Post Exploratory Post (It just sounds funny)

First off, we would like to say thank you to all of you who have been covering us in prayer.  We truly appreciate your kindness and care that you have shown us.  We serve a mighty God and He delights in our talks with Him.  We have felt your prayers and consider ourselves blessed.

We have been back now for about a week and a half.  We are back in our daily routines as it were, but yet not really.  Both of us miss New Zealand.  Parts of us just wanted to stay.  We all know it can be easy to romanticize a trip or an experience, I have done that before and this is different.  I don’t think in visions of grandeur or places to visit, I pray for the places we have been and the people that we met.  The needs of the saints and the hearts of the lost.

I am sure that both Dawn and I will be sharing more in-depth information in due time through this blog as well as talking to you in person, but for now this post will be more about generalities.  Since we have been back God has shown me more through His word, through prayer, and through others in such a short time.  God has blown me away with how much He loves us and how much He knows about me.  I know that last statement seem kind-of “duh” but it amazes me how much we tend to forget the passions and gifts that God has given us.  We allow the world to dictate our lives a little at a time.  I think back to the Keith Green lyric, “Oh Lord, please light the fire that once burned bright and clear. Replace the lamp of my first love that burns with holy fear”.  We cry out to Him not only because we know that we have not been good stewards but because our hearts are raw and thirsty for His love.  We see things in a new light but really in a way, it is a new, old light.

For now, continue to pray for God’s continued confirmation and guidance.  We do not want to try to make things happen.  Pray for patience as we wait upon The Lord and His timing.  Pray that we may focus in on His calling and not forget the ministries that we are involved in at Calvary Chapel Aurora.

I would also encourage you to pray for the churches and ministries in New Zealand.  There are some listed at the bottom of this blog with links to their websites.  Visit the websites, see what God is doing in New Zealand, and send them a note of encouragement.

Until the next entry, may God fill you with grace, peace, and joy; more than you can think or imagine.

Andrew

Leaving... For now

Well, here we are at Auckland International Airport and I am truly conflicted. I look forward to seeing what's been going on at home and catching up, but already miss New Zealand. So many wonderful people here that we met and already love.

God is so good! We've had a wonderful time and learned loads. Now comes the time to process everything and seek His will and timing for everything. Looking forward to a nap on the flight and then Andrew and I will debrief. Goodness me, there are pages and pages for him to read in my journal.  :0).  I hope we don't disturb those around us as we finally get to share what we feel God has shown each of us.

Love to all my Kiwi friends! God knows when we shall meet again! Praying for you all!
Hugs,
Dawn

CCBI

We have arrived at CCBI and look forward to seeing what God shows us here. We have spent the weekend with the students and some leadership and have learned much. We will join some of the classes this week and serve as requested. They would like us to see what life is like here at CCBI.

We visited Shoreline Church today and got to meet some really neat people. Dave Heitman and his crew are doing a fantastic job of reaching out to the community and sharing the love of Christ.

I must admit it has been really challenging not sharing my thoughts and observations with Andrew. We each are keeping separate journals which is a fantastic idea, but very hard not to share with my best friend the things that God is showing me.  Once we board the flight back home on Saturday we will each share our journals, thoughts, ideas and chatter nonstop. It will be great to catch up with him again. I didn't take into consideration how hard this part would be in that we can't share much with each other right now. Why? You ask. The purpose of keeping separate journals is so that we do not cloud the judgment of the other person. We want God to make it clear to both of us where He wants us to be.

I am learning so much about the Kiwi culture and one of the biggest things than runs deep and affects all aspects of life and ministry is relationships. Nothing moves forward without it. Trust is formulated and strengthened in relationship which really is a beautiful thing! Sandy at Shoreline was sharing a bit of his desire for the men's group- to become a band of brothers or a brotherhood, such camaraderie is admirable and yet a need here in order for ministry to be as impactful as desired.

Well, I am pooped.  I look forward to sharing more later!
Much love to you,
Dawn 

Wonderful Wellington

I would like to start off by thanking you all for your prayers.  We have been so blessed so far on this journey and we know that you all have had a part with your prayers.

Wow, where to start.  Well, we are still in Wellington today and will be traveling tomorrow.  Yesterday was a day of shock and encouragement.  It was shocking in that we wanted to get a good look at what things cost in New Zealand.  We got a good look at prices on household items.  Beds, kitchen ware, and etcetera.  We know that New Zealand is an island and were expecting things to run about double the price as back home.  That was true for somethings, but other items could be 3x, 4x, or even 5x's as much as back home.
As the day continued, God was able to settle us.  We know that He owns a thousand cattle on the hilltops and He can do anything that he wants.  Money and stuff are small potatoes for our God.  He provides for all our needs and we shouldn't worry about them (Matthew 6: 25-34).  Look around at His creation, see how He cares for everything.
In the evening we were able to have a great dinner and time of fellowship with Pastor David Pham of Calvary Chapel Wellington, his family, and a young man from the congregation who attended the bible institute here in New Zealand.  It was a good time of learning about each other, how the church has grown, and the fruit that is growing here in Wellington.

Please continue to pray for us on this journey.  Pray for Calvary Chapel Wellington and where The Lord is leading them in their community.  (CC Wellington just sent out their 2nd missionary Ma'ara, keep her in your prayers as well).  Pray that we would not take a step without the Lord's guidance.

Andrew