Wednesday, November 19
More Greek
I think the world has stopped spinning. At least that's what I perceive at the moment being stuck in mountains of Greek that I am trying to sort through. Not much else seems to exist at the moment. Having said that I am making progress. Have translated practice sentences and parsed words all for practice. Hell I was even parsing words like πεπιστευκαμεν which is derived from the word πιστευω and is in the prefect tense, 1st person, is plural, in the active voice and indicative mood. And I understand it. These are all good signs for Friday morning. None-the-less it remains Greek and as a result I'm not confident and stressing out because I would really like to finish the year on a good note, especially in Greek because it has been a year of a lot of hard work and so far I've managed HD's. To bomb out in the final exam of the year would be very disappointing. I'm about to move onto the subjunctive mood. Urgh.
Monday, November 17
The end is near
Well I'm coming to the end of my time at College. I have one exam to go after having done three already. OT, NT, and Evangelism Principles. Just Greek to go.
At the end of this week I also move all of my stuff out of my little shoebox here and I move back home because I simply don't have the money to continue live here. Sigh. It shall be a shame. The guys here are all top blokes and have been so much fun to hang out with and live with all year. I shall miss the rounds of Urban Terror - I was just getting good... Most of the guys including myself from Top Floor will be moving off anyway - so even if I stayed it wouldn't be the same. In any case moving home will be good, and necessary for various reasons like work and church involvement.
In other things 2009 is shaping up to be a good year. I thoroughly look forward to the more intense theological subjects and implementing all the things that I have learnt this year including exegeting John and 1 Corinthians from the original Greek. I think it is fantastic that God continues to transform me into the man he wants me to be. And that includes the raging nerd that continues to come alive. Fortunately I have Meg to keep me from becoming too much of a pretentious git. I also look forward to everything else that happens next year as things really begin to develop and grow from thing that have happened this year. Things were new this year and last year, but as I have really put roots down by the grace of God things now are growing and developing.
I also look forward to the family holiday in January which will now be attended by 4 McClouds, 2 Bennetts and 1 Smith. Quite the change from last year which had 5 McClouds, and 1 Bennett. Yay Holidays! I'm almost there!
At the end of this week I also move all of my stuff out of my little shoebox here and I move back home because I simply don't have the money to continue live here. Sigh. It shall be a shame. The guys here are all top blokes and have been so much fun to hang out with and live with all year. I shall miss the rounds of Urban Terror - I was just getting good... Most of the guys including myself from Top Floor will be moving off anyway - so even if I stayed it wouldn't be the same. In any case moving home will be good, and necessary for various reasons like work and church involvement.
In other things 2009 is shaping up to be a good year. I thoroughly look forward to the more intense theological subjects and implementing all the things that I have learnt this year including exegeting John and 1 Corinthians from the original Greek. I think it is fantastic that God continues to transform me into the man he wants me to be. And that includes the raging nerd that continues to come alive. Fortunately I have Meg to keep me from becoming too much of a pretentious git. I also look forward to everything else that happens next year as things really begin to develop and grow from thing that have happened this year. Things were new this year and last year, but as I have really put roots down by the grace of God things now are growing and developing.
I also look forward to the family holiday in January which will now be attended by 4 McClouds, 2 Bennetts and 1 Smith. Quite the change from last year which had 5 McClouds, and 1 Bennett. Yay Holidays! I'm almost there!
Wednesday, November 12
First one for a while
It's good to look back on the blog posts of old which concerned the Soul Edge trip. Good times and good memories there.
At the moment two exams have been completed. OT & NT. I passed them. I know that much. So that's a positive. When I started I was aiming very high. I wanted to do an honors year, and get a distinction average and be really smart. My aspirations are no longer that high. Although the HD average I have for Greek at the moment is nothing to sulk about. I just wish I was better at English.... *sigh*
Well I have an exam Friday morning that I am not yet prepared for so I have got to get back to the study and stop procrastinating.
At the moment two exams have been completed. OT & NT. I passed them. I know that much. So that's a positive. When I started I was aiming very high. I wanted to do an honors year, and get a distinction average and be really smart. My aspirations are no longer that high. Although the HD average I have for Greek at the moment is nothing to sulk about. I just wish I was better at English.... *sigh*
Well I have an exam Friday morning that I am not yet prepared for so I have got to get back to the study and stop procrastinating.
Monday, June 18
Side Note and some photos
Well I am opening a facebook account so I can display the many amazing photos from the Soul Edge course including a particular one including a certain cow. Oh and here are some photos for those that are interested.
One of the first projects that Soul Edge undertook. The fence. And what a mighty fence it was.
Goat anyone?
"You want fighting?"
Oh fort, how we adore thee...
Awwwwww.....
One of the first projects that Soul Edge undertook. The fence. And what a mighty fence it was.
Goat anyone?
"You want fighting?"
Oh fort, how we adore thee...
Awwwwww.....
Tuesday, June 5
Once again in Australia
I once again find myself sitting at the family computer at home blogging, listening to U2, and giving the odd glance out the window as I think about life. So much is as it was 5 months ago, but it only serves to contrast and make me realise how things are so much different to 5 months ago.
Things at home are mixed. For some things are great. For others not so great. But I am none-the-less so glad to be home while at the same time missing what is going on in other corners of the world that i dont get to be apart of. But I am excited about what God has for me in the coming weeks and months.
So in the coming time ahead of me I shall be getting a job and looking what there is at church to do and be involved in.
In the mean time I'll be waiting for everyone to go on uni holidays before I get to talk to anyone seriously.
So in the mean time I'll tie up some loose ends such as photos, get a job organised, do some study to keep my brain ticking over and finish reading the Bible.
Things at home are mixed. For some things are great. For others not so great. But I am none-the-less so glad to be home while at the same time missing what is going on in other corners of the world that i dont get to be apart of. But I am excited about what God has for me in the coming weeks and months.
So in the coming time ahead of me I shall be getting a job and looking what there is at church to do and be involved in.
In the mean time I'll be waiting for everyone to go on uni holidays before I get to talk to anyone seriously.
So in the mean time I'll tie up some loose ends such as photos, get a job organised, do some study to keep my brain ticking over and finish reading the Bible.
Tuesday, May 22
Latest Update
Well guys mt Kenya was a lot of fun, and a real challenge. We got to 16 500 feet when we reached the summit. The first day was easy. Just a 3 hour walk up a road of sorts and then set up camp in the dark (yeah we started the climb on the first day kinda late.) The second day we had an all day hike up to the second base camp. But we offloaded a lot of stuff so our packs were a lot lighter. About half way a long (or a little further) we had lunch for an hour which due to an ill feeling which I couldn't explain at the time I just spent it all sleeping. In the sun. With the same side of my face being exposed the entire time. It wasn;t even that hot. I would regret this a little later on. Anyway when we headed off again I didn;t last very long till I deteriorated quite badly with the illness and found myself completely knocked off my feet by altitude sickness. Fortunately it passed quitckly and I was back on my feet. So we eventually made it to the next base camp passing some breathtaking scenery along the way. We headed off to bed and got up at 2 the next morning for the dawn attack. Here we would cmlib to the summit before the sun came up.
This was the most difficult part yet. Cold and windy - the /worst conditions that the guide (who has climbed mt kenya quite a few times) has ever experienced. Both my hands went numb except for three fingers on my right hand (which would save me from a very nasty fall when climbing an ice covered rock when we were nearing the top). I did manage to make it as did 7 other guys form the group . The other two died along the way. Kidding of course. JJ and Dan D had to stay at base camp number two due to altitude sickness. But JJ suspects that his was exposure more so than altitude sickness.
After that we had a co;uple rest days. First was at the base of the mountain, where they had what are called Bandas. Simply put the are really nice little houses. We got two for the ten of us and we spent the afternoon after getting back from the first base camp which we stayed at overnight after getting back from base camp number two that same day we did the dawn attack. But the descent is always easier than the ascent. Sooooo much easier. The afternoon after coming down was a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time reading and we spent some time hanging out wihtbsome baboons. The next day though would be more exciting as we would encounter a lone elephant that trampeted at us as well as stampeding water bucks and quite a few zebra. Very eventful day.
So we spent an afternoon, then an entire day then we headed off in the morning on a 6 hour drive to a place called lake nevasha. Google earth that and you'll be able to find it. We went on a little walk through a little national park on the whole day we were there seeing giraffes, zebra, warthogs. We then ehaded over to a nice spot on the lake and saw some hippos mind you they weren';t very excit8ing, and some flamingos before heading over to a hotel for lunch. That was really nice food. All the guys enjoyed that. The next day though when we headed off back to Nairobi I would soend being ill. I would be feeling the effects of that illness even after the immediate recovery after 3 days with a huge loss of apetite even when in Turkana. We were in Nairobi for just the night at church army again before easy coaching it to Kitale.
