An adventure over, a new one begins!

   Wow! The adventure has come to a close. 5.5 months. Knowing God and making God known to people in Australia and the Philippines. It's been a faith building, challenging, and exciting time. My goals for going on DTS were to better my skills at evangelism, speaking, etc., to grow in faith, to build relationships, to become more bold and outgoing, and to become more effective in God's Kingdom in general. I have seen every one of those goals met. I feel mentally and physically stronger, I am able hear God's voice clearer, I seek Him in daily decisions and I know my authority in Him.

   Major outreach was just incredible.. Going into the Philippines I had no doubt in my mind that God can perform miracles and growing up in missions I had seen it first hand. However, I did not have much faith that God could perform such miracles through my life and that I could speak into people's lives and effect them and bring them to a relationship with Christ. Over outreach however, I spoke various times. I spoke to the youth, I led Bible Studies, I shared my testimony multiple times, I took part in many skits and dramas... I also shared wisdom with people, I discipled them, I prayed with them and spoke truths over their lives. After Bible Studies we would often ask if anyone needed prayer. One time there was a woman with severe stomach pains and she asked if we could pray for her. I looked around for someone to pray with me and they were all praying for another woman and her sick child. I sent a silent prayer to Heaven asking God to accomplish His will through me. I prayed for the woman, asking God to heal her, that her healing would glorify God and would be a testimony to others. After I finished, our contact asked her in her language if she was healed 100%, and she said 'YES'! Praise God. I always knew the scripture Philippians 4:13 'I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength'. Now it has new relevance. I think we often read that verse in our heads ...'I can do SOME things through Christ who gives me strength'... but the Lord says we can do ALL things, ALL things through Christ who gives us the strength.


   During our 4 weeks in the Philippines we went to 4 different areas. Our first week was at a YWAM base in Cebu. We did feeding programs, evangelism, and helped run a youth camp. Our next week was on an island a 3 hour ferry ride from Cebu, called Ormoc. There we did door-to-door evangelism and prayer, youth discipleship, church programs, and we also tore down an old house so the pastor could build a basketball court for the youth. The next week we were in the city of Olongapo. We were staying at a YWAM base run by ex-prostitutes. During the day we did ministry on the base; discipling the women and youth, and children's ministry. At 9pm our night evangelism would begin. We were going into the bars and clubs in the city and giving the prostitutes a way out. Many of the girls when telling their stories are in prostitution because they need to provide for their family and this is the only job they can get. They all say they hate working there and many of them tell of how they are abused and beaten. We go in and talk with the girls one-on-one. We can't audibly mention God or the YWAM base because their 'pimps' or the bar owners are often standing nearby. We tell them we have a way out and we collect their phone numbers so we can call them the following day and arrange a meeting spot away from the bar or club. At the YWAM base they have a paper and card making business which the women who choose freedom work at during the day. The base pays for their food and shelter as they disciple the young women and cultivate their new relationship with Jesus. Our last week was in Manila. We would take public transportation (taxi's would not drive there) 20 minutes outside of Manila to the slums of Baseco and Don Bosco. I know that no matter how hard I try I could never paint an image of this trip to the Philippines for you. It's frustrating trying to explain what happens in your heart and your head when you see such poverty, hurt, and sickness. It's not OK for people to be living like this. It's not OK that we choose not to let our hearts break for these people. It's not OK for them to be deprived of basic needs like clean water, healthcare, and education.

I found this video on YouTube which helps explain Baseco better than I can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMuc9qs2iNo
In this video there are many pictures of government demolitions.

   It was a very challenging last week in the Philippines for sure. Seeing the joy on the faces of the children and families despite their seemingly impossible situations brought a lightness to our team however. We left the Philippines knowing we planted seeds there and that God was with those people and would continue to walk with them in the midst of their trials.

