It has been great to ‘settle’ back in to Australia (even if only for another couple of months). There is something very special about this country and it will always be my home. But I am really looking forward to the opportunity to live in England for a couple of years.
Ali and I have been offered the opportunity to run a kids ministry in England. We will be employed full time to facilitate school programs, outreach services, holiday clubs, scripture in schools and of course Sunday morning kids church. It is a strange thought to think that what we have been ‘squeezing’ into our lives after work and on weekends, will now become our job. It is a surreal time when you passion and vocation collide. I am really looking forward to see what God does in me during this journey – How will I respond to my job being where my passion is??? I don’t know what it will look like, but I know it is going to be miraculous!
I preached on the weekend at both services on Sunday (Gateway Church – Lake Mac and Hunter Campuses) on forgiveness. It was a real revelation to me that the original Greek word used in the Gospel actually means to ‘send away’. It helps to understand that forgiveness is not actually as much about the other person as it is about me. To forgive someone is actually about me choosing to ‘send away’ the hurt or pain or blame or guilt or debt. It has little to do with the person who committed the offence but has heaps to do about the ‘baggage’ we carry through life. The more things I forgive or ‘send away’, the less weight that I am carry and therefore greater sense of freedom and ability to run. Well it was profound to me.
Anyway, must get going and continue planning on how I can forgive more people and also get ready to move half-way around the world!
Bless ya!
b.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
OMG!! They have Ben and Jerry’s in dispenses like coke dispenses – is this the Promised Land???
Well we have just arrived home...to 35 degree heat!! What is that about?? We have gone from 10 degrees to 35 degrees and I am moving VERY slowly.
But the last few days have been great! We went to Westminster Abbey and saw the Queen and all the pomp and ceremony that she comes with. It was a great experience and it was great to hear the honouring that they give her.
After that Ali and I went to Weybridge to visit the Compassion UK office. That was great and it was cool to see that it is the same ‘vibe’ in there as it is in the Aussie office – a bunch of people who are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name!
After coming back to London, we went for a walk and introduced Hannah to Ben and Jerry’s – I think she has seen the light. We also could hear the young girls screaming at Zac Efron arrived at his new movie’s premiere.
Our last morning was spent visit the amazing building that was built for the glory of God – St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is such an amazing building with an incredible past. The building that was built to honour God really achieves its purpose. We then went to my favourite hamburger place in England which is right across the road from St. Paul’s.
We then caught the underground from King’s Cross station to Heathrow and that is when I saw it...the dispenser to beat all dispensers, a Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream dispenser – is there anything better? After that the trip was great and quick (as quick as a 21 hour flight can be).
So...now we are back home and moving very slowly but while trying to plan a dinner tomorrow night for 20 or so people and prepare for Emil and Holly’s wedding on Monday...Welcome back real world!!!
Bless ya!
b.
But the last few days have been great! We went to Westminster Abbey and saw the Queen and all the pomp and ceremony that she comes with. It was a great experience and it was great to hear the honouring that they give her.
After that Ali and I went to Weybridge to visit the Compassion UK office. That was great and it was cool to see that it is the same ‘vibe’ in there as it is in the Aussie office – a bunch of people who are committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name!
After coming back to London, we went for a walk and introduced Hannah to Ben and Jerry’s – I think she has seen the light. We also could hear the young girls screaming at Zac Efron arrived at his new movie’s premiere.
Our last morning was spent visit the amazing building that was built for the glory of God – St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is such an amazing building with an incredible past. The building that was built to honour God really achieves its purpose. We then went to my favourite hamburger place in England which is right across the road from St. Paul’s.
We then caught the underground from King’s Cross station to Heathrow and that is when I saw it...the dispenser to beat all dispensers, a Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream dispenser – is there anything better? After that the trip was great and quick (as quick as a 21 hour flight can be).
So...now we are back home and moving very slowly but while trying to plan a dinner tomorrow night for 20 or so people and prepare for Emil and Holly’s wedding on Monday...Welcome back real world!!!
Bless ya!
b.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Going to London to Visit the Queen…yes, actually!
It was an amazing service at Kings Christian Centre on Sunday. Great people and an amazing word on ‘Unity’ from THE Ps. Kirk! We then had a meeting with their kid’s team – kids leaders are the same all over the world – passionate, faith-filled and anointed. They are doing great stuff.