We spent a little less than a week there doing part time work and doing a lot of resting before heading over to Turkana to a place called Kakuma near a UN refugee camp. This place is in the middle of the desert and starts to get near the borders of somalia and uganda. So we spent Monday to Sunday there building a church for the church called Jesus Christ's joint. They needed a new buol;ding because their current one was far too small. And because God wants to expand their congregation. So that was really hard work due to the heat and the amount of manual labour. We turned 3 weeks work into a little over four days getting most of the structure up. Really basic. Just wooden posts cemented into the ground, and then a-frames, and then tin roofing and walls.
We headed back to Kitale on the sunday which was a relief for me at least for I had had enough of 40+ degree waether. Since then we have been working on the new church building that Youth Apart are renting for their new church. When initially bought it was really run down So since Tuesday we have been painting and sanding the new buolding making it look absolutely smashing. It really has come together and when the wooden floor finally gets varnished the place will be amazing. The floor by the way we have been hand sanding for since Friday with a break on Sunday when we had church. Actually JJ did the sermon on Sunday on John 14 which was really good. Everyone loves the message he gives and what he has to say. Church was amazing for another reason on Sunday. Right adjacent to the theatre - like literally attached to the same building - there is this amazing space with a bar and a fire place and a little area which might be turned into a kitchen which the Soul Edge guys utilised on Sunday and turned the entire area into a cafe for all the people that were at church on Sunday. Fruit Salad and drinks and tea and coffee - it was great. Everyone had a great time.
The coming days behold more work on the church, such as the fence out front and fnishing off the sanding on the stage which is all that is left to go. We'll spend a day in a nice little secluded spot at a river taking a break form all the owrk and jsut spending the day with God and talking to Him and listening to Him. So everyone looks forward to that. Actually really looking forward to tonight. Finishing off the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. that'll be fantastic. Been watching the fils every secong night for the past few nights which has beeen a lot of fun.
Well got to go they're closing up shop and I've yet to go home and have a shower. So I'll say goodbye and see you all soon!
This was the most difficult part yet. Cold and windy - the /worst conditions that the guide (who has climbed mt kenya quite a few times) has ever experienced. Both my hands went numb except for three fingers on my right hand (which would save me from a very nasty fall when climbing an ice covered rock when we were nearing the top). I did manage to make it as did 7 other guys form the group . The other two died along the way. Kidding of course. JJ and Dan D had to stay at base camp number two due to altitude sickness. But JJ suspects that his was exposure more so than altitude sickness.
After that we had a co;uple rest days. First was at the base of the mountain, where they had what are called Bandas. Simply put the are really nice little houses. We got two for the ten of us and we spent the afternoon after getting back from the first base camp which we stayed at overnight after getting back from base camp number two that same day we did the dawn attack. But the descent is always easier than the ascent. Sooooo much easier. The afternoon after coming down was a lot of fun. We spent a lot of time reading and we spent some time hanging out wihtbsome baboons. The next day though would be more exciting as we would encounter a lone elephant that trampeted at us as well as stampeding water bucks and quite a few zebra. Very eventful day.
So we spent an afternoon, then an entire day then we headed off in the morning on a 6 hour drive to a place called lake nevasha. Google earth that and you'll be able to find it. We went on a little walk through a little national park on the whole day we were there seeing giraffes, zebra, warthogs. We then ehaded over to a nice spot on the lake and saw some hippos mind you they weren';t very excit8ing, and some flamingos before heading over to a hotel for lunch. That was really nice food. All the guys enjoyed that. The next day though when we headed off back to Nairobi I would soend being ill. I would be feeling the effects of that illness even after the immediate recovery after 3 days with a huge loss of apetite even when in Turkana. We were in Nairobi for just the night at church army again before easy coaching it to Kitale.
We spent a little less than a week there doing part time work and doing a lot of resting before heading over to Turkana to a place called Kakuma near a UN refugee camp. This place is in the middle of the desert and starts to get near the borders of somalia and uganda. So we spent Monday to Sunday there building a church for the church called Jesus Christ's joint. They needed a new buol;ding because their current one was far too small. And because God wants to expand their congregation. So that was really hard work due to the heat and the amount of manual labour. We turned 3 weeks work into a little over four days getting most of the structure up. Really basic. Just wooden posts cemented into the ground, and then a-frames, and then tin roofing and walls.
We headed back to Kitale on the sunday which was a relief for me at least for I had had enough of 40+ degree waether. Since then we have been working on the new church building that Youth Apart are renting for their new church. When initially bought it was really run down So since Tuesday we have been painting and sanding the new buolding making it look absolutely smashing. It really has come together and when the wooden floor finally gets varnished the place will be amazing. The floor by the way we have been hand sanding for since Friday with a break on Sunday when we had church. Actually JJ did the sermon on Sunday on John 14 which was really good. Everyone loves the message he gives and what he has to say. Church was amazing for another reason on Sunday. Right adjacent to the theatre - like literally attached to the same building - there is this amazing space with a bar and a fire place and a little area which might be turned into a kitchen which the Soul Edge guys utilised on Sunday and turned the entire area into a cafe for all the people that were at church on Sunday. Fruit Salad and drinks and tea and coffee - it was great. Everyone had a great time.
The coming days behold more work on the church, such as the fence out front and fnishing off the sanding on the stage which is all that is left to go. We'll spend a day in a nice little secluded spot at a river taking a break form all the owrk and jsut spending the day with God and talking to Him and listening to Him. So everyone looks forward to that. Actually really looking forward to tonight. Finishing off the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. that'll be fantastic. Been watching the fils every secong night for the past few nights which has beeen a lot of fun.
Well got to go they're closing up shop and I've yet to go home and have a shower. So I'll say goodbye and see you all soon!
Saturday, April 21
A very long post. Apologies if its boring.
Hey everyone here’s the next installment. Sorry I haven’t blogged in a while, I have been lazy with it. But hopefully the couple of emails that were sent out to a couple of people have circulated and you have a little idea of where I am and what I have been doing.
So on the 30th of March we went from Herbert Saskatchewan in Canada and road tripped out to Calgary where Me, Dan, Dan, Tim, Paul and JJ caught our flight to London. Josh, Joel, Cody had woken up at 5 or 6 to get to Regina in time for their flight to Calgary where we met up with them. It was the wonderful Polly Erb who drove them to Regina where they found out that they could actually catch the flight in Calgary without copping a $200 fine. Dave was on the same flight as these guys – that is an air Canada flight. He was going to cop the fine but then it was discovered that he was not going to. Originally it was that Josh Joel and Cody were going to come to Calgary with all of us as decided when the flight was originally booked as they were told by an air Canada representative that they could miss the first leg of the journey from Regina to Calgary without any hassle. Fortunately she also told them to ring up and check the night before to confirm everything. It was at this point that Josh called them and was told that they could not in fact catch the flight in Calgary and miss the Regina leg. This was due to fact that when they miss the flight they would then be deleted from the booking. Then another phone call later they were told that they would cop the $200 fine. Then they arrived there and told that Dave could get on without the fine. Was an intense situation at one point, and frustrating the entire time. As the whole reason Dave is on the team is because he was going to come to Kenya. For him to miss the trip would have been unthinkable for we have all become really close with Dave and his presence is always a positive and an encouraging one.
I was on my own for this flight as I was flying BA where as the others were Zoom, and as I mentioned before Dave, Cody, Josh and Joel were Air Canada.
So there I arrive in London Heathrow collect bags and head out to the (what would you call it?) the waiting area. Then stood for about 20 minutes and then am finally greeted by Dave – one of the pastors of Soul Survivor church Watford. Greeted me with a wonderful smile and a warm greeting – not common among the English (such a grumpy bunch) – and then we headed over to terminal 2 to get Dave, Josh, Cody and Joel. Then into the car and off to Soul Survivor church Watford! Never thought I would be there that’s for sure. The rest of the guys arrived about an hour later. Their flight went to Gatwick so they didn’t get picked up but took the tube and then Dan and Dan got picked up by Adam the Youth Pastor (legend by the way) and the others walked as they went straight past Adam before he got the call to pick up a bunch of 18 year olds with backpacks and suitcases.
That night we went to the little youth event for just the Watford group which is there to create community among the local youth. That was a great night. It was a nice change from a community that doesn’t believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to one that is so well practiced in them. We prayed for them that night as Josh challenged them not to be comfortable. They responded so well to the challenge.
When all said and done we settled in and cooked dinner and such and had a good night’s rest.
The coming days were eventful.
There was a Soul Sista event on Saturday which meant the exit of the Soul Edge group to make way for the ladies. But we were back to put everything away. Which led to my conversation with the amazing Beth. She ended up telling me that Lucinda was coming the London and would in fact be here tonight. Lucinda didn’t end up coming that night. But I did get to catch up and talk on Sunday. That was great for i’ twas very encouraging and exciting to see someone from home.
Sunday evening was spent with what are known in England as Chavs. They have short hair and wear tracksuits. They are generally nice guys and girls but when they get bored they begin to start getting themselves into trouble. They are all about 13 to 18 years old, and are not unique to England for there are a lot of people like this in Australia but we just don’t label them as such. That night was challenging for it required talking to people who I had no idea how to sustain a conversation with. Fortunately God was graceful and allowed situations to arise where I could hang out with these guys for the night while the evening service was running. I actually managed to duck in and visit during the sermon which Si was giving. Sounded great from what I heard. Stuff on fear of God and obedience.
