Merry Christmas!

Well it's still Christmas Eve in the States, but Merry Christmas to all you Kiwis and Aussies who are reading this!! We hope you are all having a fantastic day today, we're thinking of you all. We just got back from a Christmas eve service at church and had a great meal here with the Harms'. Good times.....

For those of you who are Americans....Merry Christmas for tomorrow!

Love,

Misty and Josh

Austin, Texas.

Sorry for the delay in posting...but as you can immagine we don't have much time for our computers at the moment. We made it safe and sound to Austin, and are having a great time so far. It's taking us an age to get over jetlag this time, but I guess thats part of the package. We had a great flight out here with no issues whatsoever, in fact it only took us the best part of 10 mins to step of the plane, clear customs and get our bags in LA! That has to be record time! The only slight hiccup was a small delay in Dallas, but it was actually a welcomed break as the time between flights without the delay would have had us running for the gate.

The weather in Texas at this time of year is amazing.....not too cold, but enough that you know it's winter with lovely sunshine!

Well, 10:30pm....time to go for a hot swim....adios!

Who said I can't dance?

Click here to see the two of us dance our little hearts out!

BMB Christmas Party

Today was an awesome Sunday. It started with omelets and church, and ended with the BMB Christmas Party out at Josh's parents house. Believe it or not 55 people managed to squeeze into the home and a good time was had buy all. The traditional Kiwi Christmas BBQ was devoured and the First Annual Christmas Gift Exchange of the Bethlehem Missions Base was established. Taylor (Kristi and Aaron's little girl) even helped keep all the wrapping paper tidied during the game. The party was complete with the baptism of 5 of our interns.

Time is getting short before we leave this side of the world. Only two more sleeps. Tomorrow night Josh and I will have an early Christmas with the Josh's family. Then Tuesday morning we will head to Auckland, visit with the Edmeades (more of Josh's family) and then climb aboard a plane bound for the United States of America. Almost 24 hours later we will land in Austin. Yay! I am so excited.

2 Days...

In 2 days we're getting on a plane to America!

YAY!

Christmas Cherries

Being from America, my understanding of cherries is the sugary cherries that come with your Coco-cola. To be honest, I don't like those at all. I tried one of those when I was little, and since then I have avoided all cherries. I thought they made your teeth feel like they were rotting. However, after yesterday my ideas of cherries has been forever changed.

Yesterday, while at my part time job, a package arrived from a place called Jackson's Orchard. I got to open it; and to my surprise it was full of fresh picked cherries and a Christmas card. It was a company Christmas gift. So, at morning tea time (yes this is a normal New Zealand company policy) I decided I had to try a cherry. Everyone else was digging in and saying how good they were. So, timidly I bit onto one. The flavor was amazing, so fresh, juicy, and sweet. Yum! For all those of you who come visit New Zealand, you must try the cherries!

Family

Today we were shopping @ Bayfair Mall over at the Mount and we crossed paths with a group from Lifeway who were on a bit of a faith mission, which by the way is a brilliant idea if you ask me. What they do is send out the students with a vehicle and a little cash for fuel, and that's it. They have a whole list of things they have to accomplish and trust God for during their time away, including, food, accommodation etc. We were amazed and greatly encouraged by these young guys who were out serving the community and sharing Jesus in ways not many people do these days. They truly shone, were full of joy, zeal and faith and really uplifted our spirits with their attitudes and the way they carried themselves. Awesome!

One of the guys was especially encouraging to us, sharing that whenever he thinks of "family" he thinks of us, and the wider Cole clan. He went on to share that he looked up to us as role models of what "family" means....we were greatly encouraged because to the two of us, family is very important, and we are both blessed with incredible families.

So it was like the Lord was really highlighting the concept of family to us today.

And then back at home as were were listening to the live streaming from IHOP, one of the singers sang an profound line that really highlighted that word to us again, "God doesn't doesn't just want people to serve Him, He wants a family.....He no longer calls me servant, He calls me friend."

