Rahab Prayer (week 2)

It's been awhile since I've posted anything, but today, as in right now, we are travelling to a brothel area on Hunter St, and praying for the escorts, customers, and area, etc. of 'G.G.'s Gentlemen Club'. If you could join us in prayer for these people, and the ability to show God's love, and for their hearts to be softened, and realise that there is other options than the sex trade; that they're still innocent and pure and beautiful, in God's eyes, that'd be great. Until next time, GBUG.

(picture 1: A local church about 15 doors down)
(picture 2: The specific prayer brothel )

Youth Street Is Today!!!

So we are being inducted into being leaders on Youth Street.

Youth Street is a large family of youth, where we share the love that God has shown us, and get alongside with the youth of today, where they are at. Everyone belongs!!!

Pray for our first Youth Street, day and night (which happens every Saturday), of term 4. That the love God has for us would not only shine in our hearts, but out of our hearts and into theirs.

Praise God

I'm no longer having upset stomachs and urges for the bathroom. I have had a full on running nose (on one side for 3 days & non-ceasing tears, yesterday, on the same side). Today I've woken up with just the odd tissue need.

Like a Rose trampled on the ground...

On my weekend back in Toowoomba, I was trying to fill in two hours, downtown, and in walking to the city's largest shopping centre, Grand Central, I crossed one of the city's busiest intersection and on the curb there was a rose, just on the side. The only damage to the rose was tread marks on a petal.

Seeing this rose made me think of the song 'Above All' (lyrics below), and how loved we are, and the grace God has shown us.

ABOVE ALL (Michael W. Smith)

Verse 1
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Verse 2
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Verse 1
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began

Verse 2
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

CHORUS
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all


keep on blessing me
over and over and
over and over and
over and over again
over and over and over
and over and over and
over again above all
again
above all

Rahab Prayer

Our compassion team is a part of something really exciting right now. Two of the staff members, one of which is staffing the compassion dts (Faith), are pioneering something called the Rahab Ministry. This ministry focuses on going into brothels (as prostitution is legal in Australia), making the prostitutes realise they're special, that they don't need to perform sex to be accepted, that they're worthy and that there is a better life, outside of the sex industry. This is demonstrated through quality time, gifts, genuine love, and sharing the gospel (and the Father's love) amongst other things.

Yesterday we prayed outside a brothel called 'One one one' in Islington, which was surrounded by parks, antique shops and children's laughter (from neighbouring houses). One thing that surprised me was the fact that there was no mention of the word 'brothel' in any of their outside signs. It can be found online and in the yellow pages where there is abundant sources of information and links (not that I've looked). But apart from knowing what the name stood for, it was almost indistinguishable from any other building; and it made me wonder how many building are like that all over Australia? How many women feel trapped or feel like they can't do any better, so they turn to prostitution? How many underagers see it as a good profession to get into, or again feel worthless and the only purpose they have in life (which could pay the big bucks) and lie about their age to get in? I think it's something God may be igniting in me, I don't know, but it's sad to know that this is happening in our Australian cities; this is happening all around the world; this is happening today... IT IS REALITY!!!

Tuesday 4th of October, 2011

Today was the first day of the Compassion DTS, so exciting, but also highly overwhelming. More so overwhelming from the standards I have set for myself or thoughts that popped into my head, than with what we are being taught. For example, today we were told a lot about what YWAM Newcastle is looking for; what their visions are; and where they want to be at certain stages of the base’s life. One in particular, that was highlighted as being a great base life impact earlier on, was skating, surfing and the arts (music, drama, etc.). We were also given a few books, in which one was on ‘Outreach Activities’, and what the activity you’d be doing each week, in the set time, would be. A lot of these activities were dramas or skits. I freaked at this idea. I was thinking, I can’t skate, I can’t surf, I can’t sing; I can’t act to save myself… AM I REALLY MEANT TO BE HERE?!?!?! And I also had a lot of doubts and questionings on why I am at YWAM Newcastle now, am I meant to be here, and what on earth could God do with me, in a place like this? So that was, and has been a few of my thoughts in the last few days of settling in, where everything feels like it’s in limbo! But this afternoon I had a peace settling realisation.

