Full is a word we’re using lately. It’s a full schedule; Lake Hume about 65% (aka full – at least compared to 18% in March); activities are full on; sometimes we’re full as a goog after lunch although we know we should stop at 80% full. Best of all the heart is often full: a sweet community is being built day by day as we get to know each other more closely and work alongside one another.
We discovered more about this when students left for their first free weekend. (There’s that full schedule). Some went home to Melbourne while some stayed in the district. When we reconvened for worship on Sunday night, the lounge lit up and buzzed. Students told of drawing their family together for worship for the first time, cooking healthy food for their family for the first time… are you getting the picture? Others were out Saturday night catching up with old friends, until they said, “It’s bedtime, good night” and knocked off about 9pm. At that same hour in a different part of the city, another student only ate a couple of mouthfuls of dinner before realising it was ‘too late for good digestion.’ These little moments indicate that our students are receiving more true education than is evident and that there’s some missionary traits developing. It was fascinating, and they were returning to the community God is building as to a campfire in the snow. It was a stunning hour of sharing: full hearts indeed.
We’re about 6 weeks into the gospel and health training school. The mornings are full of learning in the classroom, afternoons are out in the rain or sun, getting practical things done. Another happy use of ‘full’: a student mentioned lately that they’re only charging their phone every other day as they’re hardly using it these days. Good sign. Students lumber wearily away to bed after evening worship, well before 8 o’clock!
All students are appreciating learning about the Bible and health, both in The Maker Heals program a few weeks ago and in their lessons. Currently the focus is on preparing to take a sermon and Sabbath School lessons in the next few weeks. Students continue to enjoy their weekly canvassing excursions, with all now taking an active part and rejoicing in their firsts.
We joke about being peasants as we move firewood together; it’s nice to put respect into that word. Some students gained their zero-turn mower licence early; others are learning to drive our manual cars. A planning session for a small retreat space (shed) is leading to digging some holes for footings next week.
We were inspired at Gateway East Church in Melbourne last weekend, attending an evangelistic series and being taught about the cycle of evangelism at their centre of influence near Monash University. It has been wonderful to establish links with Gateway, and if you’re not familiar with the way they evangelise and engage the community and their church members it would do you good to check them out.
Before this fast month ends, we’ll be visiting the Masters of Fresh market garden property on NSW’s mid-north coast. Rod and Desley Bailey will teach us about running a garden and market as a ministry. A few extra degrees in the air will be welcome by those who find Granya particularly freezing at all times!
These trips are sweetened by traveling together in our new second-hand Toyota HiAce van. It’s been quite a rigmarole to get it re-registered in our name, with an engineer’s check required and more than enough appointments. Fortunately it’s only done 108 thousand kilometres, so there should be plenty of life left in it for us to enjoy. Such a relief to just be driving around in it, rather than chasing parts and mechanics and paperwork.
We are loving our interaction with the community. A small handful of locals meet fortnightly in the hall, and once I found out, I’ve been joining them. We’re all becoming good friends, and at a larger village function soon after, I was delighted that one of these locals had brought vegetarian dish. “It’d taste much better with bacon in it,” she assured me; “but you’re making an effort, so I will too.” What a kind gesture! We can surely befriend this community for the Lord.
There’s lots more to tell, and with full days it’s easier to update Facebook than write a newsletter. We’re so delighted that seven adults have dedicated five months to come and learn alongside us. We’re very happy to have the support and help we have from locals like Tom Kent and those further away like Edna and Pr Kim. Please keep us in your prayers.