Day 34 - All Out for Sea Gulls

We had another lesson on hermeneutics this morning and then in the afternoon Joy and I went over to David and Jodi's for a meeting. They have asked us and a few of other people who are very godly and talented (these people challenge Joy and I) to be apart of a team that will help steiger move from a movement to a mission. We are very excited about this opportunity. The team is currently in its early stages so Joy and I have been praying about our role - if any - that we would have in it. Steiger has soooo many ministries and new opportunities around the world and now God is providing significant amounts of financial resources that will help it move into a new chapter.

Then tonight while watching the sunset and praying on this hill overlooking the beach, I saw this dog running full speed along the surf. I mean full speed! From where I was sitting I could see a long stretch of beach and this dog ran as fast as it could from one end of my view to the other end. No owner around, no slowing down. It was actually quite funny! I thought of the movie funny farm where Chevy Chase buys that dog that runs away the first time he brings it home! And then on the opposite end of my view I could see a flock of birds sitting on the beach. This was his target. Soon birds were every where and the dog was running in circles and jumping in and out of the surf chasing sea gulls. Then, after a few minutes of stirring them up he ran back to where he came from - full speed. ALLL the way across my view.

Then I began to ask God to lead me into a job/ministry/role/place/life where I can be like that dog running full speed, all out, according to the way He designed me, using my strengths and giftings to a clear target that He has placed in my path. I KNOW that God found pleasure in that dog running all out across the beach and I believe he wants that for me, for Joy too and for all of us. Isn't that what we all want? Isn't that what life is supposed to be like? "Seek first My Kingdom and My Righteousness and all these things will be added onto you." Matthew 6:33

-End Mini-Sermon- Seeking God Day tomorrow!!

Day 33 - Bavarian Party

Since Dirk and Gaby are leaving Saturday we had a big party for them so say goodbye. It was very fun! We played volleyball and ate steak and I played bavarian music I got off the internet for them. Our house talked about how are going to miss them - I got a little emotional unexpectantly - and then we did a group prayer for them.

Then later in the evening Aaron, Jen, Joy and I went out and got some free coffee and hot chocolate where Jen has been working. Aaron's (my cousin) girlfriend Jen is amazing! She has been here since December and she applied for and got a visitors work visa and has been working at 'Swell' a local restaurant RIGHT on the beach. She has basically become a Kiwi (One definition of Kiwi: New Zealander: a native or inhabitant of New Zealand) because she knows a ton of locals, knows her way around better than Aaron and plays on a local girls soccer team. She is very organized person - opposite of Aaron. -End of Jen's Biography-

This morning a local pastor taught on hermeneutics.

Day 32 - Cheap as Chips!

Time is flying! This morning we had Bruce Bell from the Rock Church in Wellington speak to us about 'Worldviews and Evangelism'. It was very well presented and very good teaching.

He answered questions like...

What builds a worldview?

Experience, Observations of others experience and Choices

How to evaluate a worldview so you can effectively evangelize...

Find out what the real issues are in the worldview
Think through the logical implications of the worldview

He answered those two questions for these popular worldviews...

Deism, Naturalism, Existentialism, Eastern Pantheism, New Age Mysticism and Postmodernism (deconstructionism)

Bruce knew his stuff and provided a quick yet thorough presentation of each worldview.

“Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought-forms of that setting.” Francis Schaeffer

"If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and devil are at that moment attacking, I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved, and to be steady on all the battlefields besides, is more flight and disgrace if it flinches at that point." Martin Luther

After that we all met to discuss our upcoming outreach event. We are going to have a 24 person parade - complete with dancers, flag wavers, a marching band, and jugglers - walk through the streets of Wellington in order to lead people to our stage. There we are going to present the story/drama of the kidnapped maiden with a gypsy/pirate theme and LIVE gypsy/pirate music. This story will then lead into a presentation of the gospel message. I am looking forward to it!

Then Rob and I did some more web work! When we are finished I will give you the link so you can see the work we've done and critique it for us.

Finally Joy and I went on a little date together and had 'fish and chips' down by the ocean. It was fun! Fish and chips are good!! And cheap! Like $3.50 US for a meal for 2. 'Cheap as chips!' is a common phrase here.

And tonight I just got back from our final Theophostic session where we actually got to do it! Very interesting!

Here is a test:

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Day 31 - Showering and Identity

Today Dirk walked out of the bathroom and said to me "Aaaah... cold showers." And I said, "What? You took a cold shower?" And he said, "Yeah... real men always take cold showers not sissy warm showers."

This is the kind of persecution I deal with everyday. Dirk always likes to point out my flaws and call me names in German that I can't understand. Of course I always dish it back... but its tough, you know? I need to affirm myself that taking warm showers doesn't make me a sissy.

I didn't feel so great today. I had a sore throat and felt weak. Joy went surfing with Christa and I stayed home. I spent time with God and also made some phone calls. I have been really seeking God more boldly everyday. I have been pretty candid with him about some stuff. It's very refreshing to feel that I am getting down to the core of my deepest desires so that I can lay them before Him - and seek His response.

Thank you for your prayers!

