Is Bono a Salvo?

I admit, I stole this pic from Wikipedia, but it raises the question, how Salvo can someone get before they take the plunge and don the uniform!!!

And he thought that cutting-edge Justice mixed with a burning passion for Jesus was original.....

Easter - Jesus died for YOU! Get to know him!

Whew! What a whirlwind that Easter was! Pete & I had opportunity to share a Good Friday "preview" at Sunrise last Thursday (Chapel). Pete laid the "Jesus died for you" message right out there on the line, answered a bunch of questions the guys had and challenged them to take Jesus as their life-saver... The classic line used to preach the gospel was "God is like KFC, we can't just walk up and take the chicken, there is a person we need to go through to get to the chicken (Jesus as a check-out chick with a difference!). The guys really connected with that one!

That night (Thursday) we went to a Passover meal at Darwin Corps, more than a hundred people rocked up! It was awesome to explore that last meal Jesus had, which he celebrated as a Jew and we can now recognise as a way to celebrate Jesus himself as the promised Messiah! (Messiah=a saving leader the Jews have been expecting for thousands of years, many recognised it was Jesus, others are still waiting to this day!).

Friday saw the kick-off of the NT Youth Easter Camp, we went to church (the Drama was awesome! that couple who were acting... second to none! hehe), then stayed out at Howard Springs at "Camp Beazley" (really a big property where the Beazleys live, they were great hosts). Camping out in tents during the wet season was a huge experience - we had two ridiculous rain storms, one which blew a big marquee tumbling across the yard! Only one person's bed got wet in the storms (guess who! grrr).
I spun-out at the go-karts (going too fast), Pete looked hilarious in his full-face helmet and one of the girls crashed while she was too busy waving! The Beazley's pool was well-used by all, especially the Melbournians! (it was HOT!). During the camp we learnt about prayer, justice and were challenged in our understanding of Jesus death and ressurrection - what did that mean personally?
The Camp Leaders had a rocking prayer meeting where the power of the Holy Spirit fell - everyone was amazed by God as leaders knelt, faces to the floor in prayer for the campers. The last night we sat round a campfire and shared about what camp meant to each of us, talked about Jesus' impact on our lives and how life from now on could be different, we could feel the Holy Spirit was there and active!

Where to from camp? We've invited the kids to our Sunday night Revolution Group, an opportunity to go deeper in learning and experiencing what it means to be a Revolutionary for God.

Monday Pete and I hung out at home, caught up on some sleep and reading, then Tuesday slept in some more and after lunch spent some time praying with one of the Sunrise guys that God is really working on (*please pray for him*). Afterwards we did the afternoon shift at Sunrise Homeless Mens accommodation.

Only a week to go here at Sunrise, then on to Darwin Corps... time is really flying by!

A final thought (as shared at Sunrise devotions today):

We can know OF people, we can know ABOUT people and we can KNOW people.
Do you know OF Jesus? Know ABOUT Jesus? or KNOW Jesus?

Because Jesus KNOWS YOU!!! - see Psalm 139!

How much does your coffee cost?

Saturday night Darwin Corps held a showing of the movie "Black Gold". This movie highlights the plight of coffee growers in Ethiopia and the injustice of the current trading system with the Western world. Did you know that currently Ethiopian coffee farmers only get 3 cents from a cup of coffee that costs you $3? Considering this nation is one of the poorest in the world and receiving millions of dollars in aid, it is a shock to think that they are being ripped off to this degree!

I challenge you to educate yourself about issues facing third-world farmers today and how you can influence change.... start by educating yourself, then buy coffee and chocolate marked "fairtrade" wherever possible. It could mean life or death for them!



I choose life, it might cost me more and require more effort, but it is right and just to do so!

Back home in a flash!

Since my last post, we've had more fun here at Sunrise (Drug & Alcohol Rehab), spent a day out on an excursion with clients (to see the Wetlands, tour a fishing lure factory and BBQ at Howard Springs). We've 'shadowed' some different help groups, so now Pete has learnt to deal with his anger and I've learnt to be a better parent (!!). We're getting to know the guys here and they've started to warm up to us, so its set to become an interesting journey! I'm running a short chapel service this Friday and preaching a sermon for Palm Sunday at Palmerston Corps - busy, busy!

The last two Sundays have been way interesting! Week before last was the African service at Darwin Corps, the Spirit was moving in a new and exciting way (some demon butt was kicked!) - I maintain it is a direct result of the three and a bit days of '24/7 prayer' (a roster of constant prayer) the Corps participated in that weekend! God really does bless the ministry of those who commit to prayer in this way... I love to see what happens when God's people get serious about spending time with him. 24/7 all the way! (for college people - stick with prayer even if others fall off the wagon - its worth it!).

We spent five days back in Melbourne for Lisa's wedding last week (courtesy of Tiger Airways $9.95 one-way fare special!!!). It was awesome to be back with family and to see my little sister enjoying the wedding rollercoaster, a huge milestone in a difficult journey (Scott and Lisa having a intercontinental relationship!). Anyway, everything and everyone was gorgeous, especially Lisa and the boys in their kilts! High 5 to Sandy Crowden for her skilful "marrying" abilities! ;o)

Since getting back people have asked us if we miss people back home. Honestly I don't miss people yet (its not worth doing until they're actually 'missing'!), mainly because I know my friends and family will still be there when I return. Another reason is that I know we are meant to be here in Darwin, God has given me a heart for the people here and I know he will use me and Pete in a mighty big way if we are faithful to being where he wants us to be! I guess thats the key - I'm content because I'm able to finally live my calling... and I'm loving it.