Monday, October 30, 2006

Family.......



IN the 1970's overseas students were arriving in Melbourne to study at university. We opened out home and our hearts to some of the greatest young people and friendships were formed for eternity. Pictured here are the children my "adopted" brothers Joe and David: Jonathan, Sarah, Thomas. In the top picture Jonathan is with his younger sister, Jaymie. These young people have been such a joy to me - I first held Jonathan when he was just a few hours old! Now the three older kids are at university themselves, and Jaymie is a delight as she goes into Grade 2 next year. Their parents are amazing also: Joe and Shof lead a Life Group and Joe is on pastoral staff at my home church (CityLife). In fact he is the pastoral oversight on the CCM board and I so appreciate his input in my life. David and Mei are dynamos, leading a Life Group and ministering in so many areas. David is one of the Children's Pastors at CityLife and Mei ministers to the young mothers in the church and among her patients. (She is a midwife). I feel so privileged to be a part of their families.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Family.....



Family......
I get asked about my family when I travel and so thought it time to introduce some of them to "Cub's Place". While I have not been blessed with "biological kids" I have some great family! Pictured are my nieces, Simona and Kelly with some of their offspring. Kelly is holding her younger daughter Marissa and Simona's youngest daughter Sarah, while Simona is with her eldest daughter, Hannah. There are three other kids not in the photos - Ella (Kel's eldest) and Tori (Sim's second daughter) are in swimming lessons, and Cody (Simona's eldest) is at school. They are great kids - always on the go! I love them heaps....just don't get to spend too much time with them.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

The Hi's and Lo's of JET LAG

Arrived back home (Melbourne) after being awake for around 38 hours (most of them in the air). In bed by 10 and asleep moments later...only to wake three hours later...and that was it! Day Two: asleep early evening (with assistance of over-the counter stuff) and made it through to 3 something. Not bad! The Lo's of jet-lag? Having to turn down a call for an Emergency Teacher for a day (couldn't see myself functioning well enough!) Concentration problems mid-day due to an incredible desire to sleep....being woken not long after getting to sleep by two phone calls, from people who had NO IDEA that ANYONE would be in bed by 7.30 let alone asleep (I was!). What about the Hi's? Are there any? Surprisingly YES! Getting to view and hear some great messages from some of the Christian speakers that go to air in the wee small hours. Joyce Meyer and her guest J. John discussing the relevant of the Ten Commandments in our society was today's example. Seeing the first rays of dawn creep across the sky... heralded by some amazing bird-song....sitting up in bed and logging on to check email....fill in the blog....all with a great lack of pressure. No likelihood of a phone call or interruption at 4 a.m.! Seeing my favorite weather man Al Roker on the U.S. Today Show...and getting to see the opening hour of SUNRISE (a rare event!)and mulling over the news of the day. Hmmm....today it was global reactions to North Korea's nuclear test AND the big breaking stuff - why toast that is buttered or vegemited when dropped, falls buttered side down. Captivating viewing! It's good to be home!

Saturday, October 07, 2006

The Future of the Czech Republic...



The children in Brno crept into our hearts and remain there. We journeyed by bus (complete with attendant who plied us with drinks every few minutes so it seemed) and were met by Katka and her husband Marek who hosted us for the weekend. Katka heads up the children's ministry at Word of Life Church. We had a great time with them, and enjoyed meeting and ministering to children's workers from several churches. The final sessions on the Saturday were for parents and we looked at some basic foundations that children need today. Sunday was full-on with two services happening and we ministered with Katka and Marek and two great groups of kids. Katka has the same vision that we have - that children can know the reality of a living God, can hear His voice and share His love with others, and appropriate the message for living that is found in the Word of God for their own lives. Christian children are in the vast minority - pray for them to grow strong and stand as an example of good choices in action!

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Satan's City?- Not if Thomas has his way!



