New Time

A new time has been entered into. For the first time, I’m involved in a form of paid ministry. Now the transition shouldn’t mean too much – my attitude towards ministering in the church shouldn’t shift from ‘ho-hum’ to ‘fully-committed’. Hopefully that commitment and devotion is true for every Christian as a co-worker in the gospel (Phil 1:5). But the blessing of being provided for a little means that it frees me up to invest more hours and energy into the role.

So what is it I’m doing?

The elders of my church in Napier asked me to do a 10-hour internship in music ministry this year at the church (10 hours paid, but a lot more than that in reality!) I’m now a month in and it’s been hard grind getting all the administration organised and systems set up to allow the practical aspects of the music on Sundays to run smoothly. I’ve got an office at church which I head out to every Friday to do the admin things. Basically my job description is to enhance the music ministry at the church – and myself and another guy who has a lot more years of ministry and life experience are co-leading the music side of things. 

I’m also in a new flat in Hastings town, with a Kenyan guy also studying at Bible College. And yes, I’m still studying at college – right now doing Level 6 and focussing on Missions and Biblical Counselling. 

 

But this practical experience in church ministry, being discipled under some godly and wise men of God, and learning how to love and care for God’s people and put this theology I’m learning into practice – is an even more amazing blessing from God I’m privileged to have! 

Beyond this year – who knows? The Lord will make the paths clear (Prov 3:5-6).

This year. It’s music, and the blessing of learning to minister in a local church – God’s great instrument for changing hearts and lives in the sinful, broken world. And specifically, to lead God’s people at Onekawa in sung worship of such a great and glorious God! What a joy!

I also have a blog I’m writing more focussed on the worship through music & song-writing side of things which you can visit, and even subscribe to and follow (http://benjimusic.co.nz/blog)

Another Study Year Up!

A frantic last month or two has rocketed past - and here we are in the middle of my final week in the Hawkes Bay this year.

   I've just completed my final exam and sent it off....

   My Mum arrives tomorrow afternoon....

   I get my first tertiary qualification on Saturday (a diploma from The Shepherds Bible College)....

   The CD I've made arrived in the mail this morning, and will be available next Friday....

                  Lots is happening. 

Next Monday I travel down with my Mum to Dunedin for five weeks down in the deep south, mostly working on the farm up in the scorching Central Otago heat. Following that I return north to set off for three weeks of music ministry in churches around the upper North Island.

Then next year I'll be doing a internship in music (what else) at Onekawa Bible Church, where I've been since February. Very excited about this opportunity. Also I'll be continuing to take papers at The Shepherds Bible College (tsbc.org.nz). Then after that.... we'll see. In other words, I don't know yet. But God does, and I'm resting in that. What's the point in being anxious about the future? God has it already all mapped out.

What a year of study its been. I continue to say that this is the most enjoyable study I've done in my life. Just a pity it took me 25 years to discover that (it could have been 50 I guess). The Bible is continuing to come alive for me! I continue to understand God's ways and nature more and more each week, and growth is often slow, but I think I have been slowly growing in different ways.

Theology has never been so practical! The Bible has never been so real-life! Now I just want to get out there and teach others - impart some of what I've learned, and help others grow and mature in their faith.I think growing in my desire to live my life alongside and disciple other Christians younger in the faith.

Discipleship. It may not be easy, it may not always be fun - in fact it generally will take patience, sweat, tears, prayer, humility, honesty, and a lot of time. It's what we're called to.

Is Christ Fully God and Man?

Recently I took some time to think though a major question about the nature of Christ - that I'm guessing a fair few Christians think about and wrestle with from time to time:

How can Christ be 100% God and 100% Man in His Incarnation?

To see my thoughts on this question, which seems on the surface to be an impossibility, have a read of this essay that I wrote for theology at Bible College. I discuss what the Bible has to say about the nature of Christ, and what our response should be.

I tell you, it should be exciting and encouraging as you come to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. It was to me!!

Have a read here

How Can a Just God Forgive Guilty People?

Here is a big, big dilemma:

How is it possible that a God who is perfectly just, can then go and forgive guilty people like us? Would that not mean that God's not just any more?

To see my thoughts on this apparent problem, have a read of this essay that I wrote for theology at Bible College. I talk about the way it's been resolved, and it's pretty exciting!!

Have a read here

Optional Prayer?

Prayer is powerful.

It really is!