Then they went on to sing, "you love me so well, you love me so well, Abba Father..." over and over again for a while. As they did it really infused into my heart, as I thought about the power of God's love, and the fact that He wants us to feel included into His family.

OK....sure, it sounds like something you and I might have heard a few times before, but thinking through the massive implications of this on our lives and the way that we should live and approach God is life changing, from a position of sonship rather than servant.

Jesus said it himself in John 15:15, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Yeah...I'm amazed at the wisdom of God and the way He's orchestrated this whole deal. it's just incredible that we are free to be son's and daughters who are friends of Almighty! Who is like Him?

1st Wave of the Summer

Last night, with the surf pumping, and the wind dropping, I decided it was time for my first swim in the ocean for the summer of 07/08. I was plesantly surprised at the temperature of the water, not nearly as cold as I had anticipated. I thought it would have been cold enough to freeze the toe nails off a polar bear, but not so, I stayed in for 40 minutes. It's such a great feeling to catch the first of many waves to come in the next few months.

Might even go for another wave tonight if the surf cam delivers good news.

Josh

Full day....

Josh here, yet again....

What a cracker day Taurnga put on for us today! Great weather for party hopping. We started off having brekky this morning with a good mate of ours from Auckland, before heading to Misty's work Christmas party. Misty has built some solid friendships with her workmates, and they're a pretty tight bunch, it was great to get a view into that world, and hang out with some of the people she spends a decent amount of time with. Quality people. Incredible would be an understatement for the house that we congregated out....wow. We finished the afternoon having a fun time at friends 18th birthday party. Good times!

I'm definitely feeling the effects of yesterdays bike ride, the ol' legs have got a mind of their own at the moment, can't get them to do too much! Should be right by tomorrow.

Here's a pic of us before I punished myself. Cheers.

Addictive!

I reckon cycling is addicting! If you haven't really given it a go, you won't know what it feels like. But, cruising down hills at 70+km/p/hr on a bike, wind screaming at your face, with a bunch of other riders is one of the most adrenaline rushing feelings you'll ever have.

I had, arguably, one of my greatest individual experiences yesterday down at Lake Taupo doing the Cycle Challenge. There were 9,500 riders participating at all different levels.

My 80km ride didn't seem as far as I thought, all though it's still a long way, especially on undulating terrain. My goal was to finish in 3hr 30mins, and I finish bang on 3hrs! I was stoked.

Taupo Challenge

Well tomorrow just plain makes me nervous....yet excited. I'm heading out on a 80km bike ride along with about 10,000 other crazy kiwis and a few internationals who are embarking on the annual Taupo Cycle Challenge. Basically the challenge is this: Do one lap around Lake Taupo - 160km. I've decided that I'm going to do the relay race which means you can race one or a combination of 4 x 40km legs of the course which make up 160km. I'm doing the first two legs of the course, which is the hilly part, and my relay team member (Spin instructor) will polish off the other half.

Why am I a little nervous? Because I have never ridden 80km's straight, never mind the hills! I've done a few 60km rides, and handled that ok, but wasted! We'll see how it goes, I'm sure you'll get a full report in a day or two.

Cheers

Josh

Christmas Tree

I thought it was time to get into the Christmas season, it's never too early! SO....about 10 days ago, our tree came to life. We won't be here in NZ for Christmas this year, so we thought it would be appropriate to set up the Christmas tree now, so that we can enjoy it while we are here.

We've had a great weekend, good walks, good friends, good food, great weather, exercise, family, a little bit of work and quality time with each other. One of the most entertaining parts of the weekend was watching the netball finals with our guests, we all took the position of being arm chair critics, it was fun. Another accomplishment was polishing off one of those snapper Josh caught last week, it easily fed 6 of us. Lovely!

In 23 days, we're getting on a plane to Austin! Can't wait!