On Monday a lot of the guys went home while me Dan, Josh and Joel remained in Watford to do some painting. So if you ever visit Soul Survivor church in Watford go and check out the café area for it is the handiwork of these four Soul Edge boys. Oh and I must not forget Dave the one who picked me and the leaders up from the airport for he did the marvelous wallpaper and chose the colors that we painted with.
Monday night was prophetic worship night which was fantastic. Just like the ones that we did in Herbert this was a great time for God to do what he wanted how he wanted without any preconceived ideas or routines from people. Hence at points the Spirit led worship was banging around with full volume, up beat worship music and then at points there was silence for extended periods. God really moved me in this time. I went from almost burning out and God really working on my heart to relieved and filled up and refreshed through the work of His Spirit through my heart mind and soul. I would discover throughout the coming week what it was God was doing in me – developing a soft and kind heart with compassion for those in bondage.
Tuesday morning the staff of Soul Survivor church came and cooked us breakfast. And if they didn’t they sat down and joined us for this wonderful meal. Hence, myself, JJ, Dan D, Josh and Joel were all very blessed by their service. So during breakfast I sat back and chatted with Josh, Joel, Ali, Dan, JJ and a couple other amazing members of staff whom I shamefully cannot remember the names of. Great chat, great company and wonderful home cooked meal. That morning they also prayed for us further blessing us through prophetic words of encouragement and prayers of blessing.
Then it was back to work on the cafeteria. Finishing off the paint job and it pulling off some of the masking tape. I finally got to meet the infamous Fidelic. Lived in Herbert for a while with the Erb’s and is now located in England. Left many a story in Herbert. Great guy and really on fire for God, very glad I got to meet him.
That night we went over to Adam’s house to meet some of the guys from his cell group to encourage and pray for them. This was a really cool night where everyone shared their testimonies as to how they came to Christ and their story up till now. This was an opportunity to impart wisdom and encouragementto these guys and to also get an understanding of who they are and where they are at. We then prayed for them and here came to an understanding of what God is calling these guys to. He really does have his hand on their lives calling them into working for the furthering of his kingdom. Was a really good night.
Wednesday. This day we headed off to the ministries office to say hi to the people there. Quite simple really. But naturally it turned into a little adventure. We met up with Si there and eventually headed off to help a friend of a friend move his stuff from his old apartment to a place of temporary accommodation. He was unfortunately not able to be present so we didn’t get to meet him but it was cool to bless someone in this way. When this was all said and done it was back to work on the cafeteria. Again I got the opportunity to hang out with Jesse for he was kind enough to help us out with the paint job. That night was also cell group night. So me Dan and JJ stayed in the warehouse and waited for Jonny and Craig’s cell group to rock up. They did and we sat back and watched a film. T’was a good night to chill and hang out with some of the youth at SS. This was also the night of Dave and Paul’s return.
Thursday saw us going to the ministries office again but this time to clean out the dungeon. This is the store room of Soul Survivor ministries that becomes a bit chaotic after each Soul Survivor for people are so tired, exhausted that (and understandably) they cannot be bothered to put everything back into a neat nice organized way. So every year someone has to organize it again. This year it was us. Wasn’t that bad, mind you we did get bored at one point so they put me in a cage on wheels and threw me into a big pylon that was part of holding the building up. After the dungeon saga we headed down to the wishing well and had some wonderful Thai food. T’was a good lunch. that was virtually the day.
Friday. What a day. Had the Good Friday service in the morning and that was good to have another SS church service to go to before we left for Kenya. Mike was finally back, so it was good to see him – he’s always a lot of fun. So after the music and before the sermon he gets us up and introduces us to the congregation. We tell stories – 2 – of snow camping in -18 and our trip to Pelican Narrows which I believe I am yet to properly inform you of. I hope to get around to doing that. Then he gets the congregation to pray for us which is always an encouraging thing for people to do for you. After the service we headed over to the Southern Cross Pub for lunch with a lot of people from church. I was continually informed by the English guys that I must have some English Fish and Chips. I did and they were lousy. The ones you get at the football are amazing – a hundred times better than the ones I got. But it’s ok, it’s not like it ruined my day. After this it was going to be onto the city of London with Josh and Joel but I just was not in a fantastic mood where I wanted to go walking miles to see something that I just would not be enjoying all that much. Another time I shall be able to give it the credit it is due. So instead it was onto the park to hang out and play some ultimate Frisbee. This was a lot of fun especially since it was one of the few days in the English year that you get sunshine. So this was an enjoyable day.
Saturday!!! Wooo! Spent the day hanging out with Mike. This was fun. Here’s something you may not know about Mike. He does a mean barbeque. Absolutely amazing cook. So from 12 noon we were just hanging out and chatting about the course, Soul Survivor, what was to come and the worldwide church amongst other things of course. We then prayed together of course and prayed for Mike. When we headed back to SS Josh and Joel stayed back to hang out and catch up with Mike. So the rest of us hung out at SS and then that night Me, Dave, Paul, Dan D, JJ headed over to the ministries office to collect JJ’s jacket and Bible. When me Paul, and JJ were initially headed over we saw Dan and Dave outside and invited them to come with us, and when the question arose as to where we were going and why Paul answered to the ministries office because they were having a party to send us off and to wish us well thus totally fooling Dan and Dave. But it turned out to eb much more than a trip to pick up JJ’s stuff. Dan ended up using the opportunity to print off a scanned email of his proof of the yellow fever inoculation. I then used it to check emails and such while chatting to Ben Cantelon as he was staying back late to work on some stuff for Soul Survivor Sydney. It was actually his worship seminar that he was going to do at Sydney and Melbourne. I helped him out a little and gave him some tips; you know he’s a bit inexperienced, he hasn’t done this before so I thought I could extend some grace and help him out…. (lets make this clear – that was a joke. But it was cool to hang out with Ben for a bit. Really cool guy.) We headed back but the night was not over yet! No not by a long shot… We had a bit of a midnight feast. Roasted pork and potatoes that we ate at midnight. Bit of a laugh and a bit of fun.
Sunday was the trip off to Kenya. Really sad to be leaving Watford, by the end I was becoming attached to the place and really enjoying my time there at this wonderful church and country. But it was time to go.
So we arrive in Kenya on Easter Sunday and are still here in Nairobi but about to leave for Mt Kenya soon – Tuesday that is – then come back for a night and will then make the 7 hour drive onto Kitale a city north of Nairobi the next day. There we will finally get to see Daniel and Marlies. Daniel for the second time, Marlies the first.
The time here in Kenya has been amazing. We have been staying in a flat at Trinity College on the grounds of St. Stephens Cathedral is. From Tuesday to Friday we were running a kids holiday program. This was a really good time to do all that we could to impart the love of Jesus Christ into their lives. I believe we did that. I believe we really changed some lives during that time. Some kids were truly impacted by what they were taught and shown through those 4 days. The agenda was songs to start off. Then split up into groups with two leaders each where we played games with them for the next while and then brought them back for tea time and then tea time while the leaders all got to chill out for a little bit. We then got ready for the little skit that we then performed for the kids. We did the story of Jonah the first day, then Gideon, then Shaderak, Meeshak and Abedneego, then Jesus. After each of the skits we sat down and took the attention of 10 to 20 kids each and then discussed the skit with them trying to really give them something to go away with and learn from the story. Then games and then we sent them home. This went from 8 to 12 each morning for 4 days and by the end we were all a little pooped.
Then from Monday to Friday it was painting two buildings and the classrooms located in those buildings. This was a test of patience and perseverance. We had to push on through things going wrong such as wrong colors, changing colors in rooms, and mess galore. People falling off chairs while having paintbrush and full paint bucket in hand. Paint in the eyes as you paint the ceiling, people almost falling off ladders (big ladder), and having to go over and touch up everything after it has been painted as painting has spilled onto them. But it got done – it’s completed and the building and classrooms now look spectacular.
Oh and mozzie bites everywhere. No one has escaped their wrath.
So things are looking good at the moment. Currently it is just me, JJ and Dan G here at the moment. The others are out in the city which we have all visited a couple of times including on the 16th of April which was nice for JJ as it was his birthday. He finally both turned 18. A couple more b’days are coming up actually. Both Dans. Davison is turning 19, and Grant is turning 20. Very exciting.
Well I think that’s about it to date.
Signing off,
Tim.