1. If I am having all these doubts, maybe I am meant to be here for something more than what I know I, myself, am capable to do. Maybe I should stay here, just to smite whatever doubts I am having.

2. The other one was that I can’t skate, surf, dance, act, sing, etc. (all stuff YWAM Newcastle specialises in ministry); what can I do? I can draw. Even though I’m not confident enough in my drawing, painting, writing, or photography. I know and want God to enhance me to do His work; and if it’s not any of my already known, but incompetent talents, I pray God would reveal where I’m meant to be.

(Second half of first week)

So whilst I have had thoughts of packing up and going home, I know that there is a reason I am here. Some other stuff that we did was talk more about outreach locations, had a tour of Newcastle, checked out some of Australia’s wildlife, did homework on ‘Hearing God’s Voice’, which covered intercession, personal experiences on hearing God’s voice, worship and prayer.

The main thing that was a highlight for me though, after feeling as though I didn’t fit in with the different cultures on my team (as I’m the only Australian student), was having a chat with a YWAM resident named Christina. This conversation occurred just after everyone had left for base retreat (an annual camping trip that staff and students attend), and whilst I can’t really remember what we talked about, apart from our life story, it left me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and reenergised to see God move.

As I wasn’t on base retreat, due to attending and being a part of a really close friend’s wedding (back in Toowoomba), on the Sunday, I had some time to spend in my room alone. This was a bit of a ‘God and me’ time too, as when I entered my room, I saw my bunk bed, and saw (as well as knew) that my bed was not made. Although I had my fitted sheet and top sheet on top of the bunk, it was still folded, and I had been sleeping in my sleeping bag all week. So whilst looking at the bed, I just felt that I really needed to make my bed properly, with sheets and unzipping my sleeping bag (acting like a blanket), as it felt like it was an encouragement to just pack up and quit, go home, or run away. So I made my bed, and what a huge relief it was!

The rest of the week entailed with me waking up at 3am (2am Qld time), to get ready, and catch a plane (at 0620) from Newcastle to Brisbane (arriving at 630 Qld time), travelling from Brisbane to Toowoomba, picking up Mum’s car for the wedding procession in between, and filling in time in downtown Toowoomba, before the wedding party lunch, wedding rehearsal, and bridal-get-ready-party.

This weekend, which also included the wedding of Peter Lawrence and Genevieve Kells (now Lawrence), was such an amazing weekend. Whilst I did not realise that I had seen God’s footprints, looking back on the period away, I saw where God was, and just noticed Toowoomba in a whole different set of eyes. With as little sleep as I had had, being up for 22 hours on Saturday (2am Qld time, to 1230 am) it was cool to feel as energised as if I had slept for ages.

It was also a great time catching up with family, and feeling like I actually do have a family in Toowoomba now! :)

I arrived back in Newcastle on Monday, at around 1220, after going through Brisbane’s airport strikes, and a few other things, and just know and believe God is going to do and is doing amazing things, so I will keep you posted, and will now upload photos, since I’ve picked up the camera cords, so that you can see what your support is doing down here in Newcastle!!! Until next time, GBUG (God Bless U Good), Kara

Monday 3rd of October, 2011 - FORT SCRATCHELY

One day to go, until classes start!

It’s Labour Day, in New South Wales, today. But it’s also YWAM’s second day of the weekend. As part of the public holiday, a few of us (all leaders, except me) – Becca, Brooke, and Danny, went and checked out Fort Scratchely, which was a fort created originally to defend Australia from the concept of Russian invasion in the late 1800s, during the Crimean War. It was then used to defend Australia during World War Two, firing cannons on the Japanese when they came down our coastline.

The entrance fee was also reduced to $5, from $12, so we got to check out the tunnels and explore the cottages and servant quarters, which has been set up as a museum, which was a fantastic history lesson well learnt. I’m hoping to, when I work out how, to include a map of the area, and basic history lesson of the fort.

There was also an art exhibition of photography and sculptures on display, as a part of the Mattara Festival. This festival is an annual event celebrating life in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, denoting the matarra (the Awabakal Aboriginal word for hand) of friendship, offered to visitors to Newcastle and locals.

