The day the trees were cleared

Capt. Faato calling the shots

It's the 6th of November, it's now 8.45pm and I'm as tired as a three-toed sloth after running a marathon. Today was a working bee, and our Deacon Leader Fatoaaga had made it quite clear and given us ample time to make today the date where the men would get together to clear the trees at the back of the church. He mentioned to e that it would begin at 8am, however I didn't arrive until closer to 9am, finding George, Callum on the whipper snipper, Fato mowing away, and Anthony weeding in the front garden. Fato said to tidy up around the grounds until the truck and chainsaws arrived so I joined Anthony and we discussed his 3 month leave trip while weeding away.

Soon more numbers turned up, Jake turned up with a chansaw, and both Fato and Jake gave us a run down on what and how to we were keep safety a priority.

Anthony pulling branches to the pile

The job started, and more numbers joined the ranks with Peter's truck that he kindly lended us, (with Peter and Darren inside) and bigger chainsaws. Once the chainsaws arrived, the falling of trees was rapid. Craig, and Peter were the main players in getting the trees down, then George, Fato, and Jake started cleaning up the branches.

The rest of us, ranging from the youngest boys Jeff and Callum to our eldest soldier Ross, dragged the branches and logs into a pile, and eventually the pile to the truck.

The dark horse for me today was the young buck Callum, this guy worked like a machine and after he left, the boys and I were discussing how intimidating it was to work with someone that works double-time. He gave me timely advice on how to use certain tools and how avoid double or triple handling, and he looked as if he was in his element.

It did cause me to think also that the men at our church needed something like this. Callum won't be quick to put his hand up when looking for someone to lead out in a service, but at doing what we were doing today, he rose above standard.

Callum and Sam moving the larger branches

Quite often we don't get this opportunity, as our evangelical efforts are based around seminars, small group discussions, talks etc. I don't mind this stuff, actually I'm more comfortable with it, but getting the hands dirty, working up a sweat, getting cuts, blisters etc brings a man back to his core creation of arduous work. It's rewarding and it's fun.

All the men enjoyed working, talking, and teaching each other as we carried out the work that needed to be done. The job was hard and we were volunteers working in the hot sun, but together. We had a laugh and socialised both on breaks and during work, and we lunched together.

We didn't finish up until around 5pm, the job is still not yet complete, but it sure is satisfying to see the huge difference of how it was before, and how it is now.

All us men that attended have left our mark on the back of the EL church. We can tell our kids and the future EL members that we were there the day that the trees were cut down so that driveway, gazebo, garden etc could be placed there. It's too bad this isn't as frequent as it was for men in past generations. But I'm sure glad  that we can recreate this environment. Maybe the men at EL should seriously start thinking on how we could continue and maintain this comradare......a possible mission overseas perhaps? Maybe even offering our services on community projects?

The money the EL donated will be going to assist Darrens pastor Friend in Vanuatu, so we're happy to do it for this reason, but surely we can find more.

God bless all the men today, thanks heaps to Fato for giving up a full Sunday to dedicate to the project (and yes I am fully aware you were at Haylees 21st the night before.....and I left before you too). I really enjoyed it. I hope we can do it again sometime.

Shalom,

Dave

Double portion of blessings in a Single weekend - Weddings and Baptisms

I've left this a tad late, but better late than never as the thoughts and the feelings haven't really faded from the weekend two weeks back.

Sabbath Morning (Sat Morning) - October 8th had the church service running at a different pace. That morning was a demonstration and a public ceremony of 6 individuals who had being familiarising themselves with Christ, the Word and recognising their value as a Child of God and in return they wanted to declare that they had entered a committed relationship as such.

It's always exciting as it reminds me of my commitment, and the excitement that Christ brings in my life, and that the biggest miracle is the fact that our thought patterns, and life styles can be changed.......all because our creator is willing to recreate us.

It was an incredibly fitting ceremony for two of them in particular as they were to marry the following morning. Joe and Janice are a couple that I have known for awhile, Joe I've known since teaching him in our teens class at church a decade back, and Janice...some time after Joe had met her.

This relationship hasn't been the rosiest cliche romance novel, in fact it was riddled with trials and challenges that even I recall Joe saying "I just can't handle it, I don't see any way out"

Joe and Janice were still in high school when Janice became pregnant to their first child. As you can imagine, this introduced complications in their personal lives that media often informs of "Teen Mums/Pregancy etc". Joe being a typical Samoan, from a Christian family, still young and looking to a future in football, became embarrassed and confused. His absence from church was duly noted, but it never stopped the church from going to him.

