Being established
The last time I gave a general update was late September (“On Surprise Visits and Current Plans”), so it’s time for another. You might have noticed most of Renee’s and my weekly posts are just little vignettes of what God has been showing us recently.
We’ve been deliberate in our goal with the Fearless Pursuit of Destiny—it’s never going to be primarily about the things we’re doing, but more about how God is changing us and speaking to us. That being said, I was contemplating our life this week and recognized that there has been a definite shift in how Renee and I are viewing our time in Townsville.
As you may remember, we initially came to YWAM Townsville with a short-term focus so I could do my three-month Writers Practicum. It’s been four months now, and although steady progress is being made on the book, there’s something more.
Renee and I have been attending Antioch Church since we arrived back in Townsville. It’s a young church—both in history and average age—and growing quickly, so there were many opportunities to serve. Renee and I have taken on the privilege of preparing the weekly communion and assisting with setup and pack-down of the church most Sundays. As it’s a rented and shared facility, there’s a lot of work to make it church-ready each week.
We’ve also joined a home group and the weekly Fallow Land time of reflection. Most exciting, Renee and I have just started (separately) discipling a newly married couple from Antioch. On our first visit to the church, they both got baptized, so it’s amazing to be part of their growth.
I’ll let Renee share all the details in a future post, but at YWAM she’s been asked to lead intercession for the current Discipleship Training School (DTS) students, as well as participate in their worship elective. She continues to volunteer in the kitchen, communications department, hospitality, and at the reception desk.
I’m contributing to the development of the YWAM Medical Ships website, and we’ve recently seen some good results from that work to help bring more students to train here in Townsville and Papua New Guinea next year.
Alongside all the doing, we’ve been building relationships in the community and with the staff and students here at YWAM, as well as our brothers and sisters from Antioch. Indeed, our schedule has filled up quite considerably. However, Renee’s and my goal isn’t to be busy—for that is a spiraling vortex of doom that inevitably leads to negative outcomes (a future blog post, perhaps).
But what I sensed this week was that God has been establishing Renee and me here in Townsville. Putting down some roots and fresh shoots. Stretching our tent pegs and our strengthening bonds with our family in Christ and the lost. I don’t know what the future will bring, but I’m humbled by what is happening now…
Because God knew all along what His plans for us were.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3