car has been hit. WHAT? Are you kidding? I get out of bed. I look out the window and the front bumper is on the ground. I start crying in the squeaky voice that is cold has left me. It's a rather pathetic cry. I am sure you wouldn't even recognize it as a cry, but I can tell you, I wanted to crawl up in a ball in the corner and just disappear. This is too much! I can't do this.<br />
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I calm down and watch the ice rink outside the window. Oh... oh... NO! Another car hit my rental car. No way!?!?! I let the people downstairs know. I am in shock. What is my rental company going to do to me? I didn't buy their collision insurance package.<br />
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Not 10 minutes later another car has been hit. Now there are four cars sitting out front battered. We are all in shock. My friend's husband calls 911 to get the police out to the house. Is this really happening?<br />
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My friend's husband is a champ, taking care of all of the details that I would have needed. THANK YOU!!!! I thank God for all that you did to take care of the situation. You were awesome to watch as you loved on the people involved.<br />
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All day long I was "talking" with someone from the rental car agency checking in to see how things were going.. and if the new car had been delivered. As nice as that is, it was getting really annoying. The first tow truck driver messed up and didn't bring the new car when he came to pick up the damaged car. <br />
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Hours... HOURS later the new car was brought, but in the midst of the whole tow truck drama, I had the chance to talk to one tow truck drive, Marcel, and I even was prompted to pray with this man. God.. You love him! Thank you for his gentle heart as he was checking in on me. Bless him and keep him.<br />
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A divine appointment that wouldn’t have happened if the rental car didn’t get hit. A silver thread of God with Marcel. So many divine appointments today! My friends meeting those that were involved in the accidents and those people being blessed with kindness and love. They won’t forget what they experienced from my friends.. the love of God. We just don’t know who was in need today.. and how God met those needs. More silver threads of God for sure.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>“Everybody needs compassion, love that’s never failing; let mercy fall on me,” from Mighty to Save.</i></span></blockquote>
January 16th... My bottom lip blows up with a row of fever blisters. Oh this is just getting crazy!!<br />
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Still WHOLE30 strong!! Susie.. you are worth it!<br />
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January 17th... I am talked into going to the doctor to check for influenza. My nurse, Kim, remembers me from when I lived in Denver. She shares her life story of the past four months. I stare at her and groan in shock. Her horrific experiences.. I can't even begin to imagine how she is doing in her heart. God.. this is why I am here at the doctor's office... to connect with her! We exchanged info so we can stay in touch after I return to NZ. <br />
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Here is an obvious silver thread from the Lord. He will do whatever He wants to touch people's lives. He knew that I was okay, but He wanted Kim to know that she wasn’t alone, that He is there in the midst of her chaos. We may not understand why things are going the way they are, but can you see the silver thread of God in it somewhere? Can you see Him making connections with people you wouldn’t have otherwise connected with?<br />
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January 19th... Feeling better and I visit with dear friends at Calvary Aurora. Andrew and I are blessed by this church! Thank you for everything!!<br />
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January 20th... I start the journey back to New Zealand and I am feeling pretty good. On my first flight the gals in my row are so worried about getting sick so I wear a mask. The gal beside me pulls out her own mask and then the gal against the window puts on a bandanna to protect herself from germs. It's not just about my germs, but about the germs on the plane. <br />
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My flight from Houston is uneventful but very long... 15 hours! I met a great flight attendant and by the end of the flight, I give him a hug. Another potential silver thread of God. <br />
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I finally meet Andrew at Taupo airport while wearing a mask. It had "I love you" written over the mouth area. It is so good to be reunited with him!<br />
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January 24th... Relapse... sickness has returned. Bed rest here I come! I am still not willing to bend... WHOLE30 strong!<br />
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January 30th... final day of first round of Whole30 and I am nervous and excited. I haven't been on the scale since December 31st. I wonder what it will look like since over half of my Whole30 was spent in bed. Oy!! I've been asked how I feel from doing the Whole30... I can't tell. I've been so sick. I will definitely do another round of Whole30 to see what it is really like.<br />
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I am nervous about what life will look like after this round. I've been eating without any tummy aches unless there was something in the food that I didn't know was there.. and that happened a few times. </div>
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Whole30 talks about non-scale victories (NSV). This is where you see changes in your body after doing the program for 30 days. They even want you to do a quick checklist before you weigh in so you can see other changes than the number on the scale. Here are my NSVs for this round:<br />
- No more mid-day slump<br />
- I need less sugar or rather... I crave sugar less.<br />
- Healthy eating habits have brought my family together... Andrew and I have fought through this and made it to the end. Love you, babe!<br />
- I have a flatter stomach<br />
- My clothes fit better<br />
- I have less painful joints<br />
- I have fewer PMS symptoms (much to my surprise)<br />
- I experience less back and knee pain<br />
- I have improved circulation (my hands and feet weren't cold in Denver - until I got sick)<br />
- Improved self-confidence (After having the month I did and remained Whole30 compliant... I have no more excuses!!)<br />
- I have a healthier relationship with food<br />