Janice on the other hand was battling with Joe being confused, and wondering why he couldn't just step up to the plate. She too was young, and had aspirations herself, but circumstances had changed with baby in the picture and seemingly single-handledly raising their son.

It's been four years since that time, and after many prayers, family support, and from friends and church, they themselves appear to be babies as they start their new walk with Christ.

I had the privilege of spending Tue nights this past year, in Bible Studies with Joe, and frequently he would pause, (so the whole group would pause knowing he's in thought) and he would say, "it's buzzy how God always has another way". It's a sure contrast to his previous philosophy. But it's true 1 Cor 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

This past year he gave up one of his most prized passions, Rugby League Football, and not only that he was playing at representative level. The reason why, because he wanted to focus on his relationshiop with Christ and family. This was evident in his dedication to not only quitting the game but also studying on Tue nights, and attending another bible study group with Janice on wednesday nights run by another indivual from our church. The changes in his character, attitude, behaviour and demanour came by default.

The following Sunday was their wedding day, and the whole event was saturated with an aura of the two being overwhelmed with their commitment to each other. I thought and felt so much towards the both of them as I reflected on Janice saying about two years ago that all she wanted was for Joe to commit to her and the kids and make them his number one. I remembered how Joe went from being hopeless, drifting , and thinking himself ill-equipped to play the role, to repeatedly share through his baptism and wedding speeches that "God was there all the time, and He always has a way"

What a thrill it is to be a witness to these type of commitments! Although Bapstisms are to symbolise the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus. There are so many parallels that we can draw between the baptism and wedding ceremonies.

For instance:

• It 's a public ceremony and declaration
• It's binding by sharing vows
• You are entering a relationship for eternity
• You agree to have roles to play in this relationship
• Counselling is involved

And the wedding of bride and groom is the perfect illustration that is used in the bible. The wedding ceremony is not to make the bride and groom perfect. But to assist and aid them in increasing their faith towards each other and to hold them accountable before God and many witnesses. When they share their vows, they haven't yet fulfilled what they're saying. They are simply telling the other person what they intend and promise to do in this covenant relationship. That is faith. And when husband and wife rise to the occasion. That is works. And the more works is motivated by faith, the closer the relationship becomes and the stronger the unit works together.

The Bride and the Groom look at each other, and embedded in the list of vows and the display of ceremony are the unsaid words "I love you as you are right now, I know you and what you were, but right now I love you, and I am willing to face the rest of my life trusting and working with you"

Glory to God for preserving these ceremonies, and working in these individuals, thank you to Peter, Lydia, Gillary, Patrick, Janice and Joe for sharing your walk and accepting our family, and thank you to Joe and Janice for trusting in the Father and allowing us to witness your miracle. May you all continue to trust him even more as a new couple.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Shalom,

Dave

Jingle bell's stress bells are ringing!

Yes, it’s that time of year... struggling to make ends meet financially? Finding it hard to make time available for quality family time? Head in the gutter over studying? Stressed? Lacking motivation or the happiness in life? Well Christmas is just around the corner... with that season greetings and jingle bells ringing. For some Christmas maybe far fetched... before then there are other things or duties to tend to:  Work, uni, school, church, and other tasks that occupy your time. What may seem as obvious sources of stress can be seen as a blessing in our lives...

 For instance we need money for general expenses which in modern times can be challenging for parents and those with these duties and can take a toll mentally and physically. We’ve been encouraged to seek and set out to be successful in our studies.  Younger children in primary and secondary education are setting out to pursue the same trend in being successful. For those sporting fanatics world cup is drawing to its end with the number one ranked team ‘All Blacks’ set to take on ‘ the French’ a repeat of the 1987 world cup. Sporting individuals: preseason and trials are just around the corner for many sporting teams and codes. Conditioning your body and being match fit maybe a major priority in mind. People with church positions maybe hoping for time to come a little bit faster...These are all reasons that can contribute to stress and a sense of failure may kick in, feelings of being inadequate or hard done by cause you feel you could’ve done better.