   Once back in Townsville we had 4 days of de-brief lectures and then Friday morning was our graduation. It was fun to dress up and celebrate our past 5.5 months together. DTS officially ended on the Friday and I was still in Australia Saturday. It gave me time to hang out, say goodbyes, pack, and enjoy my last day. I flew out sickeningly early Sunday morning and flew Townsville to Brisbane to L.A to Miami. I was in Los Angeles for 15 hours so the one girl I was flying with (from Minnesota) called her uncle in L.A and we did a whirlwind tour of the city. It was fun because I had been through California but never done anything there. I arrived in Miami 6AM Monday morning. Finally reunited with the most amazing family someone could ever ask for. Of course our first stop was Starbucks and then we were on our way back to Key West. Now I'm back into boat life! Jumped right back into my role of helping in the galley and provisioning for the boat. I'm hoping to help with some media releases for the ministry as well and other areas like that. We are taking a trip in the coming week or so before heading up to North Carolina for minor boat repairs and restoration. From there I will be flying home to Alberta, Canada to work for the summer and then heading back down mid-December to join my family once again.

   I can't express how much your support financially and through prayers and encouragement means to me. I could never have accomplished this adventure without people like you behind me the whole time. I anticipate having coffee dates with each of you and showing you pictures and sharing more stories of what God has done. This isn't the end of the adventure either. Missions will forever be on my heart and until God calls me elsewhere I will be serving with Emmanuel Ministries and potentially doing a secondary course with YWAM or other short term overseas missions solo. So please continue to keep us in your prayers and if you wish to contribute financially to me and/or my families ministry I will have the donation details below. In all honesty the ministry is struggling and we wish monetary funding didn't hold us back from furthering the Kingdom of God, but it does. So prayerfully consider helping fund our work in the Caribbean, anything helps.

FROM CANADA - PLEASE SPECIFY FOR THE MILLERS:

By mail for the Millers

MISSIONARY VENTURES CANADA

H-336 Speedvale Ave. W

Guelph, Ontario, Canada

N1H 7M7

(519) 824-9380

www.mvcanada.org

FROM USA - PLEASE SPECIFY FOR THE MILLERS

By mail for the Millers

MISSIONARY VENTURES USA

5144 Orange Ave. S

Orlando, Florida 32809

(407) 859-7322

www.mvi.org

Cebu

Baseco

Baseco

Baseco

Baseco

Olongapo

Ormoc

Minor Outreach - Success!

   Honestly, this is going to be the most difficult blog post! I don't know where to start with this post. I feel like so much happened and this is going to have to be the extreme condensed version of minor outreach. If you want to hear more, we will have to catch up in person when I'm home. Deal? Deal.

   The first week was spent in a city two hours outside of Mackay, called Ayr. We stayed at a small Baptist church, sleeping on the floor. The first week was full of back to back daily programs in primary and high schools. It was super fun! We also did a couple church services and random events.The second week was spent in Grasstree Beach which is 1.5 hours out of Mackay. We stayed at a beach house. Which sounds fancy but it really wasn't. The electricity didn't even work for 4 of the 5 days we stayed there but it made everything that much more fun! We had bbq's on the beach, played 'mafia' with candles at night, and had some good talks. I had some great God times on the beach which was literally right across the road, but it made me really miss my family, being by the ocean. After we left there, we spent a couple days at New Life Church in Sarina, an hour out of Mackay. We did lots of programs at the youth center there, worked at a skate park, ran an all night prayer tent at Relay For Life, and did some church services and youth group events. The last week was spent in New Life Church in Mackay. We worked with a Mental Illness Fellowship, did more programs with the youth, street evangelism, and we were in an Easter play! The last day we were there we spent at a gorgeous swimming hole with waterfalls and things. Also the week before we went to a MASSIVE sugar cane farm and had a tractor ride, went on a zip line, and had a barbecue. I got super muddy, haha. I can't believe it's all over! It's cool seeing everyone again. It's crazy how much people have changed in 3 weeks. Especially their maturity and spirituality. Last night we had a pizza party and watched Saving Mr. Banks here on campus with the whole DTS. I missed by sisters and brothers!

   These two weeks are back at campus jumping right back into lectures again. This week's lectures are on 'Spiritual Warfare'.

   My team leaves for the Philippines in less than two weeks now! I thought I would be fine for funding but I still haven't payed for my immunizations which are next week and I'm coming close to having zeroes in my bank account. If you would be willing to help contribute to my trip to the Philippines, please let me know! Either by commenting on this post, e-mailing me at beffermazer@yahoo.ca or via Facebook. 