- I learned how to read a label even more (We have A LOT of sugar in food)<br />
- I listen to my body<br />
- I am no longer afraid of dietary fat (Nuts, oils, avocados)<br />
- I no longer use food for comfort<br />
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So I got on the scale... what was I hoping for? Did I achieve it? I hoped for a 10 pound loss but got a 9 pound loss. I have to remember that it was without one single workout that I had that loss. Next time will be very very different.<br />
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Now what? I am not interested in going back to the way I ate before. What do I eat now? I love the idea of going paleo... which is a little more relaxed than Whole30, but still no grains or legumes. I am gluten and dairy free already so that is not a biggie for me. Okay.. next journey begins.. Paleo!<br />
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January was filled with struggles, but I can clearly see the silver threads of God through each crazy experience. I am reminded that God is a good God and I was always safe. He used my life in ways I would have never imagined to make His presence known to others. I am not my own and may God continue to receive the glory for everything!<br />
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I look forward to heaven and seeing what this trip was really all about. Whose life or lives changed for the better as they chose to let God love them. The ripple effect will be quite interesting to see. God will use every situation in our lives to reach out to others. God will use my brokenness to touch lives and reveal His presence. He loves you! He really does!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.” </span></i></blockquote>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Psalm 121:2-3</span></i></blockquote>
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I love you and thank you for praying for me when all of this was happening. It was hard on Andrew not being able to be there to comfort me. Please pray that I continue to heal as my body is still fighting this nasty virus or whatever it is. Pray that we both have the needed energy for this semester as it is going to be a good one, but very busy.</div>
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Blessings to you and yours....</div>
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<i>Dawn</i></div>
Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-55118431504468253462018-02-01T17:51:00.000-07:002018-02-01T17:51:23.600-07:00Dawn's reflections on January (Part 1)Looking back at January, it was an extraordinary month for me. So many things happened and I am so glad the month is over. I look forward to February being a month where my life stabilizes and to beautiful beginnings.<br />
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<b>January 1st</b>... within the first hour of the day starting I received a call from my mother that her sister, my 52 year old aunt, had suddenly passed away. We were in shock! What?? How? When? She wasn't sick. What in the world!?!?!??! We cried together and I told her I would pray about coming home.<br />
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While I was serving in Japan in 1998 my cousin passed away and I couldn't return for the funeral, a regret I have to this day. Lord, what do You want me to do? Go. After talking with Andrew and my mom, a decision was made to return home to support my family through this sudden loss.<br />
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Andrew and I had to decided to embark on a Whole30 starting January 1st. I began to question if we should continue in the light of the stress that was ahead. Again, I took time to really consider it and pray.<br />
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Much like when I went back to college in August 2005 after my granny passed away that July, I was struggling to focus in my class. Maybe I should drop the class and just wait until next semester. I'm not ready. I had a chat with the Lord and He was like, "Dawn... how would granny feel about you dropping this class?" "She would be really upset with me, that I was allowing my grief to slow my progress towards graduation." "Okay. Let's have a mindset shift. What about you dedicating your class to granny?" "Oh wow!! That is an interesting and intriguing idea. Let's go for it." With a mindset shift, I completed that class with an A.<br />
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This Whole30 plan was getting the same mindset shift. Aunt Susie, I dedicate this Whole30 to you! I love you! I wish you could have found the freedom from food that this plan offers. Let's do this!! I know it won't be easy, but I want to honor her with this.<br />
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<b>January 3rd</b>... I start the 25 hour journey to Denver, leaving the lodge at 8:00 AM, and Andrew drove me to Auckland airport which is a 3.5 hour drive. Thank you, beloved husband, for being part of my journey to my family! <br />
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I had divine appointments on my flights from Auckland and San Francisco. I prayed with my neighbor on the SFO to Denver flight as he was a heart transplant survivor and takes meds every 12 hours to help make sure his body doesn't reject his new heart. I was impressed with how he lives his life - a drummer for a band and he was flying home from a recording session. I see a silver thread of God in this divine appointment.<br />
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Now that I am in Denver, let's do this! I met with my cousins to help take care of some of the funeral plans. We laugh, we cry, we are family! I collect my aunt's memorabilia and photos. There is a lot to do, but this will be a very special celebration of her life. I am exhausted.<br />
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Working on her slide show was such a precious project as we mused over the photos and memories. Her smile. Her eyes. It reminded me of her laughter. Oh Susie, you will be so very missed!! Thinking about what theme song for her video, I was reminded of one that I had listened to many times... I think it is the right one... See You Again performed by Carrie Underwood.<br />
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<b>January 6th</b>... All items are to be at the church to prepare for her service on Monday. I ran into dear friends at the church which was such a blessing. We upload the video and watch the whole thing to make sure it will work. I cry. I can't help it. I can't believe she is gone.<br />
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<b>January 7th</b>... I had the joy of attending church at Calvary Aurora with my sister. The worship is always spot on. God spoke to my heart during one song about how He is in every moment. He was there!! My throat got a huge knot it. I quietly sob.. tears rolling down my face. Oh Father, thank You for telling me that!<br />