This time for me is quiet challenging, for a uni student this time matters with major exams in sight. I know for others this time maybe challenging for you as well.  In saying this when we are feeling stressed, lacking motivation or direction for our lives it’s a wise decision to seek help... it is times like this we ought to seek God! Sometimes we only come to him when things are going wrong lesson learned a life with Christ is not all smooth sailing, because the flesh is weak but the spirit is willing. There are storms, but in these storms God seeks to know where our hearts are. Even when things seem perfect and fine is there thanksgiving, more importantly is it channelled back to him? “if you aren’t struggling there’s something wrong” sometimes to struggle is not a bad thing there is a refining process in progress... one preacher said “we are always going to God saying what big problems we have in life. How about we try going to our problems and say how big and great our God is and how he is able!” if he created the universe and everything in it, every being. Surely this places a positive prospective on the problems we seemingly label “big” are they? our problems are not ours so give it to God. When we are going through  a storm God is always there but we are sometimes fiapoko and try in our own might to row to safety not knowing God was asking for the paddle to row and steer  us through the storm.

Christmas is around the corner, a lot maybe happening in your life we live in a time that screams out BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!!!... But don’t let our busy lives be a reason that we are choosing our careers and education over quality time with family friends and loved ones. But ultimately don't let it be the reason you don’t join in the greatest party ever planned, that’s just around the corner as well and when he comes we can fist pump and there will be no more hardships, no more exams no more early mornings for work or any else that may be deemed as important but stressful  in life just eternity with him. Take time to seek him and all the cares of this world seem conquerable, Because he lives! He is our father in heaven but he is the best’s friend you could always depend on. Exams are my biggest concerns at the moment but by asking him to walk with me during this hectic time i can succeed! “ i can you can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” dedicate our job to him, dedicate our studies to him dedicate whatever we do to him and life will be worth living.

Proverbs 3:5,6 “Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths

#StayintheBeam

ELZ - Prodigal Son

Epa took us through the story of the prodigal son. When breaking it down analytically, one cannot help but feel impressed and acknowledge the well put-together presentation. For the first time he has actually spoken at church, be it even to a small group of youth, it was a powerful talk.

I can only deduce it down to a number of things.

• He was reading straight from a parable from scripture which defaults it to the fact the Holy Spirit was given free reign.
• Epa recently experienced something similar to the prodigal son
• He is currently experiencing something right now that is similar to this parable
• When we're talking about Jesus' parables, we can all relate!

But one awesome thing that most of the people in the audience were not aware of, was the prayers and discussions that took place behind the scenes. You see, the Bible clearly teaches that the "Angel of the Lord' will go before you Exodus 23:20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." is only one example)

Epa had been praying prior to this, and I also had been praying a similar prayer with Epa. Which was to send the Angel of the Lord before Epa to prepare him for his talk. Moreso, Epa had brought up a name of one his close friends to pray for, and we did, and on more than one occasion. The first challenge was to get him there, the next was for God to open up his heart to His calling. And GUESS WHAT?! Epa's friend wasn't only there (Epa invited him of course). His friend also wanted to give his heart to Christ and had committed to coming to the Tuesday night bible studies!

This here is where you have no inkling of doubt that the God we serve is for real! Not a past tense or futuristic God but one how is also, and mostly interested in you life-right-now GOD. YEAH! He longs for you to prayer similar prayers and for you to make those responses. And God isn't just interested in what takes place in the sermons. He's wants to take you backstage VIP pass style, then and only then will you understand his loving kindness that is offered to all humanity.

I continue to pray for Epz and his friend, as there is not doubt that the enemy will call for reinforcements to stop any soul from grasping the hand of the Saviour! Take half hour of your day right now to hear his talk below.

Shalom,

Dave

The Girls at Edens Landing

This blog is going up while I'm thinking of it. It's regarding the young girls at the Edens Landing SDA church. I hope that you will receive this message in the tone that it's intended to be and that is a word of affirmation, not glorification or worse yet blatant flattery.

I have observed for a long time now, and I risk being misinterpreted here, but I am very grateful for the girls that I know at ELSDA. In a world and society that is crazily under attack from subtle to the most obvious profanities, and for the young people, mostly via media, music,video, social networking etc. The message that seems to be barraging girls is to look "sexy", now when I was 15, if a girl wore high shorts, or a skimpy singlet, that was considered (insert politically correct word here). Today it's the norm, maybe because Brisbane is a pretty warm city, but young girls strutting around in this gear is mediocre. First off, it begins with the push of a concept, which enters the mind of a fashion designer finding a niche in the market, and then you find these strange clothes in the kids section? AYYYEE??? It's all a deliberate dilemma for girls, trying yet again to further identify themselves with their aesthetics.

