More to Come!

Hey all,
Sorry for not keeping you all up to date with what's been happening...
This is just a quick note to let you know that I haven't forgotten to write here, or to you, to say thank you for the support you have given me or prayers you have prayed. It is all super appreciated! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I'm hoping in a week or so, that the busyness (with the events that happen, and you have to plan, with multiple weddings occurring before October) slows down a bit, and this is when I will fully update you all, to the extent that I can remember. But for now, this is my note to say, that there IS more to come.

God bless you, your family, and your week.
Until next time,
ciao!

August 2011 Newsletter!!!

Dear friends and family,

How are you? Can you believe how fast these last few months have flown by?

I know I said that I would send a follow up letter in July, but with the announcement of Mum’s engagement to one very lucky Gordon Beckett, and their upcoming wedding before October; a friend’s wedding in October, in which as part of the bridal party there is a lot of tango-ing and twister-ing, in getting ready before I leave; wrapping up work at the refectory; moving house; getting in the quarter finals with the church soccer competition; watching and looking after my health; and fighting Centrelink, well let’s just say a lot has been happening and this letter has just taken awhile to be produced.

Thankfully God does not put us on the back burner when He’s busy. He always seems to have time for us and has our best interests in mind. For me, it’s been seeing God’s provision when things aren’t going as planned. To have, with your prayer and support, 39% of the full $8450 raised, without my follow up, is a God send. THANK YOU so much!!! It’s truly been a blessing and means I only need a further 8% ($648.55) before October 4, for the class/lecture phase, and then the rest (53%) by November 10.

Another thing God has been teaching me is conversational prayer and trusting Him; to not get caught on the nitty gritty bits in the Bible, as hard as that is for me.

So, for the next few weeks, these are my main goals.

• To learn to include God in everything. Telling Him what I’m feeling, when I’m feeling it.
• To trust, know and believe God will provide everything, including the remaining lecture fees ($648.55) before October 4; as is the same with the outreach fees ($4225), before November 10, 2011, whether that be through you, your prayers, or some other means, which only God knows, and in only God can I trust.

If you would like to support me, through prayer or finance, please let me know.

My email address is rakaah@gmail.com, this email is also my paypal account contact email. My

mobile number and postal address can be obtained from privately emailing me or leaving me a comment, with your forwarding email address. If you would like to directly deposit into my YWAM bank account please email me also for this detail.

Thank you for your prayers and support,

Until next time,
GBUG (God Bless U Good)
Kara Martin

A Working Process...

My aim, with this blog, is to give you an encounter of YWAM, God's footsteps and what is actually just happening in my life. I want you to share the YWAM experience with me, and I also want to keep a record of the growing that will occur. So, whilst I'm at YWAM, my goal is to update this blog, at least weekly, with what is happening, what I'm learning, what God is doing, the big stuff!!! It's scary, but it is going to be good! With just over a month to go, the pathway is slowly becoming more obvious! :)

What is Training Like @ YWAM Newcastle?!?!

(A YWAM Newcastle Production)

Arafax Deep ~ Crashings

This is one of the songs I was introduced to five years ago; I haven't listened to it for awhile but listened to it this last week and realised how applicable they are to my life, right now. If you listen to the lyrics, they represent one's cry for life. They represent my cry to God, for a life purpose and to go out and show His purpose to others.

The lyrics are as follows:

When this water flows down
From the side of only you
Can you take Everything that
I am holding on to tightly
And all this love
It will Crash just like you say
Cause your love
It will wash hearts away

This time the world hurts, we're looking for words to say

CHORUS:
Show me your meaning of Love
Show me the secrets to Life
And I'll crash in the rain
Your Love is all I need

Can I change all I am
Can I build a legacy
When I see everything that it was,
Was never what I needed?
When, When you take,
Will you take my heart away
Cause I need what you just
Have to say

This time the world hurts we're looking for words to say

Chorus x2

And when the window's closed, but the curtains blow
When the paintings done, You still see through
You will search my heart, I can rest my eyes
All this broken sight, just to see You

When the window's closed, but the curtains blow
When the paintings done, You still see through
And when the sands surround me, I fight the rain
But I will see it's just a frame.