It's Official

Yes! Finally, after a long wait, i receved my passport back in the mail today from NZ immagration. I am officially a Perminent Resident of New Zealand, and have a nice big blue sticker in my passport to prove it. It's a true relief after a long wait, a lot of paper work, hours on the phone, money, and just plain stress. Let me tell you....it's a pretty sight.

This has been a huge week so far, Josh and I both have a lot on, we have come back from our few day retreat and hit the ground running! Josh is teaching on the THOP internship this week, along with meeting with various people, and doing a whole bunch of communication wraping up Fiji. I've been flat out at work for the last two days with our plate full at the Urban Lounge right now.

And I just have to say again, I feel to refreashed after our few day break up north in the Bay of Islands. I would recommend anyone to go there, it's a true treasure on earth. Was great to see Anna and Nika and Matt and Korah too.

Bland Bay

Well Bland Bay, in the Bay of Islands, is probably the furtherest most place from bland that we could possible describe. It's unreal, it's one of those places where you feel like you just stepped inside a postcard. Unbelievable! And....the place we were staying at, immaculate. You could hardly call it a bach! Beautiful place right on the sand dunes. We were in the place probably closest to the water, walk out the door and bang you'r on the beach, a gorgeous one at that.

A much needed week or realxing and enjoying each other, reading, writing and long walks down the beach, not forgetting kayaking and fishing of course! Josh pulled in a huge snapper and a few others as well. Good fun. We felt so blessed to be able to go to a place like this.

Here's a few pics.

Romantic Getaway.

Well Last night, at the last minute we were surprised by a gift of a free night at The Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel. It's a new hotel in Tauranga situated right on the wharf. It was a refreshing getaway!

Today we are heading up to see Anna and Nika, and then up to the Bay of Islands for a few days to catch our breath at a friend of ours beach batch....a romantic getaway for sure. Should be good! Watch this space for pics next week.

THOP

Just thought I would throw a picture up here of the Tauranga House of Prayer in action this morning. We are using a small building on the side of one of the larger churches here in Tauranga.

Steak

Last night, I had perhaps the largest, most tasty steak I have ever had in my life, along with what I would call the worlds best salad. We've had visitors over the last 4 days, and we decided that last night we'd fire up the BBQ. I've been all around the world to countries and places that claim they have the biggest and best steaks, but I'm pretty happy with what we have here in NZ, in our "own back yard". Only 1 out of 5 of us actually finished, and it wasn't me. That's unheard of!

Thanks for the experience Matt.

Steak and eggs for Breaky!

Raglan

We had a great time in Raglan! It was so good to just sit for a day and a 1/2 and enjoy each others company, walk on the beach, watch surfers, drink coffee, read, and just plain relax. We came home feeling refueled for the week!

Looks like the summer weather has arrived. Straight after we got home from Raglan, Josh decided to bike over to "The Mount" (about a 35km route) where we met up together and climbed it. It was stunning today with such clear sky, you could see for miles up and down the coast. Another typical sunny day in "The Bay".

Dinner with the rest of the Cole tribe tonight, as Grampy has just arrived from Melbourne for a few weeks. Always a pleasure to see him. We finished the night with a disgustingly competitive game of cards, which was fun for all involved, especially Matt who took the honors tongiht.

Looking forward to another week. Bed time!

IWT Fiji vid and more....

Friends! I have almost finished putting together a 6 min video with highlights from the tour in Fiji. If you would like a copy of this, flick me an email at joshuac@impactworldtour.com and I will send it out to you when i have a chance. I might try and put a 20 second preview up on the blog in the next week or two.

It's so good to be back in NZ after spending extended times in in Fiji. Coming back to NZ, I realise how blessed we are to live in such an amazing country and a great city!

We've had a tonne of visitors since arriving back which has been fantastic, but tiring, so Misty and I are looking forward to a relaxing weekend away in Raglan this weekend. Raglan is a small, beautiful surf community by the beach, about 1 and 1/2 hours drive west of Tauranga. Should be great! Might even throw the line in an try and catch a fish.