However! What I find with the women (or girls for want of a more appropriate word), is that they often look and scrub up very well when it comes to the clothing department. There doesn't seem to be a push to look like a girl working the curb corners in the red light district if you know what I mean? Not just at church, but in general. Why I make this observation is that our clothes usually says something about our character, and from what I know about most of our girls, they have great character. Pretty, courteous and intelligent. This is encouraging to see and know because, I have young girls that a very dear to me, namely, my nieces and my daughter. And I really want them to pick up on this trait as well.

Some have asked how I hooked up with Sokha when she wasn't a christian or samoan. My answer is this, it was character. I had been with girls that ticked most of the boxes, but Sokha was one of a kind, she wasn't and SDA christian, but everything that Dad told me to look out for was there in my (now) wife.

· How does she treat her Dad?

· Is she hospitable?

· Is she industrious? (Please ask me what the means if you don't know)

· And more from my father's advice

She ticked all those boxes, and it was no surprise that when she started bible studies, Jesus was right and perfect for her because she could now acknowledge the source of who had been carving and continues to carve her character.

Unfortunately there's a downside, when girls of your kind with such high calibre are around, guys who are walking in the shadows are not only intimidated but are not suitable for you. If you choose to make the biggest commitment in your life, you will need a man who can match your calibre. 2 Cor 6:14 - Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? And these type of guys are few and far between. My encouragement to you is stay close to God. God created Eve for Adam, so you would need to keep this in mind. Adam was asleep, and God brought Eve to him. So it nearly appears that the best type of guy to look for is one who is "created" by God and is "asleep" I relate to this word as "not looking" because when I met Sokha, I certainly was not interested in a marriage relationship. God bless you girls, So although most girls have been conditioned to think they should look "sexy" it should really be about "character" - that is where true beauty exists. I look forward to seeing you grow into women that God intended you to be!

Shalom,

Dave

South Brisbane AY Service

Sabbath weekend past was another choc-a-block Sabbath. With a Friday night practice, an awesome Mother's day sermon by Pr Swavek, a power packed Sabbath School lesson led by new-comer Stormy Jack, and then church lunch.

First off, I was blessed in more ways than one. Daisy inspired us in devotion about how the man-of-opportunity Nehemiah was to spearhead the project in rebuilding Jerusalem. What a great story! Then the songs came together pretty quickly.

Most of our youth made it to South Brisbane on time (Big thumbs UP!). And for the most part we all made it for the first song of rise & build. Personally I was shocked on a few levels, I didn't realise I was doing the opening prayer until I saw the program, and I didn't know that we were in for two main meals if you know what i'm saying? I had "assumed" that the first was an appetiser followed by the mains, but I was wrong. The health talk was informative, and I received a few uppercuts from it too. But in all cases it's a must to be healthy. The second talk I was in and out but from what I gathered it sounded interesting. I only struggled with the "Unbelief is a sin" comment that kept being emphasised, as doubt is not a sin. George cleared that up for me this morning, simply put "doubt = undecided, unbelief=pure rejection". So if anyone thought the same, I hope that helps.

I'm so proud of all of you, not so much that you all sounded like angels and sung awesomelly, but that you've committed on a number of occasions to get to practices, and also show up at where we're suppose to sing. It's important that you note our parents that support, and also other church members who come to see you all. This is evidence that you're not left to minister or witness on your own. I'll say this, and I'll keep saying it again, the friends you have around you now maybe the only circle of friends that you will feel comfortable to discuss real issues, pray together and discuss biblical topics. So don't take us all for granted.

Great feedback was had by a lot of people, but I had to scoot off real quick and didn't get to meet to much of the south brisbane folk and you too. Thanks heaps to Juanita (and your Dad of course) for rousing up video and also the great photo's. (I hope we can all take leaf from Juanita and see how much of a blessing it is to keep record of our youth goings-ons).

So let's keep this ball rolling. I'm looking forward to seeing what fruit is in store for our youth. You know what's really buzzy about the Nehemaiah story? If you keep reading it through, you'll find that at the opening of the new Jerusalem, it says that the celebrations which included a HUGE choir could be heard miles away!! WHOA MAN! That's the kind of celebration we should look forward to, that's the kind of choir style we should be singing, that's the kind of Jesus that brings this type of blessings for us! YEAAAH BUDDDAY! God bless you all this week!

Click here for the video to Rise and Build.

Shalom,

Dave

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