So on the 30th of March we went from Herbert Saskatchewan in Canada and road tripped out to Calgary where Me, Dan, Dan, Tim, Paul and JJ caught our flight to London. Josh, Joel, Cody had woken up at 5 or 6 to get to Regina in time for their flight to Calgary where we met up with them. It was the wonderful Polly Erb who drove them to Regina where they found out that they could actually catch the flight in Calgary without copping a $200 fine. Dave was on the same flight as these guys – that is an air Canada flight. He was going to cop the fine but then it was discovered that he was not going to. Originally it was that Josh Joel and Cody were going to come to Calgary with all of us as decided when the flight was originally booked as they were told by an air Canada representative that they could miss the first leg of the journey from Regina to Calgary without any hassle. Fortunately she also told them to ring up and check the night before to confirm everything. It was at this point that Josh called them and was told that they could not in fact catch the flight in Calgary and miss the Regina leg. This was due to fact that when they miss the flight they would then be deleted from the booking. Then another phone call later they were told that they would cop the $200 fine. Then they arrived there and told that Dave could get on without the fine. Was an intense situation at one point, and frustrating the entire time. As the whole reason Dave is on the team is because he was going to come to Kenya. For him to miss the trip would have been unthinkable for we have all become really close with Dave and his presence is always a positive and an encouraging one.
I was on my own for this flight as I was flying BA where as the others were Zoom, and as I mentioned before Dave, Cody, Josh and Joel were Air Canada.
So there I arrive in London Heathrow collect bags and head out to the (what would you call it?) the waiting area. Then stood for about 20 minutes and then am finally greeted by Dave – one of the pastors of Soul Survivor church Watford. Greeted me with a wonderful smile and a warm greeting – not common among the English (such a grumpy bunch) – and then we headed over to terminal 2 to get Dave, Josh, Cody and Joel. Then into the car and off to Soul Survivor church Watford! Never thought I would be there that’s for sure. The rest of the guys arrived about an hour later. Their flight went to Gatwick so they didn’t get picked up but took the tube and then Dan and Dan got picked up by Adam the Youth Pastor (legend by the way) and the others walked as they went straight past Adam before he got the call to pick up a bunch of 18 year olds with backpacks and suitcases.
That night we went to the little youth event for just the Watford group which is there to create community among the local youth. That was a great night. It was a nice change from a community that doesn’t believe in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to one that is so well practiced in them. We prayed for them that night as Josh challenged them not to be comfortable. They responded so well to the challenge.
When all said and done we settled in and cooked dinner and such and had a good night’s rest.
The coming days were eventful.
There was a Soul Sista event on Saturday which meant the exit of the Soul Edge group to make way for the ladies. But we were back to put everything away. Which led to my conversation with the amazing Beth. She ended up telling me that Lucinda was coming the London and would in fact be here tonight. Lucinda didn’t end up coming that night. But I did get to catch up and talk on Sunday. That was great for i’ twas very encouraging and exciting to see someone from home.
Sunday evening was spent with what are known in England as Chavs. They have short hair and wear tracksuits. They are generally nice guys and girls but when they get bored they begin to start getting themselves into trouble. They are all about 13 to 18 years old, and are not unique to England for there are a lot of people like this in Australia but we just don’t label them as such. That night was challenging for it required talking to people who I had no idea how to sustain a conversation with. Fortunately God was graceful and allowed situations to arise where I could hang out with these guys for the night while the evening service was running. I actually managed to duck in and visit during the sermon which Si was giving. Sounded great from what I heard. Stuff on fear of God and obedience.
On Monday a lot of the guys went home while me Dan, Josh and Joel remained in Watford to do some painting. So if you ever visit Soul Survivor church in Watford go and check out the café area for it is the handiwork of these four Soul Edge boys. Oh and I must not forget Dave the one who picked me and the leaders up from the airport for he did the marvelous wallpaper and chose the colors that we painted with.
Monday night was prophetic worship night which was fantastic. Just like the ones that we did in Herbert this was a great time for God to do what he wanted how he wanted without any preconceived ideas or routines from people. Hence at points the Spirit led worship was banging around with full volume, up beat worship music and then at points there was silence for extended periods. God really moved me in this time. I went from almost burning out and God really working on my heart to relieved and filled up and refreshed through the work of His Spirit through my heart mind and soul. I would discover throughout the coming week what it was God was doing in me – developing a soft and kind heart with compassion for those in bondage.
Tuesday morning the staff of Soul Survivor church came and cooked us breakfast. And if they didn’t they sat down and joined us for this wonderful meal. Hence, myself, JJ, Dan D, Josh and Joel were all very blessed by their service. So during breakfast I sat back and chatted with Josh, Joel, Ali, Dan, JJ and a couple other amazing members of staff whom I shamefully cannot remember the names of. Great chat, great company and wonderful home cooked meal. That morning they also prayed for us further blessing us through prophetic words of encouragement and prayers of blessing.
Then it was back to work on the cafeteria. Finishing off the paint job and it pulling off some of the masking tape. I finally got to meet the infamous Fidelic. Lived in Herbert for a while with the Erb’s and is now located in England. Left many a story in Herbert. Great guy and really on fire for God, very glad I got to meet him.
That night we went over to Adam’s house to meet some of the guys from his cell group to encourage and pray for them. This was a really cool night where everyone shared their testimonies as to how they came to Christ and their story up till now. This was an opportunity to impart wisdom and encouragementto these guys and to also get an understanding of who they are and where they are at. We then prayed for them and here came to an understanding of what God is calling these guys to. He really does have his hand on their lives calling them into working for the furthering of his kingdom. Was a really good night.
Wednesday. This day we headed off to the ministries office to say hi to the people there. Quite simple really. But naturally it turned into a little adventure. We met up with Si there and eventually headed off to help a friend of a friend move his stuff from his old apartment to a place of temporary accommodation. He was unfortunately not able to be present so we didn’t get to meet him but it was cool to bless someone in this way. When this was all said and done it was back to work on the cafeteria. Again I got the opportunity to hang out with Jesse for he was kind enough to help us out with the paint job. That night was also cell group night. So me Dan and JJ stayed in the warehouse and waited for Jonny and Craig’s cell group to rock up. They did and we sat back and watched a film. T’was a good night to chill and hang out with some of the youth at SS. This was also the night of Dave and Paul’s return.
Thursday saw us going to the ministries office again but this time to clean out the dungeon. This is the store room of Soul Survivor ministries that becomes a bit chaotic after each Soul Survivor for people are so tired, exhausted that (and understandably) they cannot be bothered to put everything back into a neat nice organized way. So every year someone has to organize it again. This year it was us. Wasn’t that bad, mind you we did get bored at one point so they put me in a cage on wheels and threw me into a big pylon that was part of holding the building up. After the dungeon saga we headed down to the wishing well and had some wonderful Thai food. T’was a good lunch. that was virtually the day.
Friday. What a day. Had the Good Friday service in the morning and that was good to have another SS church service to go to before we left for Kenya. Mike was finally back, so it was good to see him – he’s always a lot of fun. So after the music and before the sermon he gets us up and introduces us to the congregation. We tell stories – 2 – of snow camping in -18 and our trip to Pelican Narrows which I believe I am yet to properly inform you of. I hope to get around to doing that. Then he gets the congregation to pray for us which is always an encouraging thing for people to do for you. After the service we headed over to the Southern Cross Pub for lunch with a lot of people from church. I was continually informed by the English guys that I must have some English Fish and Chips. I did and they were lousy. The ones you get at the football are amazing – a hundred times better than the ones I got. But it’s ok, it’s not like it ruined my day. After this it was going to be onto the city of London with Josh and Joel but I just was not in a fantastic mood where I wanted to go walking miles to see something that I just would not be enjoying all that much. Another time I shall be able to give it the credit it is due. So instead it was onto the park to hang out and play some ultimate Frisbee. This was a lot of fun especially since it was one of the few days in the English year that you get sunshine. So this was an enjoyable day.
Saturday!!! Wooo! Spent the day hanging out with Mike. This was fun. Here’s something you may not know about Mike. He does a mean barbeque. Absolutely amazing cook. So from 12 noon we were just hanging out and chatting about the course, Soul Survivor, what was to come and the worldwide church amongst other things of course. We then prayed together of course and prayed for Mike. When we headed back to SS Josh and Joel stayed back to hang out and catch up with Mike. So the rest of us hung out at SS and then that night Me, Dave, Paul, Dan D, JJ headed over to the ministries office to collect JJ’s jacket and Bible. When me Paul, and JJ were initially headed over we saw Dan and Dave outside and invited them to come with us, and when the question arose as to where we were going and why Paul answered to the ministries office because they were having a party to send us off and to wish us well thus totally fooling Dan and Dave. But it turned out to eb much more than a trip to pick up JJ’s stuff. Dan ended up using the opportunity to print off a scanned email of his proof of the yellow fever inoculation. I then used it to check emails and such while chatting to Ben Cantelon as he was staying back late to work on some stuff for Soul Survivor Sydney. It was actually his worship seminar that he was going to do at Sydney and Melbourne. I helped him out a little and gave him some tips; you know he’s a bit inexperienced, he hasn’t done this before so I thought I could extend some grace and help him out…. (lets make this clear – that was a joke. But it was cool to hang out with Ben for a bit. Really cool guy.) We headed back but the night was not over yet! No not by a long shot… We had a bit of a midnight feast. Roasted pork and potatoes that we ate at midnight. Bit of a laugh and a bit of fun.
