Three weeks

Well Saturday was the first day off I’ve had in three weeks. Stayed in bed until midday which was really good. Has stuffed me for the rest of the day though.

Time to reflect on what has been happening.

 Firstly Summer Camp which I’ve already posted on. A great week of encouragement. Reinforcing that is where God wants me to be.

 Then from 5th to 13th was Albury Wodonga Bible Fest. A great week of bringing Jesus to kids (and adults). This taught me alot about relying on God to help us through life’s difficulties, teamwork and if you put your mind to something (and with God’s help) you can accomplish anything in a short time. Also Rowan’s encouragement wall was a great idea. (Might steal it)Reflecting on that week I am amazed at what was accomplished. I managed to write a talk, organise five bible studies, write and give my testimony in 45 minutes and rewrite the talk into a sermon. I know that I deserve none of the credit for accomplishing this. All glory is to God.

In the past week the kids and I joined a number of families from church on their annual pilgrimage up to Tawonga. Those who think camping is a time to relax and recharge batteries need their head read. I was more tired after that trip then the previous two weeks combined. Though I enjoyed every moment of it. Maybe next year I could go for a couple of weeks long. Don’t see it happening though.

Finally, on Friday we went to B1’s 18th. Was another chance to hang out with the young one’s again. Catching up with Slim and having a general chat about things is pretty good. Tis a pity that I generally get close to people just before they leave.

Sunday was spent down in Corowa (a road less travelled is an unused road). Preached down there for the first time. I’m starting to feel a bit more confident, though wearing a suit jacket in summer is a bad idea.

Above all, I’ve enjoyed the last few weeks. Am looking forward to spending this weekend at home. Would like to have gone to Finley, but I think I should stay at home.

This week, it’s back to work. Looking forward to my next big adventure.

On the cricket front, what a load of baloney this racism row is. Seriously India need to realise that they don’t own the game. (Being careful with what I say) Every time a decision doesn’t go the way of an Asian side, why do they have to act like spoilt children. Look at the difference in the two sides. The Aussies got some real dodgy decisions in the third test, do you see them jumping up and down threatening to pull out or demanding the umpires be sacked. Also Kumble should apologise for India celebrating their win in Perth. It’s apparently not in the spirit of the game anymore.

On the local indoor front, we’ve suffered three defeats in a row now. We were sitting 2nd just before Christmas. Last week I made 27 and took 3 for 11. Also caused some controversy by leaving the pitch because of the way the opposition played the game. Supposedly it is a ‘man’s game’ where swearing, insulting and bowling at a players body and head is the norm of the game. We play Division 4 and it’s my belief that we’re there for fun.  Would I do it again. Probably. I did warn their captain that if he didn’t control his team then I would walk off. Obviously he is a bit hard of hearing.

Anyway, we probably need to win all of our remaining matches to have a chance of making the final.

Until next time I feel inspired.

Watching you.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour from Stanwell Tops.

We are four days into camp, so I thought I’d give you a brief update on what we’ve been up to.

Firstly, the Lord has been most gracious to us with some fine weather. It hasn’t been too hot and the rain has kept away in most part.

The trip up was uneventful. There were a few concerns about one section of road that was very steep and windy. Got to the point when one kid (let’s name him B1 and suggest he comes from a church West of Albury) was nearlly in tears because he was a little frightened. Never the less we won’t be relying on a GPS to navigate for us in the future.

First night was spent catching up with friends, making new acquaintances and playing some introductory games. Also, we found our study groups which are based on Super heros like Batman, Superman, Danger Mouse and Roger Ramjet (though I don’t feel a hero who takes performance enhancing substances is a good role model). We have made mascots for our heroes, theme songs, banners and a symbol. The kids have really embraced their super heroes.

Importantely please pray for Mark Cooper-White who is bringing us the message from Mark’s Gospel. During the talks and studies we have been reminded that Jesus is the main focus, to not get too caught up on the miracles, but understand his purpose and message and also understand what our response to him should be. Personally, my group has been very open and chatty about the topics and I’ve had opportunities to speak one on one with members of my group to share, encourage and to get to know them.

I’ve tried catching up with most of the Albury/Corowa and Finley kids to see how they’re faring. They all seem to be in good spirits and are really getting into the spirit of camp. Please continue to pray for the kids that they will understand and receive the message they are being taught in their study groups and talks. Please also pray for the study group leaders and for the convenors of the camp.  There are approximately 280+ people here living in a small community. Though mostly sticking to their own friends and regional groups, there has been spirited interaction and friendly rivalries between the majority the campers.

The crew from Finley have made a big impact on the camp. There are now terms such as ‘the tunnel of doom’ and ‘Softie’ that will forever be etched in Summer Camp folklore. The impact from Finley has been so great that I believe it is the capital of the Southern Riverina and Albury should be an outer eastern suburb of Finley, just to be recognised. There was also talk of moving SC to Finley but I think that’s been shelved when the only activities that they could come up with was standing in the main street, milking cows and shooting stuff.

Personally, I’ve been moved by the faithfulness of the leaders. I’ve learned some new techniques in leading small groups and have learnt some things. I’ve met and prayed with my Pastoral Carer and have given my testimony about three times. The level of Christian love I’ve received from complete strangers is something that will live with me forever. Though they are strangers, they are still brothers and sisters within Christ. Both mentors and friends. Please thank God for people like this.

