A lesson on "Trust". During the VeBS (Very Exciting Bible School) held at New Hope International Church Sue used a great object lesson to talk about "trust". Darlene knew that the cup over her head held water - she had watched Sue pour it in - but could she trust that she would stay dry when Sue turned that cup upside down? Well, you'll be glad to know that she did stay dry (trade secret as to how) but it illustrated a good point. When things look bad or dark or simply impossible that's when all we CAN do is to trust. Not trust in people, or finances, or possessions, but trust in the One who made us and knows us best of all. I have been in many situations when there seemed to be no way out, but I have learned to trust the Lord to keep me in the hollow of His hand. And He does.

R U a BIG picture/small picture person?

This is one of my favorite parts of the Australian coastline in my home state of Victoria. When I stand on this beach my eyes head out to sea, to the horizon (and beyond in my mind). Can you imagine what it would be to stand here and focus on a single grain of sand near my feet or just one rock? I would miss so much more of God's creation, His beauty, His world. Yet this is what happens to us in life - we obsess on a single word, or attitude or event - and that obsession inhibits our ability to relate well to others, to experience the blessings of forgiving and the freedom in being forgiven. These deep thoughts come to mind following a great event held in Sue's home town to celebrate 20 years of itinerant ministry to kids worldwide. Sue remarked to me: "So many people from so many churches all coming together - some of them haven't fellowshipped with each other in years." Well, if we believe that is what will happen in heaven - why not work on it now? One of the Bible verses we have been using this summer with the kids is from Ephesians 4:32 "Forgive one another ....even as Christ forgave you."

Miracle Mountain

Miracle Mountain is always just that - a place where miracles do take place. Miracles of love in young hearts, of healing, of encouragement and of hope for a future. I love the emphasis on everybody having a part to play. Here some of the kids join in the praise time on their own instruments and they did a great job. After service is over, the music starts again and kids dance around the tent. The Lord really does touch hearts, both young and old. On the first night we had a number of kids and one adult invite Jesus to be a part of their lives. That is exciting...and a miracle! For Sue and I this camp is always a time where we find ourselves encouraged by kids and workers alike. We always take something away with us in a spiritual sense. People often ask "How do you get ministered to when you are always taking the kids' program?" As Sue says "The same way pastors are ministered to - they don't get many breaks away from the responsibility of bringing a message to their people. We spend time with the Lord ourselves, PLUS you would be amazed how many children minister to us...along with adults who take time to share what they feel the Lord is saying." That's what being a part of the 'body of Christ' is all about.

Look at me - I'm Happy!

This past week was spent at McCall, Idaho at the Boise Royal Family Kids' Camp. Forty-three kids - all in foster care - had an amazing week of camp. Games, music, activity centres, swimming, chapel, laughs and more. Kids from all backgrounds of neglect and abuse experienced caring people all showing unconditional love and acceptance. Kids were listened to, affirmed, praised, encouraged and challenged to participate in zipline, archery, ropes course and canoeing. Down at the dock I took a photo of one of the younger campers and when I showed her the photo in the camera screen she exclaimed "Look at me! I'm happy!"

That was the thing she noticed - 'I am happy". Happiness is surely every child's right, but sadly many children rarely experience this emotion. If you can get behind one of the 150+ RFKC camps this summer, please do so and allow more troubled and hurting kids experience some 'happy childhood memories"

Check out: http://www.rfkc.org/ and http://www.rfkcboise.org/ and http://www.sckc.org.au

The Ripple Effect of a Life of Influence

THE RIPPLE EFFECT - A Life of Influence

Last month Sue's cousin Jeanette Kruljac went home to be with the Lord. Jeanette had fought a good fight against Non-Hodgkins and over the years we had seen the Lord's hand in so many ways in her life. It was with disbelief that I received the call from Sue that she was now with Jesus. I first met Jeanette in 1978 when a friend and I toured western US for the first time. I have been her pen-pal since my pastor Richard Holland (Founding Pastor of CityLife Church in Melbourne) visited Jeanette's church and ministered to their youth group. Jeanette and I corresponded for some years before I got to visit. Her kids Greg and Lisa were about 8 and 2 at the time and we had a great week with them. It was during this visit that I first met Sue and her family and we too began to spasmodiacally correspond. The rest is history - my church brought Sue out to minister in 1990 and again in '91 and she and I began working together in '92. Through Jeanette - her encouragement, her prayers and continued support - we have touched the children of nations around the world. As I heard stories of Jeanette's life I realised that all with whom she came into contact were in some way impacted. Neighbours, work colleagues, church members - all were ministered to in some way. Jeanette's love of life and family, her spontaneous joy even when her body was under attack, her love and loyalty to Larry and her kids (all of them) and her honor and love for her parents Bud and Olive was inspirational. We will miss her laugh and sparkling eyes, her love of adventure (she wanted to visit Australia so much) and generous spirit. We mourn a loss.....but heaven rejoices as Jesus says "Well done".

Mountain Moments.....

In the month since I last blogged, I prepared to leave for the US summer camp program with Sue, met with SCKC board and personnel on several occasions, spoke at a couple of churches and hosted a friend from Brisbane. Flew out on June 13 for Seattle and after two days there headed down to Boise. On Sunday we drove to Idaho City - a small western town that was in its heyday in the 1800's when gold was discovered. Every year a non-profit organisation "Isaiah's Ranch" hold several camps and events for kids and teens in this mountain area. The week long day camp reached 38 needy kids, hungry for attention and love. On the last day of camp I invited kids to come out and share what they had enjoyed about camp. Usually this centres on the games, the crafts etc. but this year was different. Almost every child commented that the best thing about camp was the love they felt, the care of so many people, the fact that kids chose to be nice to other kids, that they made more friends than ever before and on it went. It is our privilege to be a part of this camp, headed up by Michelle and Tim and a great team for volunteers. If you want to know more, check out www.isaiahsranch.org

"A little child...."

Today a friend and I had lunch in a local restaurant. As a confirmed "people watcher'" I enjoyed the scene at the next table, obviously a family get-together. A young couple with their first baby, their parents, possibly a brother and his wife, and their grandparents. Four generations around the same table and all with eyes only for the new arrival. The little girl was passed from hand to hand, a proud dad pointing out all the important things "Look at her smile...her hair...her little hands...." A grandfather was constantly videoing at every angle and the great grandparents simly smiled and nodded, delighted at the "next generation." It was a circle of family, all focused on one tiny baby. I couldn't help but think of the African quote that "it takes a vilage to raise a child" and that reminded me of speaking at a baby dedication service many years ago. The verse that I used is the one Isaiah uses speaking of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." Christians understand that this verse speaks of Jesus' earthly birth, as a child, AND his status as deity - a son - the son of God - is given." Jesus, both man and God. But I saw this verse as having some application to all births. Every child is given by God to their parents as an earthly child, but their potential is to become a son or daughter of God, and parents need all the help they can get. If you, like me, belong to a Christian community or church, take a look at all your young families with their earthly children....and remember you can be role model and a godly influence in helping these little ones reach their spiritual potential. Keep an eye out for single parents in particular - they may love a spare set of grandparents to be in the life of their child.