But though I say that, does my life reflect that I really and genuinely believe that? Sometimes perhaps, but generally I'd have to confess no. If we say we wholeheartedly believe in that statement 'prayer is powerful', ought not our lives continuously and undeniably be not only interspersed with, but characterised by intimate and faith-filled communion with our heavenly Father?

So is it true that prayer is only for those Christians who have 'more faith'? Those 'spiritual' ones? Well let's hear what God says in His word - the Bible - regarding this matter of prayer. Is it an optional extra to the Christian life?

'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.' (Col 4:2)

'pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.' (1 Thess 5:17)

'do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.' (Phil 4:6)

'Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chron 16:11)

These verses explain that it's not just what God expects, but what God commands all Christians to do: to seek God and His strength continually instead of walking in our own reliance, wisdom and strength. To pray relentlessly, passionately, regularly, humbly, and with thanksgiving. Wow. My endeavor isn't so much just to grow in prayer for my own gain and benefit - first and foremost it's to grow in obedience to my Lord in prayer. And to conform my life more and more to the image of Christ - who set us the perfect example of one who completely depends on our heavenly Father in prayer and submitted to His will and authority.

Here's our example in devotion to prayer - Jesus...

'And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.' (Mark 1:35)

I wonder how things would look different in our lives, churches, and the world around us - if it were true that Christians everywhere would confidently believe that prayer is powerful, and live out that belief in the pattern of their daily lives? 

It can start with me, and it can start with you.

We've been commanded. Let's pray.  

Months of Music

In February I wrote a post called 'Days of Music' (you can view it here) which was an insight into the recording process of making an album.


Now we're five months on, and a lot has advanced in that time. I'd thought I'd write another post, just to keep you all informed on the album's progress and give some insight on how its all done. Just to refresh - the album is called 'To Him Be The Glory', and has 12 congregational worship songs aimed as accessible and easy to pick up songs for churches.

Matters Sorted:
Since recording week, the album cover and booklet have been designed. A website that has all the resources for each of the songs has been made. Plans have been more firmly formed for a Church Tour next January/February where myself and a few more accompanying musicians will be hopping around the North Island in a van for three weeks, serving churches in whatever way we can and taking some of these songs out there for people to learn and be blessed by! Also just recently, someone to distribute of the CD to stores and ITunes has also been organised.

Mixing:
With the music itself - the songs have gone through a process called mixing. This is where some guy (in this case Tom Mepham, the album producer and designer) sits at a computer for long, long hours, going through each song - changing lots of levels in volume, sound, and feel for all the different instrument parts. After some time, the songs begin to sound much better - there's balance between the different instruments and the voice, and you can hear everything more clearly (so it's no longer just lots of 'noise'). At least as much time is spend mixing each song as recording it. Often more time actually. And tomorrow, yes tomorrow - the final mixes will be finished for these 12 congregational worship songs!

Mastering:
Then next week they will be sent for some mastering. This is the next step in a song's process. What happens here is that another guy (not Tom this time) will sit at a desk and work with the songs. He'll not so much be working with the songs individually, but with all of them together collectively. It'll be the final touch to help bring consistency and flow and balance between all the tracks.

Manufacturing:
Finally, at some point in the next month or two I'll send off the CD for some actual manufacturing. They'll be sent to a place who will replicate 500 copies of the album complete with booklet - ready to go out, and people in New Zealand to be blessed by it. I'll aim for releasing the album Mid-November this year.


So it's been very exciting and a really interesting and learning experience to see this project unfold. Prayer continues to be the foundation for every aspect, with a number of prayer supporters out there holding the project before the Lord and asking Him to use it for His purposes and receive the due glory from start to finish. And God has opened so many doors and answered prayers already! But above all it's just been a privilege, thrill, and joy to offer myself in surrender for God's service - and let Him do what He wants with these songs that He's given me the ability and passion to write.

'A Living Hope'

 

My Dad is no longer here.