Pray for Dirk, he is not a Christian (he believes in God and has seen God intervene in his life but he doesn't think that Jesus is the Son of God and thereby not the only way). We only have until Saturday with them.

Day 30 - Deodorant Blowtorch

Went to church this morning. Joy and I missed the bus to church so we walked an hour from our house to Waikanae where the church is. Joy and I sat in the back of the sanctuary where all the parents and kids are - never again.

After church we went to 'the boys house' where the Brazilians cooked up some meat for us in a BBQ. The BBQ didn't have any charcoal so they used charcoal sized chunks of wood. Diago didn't have any fuel to start it so he stuffed paper around the wood and then pulled out his spray deoderant and lit it like a blow torch to start the BBQ!!!! I was shocked and laughing soooo hard! I love the brazilians! We have video that I hope to put up for your enjoyment.


This evening Marcin and Ola from Poland came over and had dinner with us. Here Joy and Ola are making dinner and Marcin is reading a book. Marcin is a professional filmmaker. I have enjoyed talking to him about his profession.

Then Joy and I went back to the boys house and played consequence poker (check out Joy's blog for details). I lost so my consequence is that I have to dump juice on myself sometime during our group lunch during the week. 2 weeks ago I had to wear these large ear protection headphones for 24 hours.

Oh, and this is Dirk, one of the germans we are living with. They leave Saturday since his wife Gaby is pregnant and they don't want to fly any later in the pregnancy, so they are leaving early. Dirk and Gaby have been working in India with the poor and sick.

Day 29 - My First One Sentence Blog

Today our travelmates came over to plan our upcoming trip to the South Island.

Ok... I can't stick with one sentence. Thank you for praying. I can sense you are praying (which is true but weird to say... its probably my own mind and not a spiritual sixth sense). You're prayers were effective and this evening God blessed us again with His love.

Day 28 - Seeking God Day IV

Near our house is the "Waikanae Bowling Club". While on my way to a nearby town to spend my seeking God day I took these pictures. I was intriqued about how to play the game so I looked up the rules. Here is an excerpt from www.bowlsamerica.org:

The general object of the game is for participants to roll each of their BOWLS as close as possible to a single small white ball called the JACK (or kitty). Bowls may hit the jack, but the jack must remain within the boundary markers or the END will be declared "dead." Bowls are likely to hit other bowls, and may propel them into a position that is perhaps nearer to the jack, or perhaps to a distant position outside the boundary marker line that will take them out of play.

I went to a town called Paraparaumu which is a 15 minute bus ride from Waikanae. I spent lots of time at a coffee shop where this little bird hopped in and out of the shop picking up bread crumbs. It was fun to watch.

I studied Saul and why God regretted putting him in leadership. I have really been challenged about responsibility and stewardship of leadership and the last thing I want to hear from God is 'I regret putting you in leadership'. If you read 1 Samuel you see that Saul clearly disregarded God's instruction. I told God about my desire to have such a tight relationship with Jesus that I am very familiar with the scriptures, that I can clearly hear His voice and can obey and trust in His leading.

I left the coffee shop and went to the beach and walked home. I spent the time pouring my heart out to God through prayer. It was a beautiful walk. Here are some pictures.






Instead of going through the river I took the bridge this time. However it took forever to get from the ocean to the bridge that went over the river. I had to walk through some high bush and through a horse pasture. Here is a picture of a brown horse. This is a New Zealand brown horse in a pasture standing on her/his four feet.

Then, in the evening Joy and I went to Wellington to get an idea what the night life is like there. We went to Cuba street where there are many clubs and bars. It was amazing to see how young the kids that were drunk there. The drinking age is 18 therefore many 16 year olds are walking around and everyone is very drunk. I have not seen so much public drunkenness. I was really afraid to walk too close to these teens because I didn't want to get thrown up on. I am serious! Apparently last Friday was 10 times worse with St Patricks day. It's a crazy and sad scene.

Next week we will be putting together our 'storytelling' outreach. I will write more about it as the week goes on. The basic premise is we will have a parade to draw people to a certain location where we will tell entertaining stories using drama and circus/gypsy music that have an evangelistic message. We are going to do it all day Saturday with 2 afternoon shows and 2 evening and late night shows.

Day 27 - In Technicolor

We got our camera today! Thank you James and Karolyn! Here is Joy working on the computer tonight. So cute! She just got that hat a couple days ago. I like it! (still working on setting the correct white balance)

So, Jodi spoke again today about a ton of things.

Here are a couple points:


* If you have people in your life that rub you wrong, God may have placed them there to change something in your character. Its important to know that if you try to push them out of your life God may just bring in another person until he gets what he wants. :)

* We need to develop our own 'private world' with God. Where is that place where you find you can communicate with God best? Where do you seem to hear his voice best? Can you make it a place that you can go to daily or regularly? Jodi used to go to a particular park in Amsterdam everyday after she dropped her kids of at school. She would put on her walkman and listen to the Bible on tape or she would pray out loud to God. She said it was tough at first but very soon she wouldn't want to leave because she strongly sensed God's presence. (I think our common idea of what devotions or quiet time with God is is too limited. Be creative! It should be fun!)