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<b>January 8th</b>... It's the day.... the day to say good-bye.. the day to remember Susie in a special way. God, I need Your help! Calvary Aurora did an amazing job serving my family in this special need. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ! I shared at the funeral a bit about what God spoke to my heart. I pray others were comforted by it too. <br />
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We go to the Red Robin that Susie would frequent. We remember her some more. I was challenged by the onion rings.. but I didn't touch them. I didn't even reach out for them. I didn't let me eyes linger on that tower of yummyness. Susie.. this Whole30 is for you!<br />
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WHOLE30 strong!!!<br />
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<b>January 9th</b>... What???!?!?! My uncle, Susie's brother, is found unresponsive and taken to the ER. He has carbon dioxide poisoning again. Lord! Why? My uncle is in ICU. I have to go see him. Wait, my cousin is home alone.. her mother is not there anymore... who do I go see, Lord? Your uncle has his beloved with him. Your cousin is alone. Go see her! Yes, I will go see her... love on her.. be with her. You are dearly loved, dear cousin!<br />
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<b>January 10th</b>... My social calendar just made a dramatic shift. I cancelled my two social appointments so that I could be with my uncle in ICU. He is sedated as he is fighting the ventilator which is breathing for him. I love you, uncle! Please pull through! Please keep fighting for life. I can't imagine my world without you! I played Reckless Love for him to remind him that God loves him and just in case the music was too confusing I read the words of the song to him.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #38761d;">Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, <i>relentless</i> love of God</span><span style="color: #38761d;">Oh, <i>how it pursues me</i>, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine</span><span style="color: #38761d;">I couldn't earn it, and I don't deserve it, still, You give Yourself away</span><span style="color: #38761d;">Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, <i>relentless</i> love of God </span><span style="color: #38761d;">(words changed by me)</span></blockquote>
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The nurses in the ICU were great and I had the opportunity to share with them about what Andrew and I have been up to. Who knows the ripple effect this will have on their thoughts, ideas, and lives. I see potential silver threads of God.<br />
<br />
<b>January 11th</b>... Another visit to ICU. He is doing better. Come on, uncle, with God you can do this. I love you! XOXO<br />
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<b>January 12th</b>... I wake up with a strange little cough. Hmm.. where did this come from? I decide to do things differently and spend time with a few friends. I have lunch with a dear friend and then run to get some immune system activator. I can't let this cold or whatever it is get in the way of the rest of my trip.<br />
<br />
I'm chilled so I put on my puffer jacket. I spend my entire visit with another friend in my puffer jacket. Hmm.. this isn't looking good. I go to the restroom and after washing my hands my teeth start chattering and I am now shivering. I have to go "home". I text ahead that I am super chilled and my home-stay friends prepare for my arrival. I get home and it's full on. I feel terrible!<br />
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<b>January 13th and 14th</b>... those days are a blur. I was sick in bed. I think I watched cartoon movies. Whole30 strong! I will not let this sickness kick me off plan.<br />
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<i>....... There is so much to share about this month. The completion of this reflection will be posted in a few days .......</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-63440722838100258802018-01-02T14:00:00.000-07:002018-01-31T23:05:53.062-07:00On my way to DenverThis year started off quite challenging. Yes, it is only January 2nd, but our family has endured something pretty intense. It is with great sadness and a broken heart that I share this information.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken a few years ago</td></tr>
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My aunt Susie suddenly passed away New Years Eve's Eve in Denver. The news came as a shock as Susie wasn't ill, not with a life threatening illness, just a cold or something like that. Jen, her daughter, was there when she collapses and she tried to do CPR but Susie was gone. I am on my way home as you read this and I ask for your help. Would you please pray for my family?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When her kids were youngin's</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Pray for her children, Jen and Dan, as they are hit hard with this loss. </li>
<li>Pray for provision for her mortuary expenses as she had no savings and no will.</li>
<li>Pray for Jen to have wisdom as she has a lot of decisions that she will have to make.</li>
<li>Pray for my family as we are all stunned and in shock.</li>
<li>Pray for my expenses to be covered as this is unexpected and unforeseen.</li>
<li>Pray for other family members that will be traveling to Denver for the funeral.</li>
<li>Pray for all of the things to come together with ease and a blessing to those involved.</li>
<li>Pray for opportunities for me to serve my family.</li>
</ul>
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I hope we can give an update on what is going on in our world soon. I will be in Denver until the 20th, so I can't promise it will happen soon.<br />
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I was reminded of this scripture yesterday and it's true. God is my strength and He will help us through this challenging time.<br />
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Much love to you all!<br />
Dawn<br />
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Also.... if you would like to help with the mortuary expenses, please follow this link to the GoFundMe page:<br />
<span style="color: purple;">..... UPDATE..</span> all of the funds were raised to pay for Aunt Susie's mortuary expenses.<br />
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If you would like to help with my expenses, please send funds through PayPal: Friend to Friend with my email address: jcluvsme7@msn.com<br />
For those in NZ, please contact me directly for our banking information.<br />