   I seriously love you guys so much! When I'm here I miss you all, but I know when I leave here I'll miss this family. I can't express how much your prayers and support means to me. 

Blessings! 

Back from camping! Minor 'outreach' begins this Saturday!

   Wow! I honestly have no idea where to start! I want to try to keep this short so you aren't reading a small novel. I should have brought my journal with me so I wouldn't have such a hard time telling you everything! Obviously I'm still alive. I'm pleased to report I saw no snakes or crocodiles. Spiders? Oh yes! Yes! Lots of spiders! Lots of flies! Lots of moths! Lots of beetles! I hated the bugs and camping is not my thing. Those who know me well would know that. I'm happy I'm good at seeing the good things and ignoring what may make me uncomfortable. The two weeks went by fast.

   So we were finally able to leave for camping Tuesday. The drive was a little over two hours. It is so beautiful up there! I wish I had taken more photos. The weekdays were a lot like on campus except we weren't up as early, we had dessert every night, 'battle-buddies' at lunch (which is when you are partnered with another student or staff member to have lunch together), we had outreach prep during many afternoons, we had something called 'shed night' which is where we did activities together in the evening in the big shed (one night we did 'movie charades' it was awesome!), some morning we also did something called 'Good Morning God'. We were numbered off into teams in which we had to put a one hour program together in the morning. I was group #3 and our theme was 'putting our focus back towards God'. We had done much self-improvement and character development exercises in the past weeks and we felt it was time to look outside of ourselves. Besides all of that, on free days we went on hikes, swimming in the swimming holes, hanging out around the campfire (personal favourite), and I was really able to get to know people a lot better and hear their hearts. My 'ministry placement' was also different. I had 'dinner prep' which was wonderful. I miss cooking with my mum.

   The first week of lectures were 'relationships'. With God, with family, with friends, and with the opposite sex. It was a great week. The biggest thing I got out of that week was it's important not to go into relationships with just what's on the surface. We need to make ourselves vulnerable to each other and be real. It's self-preservation that we don't do this. We are afraid of being hurt or rejected.

   The next week's lectures were 'Lordship'. WOW! Where to start.. haha.. Every day was long with him. On Friday we had lectures ALL DAY until midnight. Just praising God, bringing offerings, tangible and intangible, making commitments, laying down things, confessing sins, having communion, 4 baptisms and 3 re-commitments, anointing with the Holy Spirit, prophesying, giving to one another.. On the particular time we gave to one another it was so much more powerful than 'giving night' weeks ago. We were all in a circle and seeing people's reactions and the gifts and it was very emotional. I was given a pen and told I'm a sister to one of my friends here, another girl gave me her sleeping mat (I forgot one and was sleeping on the ground of the tent) to symbolize God wants to comfort me, and another girl from Switzerland gave me her bathing suit she had learned how to save lives in because I was going to save lives! It was so powerful. Funds were given, trips to see America in the winter, books, shoes, jewelery, all so meaningful! The one particular night we were anointed with the Holy Spirit as we were worshiping and people were speaking in tongues, yelling, running and screaming in the field praising God, jumping, trust falls were happening, people were crying, praying for one another. One girl and I were just so ecstatic and filled with such joy and peace, we turned to each other, smiled, and said 'If people saw us, they would swear we are all insane.' I can't explain the two weeks guys, it was so awesome. Life changing for many.

   We came back down the mountain on Saturday afternoon, unloaded, got luggage from storage, and went to our new accommodations (the ship leaves this week so we can no longer live there). We have been split up by outreach team. All teams (girls) are in the YWAM apartments behind the old base. My team is in a flat above the home of some key leaders in YWAM. I love our flat, even though it isn't much, and I'm going to miss it! The boys are all in a hostel near the new campus.