We then went to Oxford. A fantastic town with incredible history (like the whole country I guess…) We stayed in the Youth Hostel there and then went for a walk around town to see some of the sites, visited some old churches and saw a TV show being filmed.
After an eventful drive to Heathrow (my first English traffic Jam – not fun) to drop the car off, we caught the train into London to begin the last leg of our tour. We started our London experience with dinner at a pub and a walk to Piccadilly Circus for some Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.
The next morning, Hannah finally came back into our touring party (which was good because we missed her) we then trekked off to Trafalgar Square to climb the lions, then bussed it to the Tower of London and saw the Crown Jewels, then to Harrods (we just bought chocolates as that was all me could afford) and then back to the Hostel for a quick rest. We later headed out to Oxford Street for a spot of shopping – I didn’t buy anything, but it was fun.
Today we are going to Westminster Abbey and to Whitehall to wait for the Queen to come and open parliament. She will give a wave like she did two years ago – she always likes to come out and greet us when we come over. Then a trip to Compassion UK.
Only one more sleep left :(
See you soon!
Bless ya!
b.
We then went to Oxford. A fantastic town with incredible history (like the whole country I guess…) We stayed in the Youth Hostel there and then went for a walk around town to see some of the sites, visited some old churches and saw a TV show being filmed.
After an eventful drive to Heathrow (my first English traffic Jam – not fun) to drop the car off, we caught the train into London to begin the last leg of our tour. We started our London experience with dinner at a pub and a walk to Piccadilly Circus for some Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.
The next morning, Hannah finally came back into our touring party (which was good because we missed her) we then trekked off to Trafalgar Square to climb the lions, then bussed it to the Tower of London and saw the Crown Jewels, then to Harrods (we just bought chocolates as that was all me could afford) and then back to the Hostel for a quick rest. We later headed out to Oxford Street for a spot of shopping – I didn’t buy anything, but it was fun.
Today we are going to Westminster Abbey and to Whitehall to wait for the Queen to come and open parliament. She will give a wave like she did two years ago – she always likes to come out and greet us when we come over. Then a trip to Compassion UK.
Only one more sleep left :(
See you soon!
Bless ya!
b.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
‘Kidshapered’ (UK Style) and some old friends doing new things.
We had a great time in Chelmsford visiting our friends and seeing Colchester again (the oldest town in England…apparently). After Colchester, Han left us to go to London to stay with her friends.
We went on to Birmingham to catch up with our other UK based Aussie friend Kirk and Tracee McAtear. They are pasturing a church and are doing amazing things. They are settling in really well and the people in the church seem to be really embracing them. They are going to do amazing things with and through that church.
We also attended Kidshaper UK conference. It was the 2nd one held here in the UK and it is already building momentum and establishing a great network of committed, called and anointed kids pastors and leaders. The guys from Australia preached up a storm and the UK based guys shared some amazing wisdom and revelation. God is about to bring revival to this country and kids will be at the forefront of His plan.
We are going to Kings Church today (the church Kirk and Tracee are pastoring) then having lunch with their kids team. It is going to be great to hang with them and ask them some questions.
We go to Oxford tonight and then on to London for the last few days of our trip. We will meet up with Han in London and show her the sights (as well as do some more shopping I presume).
Please send us some emails – we would love to hear about what is happening back home!
Got to go and get ready for church!
Bless ya!
b.
We went on to Birmingham to catch up with our other UK based Aussie friend Kirk and Tracee McAtear. They are pasturing a church and are doing amazing things. They are settling in really well and the people in the church seem to be really embracing them. They are going to do amazing things with and through that church.
We also attended Kidshaper UK conference. It was the 2nd one held here in the UK and it is already building momentum and establishing a great network of committed, called and anointed kids pastors and leaders. The guys from Australia preached up a storm and the UK based guys shared some amazing wisdom and revelation. God is about to bring revival to this country and kids will be at the forefront of His plan.
We are going to Kings Church today (the church Kirk and Tracee are pastoring) then having lunch with their kids team. It is going to be great to hang with them and ask them some questions.
We go to Oxford tonight and then on to London for the last few days of our trip. We will meet up with Han in London and show her the sights (as well as do some more shopping I presume).
Please send us some emails – we would love to hear about what is happening back home!
