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My Catch Up Time…

Hey everyone! I’m just writing a quick note to let you know all that’s been going on here in Australia. I know its been so long since I wrote you all. My schedule has been really packed. Monday is my free day, which I’m sure a couple of you have noticed This is when I try to talk to people, including my momma who has recently gotten on Skype!! Hallelujah! So yeah, if you want to chat with me, your Sunday night (which is my Monday afternoon) is a perfect time!

I’ve begun my 2nd year (actually in the beginning of February) and its been so mind-blowingly awesome! I love it so much! I continued in studying music and I can already see how much I’ve been stretched as a vocalist as well as in leadership. My music classes have been amazing. I have an Analysis class where we look at different music styles and pull them apart, learning from each and applying it to our own writing, skills and understanding. I also have my Musicianship class where its more of a personal setting with practical learning. Lately in our practice sessions, we have been learning how to learn a song in an hour and then perform it. It can be quite stressful, I have to admit! The first time we did this, I was chosen to be the lead vocal for “Party In the USA”. I never ever dreamed I would sing Miley Cyrus on stage. But its all a learning process. I didn’t do the best but I learned that I just need to concentrate on what I’m doing, not how it makes me feel. It didn’t exactly help that I was singing “My tummy’s turning and I’m feeling kinda homesick. Too much pressure and I’m nervous.” Nope. Doesn’t help. At all. But I was able the next week to sing backup vocals, so I was more in my element in harmony. We sang a song called “Alive Again” by Matt Maher. I had never heard it before but when I listened to it, I was immediately drawn in. The melody of the chorus just jumps out and takes you by surprise. Like a gasp for air or a sudden breeze on a hot day…I immediately felt refreshed. I highly recommend it Tomorrow we will actually be assessed on how well we can perform a song after just learning it. I’ll give some details about how it goes. I know I won’t be leading which I’m pretty excited about

We also have Theology of Worship. This class is so amazing. It teaches us the fundamental truths of worship. In my first class, we went over what worship is and what it does for us: It quickens the conscience to the holiness of God (Makes us more aware of how great and wonderful our God is), it feeds the mind with the truth of God, it purges the imagination by the beauty of God ( He’s so much greater than what we imagine him to be…He gives us glimpses of himself), it opens the heart to the love of God (softens us), and it devotes the will to the purpose of God (When we come up with the answer ourselves, we learn; when we live it out, we are devoted). So yeah, its pretty awesome stuff.

My Old Testament class is pretty awesome as well. It really ties in with my theology of worship class. Right now, we are going over the Psalms and the different types of psalms. We have been taught that by studying the psalms, we learn that we need to bring everything to God, we need to refer to God, we need to speak when God is silent, we need to be honest with God (even pray angry prayers, don’t keep a restricted heart), we need to express even extreme emotions, we need to allow the psalms to bring order out of chaos (from how we’ve seen God deliver us before), and we need to apply this understanding to our life and ministry. So, we need not be “holy” all the time. God wants us to be honest with him and tell him everything that we are going through. Even when we are angry with God and wondering why He feels so far away. God knows your heart and your thoughts, but he is still a relational God. He wants to be in on the conversation and when we include him and speak out how we feel and allow him to work in us, then that’s when you grow closer.

I am also taking a Pastoral Care class that at this point in time is really focusing on listening to people. We haven’t got too far into it yet. But what we’ve had has truly helped me with my social skills. When we speak to people, we need to be actively listening. This includes avoiding distraction and asking them questions. Its taking the time for that person and giving your undivided attention to them. You show them value and respect.

This brings me to the last Colour Conference! It was soooo cool. For the first conference, I served with HMA, which is Hillsong Music Australia, which is selling their resource. The heart behind this part of the church is resourcing the congregation with books, CDs, and session recordings that will empower them, grow them, and teach them. This is also what I do on Sundays at Southwest (whoop whoop!). But this last Colour was really cool. Priscilla Shirer came from Texas with her awesome accent! Oh…it was such a good piece of home! She pulled apart the verse “Now, to him, who is able to do above and beyond all that we could ask, think, or imagine. To him be honour and glory forever and ever AMEN!” God is not limited by who we think he is or how much ability we believe he has. So, are you dreaming big? Are your dreams achievable in your own strength? Then I don’t think your dreams are big enough.

