Compassion Devo #4: Compassion vs. Competition

Phil. 2:5-11

"5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

“We find ourselves immersed in all kinds of competition. Our whole sense of self is dependent upon the way we compare ourselves with others and upon the differences we can identify.. . .This all pervasive competition, which reaches into the smallest corners of our relationships, prevents us from entering into full solidarity with each other and stands in the way of our being compassionate.” (Compassion, p. 19)

Ponder: How could competition wreak havoc on the effectiveness of our team?

Pray: Ask the Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank him for his forgiveness.

Back Home

Just a couple hours ago we arrrived in Kansas City, after being rerouted to Omaha for an extra couple of hours due to a severe storm in KC that temporary closed the airport. I Thank the Lord for a safe trip, for this truly amazing team of women, and for the gift of once again of loving and being loved by the people of Australia.

We will all be a bit jet-lagged and out of whack for a few days, adjusting to life here at home once again. Many of us have already caught ourselves looking for signs of familiar Polynesian and Australian culture: the unmistakable accent, the beautiful brown skin, tropical flowers, the laughs of our host families, the taste of Tim Tams. . .it is always so difficult to say good-bye.

Stay tuned as we post information about the team of Aussies coming right here to KC in November!!

Thank you for supporting the work of the Lord in Australia by praying for each of us, helping us make connections, and providing for us financially. May God bless you for being such a blessing to us!

Heading Home Tomorrow

G'day Friends!

We have had an incredible time here in Logan over the last month and it's hard to believe that it is now time to say good-bye and make the transition from one 'home' to another. The last couple days have taken us to the Australia Zoo (Yes, this is Steve Erwin's zoo, for those of you who are fans of the crocodile hunter.) We have also had great time catching up with our billets and doing some last minute shopping.

It is impossible to leave this place untouched by its beauty and diversity, but most importantly by the servanthood and generosity of our brothers and sisters at the Logan Community Church if the Nazarene. THANK YOU for praying for our team. Please continue to pray as we prepare for another long journey home and continue ministering in our regular spheres of influence back home.

Good-bye from the land 'Down Under'!

Youth Camp- Evans Head

In case you've noticed that we haven't posted on the blog for a few days, that is because we just returned from a fantastic time with the youth from both the Gold Coast and Logan churches for youth camp at Evans Head.

Evans Head is a sleepy little coastal town 3 hours south of Brisbane, just over the border into New South Wales. It is gorgeous and our campsite was just a 5 minute walk from the shore- incredible! We enjoyed surfing, lazer skirmish, beach games, good eats, great devotionals by the team, and a wonderful time bonding with all. There is a special comeraderie that occurs when people are removed from their normal routine of life and learn to work together. New friendships are formed and old ones are strengthened. What a gift.

We walked along the beach Tuesday night under a glorious canopy of stars. You definitely don't see that in Kansas! Enjoy some pics from camp:

Speak Aussie?

Jandals- flip flops, sandals
Ta- Thanks; Cheers- Thanks
Maccas- McDonalds
Petrol- gasoline
Tomato sauce- ketchup
Motorways- Highways
footpath- sidewalk
Toilet- Bathroom (here the toilet is in a totally seperate room from the sink and shower. ... a 'bathroom' refers only to the shower room.)
Tea- any meal
Jumper- sweatshirt or jacket
Bonnet- hood of car
Boot- trunk of car
Car park- parking lot
Rubbish bin- trash can
'Faatalofa atu'; 'Afio-mai';
'Tala mai aao': Welcome in Samoan
'Talofa': Hello in Samoan
'Tofa tofa soifua': Good-bye

More Wild Wacky Week: Day 2,3,4, 5

We have just finished 5 fun-filled days in "God's Big Backyard" with the primary school students in Logan while they are on holiday. (For you Americans reading this, primary school is the same thing as our elementary school and 'holiday' refers to a school break or vacation.) The theme for the each day is centered around some area of service: serving family, friends, neighbors, community, and serving the Lord.

These kids are fantastic, full of energy, and after spending 6 hours with them each day, are becoming like family. Please pray for the children and youth here in Logan, that all would come to understand the fullness of Christ's love for them, and in turn live out His love in their own lives and spheres of influence.

Things Never to Reveal to Little Kids...

*That you'll give piggy back rides.
*That you have candy.
*That you're OK with any nickname.
*That you have band-aids (seriously, injuries appear out of nowhere).

The kids' camp is going great, but we're all worn out at the end of the day. It's so much fun now that we're past the shyness stage and can really get to know these awesome kids. They are beautiful as is this country. Love you all, thanks for your prayers!

-Roberta