Here's another picture of my cute wife.


Then Rob and I worked on the No Longer Music website. I am learning a ton about CSS! We are trying to build the site entirely with CSS. It's great! This is a view of our backyard through the house. Beautiful. We eat outside on the deck every night. The house has one of those propane patio heaters. Very kush! We definitely got the best house out of the pickings. Before we came Steiger simply sent out 200 flyers to the neighborhood and they got a huge response from people wanting to rent out their house. Its a beach house or weekend house community, so there was lots of interest.

That's Noah setting the table and the hills are in the background. The owner of this house has very good taste. Last night Dirk and Gaby made us Pakistani Chicken with rice. They are wonderful cooks. Too bad they leave in one week.

Tomorrow is seeking God day and tomorrow night we are traveling into Wellington to prepare for our evangelism event - I have not told you about that yet... more to come!! Stay tuned!

Day 26 - Something in the water...

Jodi spoke again today... this time her topic was lighter. We spent time talking about how we communicate and learned some basic principles of communication. A very important skill for international ministry.

In the early afternoon I had a worship team practice. We are now mixing english, portuguese and POLISH into our worship times! Wow! We have to plan what language sings which verse and which chorus and so on. It's a whole new element to think about. Also, I have to combine all three languages into powerpoint (imagine that Julie).

Then, the entire group met again for some team building exercises(you know, you have to do that at a leadership school). It was fun, Joy and I laughed a lot.

Finally, I went with a few guys for about an hour of body surfing in the ocean while the sun was setting. It was hilarious because the waves were pretty small, but we acted like they were huge and as if we were extremely professional body surfers. BUT, I had to leave the water because I kept feeling something touching my feet and leg. I don't know if it was a fish or a jelly fish or what. I HATE stuff like that.

One more thing, I need to request your prayers from today until Saturday evening (Wednesday thru Friday in the US). If you could just pray for us a little stronger these next 3 days we would appreciate it. Everything is good, just important stuff happening. THANKS!

Day 25 - Jodi Speaks

Today was the first day that Jodi spoke. I have heard David speak a-buh-zillion times but I have only heard Jodi speak... twice? She gave us her side of the story about how she got to where she is now. Then she spoke on some foundations of ministry that she sees to be essential.

Some of you like it when I give you a glimpse of what we are being taught. Here is a sampling:

* We must fully and daily surrender our ministry to God. We must let God truly lead. He is God and we are not! There is a temptation that comes when things are going well and growing to start to do things 'your way' which can run counter to God's way.

* Luke 5:1-11 - v. 5 when God calls you to do something that doesn't make sense - better do it.

* Luke 14:25-33 - We must count the cost. Jesus asks that we are willing to give up everything to follow Him. Relationships, Parents, 'a normal life', security etc. NT Wright says that Jesus is speaking like someone who is leading an expedition into a dangerous mountain pass to deliver medical supplies to a village that desperately needs it. If you want to go, it requires you to let go of all.

* Jodi passionately told us, 'we have taken steps of faith and time after time Jesus has ALWAYS been there!'

* Do you want to live in the harbor or leave it and venture into the dangerous ocean?

So... she kept it light for the first day. :)

Day 24 - Da Beach

Well, we have had a restful weekend. Today topped it. Joy and I walked for a long time on the beach. We even went out in the water and frolic-ed in the waves together like good frolic-ing lovers like to do. It was wonderful. No wind, lots of sun, lots of sun screen on me (no lobster boy), collecting sea shells... priceless!

Joy and I stopped at David and Jodi's house and ate lunch with Jodi, Aaron and Jen. Grilled cheese. Yum! Then I went back to our house and Joy went with a group of people surfing (which she has a blog about). I took a nap and then ate dinner with our housemates. Tomorrow we start a new week.

By the way, David was in Christchurch speaking at a big event in a popular public square. It sounds like many people responded. Last week David talked in an Australian public high school in a classroom setting. He told some stories, presented the gospel to a packed classroom of teenagers and when the class period was over he said that those who wanted to know God should stay in the room and the rest can leave. Only 4 people left! The rest stayed back and made a decision for Jesus!

That story led to a new Davidism. It went something like this... "You know that saying, 'preach the gospel and if necessary use words' well that's a load of crap!" :-) I love him! (especially when he takes on Francis of Assisi)

By the way number 2, we are now 6 hours back because we have entered New Zealand's Daylight Savings Time. 6 hours back, one day ahead.

Have you commented on Joy's blog today? :)

Day 23 - Psalm 22

3 ...you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the praise of Israel.

4 In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.

5 They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.

Psalm 22:3-5

Trusted -> delivered
Cried -> saved
Trusted -> not disappointed

This is our God.

Day 22 - We got the RV

Today we were to travel into Wellington but those plans also got cancelled. The evangelism team was working with a local church on an outreach idea and something fell through. So, Joy and I took it as a free day (which was needed after a busy week) and planned for the break we have coming up April 7 - 17. We confirmed that we will be traveling to the South Island and see the Southern Alps and Milford Sound and Christchurch from the convience of an RV! We will be traveling with my cousin Aaron and his girlfriend Jen and Dave (from Bethel) and a girl that is going to come meet up with us in Christchurch from LA.