Got to go and get ready for church!
Bless ya!
b.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Traveling over the countryside, ask the Champness, ask the Champness, ask the Champness family!
Well we left the beautiful town of Bath and our humble but beautiful accommodation at the Bath Youth Hostel for a drive through the English countryside.
We went north to the Cotswold’s area of western England. We went through some quaint old towns that look untouched in the past few centuries. We drove through Nailsworth, Cirencester and eventually had a ‘cream tea’ in Stow-on-the-Wold.
We then drove to the east side of England to Chelmsford. We stayed here the last time we were in England (two years ago). We met up with our friends Matt and Skye and had a great conversation with Skye’s parents who lead a movement of churches. Chelmsford is a great town and we have enjoyed it. We also drove up to Colchester, which is the oldest town in England (dating back to about 46 AD). We visited the castle and enjoyed walking around the old church. Hannah then left us to go to London to spend with her friend.
Today we are driving to Birmingham to see our friends Kirk and Tracee McAtear and to also attend the Kidshaper UK conference. We will be in Birmingham for three nights before we head to Oxford for a night and then London. We are loving England.
Talk again soon.
Bless ya!
b.
We went north to the Cotswold’s area of western England. We went through some quaint old towns that look untouched in the past few centuries. We drove through Nailsworth, Cirencester and eventually had a ‘cream tea’ in Stow-on-the-Wold.
We then drove to the east side of England to Chelmsford. We stayed here the last time we were in England (two years ago). We met up with our friends Matt and Skye and had a great conversation with Skye’s parents who lead a movement of churches. Chelmsford is a great town and we have enjoyed it. We also drove up to Colchester, which is the oldest town in England (dating back to about 46 AD). We visited the castle and enjoyed walking around the old church. Hannah then left us to go to London to spend with her friend.
Today we are driving to Birmingham to see our friends Kirk and Tracee McAtear and to also attend the Kidshaper UK conference. We will be in Birmingham for three nights before we head to Oxford for a night and then London. We are loving England.
Talk again soon.
Bless ya!
b.
Monday, November 9, 2009
English Version of Nelson Bay and a Modern Old Church
Well we spent the weekend in Weston-super-Mare. This is a lovely seaside English town that is apparently an English ‘Tourist Mecca’. It is winter here, but during summer the population swells greatly.
We spent time driving along the ‘front’ (foreshore) and seeing the ‘beach’ and the waterside hotels and restaurants. It was …pretty in an English way. We had a great meal at a nice hotel.
We all stayed with some pastors from a local Anglican church and it is amazing that people that love and serve God are the same all over the world – they were very welcoming and warm in their hosting of us.
We went to the Anglican church in the morning. They have two services in the morning. The first service is a traditional service with all the robes, structured prayers and hymns and choir. There is something so very rich about this heritage and tradition. In the second service it is more ‘contemporary’ with full band and a lot more young people – the worship was lead by a 16 year old girl on an acoustic. At their night service that night (which we didn’t go to) they were baptizing 7 people that had become Christians the day before – they are using the Alpha course with great success. Seeing how people worship in different styles, brings greater revelation of God and His character – I am listening to Him and He is speaking.
We drove back to Bath in the afternoon via Bristol. The countryside is so pretty here. One of the problems with England is the rain, but the flipside of that is that the grass is such a brilliant green and healthy.
Anyway, today we are going to drive through the Cotswold’s and will end up in Chelmsford on the east side of the country at our friends Matt and Skye – it will be great to see some familiar faces
Bless ya!
b.
We spent time driving along the ‘front’ (foreshore) and seeing the ‘beach’ and the waterside hotels and restaurants. It was …pretty in an English way. We had a great meal at a nice hotel.
We all stayed with some pastors from a local Anglican church and it is amazing that people that love and serve God are the same all over the world – they were very welcoming and warm in their hosting of us.
We went to the Anglican church in the morning. They have two services in the morning. The first service is a traditional service with all the robes, structured prayers and hymns and choir. There is something so very rich about this heritage and tradition. In the second service it is more ‘contemporary’ with full band and a lot more young people – the worship was lead by a 16 year old girl on an acoustic. At their night service that night (which we didn’t go to) they were baptizing 7 people that had become Christians the day before – they are using the Alpha course with great success. Seeing how people worship in different styles, brings greater revelation of God and His character – I am listening to Him and He is speaking.