<span style="color: purple;">..... UPDATE..</span> Friends and family came together to help get me home. <br />
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Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-63484174543561862182018-01-02T01:02:00.000-07:002018-01-02T01:02:27.348-07:00January 2018 Prayer CalendarHello all!<br />
Please see the prayer calendar for this month. Please let us know if you would like a PDF version and we will email it to you. Our email addy is: <a href="mailto:mcbrideflock@yahoo.com">mcbrideflock@yahoo.com</a>.<br />
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Thank you and God bless!</div>
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Dawn and Andrew McBride</div>
<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-58041831699638052292017-12-01T16:21:00.000-07:002017-12-01T16:21:35.159-07:00A quick update from Andrew<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We are closing out the current semester next week and it is always great to see God work in the lives of the students. Almost all of them are coming back next semester along with a bunch of new students. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">A past student from CCBI, Charles, is pastoring in Fiji and we have been able to continue to assist him with ministering to the community. Charles has been such a faithful servant that we are looking forward to two students that will be coming from Fiji that he has poured into. Please pray for financial assistance for the students as well as favour on getting their passports, visas and paperwork.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lusi and Akuila from Fiji</i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Next semester we (CCBI) are looking at expanding our outreaches to the island nation of Tuvalu. Another past CCBI student ministers in a church in Auckland that consists of Tuvaluians. We will be partnering with his church on an exploratory outing in late February 2018. I (Andrew) will be one of the members going on this trip to see what the Lord has for us (CCBI) in Tuvalu for future ministry.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">There are so many ways that the Lord is working here and we feel blessed and humbled to be a part of it. The next semester is probably going to be filled with the most students we have ever had, with the most staff we have ever had, and with a greater emphasis on missions and church planting than in the past. Please lift up all of these things in your prayers and that we would be able to rest in Him over the upcoming break. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Thank you for joining us on this journey of serving God in the land of the Long White Cloud. More updates to come after the semester ends.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>Andrew</i> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For more information about prayer requests and such, please check out the right column our blog: <a href="http://mcbrideflock.blogspot.com/">mcbrideflock.blogspot.com</a></span><br />
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<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-85181297167444348022017-12-01T15:50:00.002-07:002017-12-01T15:50:32.655-07:00December 2017 Prayer Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello family and friends!</div>
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Please see our December 2017 prayer calendar. We love you and appreciate your support! If you would like a PDF of this calendar, please email us at <a href="mailto:mcbrideflock@yahoo.com">mcbrideflock@yahoo.com</a>. </div>
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Thank you and Merry Christmas!</div>
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<i>Andrew and Dawn McBride</i></div>
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<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-51432634065775760922017-11-05T02:27:00.001-07:002017-11-05T02:27:15.449-07:00Prayer Calendar for November 2017Hello all,<br />
Please see our prayer calendar for November 2017. Please let me know if you would like a PDF version of it at our email address: mcbrideflock@yahoo.com<br />
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<br />Thank you and God bless!<br />
Dawn and AndrewAndrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-19858904383109238472017-10-22T00:34:00.000-06:002017-10-22T00:34:11.935-06:00Long Weekend - Much Needed RestHello family and friends,<br />
This semester has been fantastic, but fantastic comes at a cost... sometimes sanity, sometimes energy, sometimes both. We are in the midst of what we call Long Weekend, where we send the students off for a four day weekend (Friday through Monday). <br />
<br />
Andrew and I took the opportunity to have a staycation. The campus has been our home base and we have been been going out to different towns for the day. Friday we played in Rotorua and visited Okere Falls Cafe, Okere Falls, and the Redwood Forest. Beautiful sites and the ears were delighted with the sounds of nature. We found a new little path at Okere Falls and were sweetly surprised by another water fall. I love the little surprises we find when we are willing to step aside from the known into the uncertain.<br />
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Saturday, we enjoyed the day in and around Taupo. We started our day at the Gypsy Fair with delicious sites, images you would imagine in a movie. A high-wire walking dog, a one man band in his own posh trailer concert hall, a pirate helping children with tattoos, tie-dye galore, glass art, homes on wheels, and a variety of goodies for the tummy. We just meandered through taking in the sights.<br />
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We then headed over to the Taupo market which was hustling and bustling. I personally was looking for the potato twister booth, but they weren't there. People were selling their wares.. a great place to buy gifts .. hand made soaps, quilts, wood working, and the like. There were a lot of booths but none of them really caught our attention. <br />
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Having not eaten yet, and nothing grabbing our attention, we decided to head back to the central business district to find something that would tempt us to eat. We looked at a few places but ended up at Paulys.. this really yummy burger joint. I ate a delicious burger made of venison and pork with plum sauce, mayo, and rum raisins. My oh my, my taste buds were singing. Once I picked up that burger, there was no setting it down again. It was so yummy and I couldn't finish my chips (fries). What?? Me never finish chips? Say it isn't so. It's true. You can ask Andrew. It was delicious and I would get it again as a specialty item once in a while. Delicious! #paulysdiner<br />