It's a month today since he departed from this earth and went home to be with his Lord. It's been an amazing time of reflecting back on memories, and the support and thoughtfulness of so many people has been overwhelming. I'm down Dunedin for all of July to spend time with my mother as we all adjust to life without my Dad. I think I've adjusted fairly quickly to the fact he won't be around any more, having had a good few years while he was battling the illness to be prepared for that reality. Sometimes though, things just hit me again: No longer will we have walks together through the mountains marveling at God's glory revealed in creation. No longer will we sit in the sunshine together and chat for hours and hours about everything under the sun, occasionally savoring a strong brew of fresh plunger coffee and some fresh home-made baking. No longer will we discuss together various passages of Scripture and their implication for our lives. No longer will we work together in the fields or garden, and later retire to the house at the end of the day to enjoy a long cool drink. No longer will I have the privilege of serving in a local church alongside him. No longer will we together laugh or cry, play or talk, sit or work or pray. I think the thing that hits me hardest is the realisation Dad won't be there on my marriage day, when I have children, and those other significant occasions in the future.

But at the end of it all, many of life's circumstances are out of our control. We go through times and seasons, none of which is new at all - everything under the sun has already been seen and done! (Ecclesiastes 1:9, 3:1-8) And the reality is we will all face physical death at the end of it all. And everyone at some point goes through losing loved ones. Our attitude and outlook in the midst of that time is different for each one though. Especially important is our attitude towards God. Will we continue to trust in His character as revealed in the pages of Scripture? Will we draw closer to God or distance ourselves from Him? Will we see these times of hardship and grief as opportunities to actually grow in our character, have our faith refined and strengthened,  increase our dependence on God and prayerfulness, and cultivate an even deeper relationship and love for our Saviour?

Some may say my Dad's death was a bit premature. Perhaps from a human perspective yes it would seem so. But I would point them to Psalm 139:16, where we read "....all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Notice every day we have on earth is according to God's plan before we even were born. He knows the day our life will start, and the day it will end - it's not a surprise to Him at all. Everything is completely in God's sovereign control. Even the sufferings and hardships we face on this earth. Remember what God used to cause the initial spread of the gospel and early Christianity? He used the persecution of the Jerusalem church! (Acts 8:1,4) And remember what God used to accomplish salvation for people from every tribe and tongue and nation on earth? He used the cruel suffering, abandonment and evil murder of His own precious Son! (Acts 2:23) So God allows and uses all circumstances, good and bad, for His own purposes. Somehow. And we won't fully comprehend how in this life. We just have to trust Him at His own Word. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Yes I miss my father greatly. We weren't just father and son - but also great companions, friends, and brothers in Christ. I miss his company, wisdom, leadership, sound advice, fellowship, fun, joy, adventurous spirit, contentment, humour, selfless and caring nature, love for God, and example. I miss him. But each time I think about Dad, the Lord reminds me of the intimate fellowship he is sharing with Jesus right now. As Paul says, it isn't just better to be in heaven with Christ, but better by far! (Philippians 1:23) I believe that's true. Do you?  

These words were written by the apostle Peter. They were read at my Dad's funeral:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:3-7)

I'd never fully let their truth and impact sink into my heart, but these last two months, these words have become so incredibly real. We truly have a hope that isn't dead, but living! The death of someone close really makes you more aware and mindful of eternal things. The living hope we as Christians have has been in the forefront of my mind whenever I think about my Dad. It's not a far off, mystical, hopeful hope. It's a concrete, true, certain and sure, completely real, and amazingly incredible hope. And it's given my Mum and I such a great measure of peace and joy, which in human terms doesn't make any sense at all during these sorts of times. A 'living hope'. Think about it. Reflect on it. Meditate on it. Learn more about it in the Bible. Trust in it and let it transform you. I've found that it's given me more of a passion to live every day to the full for God's glory and not my own, as a faithful Servant (still very much a growing process). The question must be asked of each one of us - what are we living for, or rather who are we living for?

Let us not forget, this eternal life with Christ is a sure hope that we can rest everything on. The one who promises this hope is God Himself. And though people may fail and at many times are unfaithful, God will never fail and He will remain forever faithful!

Good and Wise

God is good.
God is wise.

These are simple statements. But simple statements are often the most amazing and wonderful truths, profound and rich. These are realities that every Christian ought not only declare, but believe wholeheartedly in. And for large periods of our lives, they seemingly aren't a problem to accept. The real crux comes when the follower of Christ comes headlong into times of turbulence, trial, or pain (and if you're one of God's children, these testing times are to be expected - after all, that's how we grow in maturity in our faith and become more like Christ Jesus). When events happen that are difficult to bear, or suffering comes within the sphere of our own lives - will we at that time still confidently believe these statements?