   This week's lectures are on 'Bible Study'. It's great learning how to study your Bible in depth and the different methods. I have learnt this all before numerous times but It's been a great reminder nonetheless. Tuesday I was able to go to 'Salvo's' (the Salvation Army for all of you non-Aussies) and get some books! I have been going crazy without something to read. Then that night we had 'Outreach prep'! Wooo! So exciting! We got a basic outline of our schedule the first week when we will be in Ayr which is between Townsville and Mackay. Mackay is our main destination but we will be spending some time in Ayr speaking in some schools and churches and doing youth programs. We leave Saturday morning. This morning we had a time of praying for the outreach teams and then lectures. I just finished base-ops and this evening is 'family night'. So worship and 'family dinner'. I love Wednesdays! Tomorrow I'm going to try to get to the mall for some things before outreach. I'll be gone for three weeks so this will be my last blog post until I get back. Today was hard for me, and many other students. When I got back to Townsville on Saturday, my family had just left Florida on Friday and I won't be able to really communicate with them again until mid-April when I'm not even sure I'll have steady internet access. Just frustrating. I really miss them and especially my little brother. Many other students are struggling with homesickness and stress. Please pray for us! We have been so busy. Emotionally drained from camping, and now physically drained from outreach prep, book reports, homework, ministry placement, lectures, etc.

   I suppose I should end this here.. I love you guys and miss you loads! Wish I could make this deeper but I was seriously journaling for three days after camping because there was just so much to say! I will gladly share more stories when I'm home.

The drive back to Townsville

The entire January DTS & staff

The massive bonfire the boys made Saturday night

Me & Abigail's tent

'Huntsman' spider - often on my tent

Week 6 - Funding Update - Camping

Hello lovely people!

   Week 6 already! Wow! The past two weeks have been incredibly busy but I'm glad we have 'communication time' this Tuesday morning to post an update.

    The rest of last week's lectures on 'Evangelism' were excellent! I feel a lot more confident sharing the Gospel, with my testimonies, and that God can use me where I'm currently at and I have special gifts and talents, physically and spiritually that no one else has to offer. This week's lectures are on 'Justice'. Today we are watching a film-documentary on Human Trafficking. I'm excited! 

   Saturday was a school trip to 'Billabong Animal Sanctuary'. It was really fun to be able to do something touristy and the ticket price was included in our course fees. I'm still hoping I can fit in a trip to the aquarium downtown before I head home as well. After hanging out with the kangaroo's all day we had a barbecue on 'The Strand' which is the beach downtown here in Townsville and you know what we ate? Yes, you guessed it, kangaroo! Haha.. We had chicken & kangaroo skewers, salad, and pop. It was so awesome to spend the day all together and hang out. Except for the sunburn I got.. and yes, I did put sunscreen on. I don't feel too bad though because it's been 6 weeks and I've only burnt once! 

   Yesterday I finished up some homework, a book report, and rented a tent and chair for camping. I leave for camping either Saturday or Sunday and much to my chagrin I will not be able to post updates for the two weeks I'm away. I'll take tons of pictures though and write a huge update once I'm back and before I leave for minor outreach to Mackay, Australia. 

   Ok, now for the exciting news! I went down to 'Accounts' yesterday afternoon and more funding had come in! I payed in the rest of what I had to from my own account and I still have over $300 in my bank account! That's awesome! I'm so happy I won't have to stress about picking up a few things for outreach now and maybe some souvenirs while away. I still haven't payed for immunizations yet however. I'm not sure how much that will end up being. If you do still wish to donate you can do it through the online YWAM payment gateway and they will refund it into my account. 

Thanks for keeping up to date with what I'm doing here. I love sharing my adventures with you and it makes me feel at home. 

YWAM Townville City Campus

Heather from Tennessee and I at the barbecue on 'The Strand'. 

My Outreach team!

Billabong!

Yes, I got to pet it.

...and they taste good too...

Early Week 5 Update - Outreach Fundraising - Camping Prep

   February 26! What? No way.. I can't believe it's already almost March! Time is really flying by here. Especially the past couple weeks as we have been super busy. My weekdays are basically non-stop. I have 1 hour free before lectures, and two hours from when I finish 'Ministry Placement' until dinner. Except for Monday when my 'Not For Sale' school has lectures from 3:30-5. Also during free time I'm usually connecting with family & supporters, or working on homework; which we have lots of this week, including a book report due on Monday of which I'm only on the 3rd chapter. Pray for me! haha. Then Friday nights are 'Family Night' and Saturday night is 'Connect Night' for 'Not For Sale'. Sunday I try to keep as free as possible so I can just stay on the ship and relax, do laundry, homework, etc. So yeah, busy.