We have someone who is sending us a camera so we can get some good pictures! Sisters are great! Brother-in-laws too!

Joy updated her blog!! joyzog.blogspot.com (I've been encouraging her to update more often. Maybe if you leave her some comments so she will be EVEN MORE encouraged!! It will be our little secret, k? We do read all your comments.)

Day 21 - Seeking God Day III

Today I was literally overwhelmed with the love of God and his healing and grace. I was simply sitting in the backyard and felt the 'joy of the Lord' inside of me. I was writing my thoughts as I was experiencing his love as I thought about what he has done for me and Joy and for where we are now.

This evening we were to travel into Wellington to see the night life after midnight. But, Joy and I got cut from the trip since transportation was limited. We were the last to sign up for the trip so we got the axe. I heard from many that the club scene is very active in Wellington. Many people will drink at home (its cheaper) until 12:30am and then go clubbing. Many clubs stay open until 8am and people will drink and party until then! Wow! In fact, when we went to setup for the gay and lesbian fair at 7am we drove by a packed club.

Day 20 - The surf was great today!

Mark spoke today about their ministry at the rainbow gathering which is a annual pagan meeting that occurs in a national park. WOW! They are going this June. If you wanna go maybe I can hook you up with it.

He continued to speak on how and how not to give away ministry/leadership. And he taught that ministeries have to be willing to give away leaders... be a 'sending' ministry. They will be blessed in the process. Thank you Lord for Chapel Hill!

Finally he talked about what kind of people you want on your team based on a study of why Paul chose Timothy. They should have a sincere faith, knowledge of the scripture, faithful (with whats in front of them), submitted to authority, willing to committ, lay down their rights and sacrfice for the gospel or the unity of the church(acts 16:3 HA!!!), positive, available, real or honest and teachable. Thank you Lord for our volunteer staff at Chapel Hill!

Then we went to a meeting at David and Jodi's house! That was tough and challenging but good. David is good at being tough and challenging. :) Joy was able to get a little surfing in at their place.

Finally we did another training in theophostic prayer.

Tomorrow, seeking God day!

Day 19 - More Beauty

Today we had more lectures from Mark, I had a worship practice with all the musicians/worship leaders and a beautiful night at the house.

It's so incredible being with such a diverse group of people - especially leaders. And its quite difficult leading a worship team made up of Brazilians, Americans and Polish people who come from vastly different church and worship backgrounds. Its very stretching and challenging. I have to lead in a different way... Mostly I have to lead by becoming a student willing to learn new ways (which is core to good leadership). We are trying to do music in different languagues with unconventional instruments and a hodgepodge of equipment. It's a great experience!

Mark spoke more on Malta today, the principle that its more blessed to give than receive in leadership and he spoke on competency and giving leadership away where its appropriate.

Finally our beautiful night consisted of God doing an amazing thing with Joy and I. Can I just ask you to thank God for that 'thing'? :) Thank you for your prayers! They are being answered!

And the night ended with a nice dinner with our housemates out on the deck.

Day 18 - Malta

Mark spoke today about evangelism and more on character and leadership. Here are a couple points that I found interesting:

Evangelism:
* Outreach programs and events lose their evangelistic nature overtime unless something is done about it. Evangelism Leaks!

* Relax! Let relationships build... but make sure you give people the opportunity to surrender their life to Jesus.

* Remember to talk about the most important person in your life not just rational, intellectual and apologetic arguments about God.

* Don't water down or modify how you talk about God when you are in the presence of unbelievers. Of course technical discussion can confuse people but we need to remain true and natural in our responses.

Leadership:
* In ministry you will always live with a level of uncertainty. For example, Paul wanted to get to Rome and wasn't sure if he would get there (Acts 20). If Paul experienced and lived with uncertainty, we will as well.

* Most often you will have to go through Malta before you get to Rome. Detours are a reality! But they have a purpose and are necessary and there is important ministry to be done there.

Joy and I are doing well. Thanks for your prayers and friendship!

Day 17 - Tea and Willard

Mondays are our full day off and today I spent it researching where Joy and I will go during our 10 day break from April 7 - 17. I have heard in various places that we should try as hard as we can to see the south island. I mean, when you see pictures like this and we are already down here... how can you not go see it?

There may be some options with renting or 'hiring' a motorhome for about $40 US a day. If we got 2 or 3 more people to go it could be feasible.

Then I went to the beach and read a chapter out of Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. Its amazing how my reading and the lectures are colliding. We have spent a lot of time on character and spiritual formation. I think I have some new and clearer perspectives which is exciting!

Finally, one of the students houses hosted a tea party for everyone. That was very fun! Joy and I spent time talking to a polish couple who works with homeless in their homeland. I really enjoy talking to them and I hope to have more opportunities.

God is good! Man, I really miss shoveling snow back home.... ;-) (that should create some activity in the comments section.)