Tamarillo Chutney.

Yeah....that's right. It's got to be one of the best things I've had to eat in a long long time (Thanks to Misty)! Surprising, as I usually don't like tamarillo's. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a piece of red fruit that grows on a tree that is cross between a tomatoe and a passion fruit. Tastes bitter and sour.

(Well, the BBQ last night was good value too)

Josh.

Fiji Stats and Reports webpage.

Hey!

Josh here, on my way home. Looking forward to a bit of a break, it's been full on in Fiji. The tour finished on a high note.

Go to this website if you want to read up on the whole tour, you'll also find stats and tetimonies from IWT's sweep through Fiji.

Click Here.

Permanent Residence in New Zealand

Well folks, it is official. Yesterday, on the last day of IWT Fiji, I received notification that I have been approved for Permanent Residency in New Zealand. I never knew how happy a letter from immigration could make me feel. Now I just have to send off my passport to get stamped, pay the immigration department more money, and then it is official. I will be a permanent resident of New Zealand. It looks like full on season change is upon us.

Fun in the mud....

WOW, I have never been involved with such an amazing group of people. We have 120 odd people from all over the world who have travelled The length and breadth of Fiji to proclaim the gospel to over 180,000 people. Almost 18,000 have responded in total. These teams have had to contend with the elements in every place, not just the physical, but also the spiritual.

Last night was a great example of this. It absolutely poured down with rain, it was torrential rain if I have ever seen it. It's funny, none of the crowd in Fiji ever leaves when it starts raining, in fact they enjoy it even more it seems. In Lami, Team Xtreme decided that on their final night, they would add a piece into their show, so they put up some boundaries, and began to have a mud wrestling competition, WWF style. A couple of the guys are ex-wrestlers, so you can imagine it just sent the crowd wild! Everyone was in good spirit despite the rain.

Nasinu - Island Breeze.
Crowd: 4,000
Response: 207
Poured with rain during altar call, hard to get response cards.

Lami - Team Xtreme
Crowd: 500
Response: 150
Great fun mud wrestling.

Pics. My foot in the mud. Rain duing altar call.

Last look at the camera before stitches came out.

G'day folks, Josh here again. I'm so happy to have those jolly stitches out of my arm. It is healing up nicely. The only concern is that after the stitches came out, it opened up slightly because its close to the joint and because of how deep the wound was. It still hurts a fair bit, and I have about 50% strength in my arm. The bloke at the hospital said it should take a month or so until full strength comes back 'cos of nerve and tendon damage.

It's been raining all mourning here in Suva, but the sun has just reappeared, which is a beautiful thing. It's about as rare as hens teeth to have sunshine in these parts!

2 more nights until the tour is finished, "incredible time" would be a true understatement.

Total stats so far:
Crowd: Over 150,000
Response: 16,028

I miss my gorgeous wife!

Come on!

A massive night in Suva tonight!

Nasinu (Heart of Suva)
Crowd: 6,000
Response: 774
Awesome anointing on the preaching, Presance of God thick.

Lami (Sattelite)
Crowd: 1,500
Response: 150

It started to rain about 5pm, but stopped about 6:30pm and cleared for both shows, amazing night!

Something that made me laugh...

What's the difference between a tea bag and the All Blacks? A tea bag stays in the cup longer....

Breakdancing.

This is for you to have a quick glimpse of some of the stuff our guys do in the schools in between preaching the gospel. More vid's coming your way!

sweet as....