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Once our tummies were satisfied, we headed to the trails. We ended up at Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley and enjoyed a little trek into the valley. We were issued a temperature radar gun sort of tool so we could see how hot the steam was at different locations in the valley. The hottest steam Andrew registered was just over 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Wowsers! Do not go through this place barefoot (as many Kiwi enjoy doing). We checked the ground at a few places and the hottest registered in the 90s. After our trek through the valley, we enjoyed a nice cold beverage and watched the peacocks, chickens, and other roaming birds. <br />
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Today, we headed to church where Andrew played bass with the worship team and I helped set up the kitchen for the tea (drinks and cookies) after church. Pastor Doug delivered a great message from John 10 about the sheep and how they hear their shepherd's voice. I love how God reiterates how no one can snatch His sheep out of His hands, nor Jesus' hands. His sheep are safe and can relish in the fact that they are secure.<br />
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Tomorrow, the students will return and we will be in the downhill race towards the end of the semester. Only seven weeks left and we have a very full calendar. Our next big activity is Speakers Week which is November 6th - 10th. It will be an all hands on deck kind of week for the staff and interns and an amazing time for the students to listen to different pastors and ministry leaders from all over the world. Speakers are coming from Japan, Australia, the US, and NZ. I am so excited to put faces with the names of many of these ministry leaders as we pray for many of them at our weekly prayer meetings. Please join us in praying that God uses Speakers Week in a mighty way.<br />
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Please join us in prayer regarding the following:<br />
- Speakers Week - November 6th - 10th<br />
+ Safe travels for the speakers and provision for their needs<br />
+ Open hearts and minds for what God wants to do<br />
- Men's conference - November 10th and 11th<br />
+ Some of our students will be attending: pray for open hearts and a<br />
willingness to change<br />
+ Some of our staff will be serving: strength and energy to serve the Lord and<br />
the men well<br />
- Students, interns, and staff to press in and not give in to apathy or tiredness<br />
+ The best is yet to come, let's not give up!<br />
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We love you and thank you for joining us on this crazy and amazing journey that God has brought us to. There is no place like being in the saddle of ministry and holding on to Jesus for life and energy. <br />
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The Lord bless you and keep you!<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew</i>Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-10161727398082073602017-10-11T22:16:00.000-06:002017-10-11T22:16:05.831-06:00Life After Camp - Outreach WeekSurviving the Camp outreach was pretty cool. I am so glad I went and I wouldn't trade it for the world. To see so many young people make a choice that will change their lives... to love on girls that have an unsure or unhappy home life... to encourage girls to know who they are in Christ... PRICELESS!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from the girls dorm area</td></tr>
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A key thought was dying to myself.. dying to my needs.. dying to what I want.. I had to. It was a full on, over-the-top experience and I am exhausted. I am still recovering as you can tell by my writing style.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team minus two littles who left early for a family event.</td></tr>
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Sleepless nights left me exhausted, in tears, and sick on Thursday. The camp staff rallied around me and I felt well cared for. After moving the little lady in the top bunk above me to another bunk, my nights of sleep became better.. little by little.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcano competition - our team did so well!!</td></tr>
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I will never forget those 8 little lives. They have left footprints on my heart forever. I am still so very grateful for my helper... my junior leader... who was there to help me understand the ways of camp life and guide me through. She was a soft place for the girls to land, a friend and sister they could turn to. I am praying for her as well, dear Ms. B-L.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Junior Leader</td></tr>
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You would have loved this campus. I was telling one of the other leaders, from an American perspective, this place is a lawsuit waiting to happen. I was quite surprised by the adventures that were offered to kids both young and not so young. No safety nets on the confidence course.. then again.. would it denote confidence if you have a net to catch you? Amazing campus!! The boys at CA in Colorado would LOOOOOOVE this place.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the littles from my team - laughter and smiles!</td></tr>
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I just have to brag on God for a bit. I had no time to do my back exercises... and then when I could make time, I was too tired to care. The lights were out, my girls were asleep and I was exhausted. Sleep was more important than anything else at that point... okay, except a shower every so often. Thank You, Lord, for holding my back together and making it a relatively pain free week!! To You goes all the glory! Another little miracle... I was served some soy ice cream (I'm allergic to soy products) and I didn't know it. I usually react within 15 minutes of eating soy products but nothing. When I realized it was soy.. I didn't have anymore. Thank You, Lord, for protecting this body from reactions to food that would have made an already interesting experience.. even more interesting. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhek7U8UV3gTjis0OdBk1bRcGrYiyMBO8VkOoFixiIwkRlRovPffzPCEAUBihtjEck5dNZBLIXCYcrLhNOksItoLJS5POifKeTTKFpPbsOZHvJfcQgXcbB6vk0JB5-SMge8Y0EIg50k2lug/s1600/KJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1109" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhek7U8UV3gTjis0OdBk1bRcGrYiyMBO8VkOoFixiIwkRlRovPffzPCEAUBihtjEck5dNZBLIXCYcrLhNOksItoLJS5POifKeTTKFpPbsOZHvJfcQgXcbB6vk0JB5-SMge8Y0EIg50k2lug/s320/KJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't pass up this photo with one my littles.</td></tr>