On Thursday night we had the privilege of travelling to the north of the city with Thomas F. who works with street kids in that area. Amidst many communist built high-rise blocks of flats, he gathers children and youth to come to the many activities held during the week. The premises are a disused shop at the base of one of the blocks, and here there is a table tennis table where youth can come to play. Thomas and his team arrange for adventure activities during the holidays - canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and more - and gradually he has built a small group of youth who regularly attend. Their Christian experience is limited and we realised that there is much to do in their hearts and lives. We met with six of these teens and were able to have a fun workshop on puppetry, but the best part was seeing them repeat an entire puppet skit in Czech to the group of children who came to the evening program. None of these younger children had had any previous exposure to Christianity and for many it was the first time they had heard of "GOD". Our interpreter was Katka - a medical doctor - who each week works alongside Thomas and team to reach the young people of this area - literally called in Czech "Satan's City". Please pray with us that the strongholds of this area would crumble and that a new generation for God would emerge!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

God's Gardeners!



The Czech Republic has an abundance of leafy trees, wide, green fields, and the streets and houses feature many colorful flowers - roses, geraniums, sun flowers - produce of enthusiastic gardeners. However, the gardeners in this blog entry are planters of churches - bringers of good news to a country still bearing the marks of communism along with the trappings of the new economy - materialism. It's a hard slog to plant here. Years of prepation in prayer, hard work in contacting, outreaching and finally pastoring those who respond. For many people, any church other than Orthodox is viewed with suspicion as a cult. We feel privileged to have met and ministered with several great "gardeners". In Prague, in Hradec Kralove and other towns around the country children, youth and adults are being born into the kingdom of God, and planted in local churches. The majority of churches are small - but there is an atmosphere of hope and determination to take the message wider. For us, the workshops, meetings and family services have been a small input into a wider picture. Please remember to pray for the Czech Church to continue to grow, flourish and reproduce a fantastic crop of fruit in its season. Note: Photos - Sue looking towards Wencelas' Square and Stanislav and Eva - two fantastic planters!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

9/11


Sue and I were in Northern India on September 11, 2001. Not far from the Pakistani border, we had just finished sharing in a pastors' conference and returned to our hotel room to watch CNN and saw the second plane hit the World Trade Centre. We sat for hours, watching at first in disbelief and then horror as the events unfolded. Some of those images are indelibliy ingrained in my mind. For Sue is was even harder - she was so far away from her family, and at a time such as this, family is more precious than ever. To make matters worse, the nation we were in reacted in different ways. Where we were, there was genuine dismay and sympathy, but further south people came out into the streets to rejoice. God really intervened and Sue was able to fly out as scheduled when all US airlines were grounded. She was one of the few U.S. passengers who managed to get on another airline. Both of us learned some important things that night and on this fifth anniversary, I thought I would share these.
1. My world perspective changed - the world became a smaller place somehow, with no nation out of range of evil, and no one nation could afford to be isolated. We need each other.
2. The ONLY safe place is to be where God wants you to be and to be walking close to Him.
3. There is no guarrantee of TOMORROW. Live today wisely, compassionately, generously.
4. Refuse to lose! Don't let evil destroy your PEACE, your ability to ENJOY life, your sense of humour, and above all, your sense of PURPOSE! As a Christian I know that my life is in God's hands - and that's the safest place I can be!
So on this Sept 11 I remember those who died in the towers and in the planes. I remember the bravery of the rescue forces and the incredible way they perservered untiringly until there could be nothing further done for those still lost. I remember the nations that trembled and the continuing changes that commenced on that day. But most of all I remember that God is my hiding place. Check out Psalm 18:1,2

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Hello Melbourne!

It's a long flight home! Up early to do the last minute cleaning up of the room, check for stuff that shouldhave been packed, then head out to the airport. Surprisingly SEATAC is uncrowded - school is back in so maybe fewer families are travelling. Say good-byes and "See you in two weeks" to Sue who I will meet up with in Vienna, then onto my comuter flight to LA. Southwest is a great company to fly with...but my flight goes via Sacramento, more time spent sitting on the tarmac and at last into LA. In LA we change gates three times before finally taking off just 30 mins late. By now I have been up 16 hours and have a 13 hour flight to Auckland ahead of me followed by another 3 plus hours on to Melbourne. But God is good - the Air New Zealand plane is a new Boeing 767 and I have a spare seat next to me. The flight is smooth and soon the clouds and cold air of Melbourne greet me, along with my old friend Hilary who has met me EVERY time I return home. And there I am - back in my aging house and feeling as if hadn't left. It's a weird thing. I just left a place in Seattle that also felt like "home". Sets me wondering about heaven. Christians talk about it a lot...but not too many really want to get there 'just yet'. I think it's going to feel just like home...my REAL home....and I have a strong feeling that I won't have jet-lag when I finally make that trip! And speaking of jet-lag, bed sounds awfully good.........zzzzzzz.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Farewell Seattle!