Chorus x4

(http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Arafax-Deep-lyrics-Falling-Up/3013CE0FD2C0851A48256ED1000AA73C)

Prayer and Praise Points (Friday 12th of August, 2011)

I'm wanting to create brief sections in my newsletters on prayer and praise points. Three points I need prayer on, and three praise points for either prayer being answered, or something else that has happened :)

For example, three prayer points for me at the moment are the following:
1. To have my heart opened, so that I can hear God, know that it's God, and accept that it's God. To also be still enough (which means being able to shut down my over-working ticker) and silent enough to hear Him.

2. To get my health in order - physical and mental. To be able to control my diabetes steadily and not have it do random psychotic abnormalities, as it is doing at the moment. To not have the fear of a hypoglycaemic leading up to YWAM and whilst I'm on YWAM... to be short, complete healing would be nice, but my faith at the moment doesn't see it being possible... Mentally, to get into a pattern of speaking words of life into my life, and not letting satan get such a grip of negativity, poor self-esteem, etc. To not allow the depression to take the reigns in my life, but God to be the master of the carriage!

3. To trust that God will have the remaining 61% come in. That the lecture fees I need before October 4th (which I think is around $900) will come in time, and that Centrelink stuff is sorted ASAP.


PRAISE POINTS

1. 39% of support has already been raised.

2. God has become more of a front runner in my daily life, rather than the 'thing' I turn to only once a day, or when things aren't working out.

3. I'm actually now more excited for YWAM... even though I'm a bit scared... I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing God's footprints and how, when and where He moves! (and also meeting some really cool people)! :P

So I'm hoping to have this section in each of the newsletters I send out, via email or snail, so that if you don't have time to read the whole newsletter, you can read the summary of what's happening and what needs to happen. You can also join me in prayer, if you desire... the more the merrier :)

If you have any prayer requests, please send me an email... I'm creating a 5 year old idea of a prayer chart which I'm hoping I can stick on my wall, or something, where it's there for me to see and pray whenever I have a spare second, and would love to know how you're going/what's happening in your life. Just a hello would even be nice :) Looking forward to hearing from you!

GBUG

What is Compassion? ~ A Jeremy Randall Video Response ~

Are you wanting to make a difference?!?!

This is one of the videos that has been created, promoting the Newcastle YWAM Compassion DTS...

ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

TO HELP MAKE A CHANGE?

TO FIGHT THE INJUSTICE?

EVEN IF IT'S ONE STEP AT A TIME?

JOIN ME!

Compassion Oct DTS 2011 from YWAM Newcastle Media on Vimeo.

Compassion DTS Leaders

So these are the fabulous leaders that will be staffing the DTS I'm on... they sound pretty cool in my opinion. :P

Introducing the School Leaders and Co-Leaders

School Leader:

Hello!

My name is Tessa Dawn Meakins. I am 28 years old and am originally from Alberta, Canada.

I have been on staff with YWAM Newcastle for just over 5 years. I have worked in a number of different ministries including: Cafe' Manager, Youth Leader, DTS Leader, etc. I am also part of the Leadership Team here at YWAM Newie.

I grew up in a Christian home with a single mom, an older sister, and a younger brother; but it wasn't until I did my DTS that I really fell head over heals in love with Jesus. During the 3rd week of my DTS God told me to come join YWAM and leave everything I knew and relied on behind me. What a scary word to get so early on in a school- but I was committed to being obedient and walking in the things God had for me. So I stayed after DTS was finished and have loved every moment of it!

I recently got married to an amazingly attractive man called Sanerive Fuiava.

Some random facts about me:

- I get excited about DTS because I love seeing people have revelations about God and who he is.