By sharing my testimony, I have also come to realise the impact certain people have made on my life, two in particular (one long term, and one recently) who have challenged me to step out in faith to do things I never thought I’d do. The level of gratitude to these men is something I’d never be able to repay.

I’ve also built some closer relationships with some of the leaders and kids from the other Youth Groups we associate with regularly which is great. The mutual respect we have for one another and the adoration for the work that we both are doing with the kids in our churches is something to behold. Please continue to pray for the leaders of the Youth for the work they are doing and continue to build, equip and support them in the work they are doing with the kids.

Also, during the sessions, we have been praying on a model based on Acts 1:8 so please continue to pray and uphold those in ministry in the local churches, those who minister nationally and those who minister internationally.

Thank you for all your prayers and support and we look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday night.

Yours in Christ’s eternal glory

Sean Farrar

Isaiah 11:1-9 (CEV)
Like a branch that sprouts from a stump, someone from David’s familya will someday be king. The Spirit of the LORD will be with him to give him understanding, wisdom, and insight. He will be powerful, and he will know and honor the LORD. His greatest joy will be to obey the LORD. This king won’t judge by appearances or listen to rumors.

The poor and the needy will be treated with fairness and with justice. His word will be law everywhere in the land, and criminals will be put to death. Honesty and fairness will be his royal robes.

Leopards will lie down with young goats, and wolves will rest with lambs. Calves and lions will eat together and be cared for by little children. Cows and bears will share the same pasture; their young will rest side by side. Lions and oxen will both eat straw.

Little children will play near snake holes. They will stick their hands into dens of poisonous snakes and never be hurt.

Nothing harmful will take place on the LORD’S holy mountain. Just as water fills the sea, the land will be filled with people who know and honor the LORD. 

Specks and Spicks

At Youth Group Friday night, we traveled down to join up with the Corowa group who had organised a Spicks and Specks night.

Somehow, my table ended up winning the night. I’m guessing through sheer luck as there was more than a few songs that I had no idea about. However, I am thinking that Felicity and Mat did raid my music collection for some of it.

Anyway, it was a good night. Well done guys. You’ve managed to set the bar high for us. Now the kids want that kind of supper every week.

Howzat

Way to much sport going on at the moment.

On Saturday night, I took Claire and Liam as well as Erin, Kyle and Jacob and Cody, to the Melbourne Storm game at Olympic Park.

The game started at 7:30 so we were all rugged up for the cold weather. The game was pretty good. Would like to go to a close game one day. Storm won 34-6. Can’t argue with that. The refereeing was atrocious. I had a laugh today when I saw that Canberra’s coach has been fined $10,000 for criticising the referee, saying he was one-sided. Man, we thought he was one-sided alright. Towards Canberra.

Anyway, the night was spoiled just a bit by a bunch of Bogans who thought it was their right to swear and carry on at every decision the referee made. I turned around at one stage and asked one if he really had to use the ‘f’ word. His reply was “Yeah I do.” However, it had the desired effect, he didn’t swear much afterwards.

Got to ask the question, why people pay money to go watch a game and then spend the entire game swearing and carrying on. If you get so frustrated, save your money, stay at home and watch it on TV.

We saw one Raiders supporter get evicted and when we left the stadium, saw him outside covered in blood. Someone didn’t have a good night.

To top it off, Cody made it on national TV just after Storm scored a try.

It was hard to concentrate just on the Storm though. At the same time the Socceroos were doing battle with Japan and the Swans were up against West Coast. I kept checking the scores on my phone. Bit of a disappointing night really with the Wallabies, Socceroos and Swans getting done. Always next time.

Tonight we played indoor cricket, we got off to a poor start but recovered pretty well to post 90. However, we fielded and bowled really well as a team. We ended up restricting them to about 64.

My bowling has really improved I think. I’m starting to mix them up. Sometimes bowling off-spin and then throwing in the odd leggie. I took about three wickets (including one of the first ball. Coupled with the two I took of the last two balls in my last over the last time I played then it’s a hat trick. I’m claiming it. They don’t come around very often.) At the moment we are sitting top (after two games.) I’m really enjoying myself during the game. I get a bit excited and a few others have a laugh at me but I don’t really care.

Tristan’s a bit happier with me as I finally took a stumping off his bowling. Maybe now he will stop bagging me in his blog.

Haven’t been watching the le tour as much as I’d like. Did watch it last night. Cadel Evans is going really well. Let’s get behind him and hopefully he’ll pull off a first win for Australia. He really needs to pull something out of the bag in the next two stages though.

I enjoyed my trip to Melbourne. Went to Donvale for church. It’s changed a lot since I was last there. Gerald is preaching a series on the Lord’s prayer. Yesterday it was on “Thy Kingdom Come.” He stated that we might get caught in the trap of just praying the prayer and not really meaning it. We need to be careful when we pray “Thy kingdom come” because if we’re not ready when God’s kingdom does come when Jesus returns then it’ll be too late.

I caught up with Alison. Good spending a couple of hours with her and catching up. Wish Ross was there as I wanted to seek his advice, maybe next time.

Got home in one-stop (in Kalkallo for petrol) about 5:45. Then went to church for BG to preach on predestination. Really need to hear it again, it’s a hard one to get your head around and understand.

Overall, a good couple of days. Bit tiring. Explains why I slept in this morning.

Back in the swing tomorrow.

Stay cool.