Day 16 - Beautiful

Church this morning was fun. We are going to St. Luke's epispicol church and its a fun mix of modern and traditional styles. However, its tough getting used to the eucharist every week.

Joy and I spent 3 hours walking the beach together... watching the sunset... and having hot chocolate. It was a beautiful night with my beautiful wife!

Day 15 - The Never Thirst Promotion

5:45 AM: Cell phone alarm clock goes off.  Peter wakes up… hits snooze

5:50 AM: Peter gets up and jumps in the car with Aaron, Dave (Bethel student), Diego (Brazilian) and Ben (Steiger missionary from Minneapolis/Massachusetts) to head down to Wellington to setup our ‘Jesus stall’.

7:00 AM:  We arrive at the school parking lot where the Gay and Lesbian fair was happening.  We are some of the first people to arrive.  The organizer questions our intentions and our beliefs about homosexuality.  We explain that we want to share the love of Jesus for the Gay and Lesbian community by serving free water.  She asks if we condone the lifestyle and we respond that we do not but that our intentions are not to preach this but to show love.  

8 – 10 AM:  We setup our stand right in the middle of the fair!  Only 20 feet from the main stage!  We had an amazing spot.  Our little water stand was a simple sign that said ‘Jesus Stall, free water’ (they call the fair booths ‘stalls’).  Since we setup so quickly we began to help the booths next to us setup.  Many booths had little tents and displays that needed some extra hands.  So we helped the Gay and Lesbian film festival, a person who made little insects out of glass and the government election registration committee.  One of them asked if we were a cult and we said we were followers of Jesus and he said, “oh, a cult”.  Other than that, they were very respectful and nice to us.  It didn’t seem to bother them at all that we were there.  

As people began to show up many would glance at our stall and walk away.  So we started asking people if they wanted free water as they passed by.  Many responded negatively just by their looks but as the day got hotter… and it did get hot… the water became very popular.  In fact, this was the hottest day I have experienced in New Zealand so far.  Praise God it happened today!

10 AM – 4 PM:  By 11 o’clock Aaron and I had already made 2 trips to the grocery store for more cups and water.  We were really distributing a lot of water at the fair.  Each cup we gave out had “Whoever drinks the water I give with never thirst again –Jesus” handwritten on it.  This made for a lot of work of writing on each cup and filling to keep up with demand.  We also had a couple guys with a tray walking around serving people, including other stalls.  

Soon people began to ask why we were doing this and we were able to explain our hearts to them.  I had a guy walk up to me with a t-shirt that was from the NZ Humanist society.  Their slogan was “Reason not Superstition”.  He began telling me that he believed Christianity and the bible was a myth.  That kicked off a 1.5 hour conversation about the historical credibility of the gospels, morality, other religions, suffering and free will and Jesus’ opinion of Gay and Lesbians.  In the end I challenged him to investigate the claims the bible makes and the claims I was making about the bible and I also challenged him to ask Jesus to reveal Himself to him before he went to sleep tonight.  He didn’t respond extremely well to those challenges but the conversation overall was very, very good!  His name is Kent if you want to say a prayer for him.  

During the time I was talking to Kent we had the mayor of Wellington come by our stall and also members of parliament.  One of the parliament members said, “Wow, its great to see the church doing this!”  People began to call our water ‘Jesus water’ and they began to call Diego ‘Jesus boy’.  A couple guys from our team were interviewed by the local media and people were taking tons of pictures of our booth.  What a greater image of the body of Christ than the images we see in the media with picket signs full of hate messages!  

Other members of our team had spiritual conversations with people including a few Buddhists that had a stall there.  Luke walked up the their stall and a Buddhist women began to tell him all about Buddhism.  Luke listened very intently and asked questions and allowed her to speak.  He could tell that she was very excited that she had an interested audience.  Then, she asked him if he had any beliefs.   Luke said he was a Christian and the woman responded, “What?!  A Christian who actually listens?  Well, then let me listen to your beliefs.”  And Luke was able to freely share all about Jesus to her.  Amazing when it’s invited!!

Back at our stall, we did have a couple people come and give us some strong words – but it was very rare.  

4 PM:  The fair closed and we began helping the organizers clean up.  Our team was the only stall walking around with plastic gloves and garbage bags.  We collected the garbage from the other stalls and helped some people take their stuff down.  AND our cups, with the verse on them, were all over the fair grounds!  It was so cool!  

In the end we gave away over a thousand cups of water!  Praise the Lord!

(I am praying for you showcase team!)

Day 14 - Seeking God Day II

BEFORE THE BLOG BREAKING NEWS: Tomorrow there is a Gay and Lesbian Fair in Wellington! What a perfect opportunity for our second 'Radical Evangelism Saturday' project (remember we are a day ahead of you, 5 hours back)! So we are going to setup the 'Jesus Stall' and serve free Jesus water. We will have this verse on each bottle:

"13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."John 4:13- 14

Our mission is "to show the love of Jesus to those who recieve nothing but hate from Christians. We do not condone or support their lifestyle but we love them becasue they have the worth of God's creation." Please pray for us (especially unity in our team). This came up very quickly and we have had little time to pray about it ourselves. I'll blog about it tomorrow!

NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG: Today I went into town and ran a couple errands while seeking God. He led me to Isaiah chapter 61. What a powerful and amazing chapter! I love it when it the Holy Spirit speaks to you and bring you to tears over a passage you have heard many times before!

Then, I grabbed a coffee and walked the beach for 3 hours pouring my heart out to God. I have been thoroughly praying for many of you that read this blog. I must say that I am really enjoying seeking God day. This must come home with me.

Much more I could write but it’s between Him and I. Check out Isaiah 61. Dig into it! Pray over it!

Tonight I talked to a girl at our school who just graduated from a local high school south of the river in Minnesota. Wow… high school is way, way worse than I ever thought. I am soooo out of touch. She let me in on some of the dark, underground culture that is very much alive and well. Ugh… I feel sick about it. And I feel like I have failed. But, it challenges me to seek God about it and what could be done. Support Tony Ripley and Young Life! She said that is the most influential youth ministry program in the schools right now!

Day 13 - You gotta have an ID if you are going to install a gizmo

Today I selected songs that focused on the cross. I am reading a book by NT Wright on worship and he inspired me to select songs focused on that. His message was that the cross is the image that God has selected to represent his character. It speaks of humility and servanthood and sacrifice. The cross also means so much more than my ticket to heaven. It is the ‘climax of the covenant’. It truly is God’s victorious blow over evil. Wright encourages us to study and understand all that the cross represents and how it has radically changed the world forever.

ANYWAY… Mark spoke this morning on leadership. Leaders must not hurt their flock, need to be trusted, need to have strong character (humility, integrity), that the well of ministry is dry and leaders cannot get your life from it. He talked about John the Baptist and how he understood his role that he must decrease so Jesus could increase. Failure will happen but ‘is never fatal’. ‘I have probably failed more times than succeeded’. ‘You only have to succeed once to be successful’. (I like that last quote) 

I have also been reading Uprising by Erwin McManus where he talks all about character. One point McManus makes is that if we are to seek honor in our life… we need to become humble which leads to integrity which leads to courage and then leads to honor.

Humility -> Integrity -> Courage -> Honor

Here is a quote from Uprising by Erwin McManus from page 257

The transformation of our character is more revolution than reformation. It is forged from battles fought far more than by beliefs held. It emerges out of crisis, not out of classroom. It doesn’t just come to you; you must run to it. It is like a gauntlet waiting to be conquered. Character is like a hero asleep within you waiting to be awakened. Its power sweeps through you in waves of transformation. In pursing a life that is not about yourself you find yourself living the life you’ve always longed for. And with each challenged faced, with each victory won, you suddenly come to the realization that you are a different person than the one who began the journey. Simply attempting the gauntlet has changed you forever.

He also points out these paths too:

Gratitude -> Wholeness -> Generosity -> Nobility

Faithfulness -> Perseverance -> Wisdom -> Enlightenment

The first character trait of each path forms a triad that is central to a God-like character. Humilty & Gratitude & Faithfulness

Then, in the afternoon we went door to door trying to install toilet gizmos in the community! I went with Dave (a student from Bethel) this time and we installed 14. The guy is a salesman! These ‘gizmos’ only work on toilets that are old fashioned. Dave got a guy to take 2 gizmos who was having his toilets replaced with the new models in two days! I would have given up once I heard his toilets were being replaced, but that didn’t stop Dave. He doesn’t give up!

Funny story though… the city council gave us these flimsy ID cards that are simply pieces of paper with double sided tape on them. Nobody took care of their ID’s after the first day so none of us had them. As our team spread out all over the local neighborhood some of the elderly got scared and began calling neighbors and closing their drapes and hiding in their house. You see, some of the guys in the school have beards and wear kinda shaggy clothing. And some of the guys are pretty big. Dave has his ears and his eyebrow pierced. We got chewed out a couple times because we didn’t have ID’s. And some people called the council and the policed because they were scared!

A city vehicle stopped us and said we need to quit because we don’t have ID. So Dave and I walked to the city took catch the bus home. At the bus stop a random elderly woman sat next to us and we started talking to her. She asked what we were doing and we told her and her eyes widened and said, “You are the ones! Do you know that you have people scared all over the neighborhood!!”

We finished the evening with our theophostic training.

Day 12 - We're going back to the basics

Mark Johnson from Minneapolis spoke today. He talked about what it means to be a church, a leader, a pastor and a disciple. He unpacked each of these using Acts 1 - 2, 21. It was great! Do you ever have those AHA moments when you go back to the basics? For instance, I felt something new when Mark was talking about how a Pastor is usually looked at as the up front, big guy. And while he is the up front, face of the church, his job is to be a shepherd to his flock. (See, I told you it was basic)

I don't know, its hard to explain, but I think leadership in ministry has soooooo many distractions that the simple essence of being a shepherd to a flock gets buried. Ugh... It challenges how I evaluate my leadership. Have I been faithful to the flock God has given me? Have I cared for them? Have I stood up for them? Have I protected them? Have I fed them?