So I had tons of fun serving the ladies with their purchases. I was able to help them find what they need, fill them in on the latest deals and making sure they left with a smile on their face. I found out the Sunday after the first conference that I had served 500 women over 3 days. And I tried my best to connect with each and every one of them by at least asking them how they were enjoying Colour. You know whats also really cool about this year? They handed out personal sized tea pots with a little cup that it sits in. I heard it was incredibly hard to hand these out to 9,000 women in a span of 4 minutes! And I can understand why. It took about 700 volunteers to pull it off. Amazing. The heart behind the gift was to promote connection. Invite your friends over for a tea party, show off the “I am sisterhood” tea pot, and start a conversation. Its so amazing how something so simple could change a life.

Coming up is Easter! Wooooooooo! Tomorrow is Good Friday and I will be heading out to Southwest to sing in the choir with beautiful others. We will proclaim the powerful work of Jesus Christ and his gracious sacrifice. And then, on Sunday for the evening service, we are all headed to the city for the Film and Art Festival. We will be in the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Darling Harbour, our 3 campuses in one building praising God for all that He has done and victory that He has won! He is good and worthy to be praised! I’m really excited to see what our church has put together creatively! Last year, it was so awesome to see all the artwork and watch the films. It had such a good response, that people instantly started working again to create things for this years Easter. Its going to be awesome!

So I also thought I would share with you some things I’ve learned so far this year: Be prepared, these are pretty mind-blowing ideas.

1. Fruit is never forced. You don’t go to a apple blossom and squeeze an apple out of it. You wait. It will come in its own season. You don’t have to strive or work for it to produce. My life of faith shows the fruit of the spirit. I don’t work for these qualities to come out of me, my relationship with the Father brings the fruit. It can only grow as I connect myself to the life source. Also, we may know that God has promised us something in life, but we can’t force it to come any sooner. If we do, the result may be bitter and not what we expected. Because we tried in our own ability to bring it to pass. Let God be God.

2. Worship is everything we do. Its in doing our homework, finishing assignments, obeying our parents, doing the dishes, reading the bible, being an example to our friends, and also the time we have in church. The bible says that in everything we do, we are to do it as if we’re doing it for God. So, when we focus on God in our everyday, in everything we do, we are more in tune with him. It becomes more like a two-way conversation than a letter to Santa.

3. We praise what we value. Delight is incomplete until it is expressed. It is “our inner health made audible”. As God pours into us his words and revelations, and shows us how he sees us and how he made us and how he promises to stick beside us and continually empower us day after day after day, all we can do is praise!

4. When we see something at a distance it may look small and meaningless, but as you get closer, it gets bigger and bigger. So when you stop looking at the cross from a distance and come closer, you see so much more. It is more significant when you experience it for yourself and measure yourself against the enormity of the cross and its true purpose.

5. The story of Abraham is one of amazing devotion and commitment. He was ready to sacrifice his own son (the fruit of the promise of God) because God told him to. In the story we see Abraham planning for the journey and cutting wood for the burnt offering. He places this wood on his son’s shoulders. Isaac asks Abraham where the lamb is for the offering, and his father says “The Lord will provide”. Of course we know this story about how the Angel stopped him and provided the lamb to be slain. But he also says “You have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” and because of this action, his descendants would be blessed AND through them, all the nations would be blessed. Abraham willingly was going to do what God himself would do. God willingly gave his son to be slain. Jesus carried the wood on his shoulders and was pierced. And through him countless thousands and millions have found hope, our endless blessing of life with him. There is such a mirror image here, hey?

So I hope I haven’t lost any of you. These have been my constant thoughts since school started. Such ideas I have never even grasped or thought about ever before. I hope they have made you curious to pick up a bible and take a look for yourself. Let God speak to you. He is such a good God with only good things for you. You may feel distant from him and don’t see his promises coming out in your life, but be patient. Don’t let the devil trick you and steal your faith. Hold fast to God and his promises. He loves you with an unending love. He has such great plans for your life. So just trust and speak out his word over your life. Remind yourself day after day about who he is: faithful, mighty, all-powerful, loving, caring, personal, relational. He’s the provider, the healer, the restorer, the redeemer, the saviour, our counsellor, our comforter, our strength and our song. He is. He is all that you need. And He can be trusted.

And I love him! <3

I hope and pray that you are all well. I miss you all so much. Keep persevering, praising, worshipping, living for the God who keeps you and watches over you. Be blessed this Easter and remember that He is able to do abundantly and exceedingly more than we can ask, think or imagine. So keep dreaming, seeking him, and be joyful in him and He will give you the desires of your heart When you delight in the Lord and his ways, then his desires become your desires, and He is able to work through you to bless and impact others. So keep trusting…keep your faith. I love you all so much! Talk to ya soon!