The summer has just about ended in the US...although you wouldn't know it in Seattle as the temperatures are still touching 80 (high for here!) As I farewell friends, the nation is farewelling a much loved Aussie character - Steve Irwin. The TV today is full of the story of his bizarre and premature death (how else would the Crocodile Hunter depart but pursuing the thing he loved most- encounters with the wild). He has done more for tourism than any other Aussie, far outdoing Paul Hogan's "throw a shrimp on the barbie" image. Today every newschannel is covering the story on a half-hourly basis, playing and replaying interviews, comments from John Howard and wildfile experts. It is rivalling airspace for news on the Iraq war.
In an interview with Larry King, Steve talked about his ability with animals as "A gift that God placed inside me". Inspired by his father, who founded the Australian Zoo, he wrestled with snakes before he started school and caught his first croc at nine years of age. He was focused and pursued his goal to educate others on every possible angle of the animal kindgom. In another interview this week Tiger Woods shared on the deep relationship he had with his father, how focused he was from infancy to pursue golfing excellence and be "the best that I can be". His success has enabled him to open the Tiger Woods Learning Centre - a multi-media learning environment that will afford kids from lower income families to have access to a wonderland of educational resources. He says that this achievement is his greatest acheivement. And for recreation? He plays golf! He LOVES what he does, just as Steve LOVED what he did.
Which leads me to ask some important questions: What has God placed in my life to use for others? Do I have a passion to use that gift/s? Am I pursuing my passion? What brings me the greatest joy? Satisfaction? When I leave this world, will my life have been of benefit to others? Because that's what it's all about - using what God has given EACH ONE OF US for the purpose for which He has given it. How about you?

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Parents in Seattle!


We just had a great week with Sue's parents, Dale and Bertha (Dad and Mom C to me). Dale faces the daily challenge of MS, and Bertha has the role of major carer, so life is often difficult. Sue and I prayed about bringing them over to Seattle for a change of air and activity and purchased the air tickets. We travelled north of Seattle to book a wheelchair accessible van plus a motorised chair for the week and committed whatever came in the honorarium for the VBS we were doing for New Hope church on Mercer Island. We duly picked up the van and chair and headed to the airport. It was a stressful time for Mom and Dad C to actually get on to the plane, but Sue's sister De Ann was wonderful and saw them on at her end in Boise. Sue got a special Escort Pass to greet them at the gate (this is no longer possible for non-travellers since 9/11) and I manoevered the wheelchair from carpark to waiting area. When Dale was wheeled in by an airlines worker, I stood from my chair to greet him, much to the gasps of onlookers. I should have cried "It's a miracle" but didn't. From then on the week flew by. Each day we made one major trip and atel lunch out, getting back mid-afternoon to allow for rest time and an early night. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring the waterfront in Seattle, dining at The Fisherman's Restaurant waterside, visitin Gig Harbour and then the Hawthorn Tea Rooms in Tacoma, and then 'doing' brunch at Salty's at Redondo Beach - an awesome gastronomic experience. I know this was a week that they won't forget and neither will we. And when that honorarium arrived from New Hope it covered all our expenses and more. God is SO GOOD.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Golden Anniversary


In the midst of VBS and Sunday ministry Sue and I tackled the traffic on the "freeway" - at times it took 30 mins to go 10 miles - we drove from Federal Way to Abbotsford, Canada to celebrate Dave and Vi McElhoes fifty years of marriage. It was a great night of reminiscing, laughter, the obligatory (but very good) slideshow and some great items from kids and grandkids. One special joy was seeing the first two great-grandkids of this awesome couple. I have know Dave and Vi since the 70's when David first came to Australia to minister. They are a great couple who always encourage Sue and I whenever we get together (which isn't often enough)! I guess as a single person, it was a real treat to see the extened family joining in honoring their parents and grandparents. There's a verse in Psalms that reminds us that "God sets the solitary (the loners) in families" and Dave and Vi have been one of several close friends who have opened their hearts and home to singles such as me. May the Lord continue to bless them and lead them into great times ahead!