Sunday was the trip off to Kenya. Really sad to be leaving Watford, by the end I was becoming attached to the place and really enjoying my time there at this wonderful church and country. But it was time to go.
So we arrive in Kenya on Easter Sunday and are still here in Nairobi but about to leave for Mt Kenya soon – Tuesday that is – then come back for a night and will then make the 7 hour drive onto Kitale a city north of Nairobi the next day. There we will finally get to see Daniel and Marlies. Daniel for the second time, Marlies the first.
The time here in Kenya has been amazing. We have been staying in a flat at Trinity College on the grounds of St. Stephens Cathedral is. From Tuesday to Friday we were running a kids holiday program. This was a really good time to do all that we could to impart the love of Jesus Christ into their lives. I believe we did that. I believe we really changed some lives during that time. Some kids were truly impacted by what they were taught and shown through those 4 days. The agenda was songs to start off. Then split up into groups with two leaders each where we played games with them for the next while and then brought them back for tea time and then tea time while the leaders all got to chill out for a little bit. We then got ready for the little skit that we then performed for the kids. We did the story of Jonah the first day, then Gideon, then Shaderak, Meeshak and Abedneego, then Jesus. After each of the skits we sat down and took the attention of 10 to 20 kids each and then discussed the skit with them trying to really give them something to go away with and learn from the story. Then games and then we sent them home. This went from 8 to 12 each morning for 4 days and by the end we were all a little pooped.
Then from Monday to Friday it was painting two buildings and the classrooms located in those buildings. This was a test of patience and perseverance. We had to push on through things going wrong such as wrong colors, changing colors in rooms, and mess galore. People falling off chairs while having paintbrush and full paint bucket in hand. Paint in the eyes as you paint the ceiling, people almost falling off ladders (big ladder), and having to go over and touch up everything after it has been painted as painting has spilled onto them. But it got done – it’s completed and the building and classrooms now look spectacular.
Oh and mozzie bites everywhere. No one has escaped their wrath.
So things are looking good at the moment. Currently it is just me, JJ and Dan G here at the moment. The others are out in the city which we have all visited a couple of times including on the 16th of April which was nice for JJ as it was his birthday. He finally both turned 18. A couple more b’days are coming up actually. Both Dans. Davison is turning 19, and Grant is turning 20. Very exciting.
Well I think that’s about it to date.
Signing off,
Tim.
Friday, April 20
quick update
Hey everyone, Sorry about the delayed post.
Well going back a long time to Pelican Narrows that time was truly blessed. We ministered to mainly kids and 6 gave their lives to Christ while seeds were sown and doors were opened for future ministries. The experience we got from the trip was incredible. God has given me a heart for children ensuring that I never overlook their importance and the importance of looking after them in ministry. Truly theirs is the kingdom of God.
England was an amazing time. I got to meet Lucinda Amon which was very exciting, realy cool to meet up with someone from home. Stayed at Soul Survivor church for the ten days, and really got to know some of the crew there. Oh and if you ever see the cafe area in the church the paint job was the handiwork of myself, Josh, Joel, Dan D, JJ and Dave (one of the Pastors) did the wallpaper and chose the colours.
We are currently in Kenya staying with Church army and Trinity college, last week did a kids holiday activity thing from Tuesday to Friday, and this week have been painting some of the buildings and clasrooms. Monday to Friday with that job. And next week we are climbing mount Kenya.
have a great week and God Bless.
Tim
Well going back a long time to Pelican Narrows that time was truly blessed. We ministered to mainly kids and 6 gave their lives to Christ while seeds were sown and doors were opened for future ministries. The experience we got from the trip was incredible. God has given me a heart for children ensuring that I never overlook their importance and the importance of looking after them in ministry. Truly theirs is the kingdom of God.
England was an amazing time. I got to meet Lucinda Amon which was very exciting, realy cool to meet up with someone from home. Stayed at Soul Survivor church for the ten days, and really got to know some of the crew there. Oh and if you ever see the cafe area in the church the paint job was the handiwork of myself, Josh, Joel, Dan D, JJ and Dave (one of the Pastors) did the wallpaper and chose the colours.
We are currently in Kenya staying with Church army and Trinity college, last week did a kids holiday activity thing from Tuesday to Friday, and this week have been painting some of the buildings and clasrooms. Monday to Friday with that job. And next week we are climbing mount Kenya.
have a great week and God Bless.
Tim
Wednesday, March 14
Further Growth
A couple of posts ago I talked about my situation. In essence an identity crisis.
The message was one of sorrow but with a glimpse of hope in my situation. Since last thursday this issue of arrogance, dislike of self and not opening myself up to poeple has been definitevly solved. The false face is gone, the loss of identity while still being built has come along in leaps and bounds, the arrogance is gone, and has been replaced by a humility, love for others and a fresh desire to serve.
The vision for my life has never been clearer and I ow see with new eyes and a fresh outlook upon my life and myself. The dislike of self has been completely removed, and I really can now love my neighbour as myself.
My life has been revolutionised and shall never be the same. Praise God, His love endures forever.
The message was one of sorrow but with a glimpse of hope in my situation. Since last thursday this issue of arrogance, dislike of self and not opening myself up to poeple has been definitevly solved. The false face is gone, the loss of identity while still being built has come along in leaps and bounds, the arrogance is gone, and has been replaced by a humility, love for others and a fresh desire to serve.
The vision for my life has never been clearer and I ow see with new eyes and a fresh outlook upon my life and myself. The dislike of self has been completely removed, and I really can now love my neighbour as myself.
My life has been revolutionised and shall never be the same. Praise God, His love endures forever.
Tuesday, March 13
Pelican Narrows
On wednesday we are all heading up north to a native reserve called pelican narrows. We are going there to minister to the First Nations people. These people are a part of a predicament in the Canadian world where many of these people are living on reserves allocated by the government as their entitlements because this country was their's first. The government pays their way if they choose to live on these reserves. When Canada was settled many things were introduced that really upset the social balance amoung the native people such as alcohol and in the modern day, drugs.
These things amoung others have caused serious social problems throughout the native community. The extent of these problems can be conveyed by the following statement: Children are deprived of love and care by parents - many of which are alcoholics. Many parents are verbally and physically abusive. 12 year old children are dying from sniffing petrol, and crystal meth has recently made its way into the reserves.
We are running a kids club where we are most likely expecting upwards of 100 children between the ages of 6 to 12. We are running two youth nights with music, games, and a testimony from one of the guys. If the Spirit moves there will be a gospel message. If not we will just be focusing on building relationship with the youth. The second night will be the same thing but there will be a gospel message. The music includes secular and worship music.
So I am asking for prayer. I should have asked for it a long time ago... but there is nothing I can do about that now. So I ask please pray that the community woukd be reseptive and responsive to the message we give. That they would be grateful for what we give them in our time and food and gifts. Please pray for Teresa, her friend, her family, and the cheif of the community who are some of the few christians in the community. While us and the group will most likely come under some spiritual attack before, during or after the ministry time, we are not in the firing line anything like these people who have been there for so long and will remain there after we leave. They are at serious risk. So please pray for their protection from bearing any burden or temptation that will pull them away from the path that God wants them to follow. Please pray that they will not buy into lies, that they would not be bought off and that they would not submit to intimidation - whether that is by people or directly by the enemy. Because after we leave the torch will be passed to them to keep the flame burning.
Any and all prayer will be appreciated.
Thank you from Tim on behalf of all the Soul Edge boys.
These things amoung others have caused serious social problems throughout the native community. The extent of these problems can be conveyed by the following statement: Children are deprived of love and care by parents - many of which are alcoholics. Many parents are verbally and physically abusive. 12 year old children are dying from sniffing petrol, and crystal meth has recently made its way into the reserves.
We are running a kids club where we are most likely expecting upwards of 100 children between the ages of 6 to 12. We are running two youth nights with music, games, and a testimony from one of the guys. If the Spirit moves there will be a gospel message. If not we will just be focusing on building relationship with the youth. The second night will be the same thing but there will be a gospel message. The music includes secular and worship music.
So I am asking for prayer. I should have asked for it a long time ago... but there is nothing I can do about that now. So I ask please pray that the community woukd be reseptive and responsive to the message we give. That they would be grateful for what we give them in our time and food and gifts. Please pray for Teresa, her friend, her family, and the cheif of the community who are some of the few christians in the community. While us and the group will most likely come under some spiritual attack before, during or after the ministry time, we are not in the firing line anything like these people who have been there for so long and will remain there after we leave. They are at serious risk. So please pray for their protection from bearing any burden or temptation that will pull them away from the path that God wants them to follow. Please pray that they will not buy into lies, that they would not be bought off and that they would not submit to intimidation - whether that is by people or directly by the enemy. Because after we leave the torch will be passed to them to keep the flame burning.
Any and all prayer will be appreciated.
Thank you from Tim on behalf of all the Soul Edge boys.
Friday, March 9
Snowmobiles, Quad-Bikes, and Sleds.
After our morning with Mark it was back to the house and to the normal routine. Mind you for me nothing will be the same after that time with Mark. That morning was really good because since then Mark has been around and hanging out with us. Popping in from time to time has been really good and all the guys really enjoy Mark hanging round and spending time with him.