Because He is good, and He is wise. Whatever the circumstances, and whatever the state of the sinful world we live in. How do we know? Because He declares that it is so. God has spoken to us and revealed His character through the pages of the Bible. And time and time again, we see His goodness and wisdom. Read each of these verses (only a small selection) and ask: do I believe what God says about His own nature here or not? Ultimately God is who He is. We can only have a right or wrong understanding of Him. 


 “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting” (Psalm 107:1).

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” (Psalm 31:19).

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

“With Him are wisdom and might; To Him belong counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13).

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11:33)

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5).

“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him” (Daniel 2:20).

A real test as to whether we do truly believe in God's goodness and wisdom, not only intellectually, but in our hearts (with our whole beings), is when trials come. This demonstrates whether our belief was genuine or not. And we must take a step back and recognise that this faith and settled confidence in God's being is also a gift of God that we can't just muster up ourselves - it is graciously given to us not because of our merit or worth but because of God's mercy and love towards us (Ephesians 2:8-9). In other words: if I believe in God and His goodness and wisdom, it's because He's given me the faith to believe, and opened my eyes to understand the Scriptures and come to a knowledge of Himself. May that be one of our petitions in prayer for those we know who don't presently believe in God. He is all powerful! And desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)

Trusting in God's goodness and wisdom through all circumstances, on the bright days and the more gloomy, brings such a deep peace and comfort and security - that really defies explanation. It allows us to persevere and continue walking with strength that doesn't come from ourselves. It allows us to have a constant attitude of thanksgiving to God, even when there's seemingly nothing in our outward circumstances that seems worthy of being thankful for (yet there always is, we simply lose focus of spiritual realities). And more importantly, when we're constantly trusting in God's goodness and wisdom, it too brings our heavenly Father great glory. And what a motivation that is! We can rest in confidence that God knows what's best in all situations and occasions, and that His goodness and righteousness remain constant in all He does (even allowing suffering to come for our spiritual growth, out of His Fatherly love - Hebrews 12:3-11). Let's not forget too that God has already shown such goodness, mercy, patience and love toward us in giving His Son to die in our place, bearing our sins in His body (2 Peter 2:24) - this amazing salvation being in the wisdom and eternal plan of God also.

So let this be an encouragement (and perhaps a reminder). May we bring honour to our God, the only God. And may we boldly confess, and have faith in our inner being that:


God is good.
God is wise.

Days of Music

This last week has been in one word – enjoyable. Though we’ve worked hard, for around or over 12 hours each day (went to bed around two this morning), you can’t exactly call what we’ve been up to “work”. 

The last week Tom and I have been recording an album of worship songs that’s been years in the planning and making. It’s exciting that’s it’s finally becoming a reality and happening. And already I’m excited about how the songs are sounding – in fact they’re already beyond my expectations.

So basically here’s how we did things.....

the Project:   an album of worship songs called ‘To Him Be The Glory’

the Location:   Creagh Cottage, on the front face of the Crown Terrace near Arrowtown, overlooking the beautiful mountainous landscape. Inspiration guaranteed. Breathtaking

the Vision:   to record and produce and make accessible songs of worship to our incredible God that declare His praise and nature – that are simple enough songs to be taken by churches, learned, taught, and used in congregational settings (so to help in this, the album will include chord sheets, lyrics, powerpoints, etc). This week was just the recording bit

the Gear:   masses of stuff. Two guys with musical creativity and adoration of God in their veins. Guitars of all types, speakers, laptops, keyboard, cables and leads, mixing gear, couches, mics, and so on. A studio space with great acoustics and even better surroundings to do it all. And a Bible. 

the Process:   (we had already laid down some scratch tracks – with the drums and piano, in December). This week it was recording in electric guitars, rythm and lead. Also acoustic guitar tracks, bass guitar, additional piano, synth and pads, a few backing vocals (utilising Jen and Amanda, the girls staying here this week), and of course those lead vocals! Some good hours mixing things as we go, and that was our long but extremely productive week’s work/play

the Additionals:   throw in a good photo shoot utilising the scenery all around, some fantastic meals cooked  by the girls including a brave but beautiful rabbit pie by lantern light at ten at night using bunnies I’d shot and skinned that morning, strong daily brews of freshly ground coffee to keep us charged through the day, a few doses of lying out in the sunshine and discussing life and the future and God and His goodness, some rugby passes, a BBQ on the patio in the sunshine, and late nights – and that’s a recording week for you

the Essentials:   good gear (which we had), a great producer/recorder/mixer (which we had, thanks Tom), good musicians and singers (which we hopefully had), some time reading and thinking about God’s Word, and lot’s of prayer 

And what’s ahead?