Saturday, August 19, 2006

SURE HOPE....


Friday we finished a week of VeBS (Very Exciting Bible School) at New Hope church on Mercer Island. We carried on with the pirate theme (drama and us dressed appropriately) with the Bible Theme "Sure Hope" (using a curriculum developed for Southern Cross Kids' Camps in Australia). I think you will enjoy these kids - they really got into the spirit of the moment! I got a lot out of this theme - with all that is happening in the world, the word "hope" seems anything but "sure". By for those who have experienced the love, forgiveness and redemption of God through Jesus, "hope" is indeed sure. As Hebrews 6:19 puts it "We have hope like an anchor, safe and sure." Hope for today, hope for tomorrow, hope in spite of what we see, hear, or fear - based on Him whose Word never fails.

Monday, August 14, 2006

UPDATE!
For those wondering what has occurred between the last two blog entries a brief summary.
June – I flew across to the US from Melbourne and hit the ground running! Landed in Seattle, then headed to deepest Idaho for a kids’ camp held near Idaho City. Great to have Sue’s new Forrester to go off the beaten track just a little. From there it was back to Seattle, then down to Portland to meet two dear friends Graeme and Angela from Melbourne. We headed to the Oregon coast for four fantastic days with the Hanson family: Doug, Mitzi and Janessa plus cousin Katie. We walked the beach, explored the shops at Cannon Beach, spotted puffins nesting on Haystack Rock, flew kites, ate fab food and played crazy games.














From Cannon Beach we drove in convoy to Boise and a day later headed up to McCall, Idaho to Quaker Hill for the Royal Family Kids’ Camp with Tom and Margaret Tuco, directors extraordinaire!!!!! What a great camp for kids in foster care – it is one of the highlights of our summer each year. It is so good to see what God does in the hearts and lives of these children.



Then it was on to Miracle Mountain in the Grangeville area. This was a really rustic old-time camp setting but we had a tremendous time in God’s presence. Both Sue and I got into Bible costumes and participated in the Bible drama each day. These kids really responded to God’s love, and it was so refreshing to hear one little lad pray his first prayer “Hey God, this is me, Christopher and I am speaking to you. You need to listen and do what I ask you to do….” and he continued asking the Lord to bless Sue and keep us safe. Totally non-churched, he came to experience the reality of a loving Father God.



TIGER LILY….. or Rachael Devore, interned with us this summer for five of our camps. What a great young woman she is! (You can check out her blog at tigerlilyspad)
She is about to enter Northwest College and her dream is to become a medical missionary working with AIDS victims (children) somewhere in Africa. How cool is that?? She was so popular with the kids, and with us! Very easy to travel with and a delight to have on the team! I got to do a bit less up front and worked with the puppets, and audio/visuals more. I enjoyed that immensely. We only did one Rainbow program this summer, but the theme was “Anchor of Hope” with a pirate flavour. A great hit with the kids AND with us. We debuted this theme at the Colfax Nazarene church and pastor and adults all got into it donning pirate costumes and participating in a skit which ran each night. Great to see adults and kids alike responding at altar times too.

As I write this we are preparing to repeat this theme with the kids of New Hope as we drive to Mercer Island each day for a VBS. This time Sue will be in pirate attire – no clown costume and no grease paint! That always makes her happy. We are also working on our pirate riddles and enclose three here (they are endless!) See end of this blog for the answers.

What country do pirates NEVER sail to?

What do pirates like to eat best?

What Bible Story do Pirates like best?



Let me know if and when you read this blog. We are also working on curriculum and programs, and teaching session for our upcoming missions trip back to the Czech Republic. Please do keep us in your prayers.