Today also entailed with unpacking all my stuff, as our room’s fourth resident, Carina, had arrived from Austria, and we could allocate whose belongings could go into the space that was available. A few of us also played Articulate and let’s just say playing with teams of 3, AND mixed nationalities and cultures, where some people don’t have English as their first language, is challenging, but so much fun!

So in short, my room mates are Natalie (Ontario, Canada), Jess (Maui, USA), Carina (Austria). They’re an interesting mob, with so many mixed cultures, but we also entertain and learn a lot from each other.

Prayer Points!!!

On the right side of the blog, just above 'Followers' and 'Follow by E-mail', there is now a news feed of 'Prayer Points'. I will be adding to this frequently, with prayer points that you can pray for. It's quite exciting! Cheers!

(Picture taken from: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh_eyqCjJ_KsSudLKCIAWjp0i9IWIdPWcoOvpueKx-WmUJ09pGSUzoxGV-fueqoI9q_VlYIp2j2qFVVZaZk69SaEwR5YgU9B2z-lEe4kcr-oIlsMjLpVqau3znqFn7cQqyzJAj3DEPCY2/s1600/prayer+requests_t.jpg)

The Tree Out Front of Lewis House

First goal complete: climb the tree :)

Some videos we've watched in class this week:

Both are different, but both have a point. How often do we stay silent about what we know is not right? What we know needs to be shared?!?!


Too Young to Wed: The Secret World of Child Brides

One Minute Gospel!

DO YOU LIKE TO WRITE?!?! I HAVE A POSTAL ADDRESS!

If you guys like letter writing... I LOVE GETTING LETTERS!!!

Especially surprising ones :)

So feel free to write me a letter, or send a surprise my way at:

Kara Martin
Compassion DTS
YWAM
P.O Box 162
The Junction, NSW
Australia 2291

(Image obtained from http://us.cdn2.123rf.com/168nwm/genlady/genlady0802/genlady080200014/2616608-letters-with-a-quill-an-inkwell--a-stamp-on-a-rustic-paper.jpg - THIS IS NOT MY OWN IMAGE)

Day 2 (Sunday 2nd of October, 2011)

Today was another day of more people arriving, games, and settling in, with two days to go until the Compassion DTS officially starts. There are three schools here at the moment – The Compassion DTS, The All Generation DTS (both starting on October 4) and The Creative DTS (which is about to go on their outreach phase, having started in July).

A few of us students (from the Compassion DTS and All Generations DTS) checked out Woolworths also today. Surprisingly a lot of the Americans cannot say Woolworths, so it has been officially dubbed its Australian name of Woolies, on International standards.

Becca and I also had a few tackling sessions today, and boy were they fun. It’s great to be able to grapple with someone again. I haven’t done it for months, and sure do miss it. We did wonder, at one stage, the impression we were creating for the Americans, of an Australian representative… then we just laughed. It was great.

Becca, Dieuwke, and I also introduced one of my team mates, Jeff, to 313 (three thirteen), a card game where you start with three cards, in the first round, and end with thirteen cards, in the tenth round, trying to get as low a score as possible. I do admit, playing with someone who is a bit jet lagged still, and would be, if he was still in Maui, be playing at 3am. But it was a blast of laughs :).

I still, at times, wonder what I am doing here, and why I am here. Part of me wants to run away and hide, as I feel, compared to a lot of people, I am so not ready for this, or what God has in store. But I’m just taking it one step at a time and trying to learn to not compare, all over again.

Funny Thing... My SD card adaptor doesn't fit in this laptop's slot...

So the photos may be a little bit later than originally planned, whilst I work out what to do.

AND THE YWAM ADVENTURE BEGINS!!! (Saturday 1st of October, 2011)

I’ve arrived in Newcastle, and I don’t know what to think. It doesn’t even feel real. It feels like it should be another month, or more, away. Even whilst I was at the airport, it did not feel real, as if I was there for someone else’s departure/arrival. Who knew that it was really today that I’d be moving states.

