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
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, February 14, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, February 7, 2014
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.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
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!
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!
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