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:
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.
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!
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.
"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.." Luke 14:28
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.
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.
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.
Outreach week is coming up. We covet your prayers for our teams:
- Fiji Outreach to the slums and then a children's outreach at Moturiki Island. Leaders are Jordi and Austin.
- Melbourne Outreach to support Calvary Melbourne and serve at their family camp. Leader is Andrew.
- Wellington Outreach to be a part of Calvary Wellington's VBS that reaches out to the Lower Hutt community. Leaders are Manny and Vickie.
- Tauranga Outreach to reach out to the community through Shoreline Church. Leaders are Jen and Alyssa.
- Camp Raglan Outreach to assist in leadership roles at Camp Raglan. Leaders are Clint, Mackenzie, and Dawn.
Each team has a unique focus. Our prayer requests for outreach week would be:
- God to work mightily through us and be glorified
- Team unity
- Safe travels
- Healthy teams (no sickness or injury)
- Provision for our needs
Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy update. We love you and appreciate you joining us on this journey of faithfulness.
Hugs and much love,
Dawn and Andrew McBride
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