- I have just recently found a love for coffee and coffee shops

- I love turning old cheap furniture into cute trendy pieces

- I really enjoy camping and the great outdoors, but am also really into make up and fashion

- Flying on planes terrifies me, I would much rather go on a road trip

- This October 2011 DTS will be the 5th DTS that I have been a part of

- I collect vases and Starbucks mugs

Me with my brother's dog "Flash"

My love of coffee while traveling through LAX

My boyfriend Sanerive' and I at a wedding in Seattle

School Co Leader:

Hi my name is Jeremy Randall!

Like a strange super hero I got my fathers penchant for talking a lot and making people feel good about themselves and my mothers skills of being hilariously weird and funny and then suddenly pulling amazingly well baked goods out of an oven you didnt know was situated right there. I was once described as ronald macdonald..... weird.

I'm child 3 of 4. Pastors kid. All of us live in different cities in Australia. I have had every beard and hair style you can think of. I've played in bands since i was 14. I grew up in Canberra, moved out of home at 19, worked in a gas station, printed photos and shot weddings. I have road tripped the east coast quite a lot but i never bore of a good 4 person 2 day no shower road trip. Meeting amazing people on the way.

Some random facts about me:

- I love people

- I love the trinitarian model of loving and dream of one day being like that

- I love growing beards because i am no good at shaving

- I love when God gets randoms to hand me perfect books to read for that moment

- I love creating and conversing into the night times.

- I love seeing other cultures and having them disagree with my own

- I like seeing amazing good in people and telling them about it and seeing their eyes open to the ridiculously huge potential God has created in us to partner with him in rescuing a fallen existence

- I want to meet you and push you into that potential.

- I love adventuring with fellow puzzle pieces in Gods body,house, temple priesthood.

SO come along and join me!

Always ready for an adventure!

Hello!

LOVE to worship :D

School Staff

Hi! My name is Dieuwke, Im 29 years old and Im from Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Im on Staff with Ywam Newcastle Australia since this August, I did my DTS (Summer Classic) over here, starting January 2011. DTS has been the best half year, no kidding, it has changed my life!

Some random facts about me:

- Im super excited about this DTS and meeting all of you guys!

- I have an Engineering degree, don't ask me why...

- Roses are my favourite!

- Im addicted to Chai Tea.

- My heart breaks for the poor and needy in this world.

- I fell off my bike when I was 4 and still have a bumb on my forehead because of it.

- I have been in 28 different countries, no not just Airports...

- I absolutely love Dutch black licorice.

- His heartbeat, that's where I want to direct people to.

- No one knows how to pronounce my name properly, not even people from my own country (excl. myself).

- I love roadtrips and sleeping out in the open, preferably on the beach.

- I love water; I grew up with a lot of sailing, canoeing, kayaking and boattrips. 3 years ago I got more into surfing.

- I have a strong sense of justice, of right and wrong, and want to fight for the only 2 things that will last forever: truth and people.

- Im actually quite shy and modest, but people don't always notice... :)

So, I grew up in an amazing and loving family; there is mum & dad, my older brother and sister, (who are both married, one has 3 kids and the other 2) and my younger brother and sister (my younger brother Jelle lives in Spain and will visit me Nov/ Dec at Newie, Yeahhh)! My 4 nieces and 1 nephew are my hero's, I miss them like crazy!

I have been a Christian all my life, but it wasn't untill my 20th that I started getting personal with God. This has been life changing, I have grown so much ever since.

For the past 9 years I have done many different things on the mission field within Europe during my free time. I used to work fulltime as a 'Display Designer/ Window dresser' for a Fashion shop and later as 'Recruiter/ Coordinator Testing solutions' for the Airport.

God called me to full time mission work for a while, but it was only 1 year ago I was able to give up everything that I was trying to hold on to; my house, my stuff, my job, my country, my family, my friends, everything... It has been the best choice of my life! I can't describe how much I have learned and how much I have been growing this year, you should come and experience it yourself! The only advice I can give is: 'don't hold back and give back everything to God, because He is to be trusted'.

(https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=156275447754984)

Rewind... Information on what will actually be happening during the DTS!

I know some of you have been asking some questions on what I will actually be doing, how the DTS runs, etc. and whilst I don't have any knowledge (yet) from personal experience, I have come across some paper (which I printed a few months ago) which explains the general description, purpose, aims, course outcomes, delivery of training, etc.