This is amazing....about 2 months ago, when dad and I were in Fiji, Dad lost his bible at the big World Harvest Centre Church in Fiji. At the time he was kinda bummed about it, we looked everywhere and could not find it. Well....tonight, after setting up at the ground for the campaigns in the heart of Suva for the next 3 nights, Dad and I were the only ones left at the ground waiting for the security to come, and as we waited, this guy came up and said "where's Josh", and then went on to say "have you lost a bible?". Neither of us had seen this guy before. When Dad told him that it was his bible that had been lost over 8 weeks ago, He replied "my friend has it at his house, just around the corner". To cut a long story short, he recognised me (Josh) from a photo that dad had from my wedding, with "Josh and Misty" written on the back of the photo. He went straight to his friends house, retrieved the bible and bought it back in perfect condition! WOW. it was just one of those amazing God things!

Things are going AMAZING! We felt like something has been broken over the city. After 5 weeks of pretty much straight rain, it has not rained for 4 days, in fact it has been beautiful weather which has dried everything out. The wind has totally changed coming from the opposite direction, Pastors are on board and excited, hundreds came to Christ at a school today, over 1,000 came to Christ in Levuka Last night, we feel it will be like a Spiritual Bomb going off in the heart of Suva to finish this tour off with a bang! Everyone is talking about it, we could be in for some huge crowds.

Pray the weather will stay dry until Sunday.

Injury Report: Cut healing nicely, still a little sore, stitches out tomorrow!

Travel: Will arrive back in Tauranga next Wednesday Arvo (17th) after debrief with IWT staff.

Pics of set up today and the sunset tonight over the field.

No rain in 24 hours...

Yep, we all can't believe it over here in Fiji, it's been 24 hours since I last wrote (or close to it) and it still hasn't rained....in fact the sun is out in full force.

Eeryone is in good spirit here. It's Fiji day, a national holiday, so most of our teams and staff are either travelling to Levuka on a boat, or having a well deserved day off, jumping off waterfalls, shopping, emailing, hotelling, or sleeping.

Josh's Sunday night musings...

Well I feel satisfied and fulfilled today, it's the first day since arriving in Fiji 5 days ago, that the sun has come out in full force! It seems to have totally lifted the mood of everyone around, including myself who felt almost waterlogged from the continuous rain.

We've had an incredible week here with almost 3,000 people responding to the gospel this week, even in the rain and the mud. It's been quite incredible really to see hundreds come forward to give their lives to Jesus. It never gets old....it's exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding to be a part of something that can have such a major impact on entire cities.

I was talking to one Indian lady who gave her life to Jesus 2 nights ago. She was telling me how she was a Hindu and gave her life to Jesus the last night, and then brought her husband along and he gave his life to Jesus, she was so happy, and was radiant with Joy! Awesome!

Thoughts on the rugby: This was the first entire game I had watched from the whole world cup so far. I'm not surprised at all by the result. My suspicion all along was that New Zealand would not win the World Cup....there are many opinions flying about as to why they lost to France today, but it's quite plain as far as I can see, they were beaten by a better team on the day, and that's sport. I'm stoked I'm in Fiji at this time, and involved in something far more exciting than rugby will ever be!

Injury report: Well the cut on the elbow is still quite sore, and my fingers are tingly, but its getting better. Still can't bend my arm, which is annoying, and it's been difficult to try to keep it dry in this wet weather. I should have the stiches out in a few days which will be nice. At least I'll have a "battle scar" from Fiji.

Bless ya! Josh

280 Come to Christ in Hindu School!

Yesturday GX International was performing at a Hindu school called Suva Sangam which has approx 800 students. The crowd, including many teachers, were hanging over the balcony as they watched and listened to GX. It was an awesome time with God pouring out His spirit in a powerful way. The presence of God was so thick during this lunch time show, we could see how the power of the gospel was penetrating the hearts of searching, wrestless teenagers. One of the GXer's shared about how God had delivered him from a life of drugs, and even spared him from death after flat lining for 5 minutes from a drug overdose, and being betrayed by his very own wife. As he spoke a hush came over the students as the presence of God fell. Rain started to fall as hundreds of students responded to the altar call. In Fiji, if it rains, people still come. It was an awesome time! Over 280 students gave their lives to Jesus, and received prayer from the GX team and IWT Staff.