   Yesterday we were all informed that we need to pay in full outreach fees BEFORE we go camping. That's only 11 days as of today! I know that you all believe for me to embark on this outreach to the Philippines and to actively work in areas of injustice in that country. I appreciate all of your prayers and encouragement so incredibly much but unfortunately missions work can't run on encouragement alone, much to my chagrin. I know I haven't directly asked any of you to help support me in a tangible way, but I'm asking now if you would consider it. I'm attaching a link to this post to the 'YWAM Payment Gateway'. It's incredibly simple and safe to use, I've used it before to pay in some school fees. If you donate (please let me know so I can thank you) you choose 'STUDENT' and then under 'DTS DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING SCHOOL' choose 'OTHER PAYMENT/DONATION' and then 'BETHANY MILLER' as the recipient. You can leave a comment that it is for 'OUTREACH FUNDS' if you wish. I'm $1000 short, not including camping gear for next week, and immunizations for the Philippines.

   I don't know if any of you will ever realize how amazed I am that people actually have got my back in all of this. It's an incredible feeling to have people cheering me on as I "Go out and make disciples of all nations.." Matthew 28:19-20. I anticipate my return home when I can try and meet with each of you and tell you all about my adventure, show you pictures, share stories, etc. I've already grown in my faith so much, it's unbelievable.

   This weeks lectures are on 'Evangelism'. The speaker has been giving us lots of 'homework' and asking all the hard questions. Yesterday we were told to prepare our testimony for this morning but it had to be under 2 minutes and had to be able to be clearly communicated and understood by a non-Christian. Today's homework for tomorrow is we have to prepare the Gospel message, it has to be under 5 minutes, and once again, has to be understood by a non-believer.

   This morning my 'Not For Sale' school was given the opportunity to lead prayer! We prayed for different aspects of 'Human Trafficking'. Each student led a group of 4-6 people. The group I led focused on the children who were trafficked. The 27th of this month is 'Shine A Light On Slavery Day'. I highly encourage each of you to do some research on this subject and incorporate it into your daily prayer time. People think slavery is abolished but there are more slaves today than ever before in any point in history.

   This Saturday we are going to an Australian wildlife 'zoo'. We were supposed to go last week but it was raining all day so it was cancelled. Then next weekend we head off for camping! I'm upset of the fact that I need to purchase some supplies for that, but I'm also super excited! I won't be able to be in contact with any of you for two weeks but I'll post an update with lots of fabulous pictures as soon as I am back and have access to internet.

   I wish I could talk with each of you individually and tell you all about the wonderful things happening here but unfortunately time is in short supply here. I promise to spend countless hours with each of you over a coffee when I return this summer.

Love you guys!

YWAM PAYMENT GATEWAY

Early Week 4 update & an exciting announcement!

   As you have probably noticed by now, I post my blog updates on Saturday. However, I need to purchase a few things this weekend and instead of coming to campus for the day I'm going to go to the mall. I also have some extremely exciting news to share with you which is another huge reason I'm wanting to post this update today.

   This week's lectures were on the 'Nature & Character of God'. When I first heard that this was the topic I was honestly a little dismayed. I have studied this subject often and I felt it would just be redundant. I was wrong. Peter, who runs a YWAM base in Denver, was great at taking the information and really examining it and answering questions. Also, looked at it in such a way that is applicable to each of us. He had to leave early yesterday unfortunately and we have just been doing more focus groups and talking about the information that he was able to present. Yesterday was 'family dinner & family night' like every Wednesday. I always look forward to that. Worship and intercession was awesome. I felt so connected to God last night. It was just a really joy filled night.

