I have no idea where to start. I'm not entirely sure there is a place to start. The youth group here is both amazing and horrific, all at the same time. I find my heart breaking for each one of the kids, as they virtually all have had more hardship in their lives than any 5 people should. Going to youth and the various ministries are some of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
And yet...I love it. I can't imagine life without this kind of hardship. Had I known what I was praying for all these years in terms of "Jesus, send me to the place where your love is most needed" I might not have done it, but I am sure glad that I did. There is no joy greater than spending time with a girl whose mother has decided she doesn't want her around and sends her to live with her grandmother (who is already caring for her mother). Yes, the girl has a few "behavior problems", but just getting a chance to play basketball with her (we split the games 1-1) and realizing that through that, I'm helping God redeem His Creation.
Me. God has chosen me for this. He has chosen you for this. We get to help God! He doesn't need us, but, like a loving father, He wants us to participate, to take on the family business, if you will. Words cannot describe what this means to me.
And, I get paid to preach the gospel. I feel almost guilty. This is nuts.
Anyway, I could go on, but I'd just be saying the same thing. I got a flat the other day, though, so that's fun. I'll be welcoming quite a few friends to come by and visit in the coming months, but there's always room for more, so please contact me to book in your stay at my place...the shuttle service can pick you up at Sydney or Newcastle airports, or anywhere in between.
And, for those lovely people that want to send me things, my address is below. That should be everyone. If it isn't, we're in a fight.
29 October 2007
17 October 2007
Australian Tea Breaks
Tea Breaks in Australia.
Morning Tea - A break around about 10 or so for a quick "cuppah" (Australian for "a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else you might desire"), that usually is supposed to last for 15 or so minutes, but will actually expand to fill any amount of time, from 5 minutes up to an hour or more. Tea or coffee is usually the drink, and biscuits and crackers are usually the food.
Afternoon Tea - A break around about 3 or so, and is more or less the same idea as morning tea, except this one is held in the afternoon. Usually some kind of spread is added for use with the crackers.
Tea - Now, this is the part that stands out. This is actually the evening meal, and no tea is served.
Why, perchance, would you have specific titles for the Morning and Afternoon Teas, and call the evening meal simply Tea, when the one simply called Tea is the only one where tea is not served?
Welcome to Australia, that's why.
Morning Tea - A break around about 10 or so for a quick "cuppah" (Australian for "a cup of tea or coffee, or whatever else you might desire"), that usually is supposed to last for 15 or so minutes, but will actually expand to fill any amount of time, from 5 minutes up to an hour or more. Tea or coffee is usually the drink, and biscuits and crackers are usually the food.
Afternoon Tea - A break around about 3 or so, and is more or less the same idea as morning tea, except this one is held in the afternoon. Usually some kind of spread is added for use with the crackers.
Tea - Now, this is the part that stands out. This is actually the evening meal, and no tea is served.
Why, perchance, would you have specific titles for the Morning and Afternoon Teas, and call the evening meal simply Tea, when the one simply called Tea is the only one where tea is not served?
Welcome to Australia, that's why.
08 October 2007
Changes
I don't even know where to start. The last three and a half weeks (has it only been that long?) have been a time of change, to say the least, for me. I'm not even talking about the external things (y'know, the whole moving around the world bit), but more the changes I've had to undergo internally.
No longer can I simply be Jesse, but I have the added title of "Pastor". The temptation is for that to go to my head, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that it almost can't. Not because I'm a great person, but because I'm not. I'm just like the next guy, except maybe a bit more strange. The only possible way for this ministry to work in any way, shape, or form is for God to be in it. I'm going to have to triple (at least) the amount of time I spend in prayer, and the same goes for study. Time spent just messing around won't be as plentiful.
I can no longer approach situations simply innocently, but I must also come wth a shrewdness borne of years of experience (again, something I lack that can only come of God). I can't afford to waste my time or my opportunities to spread God's love, which is something I've worried that I would do, consider my own tendencies towards laziness.
I think perhaps that is what has surprised me the most, is the ease with which I've stepped up to the changes. And I say this not out of ego, because this can only be because of God's grace and provision. I'm humbled by the responsibility, the gifts He's given me (why me?!), and the things He appears to be expecting me to do...as well as the apparent chances of success. Basically, if God is not involved, me unpacking my bags was foolhardy.
But, I'm realizing that I came here as an act of faith, and the only way is forward, again, in faith. Do I know what I'm doing? Not especially. Will that stop me? Nah. I'm excited about the things God will do through me, and in spite of me.
On an only semi-related note, I think I want to start writing letters, because, if nothing else, this will serve to encourage me and to learn discipline (letters don't write themselves, apparently, so I'll have to set time aside to do that), but it will also give me a chance to share what God's doing down here, and whatnot. I'm beginning to realize why St. Paul wrote so many letters. I make the promise that if you send me a letter, I will respond within a week's time (from when I receive it). I look forward to corresponding with you. Word.
Oh, here's the address (its for the church, but I get the mail there, so...yeah). Send letters here, but hold off on packages until I get my own place (a prayer point!).
Jesse Ryals
34 Dunkley Street
Rutherford, NSW 2320
Australia
No longer can I simply be Jesse, but I have the added title of "Pastor". The temptation is for that to go to my head, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that it almost can't. Not because I'm a great person, but because I'm not. I'm just like the next guy, except maybe a bit more strange. The only possible way for this ministry to work in any way, shape, or form is for God to be in it. I'm going to have to triple (at least) the amount of time I spend in prayer, and the same goes for study. Time spent just messing around won't be as plentiful.
I can no longer approach situations simply innocently, but I must also come wth a shrewdness borne of years of experience (again, something I lack that can only come of God). I can't afford to waste my time or my opportunities to spread God's love, which is something I've worried that I would do, consider my own tendencies towards laziness.
I think perhaps that is what has surprised me the most, is the ease with which I've stepped up to the changes. And I say this not out of ego, because this can only be because of God's grace and provision. I'm humbled by the responsibility, the gifts He's given me (why me?!), and the things He appears to be expecting me to do...as well as the apparent chances of success. Basically, if God is not involved, me unpacking my bags was foolhardy.
But, I'm realizing that I came here as an act of faith, and the only way is forward, again, in faith. Do I know what I'm doing? Not especially. Will that stop me? Nah. I'm excited about the things God will do through me, and in spite of me.
On an only semi-related note, I think I want to start writing letters, because, if nothing else, this will serve to encourage me and to learn discipline (letters don't write themselves, apparently, so I'll have to set time aside to do that), but it will also give me a chance to share what God's doing down here, and whatnot. I'm beginning to realize why St. Paul wrote so many letters. I make the promise that if you send me a letter, I will respond within a week's time (from when I receive it). I look forward to corresponding with you. Word.
Oh, here's the address (its for the church, but I get the mail there, so...yeah). Send letters here, but hold off on packages until I get my own place (a prayer point!).
Jesse Ryals
34 Dunkley Street
Rutherford, NSW 2320
Australia
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