Answers to pirate riddles: (a) Aaaarrrrrgentina (b) Aaarrrrtichokes (c) Noah and the Aaaarrrrrk.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

A Man of Honor


Today (August 4th) is the birthday of one of my 'heroes'. Sue's dad - DALE CARPENTER - is celebrating his 70th-something birthday. He is a godly example of a Christian man. As a loving husband to Bertha, and dad (to Sue and De Ann and her husband John) he lives his faith daily. And this faith is constantly tested - Dad C (my name for him) is challenged with the effects of progressive MS. His mobility is reliant on a wheelchair, his body is becoming increasingly weakened - but his inner strength remains. James writes "Be patient then until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5: 7,8. NIV
The farmer can be patient because he sees (by faith) what is coming - a good crop.
We too need to allow patience (God's peace in action) when tests and trials come to us, whether it be bad traffic, frustrations in our workplace or simply in our relationships with others. I know Dale or Dad C would love to physically "Stand firm" again - but he has never wavered in 'standing firm' spiritually and what an example he is to me and to many others. Happy Birthday Dad!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Tuesday, March 28


"I think Melbourne is the BEST place to live." Carolyn with Yarra River in background. The 72 metallic fish floating in the river represented every nation competing. At night they were amazing - sound and light special effects with projection screens etc. and on the final night, the top of each fish became the launching pad for all the river fireworks - spectacular!


Apologies for the L-O-N-G silence but life has been frantic to say the least. For those in the US, there has been a two week sporting event happening in my home town. The Commonwealth Games brings together those nations that are part of this union of nations who still recognize the British Monarch. That meant that teams, supporters and tourists poured into Melbourne from 71 nations. It was the biggest thing apart from the Olympics and the organization was outstanding.


Sue and myself were involved with Quest – a gathering of people from various churches getting together to go into the city in teams and simply serve others and share the life within them given the opportunity. Teams were trained in balloon sculpturing, clowning, group games, prayer and more. Each day they were scheduled at different live spots throughout the city, and the reports that have come back have been exciting.


Melbourne is a beautiful city at the best of times, but the autumn weather is great. Cool nights, warm sunny days are generally the rule and it is the month for cultural shows, festivals, exhibitions, the Grand Prix and more. The City looked fabulous during the games and the atmosphere was tangible! People smiled more, talked more, and helped more! What is it that takes something like this to bring out the best in us? We went to the track session one night and afterwards started to walk to the train station. We were not alone – I estimated over 20,000 of the 82,000 attending that night headed to the same station. What was amazing is that there was no shoving or pushing, no impatience or grumbling. Once on a train, the noise of people chatting, sharing stories, even singing “Happy Birthday” at midnight for one young traveller, was just so different to normal train travel. Such a change from the daily grind! Shouldn’t we as Christians, be more like this every day – more patient, more gentle, more cheerful, more servant-like? It certainly gave me something to think about.



















"Sue was happy to turn into an Aussie yobbo (well, the US weren't competing!) and of course could not be missed! Actually when the stadium filled there were many thousands who were decked out just the same.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Launceston, Tasmania

We called this “HAYhenge” – just south of Launceston, Tasmania

Kids' Fun Day - St. Helens


Kids gathering for beach outreach, St. Helen’s











Back in St. Helen’s we helped out at a combined churches kids’ Fun Day held on the St. Helen’s foreshore. Rainbow the Clown was a huge hit (wig firmly anchored by a balloon hat, extra tight!) while Ps. John Denman reinforced the puppet stage with wood and clamps, and kept it upright in strong winds!

MINISTRY to CHILDREN SEMINAR – Melbourne


Peter Lusk preparing to open MTC 2006











MTC flew us back to Melbourne to speak at the seminar. We would have liked to have been there for both days, but had prior commitments in Tasmania. When I was on staff at Waverley Christian Fellowship (now CityLife Church), I started a seminar or training day for children’s workers and this was the first year that Sue arrived in Australia as the key speaker. In fact she was the ONLY speaker and shared at six sessions during the day. It was a God-ordained thing – the following year she returned and we added electives, bringing in experienced people from other churches and so the conference grew. Six years ago we transferred the conference coordination to Ken and Dorothy Gardner, and three years later it passed to Peter Lusk (Careforce Church) who has done a FANTASTIC job of raising the profile of the seminar, and keeping its uniqueness. What a buzz to mix with people from every denomination and Christian group; to share resources, experiences and to learn from so many gifted and anointed presenters. Sue took a key session, plus a workshop, and I took a workshop. We then headed back to the airport – thank the Lord for His protection as we drove back to St. Helen’s through fog and a multitude of night animals, all deciding to wait for us before crossing the road! We are happy to say that we are NOT responsible for any of the road kill in Tassie to date. And that’s no mean feat!