   Now! I have some awesome news to share with you! This afternoon, before lunch, we discovered official 'outreach' locations and teams!! I'm officially going to the Philippines! You can look in the previous posts to see more about what exactly I will be up to. I will also try to post more information as soon as possible. I couldn't be happier with my team, I know God will use us in unbelievable ways. I was so happy when I heard the Philippines was an option I started crying. I did not realize the grip this country had on my heart. God knows our hearts much more than we know them ourselves. I know people from the Philippines that I met in Hong Kong, I bought a bracelet where the full price went to help support victims of Typhoon Haiyan, I was reading an article in Time magazine about the typhoon just a day before locations were announced and it broke my heart, I could go on... just the little ways God has been putting an ache for this country in my heart. It didn't even cross my thoughts that it would ever be an option. I'm just super excited! Haha..

   However, we were also informed that the price of this 'outreach' will be on the high end. That means I'm still $900 short. If you would like to believe with me in the things God will do through my team and I then please consider offering a tangible sign of that support. Thanks again for all the support - financially and non. It means the world. I'm not just saying that.

   Love you guys! Keep me in your prayers. Also my family, they were finally heading to Key West after so much struggle and now after another mechanical issue are back in another marina for repairs.

Changes!

   This is not the exciting post I mentioned on social media. That will be the one below this. I just wanted to let you all know I added a few gadgets to make my blog a little more interesting. 

• I have a 'follow by e-mail' button, so you don't miss a post, or miss when I post my links on social media.
• I added a link to my 'Instagram' so you can stay up-to-date on my adventures visually as well! 
• Also created a 'Poll'. Just to make things a little more fun. I like interacting with you guys. 

Let me know if there is something else you would like to see here in the future!

Update Week 3 & Outreach Locations!

Hello, and Happy Valentine's Day! Although it was yesterday for everyone here in Australia.

   This week's lectures were on 'Identity'. It was also a very emotional week for everyone. These three weeks have been essential to digging up and setting fire to the junk in our lives and moving forward onto the full life that God has planned for us. To continue to walk in truth and not listen to the lies of the enemy that are constantly being whispered into our lives subconsciously on a regular basis. We have all become so close to each other with no sense of judgement and the joy that is eminent in all of our lives makes my heart incredibly happy! All of us are finding it difficult to believe we have only known each other for three weeks.

   Last night we had a Valentine's Day party here on campus. It was a fun night to celebrate the chains that have been broken in the past two weeks and to encourage and love on one another. The staff did an awesome job of making a nice relaxing night for us students. We also made final decisions on our 'Outreach' locations.

   Wednesday night all of the schools received 'Outreach' locations! I was so happy & excited to hear the locations presented that I immediately started to cry. Not because I was upset, but out of joy and awe at how amazing God is and how He knows each of our hearts better than we know them ourselves. There was no doubt in my mind which option to choose when I heard them presented. I cannot reveal my choice yet due to the leaders not wanting us to talk about our choice so as not to influence students decisions. I will let you know as soon as I can, trust me. If you are dying to know, send me a message on Facebook or an e-mail and I can inform you of my location.

OPTION ONE

minor outreach: 3 weeks. Local outreach to Mackay (4 hours from Townsville) to engage in Justice focused seminars, schools, churches, etc.

major outreach: 6 weeks, Manilla and surrounding cities and Typhoon affected area in The Philippines. 

Outreach to the Philippines would include many aspects of justice such as poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, women's issues and devaluing of life. We hope to work with victims who suffered from Typhoon Haiyan and other ministries in this area.

OPTION TWO

minor outreach: Brisbane and Cherbourg. Connecting with indigenous community (Cherbourg), and inner city ministries. Possibly involved in Ship Tour aspects (details pending), as well as street evangelism and connecting with schools/churches.

major outreach: Port Moresby and Ship Tour. 2-3 weeks in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea working with other established ministries (justice focus). Potentially returning to Australia for Ship Tour along East Coast (location undetermined).

FUNDING

I am still currently $1000 short of 'Outreach' fees. I won't be departing to either of these options if I don't have the funding. I definitely feel God pushing me towards one of these options. I don't want to miss out on this opportunity. Please contact me if you would be willing to help fund me. 

Update Week #2

   So, obviously I did finally decide to hang out at the base today with wifi. I video-chatted my family this morning which was fantastic and I really did want to update you all on what happened over this second week. Instead of sitting in the cafe like last week, I'm in my classroom with the windows open and 3 fans on so it is loads cooler in this room. I now regret my choice to sit in the hot cafe with no fans or air conditioner last week! 