That day also had a coffee with Joel which was realy good and positive. Always helps to have someone around to talk to about thigns because it ensure that ou are thinking things through and i discover that i discover things that i otherwise would bot have come across or thought about if I wasn't talking to that person.
So that was Thursday.
Friday was a very interesting day. It was a stock standard day until we headed off to the ranch and found something to do. Dan G and JJ went ice-skating so they did not come out on this adventure but the rest of us did and had a wonderful time. It was through this time that i rediscovered. Sorry... here for the first time really discovered my sense of adventure and desire to not live a safe and bubble-wrap lifestyle. We pulled the snowboards out as well as a plastic orange sled and at different points strapped them to the quad with a rope wth them travelling behind. this was all done on the big lake on the Erb property near the feed lot. I wish I could put video on a blog. I really wsh I could, there is some great stuff that I got on my camera. It all started with Paul on the sled and Big D on the quad. They flew around the lake. Joel was asking Dan to slow down "you're gonna kill him!" Not really actually because as we discovered the snow was thick enough to break the fall and because you're low to the ground you only slide and hence would really struggle to break something. So it was no holds bar! what we didn't predict from all this though was the amount of snow that flies up from the quad and sled. You get mouthuls of snow should you open it to say anthing at all and so much snow that you cannot see anything at all. Next time we would be more prepared...
Dan here would master the quad and learn to take sleds and snowboards. Riding on these sleds is some of the most adrenaline pumping, excitement filling stuff you can do. Flying by the seat of your pants - almost quite literally - behind a quad going about 50km/h, snow flying everywhere, going over many little bumps in the lake that feel like mountains, bringing many sore points along the back and legs. But would only be beaten in excitement and exhileration by the next day.
Satrday is a day that shal never be forgotton and has really given me a taste of adventure that shall not be quenched any time soon. Attached were various objects behind the quad this time and we (that is 5 of the guys) would wrestle and fight trying to push each other off the various objects trailing behind the quad. Two of these objects were breifcases, and worked surprisingly well - once snow was placed in the act as padding. Josh Erb would discover the ecret a little too late and would sustain a blow that he would feel for the rest of the day. He was fine though - these farm boys just suck it up.
The highlight for me though came later in the day. Halfway through ou morning session the Erb's neighbours the Klasson girls came to join us for the event. And with them they brought two snowmobiles. One of which was a Yamaha 1000cc 120 bhp. This Dan hopped on I attached a briefcase and he took me from one end of the lake to the other. up the first time at about 50km/h. On the way back though I asked him to "go as fast as you can". So Dan flew across this lake at 75km/h with me flying (at points) behind holding onto this old breifcase (surprislingly not scared at all) going over little jumps and absolutely zooming along. It all came to a terrible end though when Dan hit a sharp bump in the ice that rolled the snowmobile falling on his leg and breaking it in two places. I continued at high speed and slammed into the snowmobile sending me flying over the top 10 feet into the air and breaking my right arm which I landed on. Just kidding. Dan finally hit this big jump near the end of the lake which the snowmobile got air on and when I went over it I got a foot into the air and went about 20 feet crashing to the ground all in the blink of an eye, sprawling out of the suitcase and sliding another 3 or so metres on my back in the snow. One of my favorite memories that shall be forever cherished.
Great day.
Sunday was another church service day. And we again had dinner at the ranch, once again experiencing Polly's amazing cooking. And knowing that she's reading right now - thanks again, all the guys appreciate all the time and effort you put in for us on the nights you cook for us. (Oh and on the subject of cooking and hospitality thank you Jesse and JL for the wonderful poppy-seed muffins today, they were spectacular.)
Then Monday came. The main event of this day was Youth. This is the youth group that the whole town's churches youth attend. Year's 6 to 12. Tis is the first we have attended and Dan Dan Josh and Josh were the band for the night. Before hand while Cody was praying for the night God told him that His spririt was going to move. this was exciting and yes the Spirit did move that night.
The worship was really god. the guys rocked out and brought a great charasmatic worship session that had not been witnessed by the youth for a ong time. the songs were well selected with The Stand being the big one, as well as Beautiful One and other classics. the youth really responded and really enjoyed what was offered them. Looking for any move of the Spirit at all and being really hopeful, I was put on edge a little when the Spirit didn't move - especially not knowing what the message was. So Clint got up and began his talk. This guy was great. Most reading will know the talk that is often given to youth concerning removing trash from your life. Those that know of these talks will probably know that they are often done quite badly. Clint nailed it. God used him in an amazing way on Monday night, and the youth responded. There was an alter call, the Soul Edge guys got up the fornt ready to pray for people, and we did. What I thank God for was the oppurtunity He gave me to talk to one of the girls that went up the front. I talked to her about a relational and loving and caring God. Something that kids here don't seem to understand - that God wants relationship with us. They know of this fact but are yet to really go after it and to pursue relationship with God. Please pray for the youth. That they would come to this understanding and place.
Tuesday we headed out to Swift Current to do the shopping as well as a movie night. Shopping was not the usual experience though. The van was not present at the house so we had to take Dave's amazing Bronco. Big four wheel drive vehicle. Monster of a truck. Thing is though it was modified form a two wheel to a four wheel. so a mechanism was put in place to do this. So there we are Me, Dan G, Cody, JJ, and Paul piled and squished into a four seater (Paul was in the back), and headed off to Swift, while the others headed off to the ranch to get the van in the Erb family car. Everything was all fine and dandy until - the car cut out. Just stopped. So Dave rolled it in neutral until it came to a stop, and Dave and Cody hopped out and took a look at the car. Under the car which the rest of us are still in we hear Dave say something. I forget because at the time it was really good comic value. Turns out thought the two cases that held fluid and contained the machanism which made the Bronco 4WD had ost all the bolts and had moved away from each other, creating a nice big gap. So we sat in the bronco until the van came by and we all hopped in and when to do the shopping. Once again it was two shopping trolley's and a few hundred dollars worth of food. That's a week's worth. there's some carry over though. that night was manly movie night. The oither manly movie night we watched Braveheart. This time it was Gladiator.
Wednesday was good. Got to 10 degrees above 0 which was really nice. And yes that is a very warm day. I was walking around after the soccer game in shorts and shirt. That day I finally got ot meet up with Kent which was good, and then later we had a wonderful night of Cell group with some of the young guys in youth.
I believe it's pretty up to date now.
Have a great one, and God Bless.
That day also had a coffee with Joel which was realy good and positive. Always helps to have someone around to talk to about thigns because it ensure that ou are thinking things through and i discover that i discover things that i otherwise would bot have come across or thought about if I wasn't talking to that person.
So that was Thursday.
Friday was a very interesting day. It was a stock standard day until we headed off to the ranch and found something to do. Dan G and JJ went ice-skating so they did not come out on this adventure but the rest of us did and had a wonderful time. It was through this time that i rediscovered. Sorry... here for the first time really discovered my sense of adventure and desire to not live a safe and bubble-wrap lifestyle. We pulled the snowboards out as well as a plastic orange sled and at different points strapped them to the quad with a rope wth them travelling behind. this was all done on the big lake on the Erb property near the feed lot. I wish I could put video on a blog. I really wsh I could, there is some great stuff that I got on my camera. It all started with Paul on the sled and Big D on the quad. They flew around the lake. Joel was asking Dan to slow down "you're gonna kill him!" Not really actually because as we discovered the snow was thick enough to break the fall and because you're low to the ground you only slide and hence would really struggle to break something. So it was no holds bar! what we didn't predict from all this though was the amount of snow that flies up from the quad and sled. You get mouthuls of snow should you open it to say anthing at all and so much snow that you cannot see anything at all. Next time we would be more prepared...
Dan here would master the quad and learn to take sleds and snowboards. Riding on these sleds is some of the most adrenaline pumping, excitement filling stuff you can do. Flying by the seat of your pants - almost quite literally - behind a quad going about 50km/h, snow flying everywhere, going over many little bumps in the lake that feel like mountains, bringing many sore points along the back and legs. But would only be beaten in excitement and exhileration by the next day.
Satrday is a day that shal never be forgotton and has really given me a taste of adventure that shall not be quenched any time soon. Attached were various objects behind the quad this time and we (that is 5 of the guys) would wrestle and fight trying to push each other off the various objects trailing behind the quad. Two of these objects were breifcases, and worked surprisingly well - once snow was placed in the act as padding. Josh Erb would discover the ecret a little too late and would sustain a blow that he would feel for the rest of the day. He was fine though - these farm boys just suck it up.