If you would like any more information, other than what I provide here, I will have the link to the source of the information below the content. If this does not answer the question or curiosities you have, please don't hesitate to post a comment, or ask me, and I will endeavour to answering them to the best of my ability.

Cheers! :)


WHAT IS A DTS?
The Discipleship Training School (DTS) is an intensive 24/7 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Christian training course carried over 6 months. Three months (11-12 weeks) are spent in lectures/training at the YWAM base (the one I will be at will be in Newcastle, though there are bases ALL OVER THE WORLD!!!) and three months are spent over seas, putting what was learnt in the classroom, into a practical field assignment, as part of the ultimate assignment (Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit").


WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A DTS?
(Note: Copied and pasted from source mentioned at the bottom)
The purpose of a DTS is:

1. To GATHER and CHALLENGE people to worship, to listen to and obey God, releasing
them (in the context of the DTS) to serve through evangelism, intercession, acts of
compassion and other expressions of God's heart for the world, possibly even pioneering
new ministries.

2. To INSPIRE and CULTIVATE growth in one's relationship with God resulting in Christ like character, which is based on a solid Biblical foundation, the work of the Holy Spirit and the
personal application of Biblical truth, especially concerning God's Character, the Cross
and empowering Grace.

3. To SHARPEN one's ability to relate to, learn from and work with people, including those of
different cultures, personalities and perspectives.

4. To further EQUIP each one to serve God's purposes either in or outside of YWAM Family
of Ministries, strengthening a commitment to reach the lost, especially the unreached, to
care for the poor, and to influence all areas of society.

5. To IMPART the vision and foundational values of Youth With A Mission International as
well as that of the host operating location and to provide information regarding a variety of
opportunities for service.


WHAT ARE THE GRADUATE AIMS OF A DTS?

• With a growing understanding of the breadth and depth of God’s character and ways
• Who are becoming more like Jesus in the way they relate to God and people
• Who increasingly cooperate with the empowering presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit
• Who listen to and obey God as the result of God’s enabling Grace
• Who search the Scripture in such a way that transforms beliefs, values and behaviours
• With strengthened lifestyles of worship, intercession and spiritual warfare
• With a greater ability to work with others, especially those different to themselves
• Who can share the Gospel with the lost and have a life long commitment to do so
• With a commitment to continue to be involved in some way with God’s work among the
  nations, including unreached people, the poor and needy and in spheres of society
• Who understand the calling and values of YWAM and are aware of a variety of
  opportunities available to them throughout YWAM
• With a clearer understanding of God’s purposes for their life and a sense of their life
  direction
• Who either:
  1. Go on to serve God in either a context familiar or foreign to them
  2. Pursue further training (in or outside of YWAM) to equip them for further service.
  

WHAT ARE THE DTS COURSE OUTCOMES?
In short, the DTS course outcomes are as follows:

• To encounter God
• To see all of life from God's perspective
• To recognise Jesus as Lord
• To become more like Jesus
• To do the works of Jesus
• To orientate to YWAM

HOW IS THE TRAINING DELIVERED?
Training is delivered in a variety of ways, some of which are as follows:

• Classroom lectures
• Guided group discussions
• Research projects
• field training (local and overseas ministry and outreach)
• Intercession
• Prayer
• Worship
• Bible studies
• Morning devotions
• Individual mentoring times
• General housekeeping responsibilities
  
• Personal Studies, etc.

WHO ARE THE TEACHERS?
The teachers can be anyone from resident staff, to local pastors and ministers, to people (lecturers) visiting from different parts of the world! The visiting lecturers are experienced in their field of ministry and willing to share :) There are also leaders for the DTS, which I will do a post to introduce you to them, so you can also share the experience with me.

As I said above, if the link
(http://ywamnewcastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Course-Information-Handbook-DTS-20110305.pdf) does not provide all the answers or ease your curiosity, please don't hesitate to drop me a comment, email or have a chat to me.

Have a great night and until next time,
God bless :)