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There are many more little miracles that He did for me. I feel so amazingly cared for by our Awesome God, who took care of the details that could have easily spoiled the week for me. Warfare was high, but the payoff even higher! I love all of the aunties and uncles I met this past week and pray for the Lord to bless them and encourage them on their journeys.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another one of the littles on my team. Love her much!</td></tr>
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So, I am back at school and wrapping my mind around my role here again. I have songs from camp that come to mind from time to time and I may even do the hand motions with the songs. I still have the three memory verses we learned on the tip of my tongue:<br />
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Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to My ways.<br />
John 2:5 Whatever He says to you, do it!<br />
Proverbs 4:27 Don't get sidetracked and keep your feet from following evil.<br />
(oh goody.. 5 lollies for me) :0)<br />
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What an outreach.. but I am so glad I went!! So many memories, more than I can share here. Would you join me in praying for the littles on my team that have yet to receive Jesus as their Savior? God knows their names and their hearts. <br />
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<b>"Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." Philippians 2:17</b><br />
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Onward and upwards, all for His glory!<br />
Love to you,<br />
Dawn<br />
<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-15876503077204506252017-10-02T03:00:00.000-06:002017-10-02T03:00:19.836-06:00Gleanings from Philippians 1:10Notes from my study on Philippians 1:10<br />
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10: that you may <u><span style="color: blue;">approve</span></u> <span style="color: #b45f06;"><u>the things that are excellent</u></span>, that you may be <span style="color: red;"><u>sincere</u></span> and <u><span style="color: purple;">without offense</span></u> <span style="color: #38761d;"><u>till the day of Christ</u></span>,<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Approve</span> -> to test, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), to recognize as genuine after examination, deem worthy<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06;">The things that are excellent</span> -> to test, prove, the good things that differ, to distinguish between good and evil, lawful and unlawful, to approve of things that excel, surpass one<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Sincere </span>-> without falsity, pure, found pure when unfolded and examined by the sun's light<br />
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The Romans loved statues and sometimes when a statue was being made, a little piece of the stone would break off. Rather than throwing the whole thing away just because the tip of the nose broke off, they became very adept at mixing marble powder with wax and patching it. This worked fine until the statue was exposed to heat. On a hot day the wax would just melt right down the side of the statue. Those statues that were made without wax were more expensive and would have a sign on them that read, sincerus (sine cera), meaning “judged in the brightness of the sun”. This is what Paul was praying for the Philippians, that their faith would hold together in the heat under close scrutiny. That their relationship with God would be sincerely real. What a great prayer to pray for someone. Chuck Smith said, “I would love for people to pray that I would be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ”. (From Chuck Smith's commentary in the Word for Today Bible)<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Without offense</span> -> not causing to stumble, metaph. of not leading others to sin by one's mode of life, blameless; oven tested (Boice)<br />
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Our lives must be open before God and before others. There must be no hypocrisy.<br />
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<b>2 Corinthians 4:2</b> "But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God."<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Till day of Christ </span>-> of the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven<br />
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Praise the Lord that He never gives up on us! He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).<br />
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More to come!<br />
Dawn<br />
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Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-35324846314100210622017-09-25T03:00:00.000-06:002017-09-25T03:00:00.202-06:00Gleanings from Philippians 1:9Here are my notes from verse 9 of Philippians 1<br />
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9: And this I pray, that your <u><span style="color: red;">love</span></u> may <u><span style="color: blue;">abound</span></u> <u><span style="color: #38761d;">still</span></u> <span style="color: purple;"><u>more</u></span> and <span style="color: purple;"><u>more</u></span> in <span style="color: orange;"><u>knowledge</u></span> and all <u><span style="color: #990000;">discernment</span></u>..<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Love</span> -> agape: brotherly love, good will<br />
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“Brotherly love is not a matter of mere sentimentality; it is love in the truth. This calls for study of the Word of God in order that one may know just how to manifest that love according to each particular occasion.” Ironside<br />
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The Philippians had a lot of love, and they showed it to Paul. Yet Paul didn’t hesitate to pray that their love would abound still more and more. It doesn’t matter how much love for others we have; we can still have more! (Guzik)<br />
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“That it (love) may be like a river, perpetually fed with rain and fresh streams so that it continues to swell and increase until it fills all its banks, and floods the adjacent plains.” (Clarke) – Visual – like the farms we see here.. overflowing<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Abound</span> -> exceed a fixed number of measure, in abundance<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Still</span> -> even greater, further<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">More</span> -> to a greater degree, sooner, more readily, more willingly<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Knowledge</span> -> precise and correct knowledge, full discernment (used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine)<br />