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Binalong Bay

Wow....Binalong Bay must be the BEST kept secret in Tasmania. Sue and I discovered it long ago and we always look forward to heading down there. We are staying in Dt. Helen's on the east coast and BB is just 10 mins drive away. A crescent of beach and turquoise waters to rival any up north or in Hawaii! And the sand! A glassblower's dream - fine, white and sparkling with silicone. We walked, and to our delight discovered myriads of tiny little shells all along the waveline of almost every type. I picked up a minute Cowry shell about 1/3 the size of the nail on my little finger!

Coming up....Rainbow and Larry on the St. Helen's foreshore for a combined churches outreach. Pray for low winds (to be kind to the wig!) and good crowd control!! Sunday will see us in Church (St. Helen's Christian Fellowship) and Monday in the public and Christian schools before we pack up and head back to Hobart for the annual Ministers' Fellowship International Conference.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Commonwealth Games. Tonight I learned quite a lot about my home city. Such as: Australia vies with Israel for being the most multicultural nation in the world and Melbourne the most multi-cultural city. Melbourne is getting ready to host sportspeople and visitors from some 71 nations that make up the Commonwealth - a great opportunity to show friendship, helpfulness and care in the name of Christ. So Sue and I have been busy with workshops on balloon sculpturing, clowning and puppetry. Quite challenging for some people: the horror of a popping balloon, the squeaks of bubble twisting, the "dogs" that turn out with lop-sided legs and three ears! But in the midst of it all, balloon hearts that show love, and colorful flowers - they'll be great walking among the crowds at the venues.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

More Than Gold

Sue and I left the car at the long-term park at Launceston airport and flew back to Melbourne for 3+ days to be able to participate in the More Than Gold Seminar hosted by CityLife Church. Key speakers and workshop presenters will train teams in evangelism for outreach at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and our responsibility will be Clowning and ballooning. Both topics are great for 'walk-about' evangelism and for amusing fidgeting kids in lines (along with their parents!)

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Hello from Hobart

Hello from Hobart!
After balmy breezes and sunny skies we woke yesterday to a light sprinkling of snow on the top of Mt. Wellington – the mountain that provides the backdrop to the beautiful harbour city of Hobart. It didn’t last for long, and tomorrow is promised to be warm and sunny – just a sample of the interesting climate of southern Australia, and a reason why “The Weather” is a main topic of conversation here!

The children’s leaders seminar hosted by City Light Church was enthusiastically received and we appreciated those who drove long distances to be there. Now we are preparing for a family camp north of Hobart.

On the tourist side we have….
• Explored the wharf area and enjoyed seafood at Mure’s
• Looked at some of the many historical buildings
• Loved the waterfront sculptures of the early Antarctic expeditions
• Wondered at the magnificent native woods used in furniture on sale at the Henry Jones building
• Caught a movie at Eastlands
Enjoyed the friendliness of people everywhere

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

READY TO ROLL

The last week has been a time for friends, food and and frantic activity at my place. Firstly Rae and Alona arrived from Belarus. Rae to have some leave while attending to business, Alona to take up study for the next three years. It was great to get together. Back to the airport two days later to meet Sue - flying in from sub zero US temps to 40c here in Melbourne! She arrived like the normal, quiet US tourist - NOT! She came through the doors wearing a Seattle Seahawks sweater and cap chanting "Go Seahawks" while (it being Australia Day) we waved our flag and shouted back "Aussie Aussie Aussie." Well - it did provide some comic relief for the crowd waiting the arrivals. We are now writing - packing - planning for our trip to Tassie.