We drove back to Bath in the afternoon via Bristol. The countryside is so pretty here. One of the problems with England is the rain, but the flipside of that is that the grass is such a brilliant green and healthy.
Anyway, today we are going to drive through the Cotswold’s and will end up in Chelmsford on the east side of the country at our friends Matt and Skye – it will be great to see some familiar faces
Bless ya!
b.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The…Longest…Night…Of…My…Life!!! and we loved every minute of it!
Well, we (Ali, Hannah and myself) flew to London on Thursday. We left Sydney at 5:30, had a quick stopover in Bangkok and then on to London to land at 5:30 on Friday morning. In all we had about 20 hours of night time and it was great. We have no trouble sleeping on planes. It is so relaxing to have time to read, sleep, talk and write and there are no interruptions except for people wanting to give you food – what more could you want?
After going through customs we got our hire car and drove to Bath. Half way down the M4 motorway, we decided to take a detour and drive through the countryside. This was a good tip from my brother Rodney and his wife Tracey, It took longer to get to Bath, but it was worth it. England has beautiful countryside and amazing quaint little towns. We love the history of this place.
We got to Bath and did some exploring and saw the incredible Roman Baths. These natural hot springs that 2000 years ago the Romans found and built a temple at. They were very advanced with their buildings, aqua ducts and even had worked out how to have heated floors. We saw some great architecture in the town and were amazed by the way they are maintaining their history and culture and still progressing and modern. We stayed at a Youth Hostel that night - it is a 16th Century Spanish mansion.
Today we drive to Weston-Super-Mare to see an English seaside town that even has a beach! This will be fun.
Keep in touch!
Bless ya!
b.
After going through customs we got our hire car and drove to Bath. Half way down the M4 motorway, we decided to take a detour and drive through the countryside. This was a good tip from my brother Rodney and his wife Tracey, It took longer to get to Bath, but it was worth it. England has beautiful countryside and amazing quaint little towns. We love the history of this place.
We got to Bath and did some exploring and saw the incredible Roman Baths. These natural hot springs that 2000 years ago the Romans found and built a temple at. They were very advanced with their buildings, aqua ducts and even had worked out how to have heated floors. We saw some great architecture in the town and were amazed by the way they are maintaining their history and culture and still progressing and modern. We stayed at a Youth Hostel that night - it is a 16th Century Spanish mansion.
Today we drive to Weston-Super-Mare to see an English seaside town that even has a beach! This will be fun.
Keep in touch!
Bless ya!
b.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Beginning is the End is the Beginning...
Well, I am entering a new stage of life. I am going on an adventure with God. An adventure of Faith, radical obedience and whole hearted commitment.
I have been following God for 17 years now, but there are signposts and markers along the way. I feel that I have just past another marker and thus begin the next leg of my journey.
I don't quite know where this journey will go, end up or lead to, but I know that I am committed to it. I know that it MAY include a physical journey to other places, but I know it WILL include an emotional journey, further spiritual enlightenment and greater social responsibility.
I am going to enjoy it. I need to enjoy it. I need to change. I need to let God continue to make me more like Him and closer to who He has created me to be. I need to become more aware of what it is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8 – Justice, Mercy & Spirituality).
So pray for me, pray for those I meet on the journey that they will give me wisdom for my travel bag and that I can shine a light. If I get a bit lost or lazy, please feel free to prod me. I no longer want to ‘kick against the goads’.
See you on the path!
Bless ya!
b.
I have been following God for 17 years now, but there are signposts and markers along the way. I feel that I have just past another marker and thus begin the next leg of my journey.
I don't quite know where this journey will go, end up or lead to, but I know that I am committed to it. I know that it MAY include a physical journey to other places, but I know it WILL include an emotional journey, further spiritual enlightenment and greater social responsibility.
I am going to enjoy it. I need to enjoy it. I need to change. I need to let God continue to make me more like Him and closer to who He has created me to be. I need to become more aware of what it is to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8 – Justice, Mercy & Spirituality).
So pray for me, pray for those I meet on the journey that they will give me wisdom for my travel bag and that I can shine a light. If I get a bit lost or lazy, please feel free to prod me. I no longer want to ‘kick against the goads’.
See you on the path!
Bless ya!
b.
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