The next part of the journey

So I failed to finish our story of getting back into the USA! Yes, we obviously made it back :). For those who don't know, we ended up getting a visa appointment much earlier than our original date, but later that we would have liked. However, we got to enjoy the festivities of 'The Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth'; a 10 day event in Calgary. Just imagine the biggest carnival you can and add rodeo events and live shows. We had a blast enjoying this annual tradition that includes free pancake breakfasts everyday! We also got to see a grizzly bear and a moose. We were so blessed to stay with some of the most amazing people - Dale and Cathy Dyck. They were so gracious to host us for 2 weeks while we waited for a visa to come through. Once we had it, we spent 27 hours straight in the car to drive home. We were very thankful to borrow some other Aussie friends car with a DVD player to help with the kids - and fit all of us in one car.

REVIVAL GROUP PASTOR

The last 6 months have revolved around Dave's new job as a Revival Group Pastor. The school of ministry has around 1200 people in the first year of the course. These 1200 people are divided up into groups of 65. Each group has its own pastor. This is where Dave comes in :). He has the privilege of pastoring these 65 students into the supernatural lifestyle. The whole group meets weekly, then they meet individually and in small groups with Dave. I also have the privilege of being involved. I head into school every week when the whole group meets. I then have 12 students that I mentor and catch up with fairly regularly. Being along side Dave and influencing the lives of these people is such an honor! I have learnt so much through this process. The things I feel that is more evident in my life after my 3 years here, is that I have learnt how to really love people. Not that I didn't love people, but I am seeing the impact that loving people - as God sees them - is having and I realize just how important it is. We have both been very loved and honored by this amazing group of people. The group totally love and value the huge impact and investment that Dave is making into their lives.

TESTIMONY PROJECT
Dave, Mr Innovator, has developed a strategy for capturing the testimonies that happen every day here in the school. He has spear headed this project that includes a website where people can easily access and record what God has been doing. This strategy has already taken the interest of key leaders and departments in the church beyond just the school.

AUSTRALIA MISSION TRIP
This coming April, Dave will be leading a mission trip to Australia! Each year students have the opportunity to go numerous places around the world to love on people and see God move supernaturally in their lives. This year is the first time a missions team from Bethel has ever gone to Australia (there have been key speakers with groups of students go to places in Australia, but never a specific missions team). The kids and I will also be heading back with the team and ministering with them. The best - and I have to say humbling - thing is that we will be heading to our old stomping grounds :). The team will be in Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury/Wodonga, and Brisbane/Gold Coast area. If you are in any of these areas and would like to know more info then email us! We'd love to see you! We would also love your prayer support for the team as they prepare and as they are in the country. If you also feel led to give financially to sow into what will be happening in Australia, you are welcome to do that too. Just make sure any donations put in our account are marked with mission trip.

FAMILY
Zeke is in his first year of school and absolutely thriving! He will be 6 in a couple of weeks; still rocking his dreadlocks and loving sport, hip hop, music and parkour. Jaden is 3 1/2 and as sweet and powerful as ever. Yes, the two somehow go hand in hand. He attends Bethel preschool 2 mornings a week. We felt he needed to transition more slowly into school than Zeke. Jaden is a little more reserved on first encounters. Chase is a cute and chubby 1 year old. He loves playing with his brothers who in turn take great care of him. My band of boys are proving to be very spunky, loving, fun, adventurous, and innovative. We love watching the grow and develop in all areas of their little lives.

Life is very busy here, but we also make sure we get some quality time with quality friends when we can. Community is still very important to us. Especially people who speak into your life and encourage and challenge you to be all you are created to be.

We love hearing from people back home. We like to follow what we can on Facebook to see where people are at and what developments are taking place. We pray that you all are living lives that are full of fun, hope, and the supernatural. We look forward to seeing you when we visit in April!