BTW…Brazilians are amazing! I have a friend named Ana who has been teaching me Portuguese the last few months. She has taught me important phrases like “Go catch little coconuts!”, “I don’t understand”, “You are too much sand for my little truck”, “I love Brazilians!”, and “Kiss me”. Yup…very important! I also found out that she sang “Love You So Much” in Portuguese the exact time we were singing in in English! If you don’t remember, the song starts out “Hear these praises from a grateful heart. Each time I think of you the praises start. Love you so much, Jesus. Love you so much.” Cool hey? It has the same power in every language!

525,600… and then some

Posted by Erica Slemmer from Australia
Erica is halfway through a 2 year study at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia.  Erica’s blogs will be posted here!  If you want to see her blog archive visit her on Facebook.

So here I sit. A coffee sitting just to my side, an empty banana muffin paper sitting beside it. I’m typing this in Microsoft Word so I won’t lose it again I’ve been perusing the IKEA website for inspiration for my new room (storage and such) and even the local sport store looking for a scooter. Life is good. I love it here in Australia. Though we may not have the convenience of Walmart, there are plenty other places to look around and shop. But really, that’s not why I am writing this blog. After 12 months of attending Hillsong International Leadership College during the week and serving in Hillsong Church on the weekends while sitting under the preaching of incredible men and women of faith, I should hope I have something better to update you all on besides my current wants and needs. True enough.

This year has flown by so fast. It feels like it was just yesterday that I arrived in Sydney in my sweatpants, welcomed by the 100 degree heat. I was so disorientated. I had no idea where north or south was, how to get anywhere, or how to get a phone. Now here I am, giving advice to new students like I’ve been here forever. It’s so incredible. I’ve made friends with so many diverse people, each having a different impact on my life. This is definitely the most exhilarating experience of my life. But it wasn’t the easiest thing I have done. Picking yourself out of the town you’ve lived in all your life, out of the church you grew up in, and away from all your friends and family and then planting yourself in a foreign country with no familiar faces….you can imagine how I felt at first. But the people at Hillsong are all so encouraging and welcoming that I forgot my fears and looked ahead with so much anticipation.

One of the first services I went to at Hillsong was Vision Sunday. This is where Pastor Brian Houston gives his vision for the church this year in video format. It is when I realised the heart of the church. Hillsong loves and believes in people, just as Jesus lived as an example for us to emulate. They have a heart for the nations, as you can tell by how many campuses there are around the world: London, Stockholm, Kiev, Paris, Cape Town, Germany, Brisbane, and the three campuses in the Sydney area. They hold a few conferences in the year: Colour Conference, Hillsong Conference, and Men’s Conference. Each one has the best of the best preachers from around the world (though most are from the States speaking life and love into thousands upon thousands of people. For Colour conference, I believe they had 4,000 volunteers (most of them college students required to be there because of course requirements and on-the-job training). It is incredible. They have so many people programs within the church and outside of the church that they support. Such as local ones like City Care and Street Teams (like our Adopt-a-Block). And then they also support Compassion, Watoto foundation in Africa where they find abandoned children and educate them, love them, and give them hope and ways to rise up to lead their society towards a better tomorrow. There is also A21, a foundation against slave trade where they find girls stolen and sold into prostitution and rescue them while also giving them hope for their future and a brand new start. But this isn’t about what they are doing…this is vision that God gave them. To see outside ourselves and see a world broken and hurting. And they know for a fact that that’s why the church exists: To reach out.

So, you see, Hillsong isn’t about music. They want to change the world…for the better, for God’s glory. Even if it is just one person, one life at a time. It isn’t about the title, their name plastered on CDs and social foundations alike. It’s about being active in our love for others, really being the church.

God is so amazing. I am so blessed. Seeing Hillsong’s God-breathed vision has helped me realise my own for my life. I don’t know the specifics of where I will be or what I will be doing, but I know I want to be in a place where I can make an impact. How many lives have I changed just by being who God wants me to be, by standing up to peer pressure and making clear my own beliefs? How many lives will I touch this next year? This next decade? Will I personally lead someone to Christ? That’s my dream. To live for Christ in his example, never stepping down or backing away, but living fully in his promise. That’s what I want to do. And I have a long way to go. But hey, I am in the best environment right now to grow and change.