   So this week's lectures were on 'clear conscience'. It was a very thought provoking and emotional week for everybody. The last two days of the week's lectures we had the opportunity to confess to God, in front of the entire DTS school. Many people confessed some very deep things, including me. I'm not going to go into detail. I'm very impressed with the lack of judgement in this place, and the encouragement, love, and prayers from everyone. It feels like a huge family here. 

   Last night our 'Not For Sale' group watched a movie and spent time hanging out as a school. Tonight is 'connect night' for our school as well. At this point, I'm not sure what the plans for this evening are. I'm excited though! 

   I seriously need to say thank you to everyone that is reading these updates. I love keeping you all in the loop and to those who also keep me in your prayers, it means so much! Thank you is so shallow.. I love you all so much! I would love to hear how YOU are all doing as well, so send me an e-mail if you ever find time. Also, again, e-mail me or send me a message on Facebook if you would like to help fund my 'outreach'. I'm still a large portion short of the needed amount. I don't want funding to hold me back. 

   Attached is two 'Not For Sale' school photos! One is a silly one, hehe.

The Week's End

Hello!
   This is a quick update as I may or may not be able to post a new update on the weekend. This week has been a very difficult one. In good ways. In constructive ways. In ways that are continuously maturing me and helping us, as a large group here to grow closer to God and to each other. I will try to post something more 'in depth' as soon as possible. My battery is at 3% right now and I need to end this quickly unfortunately. I just wanted to remind everyone I am still a large portion short of my 'outreach' funds. If you would be interested in helping me help those in need on outreach, please send me an e-mail or message me on Facebook and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Also if you have any questions in general or just want to say hi. I love hearing from you all and encouragement is always appreciated.

Love you guys!

Down Under!

Hello!
   First of all, I need to apologize for not posting in a while. I've been incredibly busy since I left.

   The flight(s) all went well and travel was good. Of course I wasn't able to sleep at all on the flights but surprisingly wasn't that jet-lagged or tired the next day. I got right into the swing of things here.

   We are actually staying on the medical ship that YWAM Townsville is using because they are not able to house us on  campus yet. I don't mind the ship though, it feels like home! I guess I just can't get away from boats no matter how hard I try, haha.

   This first week was lots of orientation, getting used to the city, and getting to know everyone here including staff. The last two days, once we finished orientation we had some lectures on 'Hearing God's Voice'. I really don't like calling them 'lectures' haha.. that makes them sound so boring and strict. They are really awesome times to learn about what God has in store for me and to learn a little more about myself as well.

   Yesterday we had an exercise on hearing God's voice where we were all handed a scenic picture and asked to spend some time with God and listen to His voice and hear what He speaks to us about the image. I received a picture of a desert in Australia with hills. I thought of the following passages in scripture; Matthew 5:14-16 and Psalm 121. You can go read them yourselves, but the one is about looking to the hills and asking where your help comes from, it comes from God. The other is about being a city on a hill, not hiding your light under a basket.

   Ok, wow, I'm at base right now in the cafe and IT IS SO HOT! Ah! I need to go outside in the breeze for a while after this.

   So yeah! Saturday and Sunday are 'free days'. Today they had three buses. One going to the beach, one to the mall, and one here. I'm not a beach person and don't want to spend 5 hours there, I didn't want to go the mall because I'm trying not to spend money and again.. 5 hours!? So I decided to come here and blog, work on my journal & workbook, and I was also able to Skype my family which was unbelievably wonderful since I can never seem to find time to talk to them during the week.

   Next week we should be finding out what our 'Outreach location' choices are. I will try to share those with you as soon as possible so you can join me in prayer about where I should go.

   One of the things I love about things here is the worship. During worship we often feel the need to pray for each other. I've felt the need to pray for a few people, and a few have prayed for me as well. It's amazing because what they have prayed over me and into my life has been so relevant and encouraging.