The highlight for me though came later in the day. Halfway through ou morning session the Erb's neighbours the Klasson girls came to join us for the event. And with them they brought two snowmobiles. One of which was a Yamaha 1000cc 120 bhp. This Dan hopped on I attached a briefcase and he took me from one end of the lake to the other. up the first time at about 50km/h. On the way back though I asked him to "go as fast as you can". So Dan flew across this lake at 75km/h with me flying (at points) behind holding onto this old breifcase (surprislingly not scared at all) going over little jumps and absolutely zooming along. It all came to a terrible end though when Dan hit a sharp bump in the ice that rolled the snowmobile falling on his leg and breaking it in two places. I continued at high speed and slammed into the snowmobile sending me flying over the top 10 feet into the air and breaking my right arm which I landed on. Just kidding. Dan finally hit this big jump near the end of the lake which the snowmobile got air on and when I went over it I got a foot into the air and went about 20 feet crashing to the ground all in the blink of an eye, sprawling out of the suitcase and sliding another 3 or so metres on my back in the snow. One of my favorite memories that shall be forever cherished.
Great day.
Sunday was another church service day. And we again had dinner at the ranch, once again experiencing Polly's amazing cooking. And knowing that she's reading right now - thanks again, all the guys appreciate all the time and effort you put in for us on the nights you cook for us. (Oh and on the subject of cooking and hospitality thank you Jesse and JL for the wonderful poppy-seed muffins today, they were spectacular.)
Then Monday came. The main event of this day was Youth. This is the youth group that the whole town's churches youth attend. Year's 6 to 12. Tis is the first we have attended and Dan Dan Josh and Josh were the band for the night. Before hand while Cody was praying for the night God told him that His spririt was going to move. this was exciting and yes the Spirit did move that night.
The worship was really god. the guys rocked out and brought a great charasmatic worship session that had not been witnessed by the youth for a ong time. the songs were well selected with The Stand being the big one, as well as Beautiful One and other classics. the youth really responded and really enjoyed what was offered them. Looking for any move of the Spirit at all and being really hopeful, I was put on edge a little when the Spirit didn't move - especially not knowing what the message was. So Clint got up and began his talk. This guy was great. Most reading will know the talk that is often given to youth concerning removing trash from your life. Those that know of these talks will probably know that they are often done quite badly. Clint nailed it. God used him in an amazing way on Monday night, and the youth responded. There was an alter call, the Soul Edge guys got up the fornt ready to pray for people, and we did. What I thank God for was the oppurtunity He gave me to talk to one of the girls that went up the front. I talked to her about a relational and loving and caring God. Something that kids here don't seem to understand - that God wants relationship with us. They know of this fact but are yet to really go after it and to pursue relationship with God. Please pray for the youth. That they would come to this understanding and place.
Tuesday we headed out to Swift Current to do the shopping as well as a movie night. Shopping was not the usual experience though. The van was not present at the house so we had to take Dave's amazing Bronco. Big four wheel drive vehicle. Monster of a truck. Thing is though it was modified form a two wheel to a four wheel. so a mechanism was put in place to do this. So there we are Me, Dan G, Cody, JJ, and Paul piled and squished into a four seater (Paul was in the back), and headed off to Swift, while the others headed off to the ranch to get the van in the Erb family car. Everything was all fine and dandy until - the car cut out. Just stopped. So Dave rolled it in neutral until it came to a stop, and Dave and Cody hopped out and took a look at the car. Under the car which the rest of us are still in we hear Dave say something. I forget because at the time it was really good comic value. Turns out thought the two cases that held fluid and contained the machanism which made the Bronco 4WD had ost all the bolts and had moved away from each other, creating a nice big gap. So we sat in the bronco until the van came by and we all hopped in and when to do the shopping. Once again it was two shopping trolley's and a few hundred dollars worth of food. That's a week's worth. there's some carry over though. that night was manly movie night. The oither manly movie night we watched Braveheart. This time it was Gladiator.
Wednesday was good. Got to 10 degrees above 0 which was really nice. And yes that is a very warm day. I was walking around after the soccer game in shorts and shirt. That day I finally got ot meet up with Kent which was good, and then later we had a wonderful night of Cell group with some of the young guys in youth.
I believe it's pretty up to date now.
Have a great one, and God Bless.
Wednesday, March 7
prophets, heart and life.
well the past week has been a pretty stock standard week here in herbert. So no day by day account. Just the interesting stuff.
On Thurday morning last week we met Mark and Annalise (my apologies for mis-spelling) for a session. They made amazing food for us. Just platters of it for just us guys. - another lesson in hospitality. Something they really excel at here in Herbert. Mark is an amazing guy, and a powerful man of God. We sat down and shared with him our hearts for the things that we belive God has for us and the world wide church. He shared some words of wisdom throughout, and when he prayed for each of us at the end he prophesyed something for each and every one of us. Whether it be something now or in the future we were all encouraged and further equipped to pursue relationship with the Lord.
For me this is some of what he told me:
"There is something blocking your relationship with God. This is part of your journey - to find it, and to remove it."
"While journey wil take you far it will cost you."
"You will be a leader, you are a leader."
Since then I have been informed by the Almighty that the thing blocking my relationship with Him is a complex issue. In the core of my heart I have found amazing arrogance, as well as a great dislike for myself. I do not know my identity. I do not know who I am. God is slowly revealing this to me, I have already taken a few steps with God on this road and am slowly discovering this, but I am by no means a long way down this road. The big one is my stone like face and identity that I present to people. I am not real with friends and family - only on rare occaisions will I truly level with someone about my situation. To the extent I have done this amazes me; I also have true regret because of the oppurtunities that have passed me by. Even throughout the years that Tom mentored me, there were so many things I didn't tell him. This is one of my biggest regrets because of the love that he always showed me, and how much wisdom he could have imparted, and how much God could have moved in my life. I have been a closed book for so long. Never being vulnerable to anyone but God. Always keeping my heart to myself and God. Always afraid of hurt and pain. It's a strange thing though. The reason I keep hearing from God to open my heart up to people is because he wants me to bless people through that. I don't get it; I keep getting told my heart is special, unique - and this is why (amoung other reasons I don't know, and others I do) God wants me to open up this book that is my heart. He believes it will strengthen my ministry, and it will help and bless people. Maybe one day I will understand why he wishes me to do this.
So here I must be obedient. I must open up my heart and let people in to see the real Tim. Because not many people have the entire picture of who I am. Even some people who think they may know and understand me through and through, may not. Here I promise to be real. Here I vow and commit to being vulnerable. Want to see my heart? Just ask and I shall lay it out on a plate for you, and it is my prayer that there may be something in my heart that I would be able to encourage and bless you with. Want to know how I struggled with identity? Ask. Want to know how I got through a severe case of terrible self-esteem, and found confidence to move out in? Ask. Want to know my battle with singleness and how God took hold of my life with both hands and saved my from my own desires and selfish ambitions? Ask, and I shall not refuse. But please don't ask for the sake of asking. Ask with the motivation to understand and grow and know God better, or to perhaps learn about a God that you don't know of. Because this is all my life is good for - allowing others to draw nearer and into a more intimate relationship with the living God. My life on it's own is nothing; but there is Jesus Christ, and He makes me significant; so may my signifance and my stories always and only reflect Him.
On Thurday morning last week we met Mark and Annalise (my apologies for mis-spelling) for a session. They made amazing food for us. Just platters of it for just us guys. - another lesson in hospitality. Something they really excel at here in Herbert. Mark is an amazing guy, and a powerful man of God. We sat down and shared with him our hearts for the things that we belive God has for us and the world wide church. He shared some words of wisdom throughout, and when he prayed for each of us at the end he prophesyed something for each and every one of us. Whether it be something now or in the future we were all encouraged and further equipped to pursue relationship with the Lord.
For me this is some of what he told me:
"There is something blocking your relationship with God. This is part of your journey - to find it, and to remove it."
"While journey wil take you far it will cost you."
"You will be a leader, you are a leader."
Since then I have been informed by the Almighty that the thing blocking my relationship with Him is a complex issue. In the core of my heart I have found amazing arrogance, as well as a great dislike for myself. I do not know my identity. I do not know who I am. God is slowly revealing this to me, I have already taken a few steps with God on this road and am slowly discovering this, but I am by no means a long way down this road. The big one is my stone like face and identity that I present to people. I am not real with friends and family - only on rare occaisions will I truly level with someone about my situation. To the extent I have done this amazes me; I also have true regret because of the oppurtunities that have passed me by. Even throughout the years that Tom mentored me, there were so many things I didn't tell him. This is one of my biggest regrets because of the love that he always showed me, and how much wisdom he could have imparted, and how much God could have moved in my life. I have been a closed book for so long. Never being vulnerable to anyone but God. Always keeping my heart to myself and God. Always afraid of hurt and pain. It's a strange thing though. The reason I keep hearing from God to open my heart up to people is because he wants me to bless people through that. I don't get it; I keep getting told my heart is special, unique - and this is why (amoung other reasons I don't know, and others I do) God wants me to open up this book that is my heart. He believes it will strengthen my ministry, and it will help and bless people. Maybe one day I will understand why he wishes me to do this.