We continue up here in Central Otago this coming week, and will spend two to three days finishing the recording process off for the 12-track album. That includes some final guitars, lots of backing vocals to lift up the songs (including working out what most of them are!), and little details to fix.

All the production/mixing will take place later in the year – and the album will be released late this year or early next. Exciting. I just keep praying and praying that God would do what He wants with these songs, and really bring glory to Himself through them. 

Days of music 

It has been

(My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! - Psalm 108:1)

Twenty Five Years and Counting

Well I don't quite know where the last quarter century has gone? On Saturday I celebrated my twenty fifth.  It started off at a fair slow pace, but then the last six or seven years have gone off running. I dread to think how fast the next twenty five will go (Lord willing). I'll be fifty. Yes, i'll be fifty.There's not much of a scarier thought than that!

But as I reflect back over my life so far - I am filled with a little regret - only that I wasted many years through my teenage years living for myself, when those years could have been spent being an awesome witness for Christ to my fellow generation. But that's only the side current. The greater sense I have, the central flow of the river that is my life so far, is complete thankfulness. Gratefulness to God for ALL He has done in and for me. A complete and utter sinner, who wandered aimlessly, self-absorbed, prideful, caught up in the glittering things of this world. And rejecting the very God who made and sustains me!
But then He reached into my life. He guided me into the Scriptures. He opened my eyes to see. His mercy reached far down, and as I saw my sin and turned from it to Christ, he washed it far away.

As far as the east is from the west.

What a God! What grace.

And so I am thankful. The most important event in my first twenty five years was the day God's Spirit recreated me, and I was adopted as one of God's children, set apart to live for my Lord's honour and glory.
That's been a journey of six years - but will continue into eternity. And it's nothing of my doing, nothing that I deserve. Drawn and captivated by the deep, wondrous love of God, expressed most gloriously through the wooden cross that the Son of Man hung on, bearing our sins. No wonder the Apostle Paul says that all he boasts in is the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ! (Galatians 6:14)

A photo of me on my birthday, exploring the wild.....

Closing In

Well presently I am immersed in study. But in only two weeks, exams, projects and lectures will be over for the year that is 2011. As other tertiary students know, once you get your head down and into the work, the weeks roll on by like golf balls down a dry green. I've shifted my base to the Hawkes Bay, but still home will always be home (I'll always have Otago blood in me and be a true southerner). And homewards is where I head in less than three weeks. I have enjoyed settling into life up here, finding it a very easy transition (well it's not like its a completely new culture!)

And I've come to see how lucky I am to be studying here at The Shepherds Bible College - excellent teachers, great opportunity to do ministry in a local church alongside the academic intake, fairly small so personal and friendly, and committed to remaining faithful to God and His Word in a world where His words of power and life are largely ignored or misinterpreted. I recommend and will continue to recommend Shepherds highly. And not just those headed towards a lifetime of ministry, but all Christians, no matter what their maturity or experience. Just taking a year out will deepen your love for Christ and the Scriptures hugely - I've seen that this year first hand with people who've decided to take some classes to just help them grow in their Christian walk. Check it out at http://www.tsbc.org.nz/. For me, the Scriptures have come alive this year more than ever before!

So page one of my Hawkes Bay chapter is almost complete. In December, January, and February, alongside some work, I'll be aiming to record a full length worship album project - called 'To Him Be the Glory'. Stay tuned on that one, more details and perhaps a sample or two are to come. But to share the vision of the project with you at least:

 ..... to produce and offer songs of worship for the wider body of
Christ in New Zealand, that have God-centered/glorifying, and
Scripturally-based lyrics, are quality songs, and yet are accessible
enough for all variety of different local churches to learn, teach,
and use in a congregational setting.

Looking forward to working on it over the summer with Tommo! But let's not get too far ahead. I had better flick down my laptop lid and delve back into the Greek vocab for the time being.....

Musical Idea

So here is an idea for the music of the hymn 'Christ, Our Hope' I shared the words of in my last post. Sorry the quality is pretty poor, but you get the general idea of the melody anyway. I just recorded verses 1 and 3. To hear it, right click on the link below save as (to download it and listen to it).