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Advanced spiritual knowledge – In the NT this word is applied only to spiritual things – to the knowledge of God, religious knowledge, spiritual knowledge, and doctrinal knowledge. It is a knowledge that comes to the Christian through a study of God’s Word. (Boice)<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Discernment</span> -> moral discernment, the understanding in ethical matters<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be passive in your knowledge and discernment<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That in having this precise and correct knowledge and moral discernment, we would grow above and beyond the world’s expectation and measurement of love<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Understanding given by the Holy Spirit” (Boice) – The Holy Spirit enables us to discern how love should operate<br />
-<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In classical Greek, discern refers to testing someone or something. It is the technical word for testing money to determine whether or not it is counterfeit. It occurs in a political context for the testing of a candidate for office.<br />
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Prayer: This is as it should be – that we pray for one another.<br />
<b>Philippians 1:4</b> "always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy..."<br />
<b>Colossians 4:2</b> "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving"<br />
<b>Ephesians 6:18</b> "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication (entreaty-petition, asking) for all the saints..."<br />
<b>Romans 12:12</b> "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer..."<br />
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This will change us if we do it. It will change our relationship to other Christians. God increases the fellowship by changing you. Prayer will draw you to other Christians so you will pray jointly for mutual concerns.<br />
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<b>Acts 2:42 </b>"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."<br />
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Pray specifically and constantly for one another.<br />
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More to come....</div>
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Dawn</div>
Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-11058015683304275582017-09-18T03:00:00.000-06:002017-09-18T03:00:07.503-06:00Gleanings from Philippians 1:8Here are some of my (Dawn) study notes from Philippians 1:8-18. I will break it down one verse at a time.<br />
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Verse 8: For God is my <u><span style="color: blue;">witness</span></u>, how greatly I <span style="color: purple;"><u>long for</u> </span><u><span style="color: red;">you all</span></u> with the <span style="color: #38761d; text-decoration-line: underline;">affection</span> of Jesus Christ.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Witness</span> -> record, one who is a spectator of something<br />
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Romans 9:1 gives another example of Paul calling on God to be his witness: “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit.”<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Long for</span> -> to yearn, earnestly desire, to pursue with love<br />
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Another example of Paul's heart: 1 Thessalonians 2:8 “So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”<br />
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Adam Clarke paraphrased Paul’s idea here: “I call God to witness that I have the strongest affection for you, and that I love you with that same kind of tender concern with which Christ loved the world when He gave Himself for it.”<br />
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<span style="color: red;">You all</span> -> each and every one of you<br />
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In the day of this letter, there were many divisions of people: race, wealth, education, and culture. There were no bridges for fellowship. Each group was separate from the others. There was no fellowship or a brotherhood that joined them. Christianity was the first and only to bridge the gaps between the groupings. The Christians were known by their love for one another. Remember - Lydia, slave, jailor – all very different groupings of life.<br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;">Affection</span> -> bowels: the bowels were regarded as the seat of the more violent passions, such as anger and love; but by the Hebrews it is known as the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart (tender mercies, affections, etc.). <br />
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Paul’s .. “interest in the saints at Philippi did not cease with his leaving their city. Through all the years that had passed he had borne them on his heart, and presented them to God in prayer.” Ironside<br />
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“The Lord always looks at His people as they will be when they are done” author unknown – It would be well with us if we could look at our brothers and sister in the same way (Ironside) – It would benefit us if others did the same for us as they can see our imperfections.<br />
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A painter has an image in his head of the end result. He starts painting the base of the image with grays and tans. A friend steps into the work area and the painter asks his friend what he thinks of the paint. He friend sees the drabness of the grays and tans. The painter smiles and knows what it will look like in the end.<br />
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It is not just enough to tolerate other Christians. You must enjoy their company. You must learn from them. Furthermore, this fellowship must be one that is constantly expanding to include other Christians, even those whom you have never met but with whom you are forever united in the Lord. (Boice)<br />
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Look at Romans 16:21 -> for an example of the crossover of groupings, cultures, levels, etc.<br />
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Timothy: a resident of Lystra (within Galatia), apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess; he was Paul's travelling companion and fellow labourer<br />
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Lucius: a man from Cyrene (current day Libya, Africa) who was a prophet and a teacher of the church in Antioch<br />
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Jason: a Thessalonian (Macedonia – current day Greece) who entertained Paul and Silas, and could be Paul’s cousin<br />