This year has definitely taught me trust. I knew a couple years before I flew out of the states that I was meant to go to Australia. I knew that I wouldn’t be able to get here on my own. I told God that if He truly wanted me here, He would have to get me here. I was sure of it. And then everything started falling into place. Money would show up out of nowhere, with God telling me to apply for college with it. It all started working out, my fees paid for, my flight paid for, money to live on for a while. It was a dream. And then the money ran out. I doubted the promise a few times and thought that I should have stayed home another semester or so to save money to live on, but no. That kind of thinking would get me nowhere. So, I hunted for a job for a couple months and at the last minute, God gave me a job. Well, it was still a step of faith because I only had $200 in the bank and I had to go to the city to get my RSA, my alcohol serving license. That took $100 of my money without being assured of the job at the time. But in my interview I was hired on the spot. God knew what He was doing and He has kept me afloat for 6 months with working at Outback Steakhouse. Sure, I have received blessings from home and I thank you sincerely for them, since they came at times when I truly needed it. But it’s by the fact that I am still here and surviving that I know I am supposed to be here in this season. I figured out that if I had come later, then I wouldn’t have had the same experience and met the same people. I wouldn’t be close to the people I am close to, and I couldn’t imagine not being close to these people. They have changed my life for the better and I would not trade them for anything. Love you guys

But I have found this situation like a roller coaster. When I was little, I hated roller coasters with a passion. Just ask Ryan. My family would travel to Six Flags St. Louis every summer and every year, Ryan would try to get me to ride a roller coaster. One year, I remember, he offered me $20 to ride the Batman. I’m pretty sure I broke into tears and cried “Noooooooooooo!” I couldn’t stand the sight of them. When the car would hit the climax and all I could here were people screaming bloody murder…it just wasn’t for me. I was scared of heights and going upside down. It took me forever to even like the ferris wheel! But the last summer before I came to Australia, my youth group went to Six Flags and there stood the Batman. As black and menacing as ever. And plenty of people were trying to talk me into going on it. My lovely Pastor’s wife Diana even brought out scripture: “God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear!” I remember her saying. And I told myself that day after day thousands of people ride this ride safely without falling to their death or something to that degree. So, with Caleb on my left, and Ryan on my right, I sat in the seat and held my breath as the harness came down in front of me. I clasped the guys’ hands as tightly as I could even before we started off. During the ride, I clenched my eyes shut and screamed my lungs out. I could feel gravity shift as we travelled through the track on loops and corkscrews. But before I knew it, it was all over. The car entered the loading bay and I jumped off, exhilarated. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, not even a scratch. Though I’m sure the guys’ hands were probably bruised. But still, I wouldn’t mind doing it again.

From what I have learned, you just have to step out of your comfort zone and how you view things to really experience life. Otherwise, you just might miss out on the ride of your life. My experience here in Australia has been one with highs and lows. There have been times when I felt like I was stuck upside down when I just wanted to get off this ride. But the season didn’t last forever. It moved on and I found that God still loved me, still looked out for me. It’s like He’s the one next to me, letting me squeeze his hand with every twist and turn. I hold to his promise that even if I’m scared now, I won’t regret the ride. I’m still trying to work this out, of course. It seems like a never ending battle between my faith and what I can see. God, please help me hold tight to your word and your promises.

So for this year, I want to do more, care more, love more, trust more. I want to see opportunities and not back down from them. I want to see each person as God sees them, each with a story waiting to be told. I want to be able to show people Jesus in my words and actions. I want to genuinely spend time with people and really know them. I want to grow as a leader.

You know, I didn’t really feel like a leader at home. I felt more like the big sister of the youth group rather than a leader. Sure, I helped lead worship, but it didn’t feel like I imparted into the youth group as much as I could have. And when Mark Hopkins, the vice president of Hillsong College during orientation said “This is a leadership college, so we expect you to step up and lead”. That really freaked me out. Seriously. I felt like I had never led anything or anyone in my life. And now I found myself at a Leadership College. Great. Thanks God. Apparently, He knew what I needed. He knew that I had to be stretched…still need to be stretched. But from what I learned this last year, you don’t have to be outgoing or have new ideas spilling out of you every second. You just have to be willing. Look at Moses, Abraham, David, Mary…they all believed God at his word and their stories have lasted throughout the generations. I realise that in my weakness, God is made strong. Where I don’t measure up, He steps in and makes me strong so I can complete what He wants me to do…for his purposes. I’ll be excited to see where He has me in 10 years And also everyone I am doing life with here in Australia! There are so many gifted men and women here!