Christ, Our Hope

Please let me know what you think? -
i.e.
Is it too complicated, too simple, or just right?
Is the melody interesting enough?
Would it get stuck in your head?
Does it compliment the words and their message?
Basically, is it excellent, good, or forgettable??

It's hard to know when you write it yourself... so I'm relying on what others think. It would be great to hear! Feel welcome to leave comments below. Thanks

Hymn

Well someone I met suggested that I give writing a hymn a crack. I've written many worship 'songs' but not really given my hand to a good old-fashioned hymn. What makes them unique? I think that to their credit they contain a lot more theological richness than many contemporary songs (not all, but many). And that is because a lot more poetic thought is given to their words, and perhaps a lot more Scriptural thought too?!

So here goes. It would be great if you could be part of the process. I've only started to write some words, no music yet. So let me know what you think so far. Offer comment for anything that could be improved on or anything that you like. Thanks!


Christ, Our Hope

Christ, our hope, our full assurance
Great Redeemer! Worthy Lamb!
Access to the Father granted,
Through Your sin atoning work
Distant shores have turned and trusted
In the gospel of their souls
This day forward we too believe
In Jesus Christ, our only hope

Christ , our love, eternal treasure
While we stray, we're not content
In Your arms forever holding,
Safety from the snares and devil
Richest love to us You've given
Grace is lavished every hour
Though the world has vast delights,
We're only with our Saviour found

Christ, our life, our whole existence
In You peace and joy arise
Soon our mortal flesh will vanish,
Then in heavenly clothes we'll shine
Prince of Life, You rose victorious!
Conquering hell and death itself
Now we stand in Your salvation,
Washed and ransomed through Your blood

Christ, our hope, our full assurance
Great Redeemer! Worthy Lamb!
Access to the Father granted,
Through Your sin atoning work
Distant shores have turned and trusted
In the gospel of their souls
This day forward we too believe
In Jesus Christ, our only hope

Beautiful North

Awesome time with my parents who came up to Hawkes Bay to visit. We chugged on in their snail (camperute) through Waikaremoana, to Auckland to visit my brother, and around the Coromandel. Really beautiful places up here!

  
We live in one awesome country!

Hello Holidays

Ki ora!

Last night I typed in the final few words, checked over it a few times, and then emailed off with a single calm click my final assignment for the semester. Which means....... this morning I'm on holiday! I can take my time to slowly sip my coffee, and look outside at the rustling trees and clouds racing over the sky, and reflect. I think in our busy schedules today, we don't take enough time to simply reflect. For me that is definately true anyway. I find that when I do reflect, it always leads back to recognition of the way God's been at work in my life and has been answering prayer... so reflection seems to always lead to giving God thanks. I'm sure many of you can relate.

So what are my honest thoughts on my new home here in the Hawkes Bay? (though the deep south will always be Home of course!) I think the word that comes first to mind is 'rightness'. I feel a deep and settled peace and rightness about where I am right now, what I'm doing, and where I'm headed. I know that this is surely a peace from God that I'm following the path He's already laid out. It has been hard to move from Flagstaff to here, in that I was so involved in the communities and people in Halfway Bush and Wakari day by day, and suddenly they've all disappeared. But you do adapt quickly to new places. And I feel very settled here already. My plan is to remain studying part time here (alongside some work) for the next 5 years. I really like the people at the church at Riverbend. There are a strong bunch of young people at the church who love God, which isn't verycommon - and it's been great to get to know them. And being such a small college, all the students and staff get to know each other well. I've enjoyed these aspects a lot. I feel right at home in the church here at Riverbend, with great preaching, diversity of music, lots of families, and friendly, down-to-earth people (just like my church at Flagstaff). I think I'm very blessed to be part of this church. And it's been awesome to be able to do practical ministry as part of my studies (so not just all academic, but putting what I'm learning into practice in a church setting). That is quite unique among Bible colleges, but I think is a really good and important thing. This year of course, my internship is focussed on song-writing. Next year, I want to do something I haven't been involved with before. I want to expose myself and have experience in all different areas of ministry that I may end up encountering in the future! I'm here to be equipped after all.

The Hawkes Bay is also a beautiful part of Aotearoa. The people and the land. There is such diversity with the people who live here, drawn together from many different cultures to this location. And the surroundings are equally as diverse and wonderful, as my parents and I will be exploring over the next few days. They arrive tomorrow from the deep south, which I'm very excited about! Following some days here in the Bay, we'll do a bit of a road trip (in their campervan) northwards to catch up with family in the big smoke of Auckland. And spend some time on the Coromandel, which I've really yet to properly explore. The harder you work, the more you appeciate the holidays...........bring them on. Sweet as!