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Sosipater: fellow tribesman of Paul (Achia, Greece)<br />
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I used a few commentaries by the following authors: Boice and Ironside.<br />
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More to come!!<br />
Much love,<br />
DawnAndrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-27899591274619326912017-09-11T02:20:00.001-06:002017-09-11T02:20:10.239-06:00Amazing timesHi friends and family,<br />
It simply amazes me how quickly time flies. Here we are starting our third week of classes and it's been how long since our last entry? Wowsers! Here is a quick update of what we are up to:<br />
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Andrew is teaching the Wisdom of Solomon class which covers Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes. As usual, he is behind the scenes managing the AV area and helping out with vehicles. On Thursday he plays bass at our Thursday night church service (Koinonia) at CCBI.<br />
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Andrew also plays he plays bass at Shoreline Church in Tauranga and helps out with their sound system as needed. He is a huge blessing to that congregation and when he is not there, he is greatly missed. I love watching him minister there to that special church family.<br />
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Andrew has just started a very special project with some students regarding church planting and I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned. This is the second semester it has been on his heart and he knocked on the door and 10 or so students/interns/staff have stepped forward showing interest in NZ church planting. The Lord is stirring hearts!<br />
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I (Dawn) was going to teach English Composition this semester but bowed out because I wasn't ready and I didn't want to give a mediocre class to the students that signed up. Dismayed about letting the students down by cancelling the class, I really took into consideration what would be impacted by keeping the class going. The costs far outweighed the benefit so I made the hard decision to postpone the class. Now that I have a textbook, I can better plan for a future semester, whether it next semester or beyond. I am learning to count the cost.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.." </i></span><i style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luke 14:28</span></i></blockquote>
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I (Dawn) am still serving in the registration role as well as pastoral assistant, but now have a sidekick - Annie!! She is awesome... like a younger version of myself - but not quite as quirky as me.. which is a huge benefit for her. We have many of the same tendencies and I love that we speak the same admin language - crazy busy-ness. We LOVE to be busy. Yes, it is more like an illness, but we love it. Letting go of my precious projects is proving a bit trying for me, but I know Annie is a capable. I just need to let go and let her fly. Learning.. I am always learning.<br />
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I (Dawn) have the chance to teach at the ladies class on Philippians. I am loving this class so very much! Paul loved the church in Philippi and to share about his heart and what he went through has been challenging and a blessing. I will share more about this in a future update.<br />
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I (Dawn) have also been growing in a completely different area. Pastor Doug at Shoreline has invited me to join the worship team. Oh wow!! Jittery nerves and knocking knees, I sing with him. I find I really sing well when I focus in on my Audience of One. He is why I am there in the first place. He is the One that I am singing too. Ignore the Facebook-Live cam. Phase out the congregation. Sing to Him. Lift your eyes to Him. Let Him see your heart as you sing. Oh the joy when my heart and eyes are fixed on Him. So I have a huge growth opportunity there. It's never a dull moment.<br />
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Outreach week is coming up. We covet your prayers for our teams:<br />
- Fiji Outreach to the slums and then a children's outreach at Moturiki Island. Leaders are Jordi and Austin.<br />
- Melbourne Outreach to support Calvary Melbourne and serve at their family camp. Leader is Andrew.<br />
- Wellington Outreach to be a part of Calvary Wellington's VBS that reaches out to the Lower Hutt community. Leaders are Manny and Vickie.<br />
- Tauranga Outreach to reach out to the community through Shoreline Church. Leaders are Jen and Alyssa.<br />
- Camp Raglan Outreach to assist in leadership roles at Camp Raglan. Leaders are Clint, Mackenzie, and Dawn.<br />
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Each team has a unique focus. Our prayer requests for outreach week would be:<br />
- God to work mightily through us and be glorified<br />
- Team unity<br />
- Safe travels<br />
- Healthy teams (no sickness or injury)<br />
- Provision for our needs<br />
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Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy update. We love you and appreciate you joining us on this journey of faithfulness.<br />
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Hugs and much love,<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i><br />
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Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-52057769772305626802017-09-06T22:48:00.001-06:002017-09-06T22:48:45.248-06:00Prayer Calendar - September 2017Hello all!!<br />
Please see our prayer calendar. So sorry it is a bit late. School is in full swing and I am catching up. If you would like to receive a PDF version of this calendar, please send us an email at mcbrideflock@yahoo.com.<br />
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Thank you for praying with us and for us!</div>
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<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i></div>
Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4159180102718736987.post-86204013783395694412017-07-31T14:00:00.000-06:002017-07-31T14:00:24.957-06:00August Prayer CalendarHi there,<br />
Here is our August prayer calendar. If you would like a PDF of this calendar, please email us at <a href="mailto:mcbrideflock@yahoo.com">mcbrideflock@yahoo.com</a>.<br />
Thank you for praying with us!<br />
<i>Dawn and Andrew McBride</i><br />
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<br />Andrew and Dawn McBridehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08923832950766348944noreply@blogger.com0