Like a Yo-yo...or hopefully a Boomerang

Jetlag has set in again. Got back yesterday from a month back in NZ. What an amazing time of seeing God at work, catching up with folk and experiencing something of God's glory!

One of the things I was able to be part of in going back to NZ was Northern Region Camp. Students from all the universities in Auckland had four days together out East with teaching from Nigel on Joseph. It was so great to catch up with students and staff and to hear a bit of what has been going on around Auckland. How exciting to see the continued work in AUTCF - new people coming and folk who don't yet know Jesus coming to CF and conference, grappling with who Jesus is and the group united in prayer and confidence in Christ. Also exciting to see representatives from both Massey Albany and Unitech at camp - how great it would be to see the ministry on these campuses grow in reaching out for Jesus. The presence of several from the newly formed bible study for EU was also brilliant - amazing to see how God is regenerating that group.

Just after camp was Kiwi-made preaching - a one day conference organised by Paul Windsor, based at Carey Baptist College, all about engaging with the issues of preaching in NZ in a seminar format. Paul has just finished as principal of Carey and this marked the start of his new role in Langham Partnership - a very exciting venture. It was a privilege, over this past month or so, to spend a bit of time with the Windsors. They, as a family and as individuals, have been such a blessing to so many and not least to the Marsdens. It was great to share a meal with them, give a wee hand in helping with the house move, be part of commissioning for new role with Langham, see Stephen off to Uganda and generally be encouraged by how this family is living for Jesus.

To be honest, there were really hard bits about being back in NZ this time...
Immigration continues to be slow and slightly frustrating. I came up against two significant visa hurdles while I was away - one of which has been surmounted but we are still waiting on resolution to the other. I have been really challenged on what it is that gives me security through this whole process. It is not nice to feel in limbo, to be confused as to what side of the world you're on, to not be earning, to not be able to be useful on campus. I think this was the hardest thing about being back - not being able to do my job! I did feel pretty useless with regards to involvement on campus. It is tempting then to think that this will all be fine when I have a visa, when I know where I'll be, what I'll be doing. But no! Security is not found in my immigration status but my status as forgiven in Jesus!

God did really use this trip to reveal more of Himself to me, and hopefully others.

Not least did we see this on a wee holiday to the South Island in the last week I was in NZ. We spent 8 days travelling down through Welly (with lovely hospitality from Rach and Dave), to the West Coast of the South Island (stunning weather considering), down to Wanaka and Queenstown, back up to Kaikoura (with a wee stop in Lincoln to meet Gideon and the usual suspects) and then the boat to Welly (Greg in his new surroundings) and home.
It was a privilege to share in experiencing God's good creation with Singaporean friends - the sort of trip where you run out of adjectives on the first day. What we didn't expect was the way a wee prayer for opportunities would open us up to incredible meetings, amazing people and God using us for much more than we'd planned! Such amazing opportunities to share Jesus with those that have met Him since being in NZ, those that are searching and those who know nothing of Him. So much to be thankful for, excited about and praying for. Praise Jesus for unexpected opportunites to see God revealed!