Oh, yesterday, I forgot to mention that Gaby and Dirk (a german couple we are living with) showed us pictures of their ministry in India. Wow! Its amazing the work they are doing in New Delhi. They are literally taking people off the street with untreatable Tiburculosis and other diseases and helping them get as well as possible. They have pictures of these men who go from extreme skin and bones to health. India and its state is beyond my comprehension.

Interesting note, Gaby and Dirk say that when they return home to Germany they see more sadness and depressed looks on the peoples faces than they do in India. The contrast amazes them. They say that if you look at a bus in Germany you will see distant, sad and worn out faces but in India the people smile back at you. They told me that from their perspective the people in the western world have greater problems internally than those in India externally (I hope that makes sense).

Well, how should I rap up? I have started leading our worship times here. Worship is incredible in a packed room of radical missionaries from all over the world. What a priviledge! The weather here is bizarre. Its very unpredictable. The locals tell me its because we are on an island. Its clear and sunny and suddenly rain - hard rain - with lots of wind. Then clear and sunny again. The temp is about 60 - 65 degrees. Its nice but because of the wind I have been wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. Tonight I got my first glimpse of the stars down here. I just never thought about looking up.

Seek God today! And pray for Chapel Hill's silent auction this Saturday from 5:30 - 9:00!

Day 11 - Kirby

Kirby died? What? Huh? He was a hero of my childhood. This picture brings back so many memories and emotions. Wow.

Well, anyway, today David completed his time in the lectures. He talked with us about the tests that come before the breakthrough's in ministry. David says he had many difficult and testing moments before he things started taking off. And this has been a pattern... test then breakthrough, test then breakthrough...

He also talked with us about slacking in our calling. His point was that while we don't want to fulfill our calling on our own power, we do need to be intense and intentional about it. We can't just do the minimal and sit back, but there are times that are going to require hard work and perserverance. This tied into the test and breakthrough pattern.

Finally, he mentioned that being in missions cannot be temporary. It requires all. You can't just do a mission for a week or 5 years... its got to be all.

And finally, finally, its never a sacrifice. Walking in obediance to God's call is the best. Its never a sacrifice for your immediate family if you truly walk according to God's call because he will provide for your needs.

Tomorrow's lecture will be by Mark Johnson from Minneapolis, who is the lead of the Minneapolis steiger base and church Salvage Yard.

After the lectures a handful of us were taken to David and Jodi's house where we were introduced to what we may be possibly doing with Steiger. We need to pray about this more and Joy and I would like to ask you to pray with us. Please pray that God will confirm in us whether or not we should be a part of what David presented today.

Then tonight we went to a training in Theophostic prayer ministry. Wow! It's very cool. And its very simple but powerful! I'll write more on that later.

We love you all and miss you! Showcase team, I am praying for you daily! I am with you in spirit (whatever that means). :)

(PS If anyone would like to help us get a digital camera that would be great. Would you be willing to ship one that we could borrow or if you could get us one for cheap? They are super expensive here and I am really missing many opportunities for good pictures. Sony is preferable because I have a bunch of memory sticks. Just e-mail me at pherzog-AT-chapelhillchurch-DOT-com if you are interested)

Day 10 - Joy's Birthday

Joy gets to celebrate her birthday over a 48 hour period because New Zealand experiences March 5 earlier than the US. So, she gets her birthday on Sunday (NZ March 5/US March 4) and Monday (NZ March 6/US March 5).

Neat!

The day started off by going to the church we are partnering with then...

I wanted Joy to be able to surf on her birthday because she has wanted to soooo badly. So on Saturday I took her to a place that sells wetsuits for really cheap and we got her one. Then on Sunday Aaron (my cousin) and Jen (his girlfriend) took us to a beach with good surfing. And Joy was able to get up a couple times. I took a picture of one of the times with Jen's camera. I'll put it up as soon as I get it.

Then at 4 we had the entire team over to our house for a BBQ. "Throw some meat on the barby (in a true NZ accent)" It was a blast. We had music playing, BBQ roasting, Badmitton, a man-event (just manly competitions for the guys that you have to play with your shirt off, for example, slapping your chest open handed and seeing if you can make your chest the reddest of all or chicken fights) and one of the germans made a cake for Joy. It was fun to hear everyone sing to Joy in their native language.

Monday is our day off. I going to prepare for worship this week since I am in charge of that here.

Day 9 - Wellington

On Saturday our team went to Wellington, which is about an hour south on the train. Saturday is our evangelism day where we practice the principles and ideas that we have learned. So this weekend we wanted to get to know the city and the people. We sent 6 groups of 3 with video cameras to ask people 3 questions to get an idea of what people think. 2 of the questions were lighter, ice breaker questions and the 3 was "What is the purpose of life?"

My team was stationed on this street corner where there are tons of adult entertainment shops and clubs. We interviewed a lesbian couple, a couple christians, a few Maori, some intoxicated people and just some crazies. Its amazing how many people bring up and rip on George Bush when they hear our American accents.

We heard many answers to the purpose of life question. "To be yourself, To have lots of friends, Sex, drugs, rock and roll, to pass on your DNA..." Individualism and enviromentalism was a common theme that we heard many talk about.