You know, I am so proud of you all back home. From what I can see on the website and through other conversations, you have really stepped out this year. From creating a summer outreach in the park, continuing in Adopt a Block, and visiting the nursing homes, you all have really held strong. I love how you also started forming life groups. This will help people get to know each other better and help and strengthen each other. So good! That was last year. This year, I know that there will be greater things done in Jesus’ name. The Bible talks about going from strength to strength: there are no endings in Christ. So this is my prayer for you all this year. I pray that you won’t back down. I pray that you will realise God’s heart for people, and treat them as if they were your brother and sister no matter who they are. I pray that you will hold to your convictions and God’s promises. God, lead them and guide them. Help them not to be afraid of what they can’t see ahead. You hold the future in your hands, nothing surprises You. I pray that You will give them all a heart for Burlington and that they will see newcomers every week. I thank you Lord for all you are doing in and through them. You are such a mighty God and your plans are perfect. We love you so much.

*sigh* And there you have it. My end of the year blog. 525,600 minutes and then some. Microsoft tells me that I have written 2,266 words so far. And I noticed when I was typing that the 2,000th word was prayer. Interesting. Yet, so significant. Prayer works. It is powerful and links us to God. So good. Well, I love you all so much. I should be getting to bed. I’ve been typing for the last 3 hours to come up with such a crazy long blog. Be blessed in 2010. This year, this decade is going to be AWESOME!! God is going to move in powerful ways and more people will know him like never before. Amen and amen. Night all!

In the Middle, God

Last time we took a quick look at Genesis 1:1”In the beginning God…” and how we can see that God is the initiator of all things, He is the one who got everything started. In fact the Bible declares of Jesus (God) in Colossians 1:15-18 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

So many people wrestle with this truth. Perhaps because they want to be in control and faith puts or establishes God as in control. Plus, I believe we don’t like this thought about God being so amazing to create all that He has is because we don’t see God as loving and kind. Instead our perception of Him is mean and He is just waiting for us to mess up so He can “bring the hammer down.” The Scripture reveals a very different God. In fact Scripture declares God as good, slow to anger and very gracious. He is just as well so He makes sure the penalties are not only established, but also enforced. This leads me to the main point I want you to get out of this blog. “In the middle God…”

In the middle of a fallen world, in the middle of all our troubles and pain God sent His love for all of us to see! John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave…” Here we go again seeing God as the initiator, “For God…” It wasn’t someone else who had this idea first; it is God’s idea first. And what do we know about God? He “so loved the world.” Did you see it? He loves us! He’s not mad at us, He’s not waiting for us to make the mistake to whack us, the truth is He loves us and because He loves us or since He loves us, “He gave!” he didn’t wait for us to give, He found us right where we are in the middle of our messes and He gave.

And what did He give us? John 3:16 his one and only Son…
And why did He give us His Son? So, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Doesn’t sound like a mean God to me, does it to you?
Friend, will you come to the place in your heart and mind where you can believe God has your best interests in mind and at His heart! He loves you so much and He wants you to get that truth. So today, open your heart up to that truth and receive the eternal life He offers! He gave because He so loved you, us!

A Captive of His Grace,
Pastor Richard & Diana

In The Beginning, God

As the new year 2010 has arrived may we take the time to reflect on all God has done for us in the past and also look forward to 2011 because we remember His faithfulness on our journey.
As we find ourselves here, whether 2009 was a “good” year or a “bad” year there is at least one thing we can be sure of, GOD IS IN CONTROL.

He always has been in control and always will be whether we can see it or not, or whether we will even acknowledge it or not. The Bible declares in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God …” From the very beginning our life has been God’s plan. In creation He prepared all things and then He meticulously created mankind and has set us above all created things. From the very beginning there have been great days for mankind and there have been regrettable days for mankind, but the one thing that is a constant is the truth that God is in control.

So whether we find that the past year was good or bad, or whether we look to 2010 as being a potential good year or a bad year the truth is God is in control and He makes all things turn out good in our lives if we love Him. (Romans 8:28-29) God can do this and make this a reality in our lives because of the work of Jesus Christ and the Cross. His sacrifice and the demonstration of His love are all the proof we need to understand that God is in control.

And when we encounter the pain of this life and the trouble and difficulties it offers we can be certain that His plan of salvation included deliverance for us. We do have an enemy and God knows that and that is why He sent His Son Jesus Christ – to set us free from the things that have held us back, caused us pain or foster shame in our lives. See 1 John 3:8. May you begin this year walking in the reality of God’s love being poured out for you and may we know that God is in control and that He has always been in the beginning God.

A Captive of His Grace,
Pastor Richard & Diana