So now I’m in Newcastle. Everyone seems really nice. I left the Brisbane airport (and Ruthie, who saw me off) at 2030 (8.30PM), after a 35 minute delay (caused originally from Melbourne-Brisbane’s flight). My carry on luggage felt bulky and heavy, so it was interesting being one of the last passengers on the plane, and being unable to find any space in the overhead lockers, thus resorting to squishing both handbag and green bag (full of stuff) underneath the chair, hidden with my pillow on top.

I feel like I’ve brought a lot of stuff, however, according to American standards, I’ve brought a small amount (being I only had one checked bag of 19Kg, and most have 2 or 3 checked bags). It’s crazy with the diverse cultures!!!

I sat next to a school teacher, Doug, from Newcastle, and some other guy who just read his e-book the whole time, and correlated facts from each other. It was really interesting, even though I wanted to just sleep, to learn some contacts of people and churches I can check out in Mayfield. He was shocked to know that I was going somewhere where I didn’t know the people, didn’t know the course work, didn’t know what I would be doing or what would be happening, or anything; and with the fact that I didn’t know who, if anybody, would be greeting and meeting me at the airport, I was offered a lift if no one turned up. Whilst I nervous about not really knowing him, it was nice to be offered the lift.

We arrived at the Newcastle Airport, which seems to be only one gate, after what felt like a ten minute flight, arriving at 2150 (9.50 PM). We walked from the plane, around two sides of the terminal, and into a small terminal area. After looking around and not seeing anybody, I grabbed my bag, turned around and saw two of my leaders, Jeremy and Tessa. I also met Jo Stevens, who is staffing ‘All Gen’ with Cookie, who had also come from Brisbane (although I did not know we were on the same flight, at the same time).

We waited for another half hour, for Camillia, who was coming from Canada, and after another twenty minute drive, we arrived at Lewis House (6-8 Highfield St) and boy does it have a history! The architecture is (wow) AMAZING!!! The whole building – kitchen, dining room, lounge, dorm rooms, showers, bathrooms, all loop together… there is no going outside . (I will mention more about the history of Lewis House in later post).

I was taken on a tour of the house, with one stop being the staff room (locally known as ‘The Den’). One of my leaders, Dieuwke, was sitting in the far corner, and got up to give me a MASSIVE hug, when she saw me. It was great. It was what I needed, to feel more welcomed, in such a new place, and I think has made me feel a little more at home.

Becca, one of the base’s registrars, and also one of the daughters of the family I boarded with for the last few months, came and also gave me a hug. It was all so nice.

I’m sharing a room with three other girls, two bunks, two cupboards, and on my bunk (chosen top, next to the window) there was a note, welcoming us and inscribed with a personal message from Dieuwke, with a vision or prayer she had seen from God.

Mine was “When praying for you there was a picture of how God lifted you up from the ground, with nothing touching you. Lightning where[sic] coming out of you, bright & brighter, as God was gently holding you. It changed you, like an old skin falling off and your inner beauty revealed. ‘See, I am doing a new thing’ (Isaiah 43:19)”.

I don’t know what it means, who it’s from and I am a little scared, but it is exciting.

Now I’m ready for bed, but am just staying up (in Room 38, same gate that I boarded) to greet Jessica Blair, who is arriving from Maui, Hawaii, any minute (0100/ 1AM) now. But I think it’s all going to be good. Familial, challenging AND growingly good!

(photos: top and middle - front door of our room, and who I share it with; bottom - our room, before we move in).

Hey guys,
I've made it to Newy (Newcastle) safe and sound.
I'm going to put a whole lot of posts up here, with hopefully some photos, but only when I have time... which isn't now.

Right now I will copy and paste some stuff that I have written up, when I've had free time, but haven't had internet access (which is most of the time - in regards to Internet) but yeah, I do hope to keep you guys involved, because whilst not all my support has been raised, you have gotten me this far, and I would love to hear how you're going, and also have prayer support, if you feel led, in this amazing God planned journey!

Looking forward to hearing from you (Note - I don't have much mobile credit, until the 11th of Oct, so if I don't reply it's not because I don't love you, it's just because I'm trying to save that money for an emergency) and staying informed on what's happening in your life.

Until next time,
God bless and stay sweet!