We are going to compile all the footage for evaluation to help us decide how we can reach people while we are here. There are many extremely creative people here so I am excited for how these Saturdays will turn out.

Day 9 - Coming Soon... Day - 10 Joy's B-Day/Coming Soon...

Today is Joy's Birthday in New Zealand, it will be her birthday tomorrow in the US. She's 26! Go to her blog and wish her Happy Birthday joyzog.blogspot.com .

Also, check back here soon. We had an amazing day yesterday that I am anxious to blog about. I don't have time now, but I will later. What Joy's blog too because shes got an amazing story.

We have a big day planned for Joy!

Day 8 - Deep River

What a day! Today I walked from our town to another town that is 25 minutes away by bus on the beach. On the way I came upon a river that connects to the ocean. I decided to walk through it. It was about 20 feet across and it was shallow water most of the way across. But then the final 5 feet dropped quickly. I grabbed all the stuff in my pockets and held them up. The water went up to my chest! I was wearing jeans and a zip up hoody sweatshirt. So, the rest of my seeking God day was spent drying off while I walked the cold, windy beach.

So how was my day? Well, it was great to pour my heart out to God and I really felt as though he was listening intently. That was very comforting. But he brought up some stuff that was very difficult to hear. I spent much of the time wrestling with God over what he brought up. To put it in biblical terms He is shaving off pieces of clay that I don't want to let go of and he is adding clay that is not comfortable or natural.

One issue is that he brought up was living cheaply and with a servants heart. The steiger staff have servants hearts that really challenge me. And if we are going on the mission field we have to make some lifestyle changes. It hurts! But when I think about the vision... When I think about trading my american lifestyle for living according to what it seems like God is calling towards it makes it easier. If I let go of this I get THIS! Living according to God's call will always be the best and the most rewarding.

Ugh... well, I expect that my seeking God days are going to really be challenging for the rest of the school. THANK YOU for your prayers! Pray that I have the courage to do what God asks. He's really pushing me.

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 8:31-34

Day 7 - Gizmo

So, Joy and I walked around neighborhoods today installing 'gizmos' in people's toilets. Gizmos are small weights that restrict how much water flows through a toilet to conserve water. We are doing this for a community service and so that we can get to know the people in this community. We only were 9 houses in and one toilet modification when an elderly woman invited us in for tea. We ended up talking to her for 45 minutes. It was wonderful! She goes to the church steiger is working with and was very fun to talk to. You could tell she was old on the outside but still very young inside.

Today David spoke to us about the his philosophy of evangelism and about the importance of seeking God. Tomorrow we will be spending the entire day alone seeking God. I may travel out to Kapiti Island just off of our beach. Kapiti Island is where they filmed portions of King Kong and its a bird sanctuary with many rare birds that are extinct in many parts of the world. Its a 6 hour walk around the island.

David stressed to us the importance of seeking God and challenged us to really give him our all; all of our dreams, all of our desires, all of our wishes, all of our worries, concerns, needs... in detail. And he challenged us to ask God for huge things.

He pointed out that Hebrews 11:6 says God will reward those who earnestly seek Him. David asked us if we wanted that reward and if we are willing to earnestly seek Him to get it. David said that it was on Waikanae beach, the very beach we are at, where he started asking God to allow Steiger to do ministry in South America. He was earnestly asking God for this and when he returned home and checked his e-mail he received one from a pastor in Brazil saying, "I hear you are coming to Brazil". That led to 4 evangelistic tours of Brazil, 2 of which Joy and I were apart of. And now there are Brazilians in the school with us. This is a huge act on God's part in response to David's earnest prayers. We have a very powerful God!

Tomorrow, I will be praying about Joy and my future. What does it look like? Where does God want us? I will also be praying for my family and friends. That they will see God's power as much as I have and more. And I will be praying for our church, Chapel Hill. I will be praying that God will do a great new thing this year. And I will be praying that God will blow away anyones expectations there - especially this year with our Youth Missions Fundraiser March 11. (To the Showcase team, I will be praying as boldly as I know how that God will do the impossible!)

Our camera is on the fritz so I don't think I'll be putting to much pictures up unfortunately... Until tomorrow...

Day 6

Today David gave two hours of lectures on the power of God, the Gospel and what is required of us to follow Him. It was powerful as you would expect. He basically told many stories from his 26 years of ministry and what he learned from them. It was very challenging. Joy and I spent time on the beach today talking and praying together. The school schedule has many times when we are to spend time seeking God. In fact every Friday everyone is supposed to be alone with God all day from 9am to 5pm. That's gonna be stretching! But we are all very excited for it because that is what it's all about. David said that his life radically changed and his ministry really began taking off when he committed significant time during his week to seeking God.

Yesterday all the guys and girls got together separately and talked for 2 hours about life and ministry. To kick it off the guys did exercises. It was quite humorous to see all these Steiger guys with crazy hairstyles and clothes doing stretches and jumping jacks and running in place in unison.

Today Joy and I went to the supermarket and I bought a spread called "Snickers Spread". Its chocolate, peanut butter and caramel. Yum!