   So my days during the week pretty much look the same day-to-day. A few days we have morning worship added on, or we have a focus group. Wednesday nights we have 'Family dinner & Family night' where everyone on campus, staff, DTS students, and other students all have dinner together, and a time of worship.Then Saturday & Sunday, like previously mentioned, are free. So normally, we are up for breakfast at 6:15 AM on the ship. We leave the ship at 7 AM for the campus. We then have until 8 AM to have quiet time, work on homework, use internet, etc. before lectures start. At 10:30 AM we break for 'morning tea' which is one of the worlds greatest things and I'm bringing that tradition home with me. We have coffee, tea, fruit, sausages, and other snacks and food and talk and have a break. It's awesome. Then we go back to lectures until 12:30 for lunch. After lunch I have 'ministry placement' from 1:30-3:30 PM. I clean all three levels of 'B Block' on campus with two other girls. We sweep, mop, vacuum, clean washrooms, wipe windows, etc. I then have two hours free until dinner at 5:30 PM. Then I usually take the first shuttle at 6:30 PM back to the ship if nothing else is planned.

   There is still so much more to say about everything here, but it would take forever and no one wants to waste their time reading all of that, haha. I am already feeling closer to God, I'm maturing spiritually, and I'm getting to know some great people who are really on fire for God.

   I will try to continue to post once a week like this, usually on Saturday or Sunday.

   Thanks for reading! Please continue to keep me in your prayers, and also my family.

First post, update, and 4 days until a new adventure!

   This is the 3rd time I've changed this blog! After 5 years of having it, things change however.

   From now on, you will find this blog filled with updates on my travels and work in missions, alongside some daily musings, thoughts, rants, and whatnot.


   For those of you who don't know; I have been in full-time missions with my family for over 14 years. From working with a non-profit evangelizing to motorcyclists, to overseas operations in China, to a current sailing ministry in the Caribbean since 2010, and now an adventure of my own of which I will share with you in a few short moments. When I am not with my family of seven crewing Emmanuel (our sailboat) and bringing aid to islands in the Caribbean, I can be found in the city of Red Deer in Alberta, Canada. I spend my summers and sometimes fall and winter there working as a barista at Starbucks.

   Fall of 2012 I decided it was time for me to embark on an adventure of my own. To find what really makes my heart ache. To become closer to God and see my faith become stronger. I had been serving with my family in their missions endeavors for my entire life and although the work was/is fulfilling I don't feel like it is my heart or my vision, but that of my parents. I feel I need to focus on God and see if He perhaps has another plan for me, another place He needs me to be, another need that I can fulfill elsewhere. I will forever see myself being available to come alongside them if need be. I will always be found spending time with them and aiding them in whatever ministry avenue they find themselves in. That's just me, that's my heart. We are a unit, and a team, and that will never change. I cannot however ignore the feeling God has another plan for my life. Impossibly long story short, in just 4 days I will be on an international flight heading to Townsville, Australia to join YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in a Discipleship Training School (DTS). This DTS focuses on human trafficking and slavery which to the shock of the nations, is larger now than ever before. This nearly 6 month course consists of lectures and classroom work along with two outreach phases where our group will travel within and/or outside of Australia to put what we learnt in the classroom into practice. Previous outreaches have traveled to places such as Thailand, Cambodia, Fiji, Central Australia, and more. To say I am excited about this new adventure would be a severe understatement. I simply cannot wait to see the ways God is going to move, not just within others lives, but within my own. Who knows what is in store next, once I arrive home.

   My family and I are currently in North Carolina. They have had mechanical and fundraising issues that have held them back from being able to continue to Key West. I originally booked a flight out of Miami because naturally, we all thought we would for sure be there by now. We are now having to rent a van to drive to Miami to pick up my older sister who is joining my family from Alberta and to drop me off. Repairs are all proceeding in a timely manner and hopefully my family will be on their way to Key West not long after sending me on my way. In the next coming days I'm finishing up some last minute things, packing, etc. We leave here Tuesday morning to be there Wednesday, and my flight leaves bright n' early Thursday morning.

   Please continue to keep my family and I in your prayers. I will continue to post updates via this blog and will discontinue my posts via Facebook. I will still post links to this blog however. Remember, if you have any questions or need to get a hold of me for any reason, or would like to help me financially as I'm still short a large amount of my outreach funds, you can e-mail me personally or send me a message on Facebook.

Blessings!