So here I must be obedient. I must open up my heart and let people in to see the real Tim. Because not many people have the entire picture of who I am. Even some people who think they may know and understand me through and through, may not. Here I promise to be real. Here I vow and commit to being vulnerable. Want to see my heart? Just ask and I shall lay it out on a plate for you, and it is my prayer that there may be something in my heart that I would be able to encourage and bless you with. Want to know how I struggled with identity? Ask. Want to know how I got through a severe case of terrible self-esteem, and found confidence to move out in? Ask. Want to know my battle with singleness and how God took hold of my life with both hands and saved my from my own desires and selfish ambitions? Ask, and I shall not refuse. But please don't ask for the sake of asking. Ask with the motivation to understand and grow and know God better, or to perhaps learn about a God that you don't know of. Because this is all my life is good for - allowing others to draw nearer and into a more intimate relationship with the living God. My life on it's own is nothing; but there is Jesus Christ, and He makes me significant; so may my signifance and my stories always and only reflect Him.
Wednesday, February 28
The week that was
Well while the photos are great there hasn't been a lot of detail about the happenings of the past week. So here's the low down.
Ont eh 15th of Feb it was chill out and back into the routine of a standard week in Herbert. So nothing amazing was going on here until Monday the 19th of Feb.
Then it was off to revisit Banff. And yes that does mean have been there before. About 10 1/2 years ago back in August to November of 1996. So the road trp up there was fun. Things like that where you are spending 6 hours in the fan with 8 other 17 to 21 year olds is never going to be boring.
So we headed into Calgary first for a stopover with Nana. Josh and Joel's Grandma. She served up some really nice food but was lacking a little in quantity. We all walked away still a little hungry.
So the next day it is off to sunshine ski park. Woo! This we have all been looking forward to for a while. And there is no let down. We all head off having a fantastic time. partner up with Paul and we head down run 53 tearing it up. This was a lot better than Elkwater because this has about a hundered different runs spread over a hundered different hills. And yes that is a hyperbole. This day was cut short though with myself injuring my right hamstring on the second run of the day which simply had caused me enough trouble by the end of the day. So when the group met up at 2 i stayed back with Paul who at this point had a badly injured - wait for it - achilles tendon. He wasn't at this point able to walk on it. so with all our gear two cripples make their way to the gondola and their way down the mountain.
When we got home we had a discussion session, and then we prayed for Paul's achilles. it wasn't completely healed immediately but he went from not being able to use it at all to walking normally on it, and had a fantastic time hiking and cross country skiing the next day without any hinderance to his movement when it was completely restored. That was an awesome miracle to see, and to be able to witness to in future. i mean try and explain that with worldly science and logic.
The next day was the 20th of Feb, and we wake to a beautiful Tuesday morning. it's designated a rest day as nominated by the guys, and we slept in - chilled out and went SHOPPING! That was for my female readers. This really was not an exciting prospect and quit pretty quickly. the only thing that got me out there was the others guys energy and excitement along with the fact that it's Banff and you don't want to spend the whole day inside. Sorry ladies. it was the same thing on Friday - miind you did get myself a nice hoody. Sport Check was having an amazing sale. JJ got himself a windproof jacket worth $150 for $50. Great deal.
Then it was off on the hike and then onto the hot springs. Both were terrific fun.
On Thursday it was back onto the slopes. This time only made oit a couple of metres before i hit my hamstring again on the icy snow and had to call it quits for the day. So lucky Tim gets to spend the day indoors - bored out of his mind. Well there are worse things. The others though did have a fantastic time though. They all had it down pat by the end of the day but got the hang of it early enough so as to enjoy thenselves. They had a fantastic time.
So i'll spare you those details of my boring day and move onto the next day which was much more fun for myself at least.
We headed onto the very same gondola ride that we visited in 1996 and yes due to my hamstring i took it to the top. i was a little disapointed that i was unable to hike up the mountain with the rest of the gang. Especially since some snowboarded down, the antics the others got up to when they hiked to the top before they got the gondola down, and the fact that the guys ,kicked a football all the way up to the top. i hear you ask 'what antics?'. This would be bette
r explained with pictures.
But don't be deceived. it was windy and cold. it was below 0 and windy. So at the end of this day it was chill out and relax at the house and then we watched a movie. Awesome movie - The Last Samurai. Yes Tom Cruise is a bit weird but this was before that and he's still an awesome actor - even though he's short.
Ont eh 15th of Feb it was chill out and back into the routine of a standard week in Herbert. So nothing amazing was going on here until Monday the 19th of Feb.
Then it was off to revisit Banff. And yes that does mean have been there before. About 10 1/2 years ago back in August to November of 1996. So the road trp up there was fun. Things like that where you are spending 6 hours in the fan with 8 other 17 to 21 year olds is never going to be boring.
So we headed into Calgary first for a stopover with Nana. Josh and Joel's Grandma. She served up some really nice food but was lacking a little in quantity. We all walked away still a little hungry.
So the next day it is off to sunshine ski park. Woo! This we have all been looking forward to for a while. And there is no let down. We all head off having a fantastic time. partner up with Paul and we head down run 53 tearing it up. This was a lot better than Elkwater because this has about a hundered different runs spread over a hundered different hills. And yes that is a hyperbole. This day was cut short though with myself injuring my right hamstring on the second run of the day which simply had caused me enough trouble by the end of the day. So when the group met up at 2 i stayed back with Paul who at this point had a badly injured - wait for it - achilles tendon. He wasn't at this point able to walk on it. so with all our gear two cripples make their way to the gondola and their way down the mountain.
When we got home we had a discussion session, and then we prayed for Paul's achilles. it wasn't completely healed immediately but he went from not being able to use it at all to walking normally on it, and had a fantastic time hiking and cross country skiing the next day without any hinderance to his movement when it was completely restored. That was an awesome miracle to see, and to be able to witness to in future. i mean try and explain that with worldly science and logic.
The next day was the 20th of Feb, and we wake to a beautiful Tuesday morning. it's designated a rest day as nominated by the guys, and we slept in - chilled out and went SHOPPING! That was for my female readers. This really was not an exciting prospect and quit pretty quickly. the only thing that got me out there was the others guys energy and excitement along with the fact that it's Banff and you don't want to spend the whole day inside. Sorry ladies. it was the same thing on Friday - miind you did get myself a nice hoody. Sport Check was having an amazing sale. JJ got himself a windproof jacket worth $150 for $50. Great deal.
Then it was off on the hike and then onto the hot springs. Both were terrific fun.
On Thursday it was back onto the slopes. This time only made oit a couple of metres before i hit my hamstring again on the icy snow and had to call it quits for the day. So lucky Tim gets to spend the day indoors - bored out of his mind. Well there are worse things. The others though did have a fantastic time though. They all had it down pat by the end of the day but got the hang of it early enough so as to enjoy thenselves. They had a fantastic time.
So i'll spare you those details of my boring day and move onto the next day which was much more fun for myself at least.
We headed onto the very same gondola ride that we visited in 1996 and yes due to my hamstring i took it to the top. i was a little disapointed that i was unable to hike up the mountain with the rest of the gang. Especially since some snowboarded down, the antics the others got up to when they hiked to the top before they got the gondola down, and the fact that the guys ,kicked a football all the way up to the top. i hear you ask 'what antics?'. This would be bette
r explained with pictures.
But don't be deceived. it was windy and cold. it was below 0 and windy. So at the end of this day it was chill out and relax at the house and then we watched a movie. Awesome movie - The Last Samurai. Yes Tom Cruise is a bit weird but this was before that and he's still an awesome actor - even though he's short. The next thing that occured was the next day...
Thus started the ride home. we left late - 1pm and had an awesome trip back. it was wonderful.
And that my friends was the week that was. Great stuff.
Have a awesome week and God Bless.
Sunday, February 25
Another photo from the hike
It was mentioned that we were travelling thorough bear country, so a scenario arose. If being chased by a bear (Dan) would you (Josh) be able to climb a tree safety? The answer that you can see clearly is "No". 
Before we hopped into the pool we discovered the swimmers that you could rent. They call these "historics". You can easily see why. So myself, Paul, and Josh decided to have a bit of fun. And yes - we turned heads.
The Hot Springs. A big pool. Outdoors. But apparently natuurally heated.
Dan discovered that while his boardies were out in the cold they went rigid. So what would any 18 year old male do with this discovery? On the car ride back hang them out the window and see how rigid they can go. As you can see the experiment was a complete success.Saturday, February 24
This was a quantity of sausage that contributed to the 180 pounds of deer sausage (you work it out) that we made on the 12th and 13th of Feb. This was during the week that followed K country and preceded Banff.
Once again it's Paul goofing off - this time he's a manikin in the window of a Sports store called Sports Check. It's like Rebel.
Josh and Dan D taking a stroll down the High Street of Banff Alberta two days ago on Wednesday.
The mountains of Alberta. Photo taken from the leisurly hike on Wednesday.
A couple more photos from the hike.
To the abaove photo there is 10
points to the person who can guess what that is. And its not a rainbow. There are two "sun dogs" either side of the sun there.The next photo is one taken from the snow camping trip at home base with tha cabin and such.
The next photo is unbelievably not a photo of a really strong cup of coffee. It's a photo of a really really strong cup of tea. And yes it was a unbelievably wonderful cup of tea.
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