A Conference and Some Mountains

Exciting last few weeks!
First off helped at the Impact Bible Conference which the church at Riverbend hosts each year. Almost 640 people came along at some point so pretty huge event on the calander here. I had the job of clicking people's meal tickets which was actually a super way to meet people and lots of fun.

I had also written a theme song for the conference with the help of my Greek lecturer Tony. Based on the conference theme of eternity, we wanted to express the Christian's hope for Christ's return so based it on some of the Scriptures which speak about this. Here are the words:

Lord Jesus, Come!

By grace we have a good hope

A blessed and living hope

Christ, the prize of our upward call

An inheritance rich and vast

It cannot fade or perish

And kept in heaven for that hour

CHORUS
We eagerly await for You

Fully fix our hope on You

And we’ll stay prepared and alert

Lord Jesus, come!

We long for Your appearing

We love it and rejoice in it

We watch with prayerful hearts

O hasten the day!

When we step into eternity

In majesty and power

With eyes ablaze with fire

Upon His head are many crowns

And every eye shall see Him

The Alpha and Omega

Who was and is, and is to come

BRIDGE

Maranatha

Lord Jesus, come!

I've put an audio file of the song below (we did a quick recording on Monday after the conference) so that you can have a listen - and hopefully be encouraged and reminded to keep living in light of that  awesome Day that IS coming. Post a comment and let me know your thoughts....
(to listen to it right click on the link below and click open in new tab or new window)

Lord Jesus, Come!

So Tony and I performed this song twice during the conference as an item which was challenging to write and practice it well enough in only two weeks, and then perform it in front of so many. But seemingly people were encouraged by it which was great.

After Impact, I took off to stay in Taupo with Charles, another guy studying at Shepherds. We headed to the hills, spendinf a night in a hut in the Tongariro national park. Incredible landscape, very different from the South Island (being volcanic). We slogged up spectacularly steep Mt Nguaruhoe and leapt across to Mt Tongariro too.

  

As you can see, what an incredible place!! The photo's don't really do it justice.

We also stopped by Huka falls before I returned to the Hawkes Bay:

God's creation is at times so powerful and extreme... you can only be left to stand in awe at its glory. And  His creation is merely a microscopic reflection of His own glory! How vast is God's holiness. How awesome are His works!

Psalm 8:1 -

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

Time for some Impact!

Well life has been busy. Studies have kept me fully occupied the last several weeks. What we're learning has been really fascinating though. From Greek voice (not the most simple concepts), to learning about interpreting the Bible, and delving into the gospels or Luke and John to understand why they were written and the riches they contain.

Additionally, I've started my internship (practical form of ministry into the church where the college is based -Riverbend). This year the focus is on songwriting and using the gift God's given me to serve the body of Christ. My first task will be this upcoming weekend at the Impact Bible Conference which is hosted by the church (600 people from all over NZ) where I have to perform as an item one of my songs. So getting prepared for that, and admittedly slightly nervous because of the sheer numbers of people there (though in a way its better very few know me!). Hopefully they're encouraged by the song. And over the last week, Tony Nunez and I (my Greek lecturer) have composed a theme song for the conference which we just finished after church today.. and look forward to performing it during the conference. That's been quite exciting. I really didn't think we'd be able to write a complete song... in just a week or so. If we manage to make a recording of it, I'll post it on this blog for your enjoyment also.

So a busy time looming! The next few days I'll be helping to set up the show for this conference (which will be awesome by the way.... three and half full days of really top speakers sharing from Scripture on our eternal hope which is this years theme). After the conference, I'm taking off for a few days to Taupo.

Where I Am

This is my home for this year. I'm staying with the Havelock North Carey-Smith's.

This is my study spot when the sun's showing itself:

And this is my study space inside!

My lounge and room :

This is our lecture room at Shepherds Bible College - It's an important place...the location of my information input for the next few years. This is in my New Testament class... only about 6 or 7 of us so lots of fun!

Each Wednesday we have a lunch with some of the students and staff at the college:

My church - Riverbend!

A pretty common sight - studying in the library. Lizzie, another student in my year is pictured

Well I better get back to study - got an exam this very night and don't have a lot of hours left to revise.