Nat’s News
August & September 2008
Hey Everyone,PCYM (Principles in Child and Youth Ministry School)
Last time I wrote, we were just about to leave Nowra and head up to Brisbane. In Brisbane we met up with Tracey & Sarah who had been in India, and the team was back together again. We then ran a NIKO, an outdoor survival/ leadership training camp. It was so much fun! We then spent two very long days driving back from Brisbane to Adelaide.
After we got back we spent a few days wrapping things up and finishing the mountains of paperwork that needed to be done. Then on August 22nd we graduated. Most of my family came over for graduation. It was great to have them visit!
I learnt so much on PCYM. Not just about working with kids and youth, though I did learn heaps about that. But the main thing God spoke to me about was me. He helped me to realise the gifts that he has given me. That he has given me administrative and organisational gifts, and even though these aren’t what are usual considered ‘spiritual’ gifts, He has a plan to use them for Him. And it’s really been a time for me to grow in my confidence in myself and my trust in God. Looking back to the start of the school, and the attitude I had then that I was only doing PCYM because God told me to, I’m so glad that He won (and along the way He dealt with my attitude). And I’m so thankful for the amazing people that he brought along to be part of the school. For Sarah, Tracey, Liz, Guanah, Leah, Seph, and Ray & Shiree. They were an awesome group who made it easier for me to be open and gave me a safe place to share where I was struggling. (Thanks so much guys!)
What’s New
Now that I’m back at the base, I am continuing with my work with student enquiries and
applications. This is a bit quiet at the moment as we cancelled the September DTS due to lack of numbers, but also so we can spend some time as a base to focus on building relationship with each other, and learning some new skills (It also has the benefit of getting things done that wouldn’t usually get done J). So now every morning we meet up as a base and then divide up into ‘work teams.’ These include Maintenance, Patch up, Admin, Kitchen/Hospo, Fundraising, Communications, and DTS. I am involved in the Admin team 2 mornings a week, the maintenance team 1 morning a week, and the other 2 mornings I am co-ordinating the Communications team. In the Communications team we are looking at how we communicate YWAM to other people, and also how we communicate to ourselves. So we’re doing new promotional materials, and looking at different ways to make communication better. I’m enjoying it so far, but it is challenging leading a team. Then in the afternoon I work in the office doing more admin stuff.I am also continuing with the CML (Christian Mission Leadership School), and with my job at Burnside Christian Church.
The next 2 months are looking extremely busy! Next weekend (October 4-6) I, with a bunch of others, will be going to South Australian Youth Campout (or SAYCO) to be chaplains. It’s similar to what I did with the PCYM earlier in the year, but these kids are just a bit older. We basically just get to hang out with the kids, and be there if they need any help.
The last week of October, the base is running a prayer ministry school to teach us some skills to hopefully be able to help people that we work with.
The first week of November, most of the base is heading over to Melbourne for the YWAM National Leaders Meeting (or NLM). Apparently it will be a good time of teaching and getting to know people from other bases. I’m heading over a few days early to spend some time with Amy & Sarah who used to be in YWAM here!
And, probably the most exciting thing that is coming up, on the 22nd of November, Dana, one of my best friends is getting married, and I get to be a bridesmaid!! I’ll be at home for almost two weeks, so I’ll get a chance to spend time with my family and catch up with people too, which will be awesome.
As for long term plans... well I know I’ve been rather vague about it for quite a while now, but I still don’t have a clear answer for it. I know that I’m going to continue with my role in the office, but I have a sense that God is saying ‘something new.’ I’m just not sure exactly what that means. I am praying about a few possibilities. Hopefully I’ll have a better idea soon.
That’s all for now. Stay in touch!
Love,
Nat
Praise Points:
-Everything that I learnt on PCYM
-All the things coming up that I get to be involved in
-All my awesome friends
-Everyone that has been praying for me.
Prayer Points:
-Wisdom in co-ordinating the Communications Team
-Clear direction for next year
-Calm despite the busyness!
The last week of October, the base is running a prayer ministry school to teach us some skills to hopefully be able to help people that we work with.
The first week of November, most of the base is heading over to Melbourne for the YWAM National Leaders Meeting (or NLM). Apparently it will be a good time of teaching and getting to know people from other bases. I’m heading over a few days early to spend some time with Amy & Sarah who used to be in YWAM here!
And, probably the most exciting thing that is coming up, on the 22nd of November, Dana, one of my best friends is getting married, and I get to be a bridesmaid!! I’ll be at home for almost two weeks, so I’ll get a chance to spend time with my family and catch up with people too, which will be awesome.
As for long term plans... well I know I’ve been rather vague about it for quite a while now, but I still don’t have a clear answer for it. I know that I’m going to continue with my role in the office, but I have a sense that God is saying ‘something new.’ I’m just not sure exactly what that means. I am praying about a few possibilities. Hopefully I’ll have a better idea soon.
That’s all for now. Stay in touch!
Love,
Nat
Praise Points:
-Everything that I learnt on PCYM
-All the things coming up that I get to be involved in
-All my awesome friends
-Everyone that has been praying for me.
Prayer Points:
-Wisdom in co-ordinating the Communications Team
-Clear direction for next year
-Calm despite the busyness!
