I have a good report: This discipleship training school is going so well!
Each week of teaching seems to flow into the next one and build on the previous teaching. A lot of students liken this whole school to open heart surgery they have opportunity to allow God to examine every part of their lives and bring purification. It is amazing how such a diverse group of people can be brought together for this common purpose. Every student has such varied life experience, knowledge of God, and ideas for the future, yet we all agree that we truly want to serve and follow Jesus with all of our lives.
My outreach team and I recently went away to Nelson (a city on the north part of the south island) for a week of serving local churches. While we were there we served by cleaning, painting, leading youth groups, running after-school programs, teaching Bible in schools, fund raising for the churches, and helping out with the Sunday morning services. One evening I was able to share with a young adults group about how I came to YWAM. I enjoyed encouraging the youth to dream big because we serve God who is bigger than we can possibly dream. I never imagined that I would be able to serve God in missions by leading teams around the world!
One thing I continue to learn is how God desires to be a part of the simple things in our lives as well as the big. For example, one evening I was returning late from a youth group to my host home. Of the 4 keys I had, I could not manage to get the door open. I went to a different door of the house and tried again with all of the keys in the dark night amidst exhaustion. I could not get the door open! I returned to the original door feeling defeated. As I approached the door with the key I sighed out a little prayer, "Abba, help me!" and *click!* the door opened right away. For those that may not know, "Abba" means Father in Hebrew. More and more I come to know God as my Father who is waiting for my little cry of help and then He'll help me open any door.
What was most exciting for me this week was watching my team step out in boldness. For some of the students it is quite challenging to speak publicly, so the sharing of their testimonies and teaching God's word were major steps. I was so proud! They maintained positive attitudes and truly worked as a team. You know how the Bible speaks of the blessings of believers working together in unity? Well I'm discovering the amazing power and blessing that can come when we actually do this! Unfortunately I feel like this may be the first time I've really connected with a group of believers and been part of a healthy functioning body.
Recent teaching weeks have focused on the Character and Nature of God, Spiritual Warfare, Relationships, and currently we are studying Missions. Even though some of this is review for me, I am still enjoying every bit of wisdom I can receive here. During the study of God's character, our speaker, Carolyn Chisholm, brought in the painting of Rambrandt's "The return of the prodigal son". We spent the end of each class focusing on the different characters of the father, the prodigal son, and the older son. It was a fascinating time as we peered into this beautiful piece of artwork gaining new revelations about ourlives and how it's likened to these three figures.
This past week I taught a class to the school on cultural awareness. I was glad for an opportunity to speak on a passionate subject of mine! No wonder I so enjoyed my Intercultural Communications class in college. I was able to jump on my soapboxes of dispelling 'ugly American' stereotypes and trying new food with a smile. Traveling to these far countries brings such a deeper understanding and awareness of the worldwide.
Soon I will be in Africa! Outreach departure has come much faster than I expected, but I trust we will all be ready. In the meantime visas, communicating with contacts, team training, and lots of prayer are paving the way for this successful missions venture. We will spend 2-3 weeks each in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and then graduate the school in Israel. Our work will range from living and working in an orphanage to traveling to different islands to bring the Good News to remote tribes. This outreach provides opportunity for our team to partner with Western missionaries in the field. The goal is to give a deeper understanding of how we as young people today can actively serve in Africa or where ever God calls us. Our team's vision to bring joy and encouragement to these missionaries and whoever we meet.
Thank you again to all those that are supporting me in prayer! It's not easy to express how critical this is. We have been in good health and growing by leaps and bounds. A prayer covering makes all these things possible! I know there is quite an increase in risk as we step out into various areas of Africa, so please keep those prayers coming!
Prayer Points:
Preparation for Outreach that all gets done and our team continues to grow in unity and faith.
Health no colds! Sore throats and seasonal colds seem to be common lately.
Lecture phase completion strong finish, the positive work to be solidified in the student's lives before outreach
Finances for the school a few students and staff have outstanding fees
Staff wisdom in our decisions, time management, and focus/foresight for outreach, and that Jesus would be FIRST in all we do!
Praise report: All my immediate expenses are paid for! God has done such an awesome work through the lives of many that are financially supporting me. One of the things I love about this partnership is hearing back from my supporters on how God has continued to bless them as they have given. Giving is such a wonderful principle of the Kingdom of God. I especially enjoy giving into the lives of missionaries on the field as we travel through. God blesses one and they pass it on to another and then it's passed onto another and so on
quite a beautiful cycle!
Even though my finances are taken care of (THANK YOU LORD!!!), our school still needs to raise $28,000NZD before outreach. I'm not too worried about this because last year I saw God provide $70,000NZD for our school two weeks before our school's outreach. If you would be interested in contributing to our outreach around the world, then please contact me.
THANK YOU for praying for me! Please stay in touch!
Sending love and blessings,
Julie Anna Melilli
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