That school will never be the same, this is radical what's happening.

After being sewn up!

yeah kinda gross....but trust me, it looks really good here compared to what it was.

Hospital Take Over

Hey, Josh here this time! Yeah bummer about the accident yesterday. I slept most of the day as I was out on some pretty heavy drugs! The nurse had to give me an injection in my bum....first time I've had anything like that, not too much fun let me tell you. My Pulse/blood pressure went very low as I was in some sort of shock. Anyway....they stitched me up, and I'm feeling pretty good today, can bend my elbow, but not too far. The wound was about an inch deep and an inch wide.

The funniest part about it was when my Dad fainted in the hospital after seeing my open wound, hitting his head on the wall beside the hospital bed and almost taking down the drip system that I was attached too. The doctor had to stop taking care of me to make sure Dad was OK, he came off lightly with a small cut to the forehead and a bit of a bruise. Within seconds he had taken up the space on the adjacent hospital bed, yep the Coles had taken over Suva Private Hospital!

Yesterday one of our skaters injured his foot badly during a show and a girl on the tech team took a heavy knock to her knee. Pray for protection and safety!

Last night was a great night here in Suva with 788 people making decisions to give their lives to Jesus! Praise God! It's so awesome to be back here in Fiji being apart of what God is doing in the Islands of the South Seas!

Will keep you posted.

Fiji Hospitals and Josh

For all of you guys out there praying for the tour, please add Josh's physical health to the prayer list. Today Josh ended up in hospital due to a simi-major accident. He is now out and in recovery, but this is not what a wife wants to hear...here is the story.

Josh was helping set up the stage for tonight’s TX performance when the accident happened. He was lifting a huge log (a prop) off the transport truck and on to the stage with the help of another guy. All of the sudden the other guy lost their grip on the log and it came crashing down on Josh's arm. The log had pinned Josh's arm between itself and the metal edge of the truck. Apparently this sliced Josh's arm an inch deep right through a tendon. Josh immediately went into shock and they rushed him to a clean, private hospital.

Once at the hospital, they stitched him back together and bandaged his arm. He should regain all mobility in 1 months time. Presently his right hand is numb, swollen, and unusable. He is weak from the shock of it all and is not feeling very encouraged. Please pray for his recovery and grace for him to take it slow. I am sure you can imagine how frustrating for Josh this is, especially at this crucial point in the project.

Thanks for walking through this with us. Your prayer covering keeps us alive.

Home made jam.

Over the weekend, I tried something new. I made kiwifruit jam! it was a great success.....a little runny, however very tasty, and quite easy to produce. Also, Josh bought me a food processor the other day, so I'm very excited about that, and looking forward to being able to make more yummy goodies!

Impact on the schools!

Here's a brief update with what's been happening in Fiji the last few days. The teams are having a great impact on the schools.

"We've seen a great harvest from the schools here in Suva, about 1,000 decisions for Christ from 3 schools in one day! I'm sensing a battle over the schools - please pray with us for more open doors - we have two Indian schools in the coming week - both high schools - Suva Sangam and Indian College - please pray for a great harvest from these schools. also pray for more open doors from the Indian schools - I believe it is in the schools that we'll see the greatest percentage of Indians reached with the Gospel. So the next two weeks are very key - please pray for Pastor Ronald - an Indian pastor who is trying to open doors into Indian schools."

In Navua 366 people gave their lives to Christ on Friday night and 191 last night, this is just a tiny town about 30 mins outside of Suva.

Sunny Day in the Bay

Well, it's a gorgeous day here in the Bay of Plenty! Spring is here, and the flowers are beginning to blossom. Beautiful time of year!

Josh is feeling a lot better now, and is doing great! It's so good to have him home for a week or so before he heads back to Fiji next Wednesday. This will be at least his 10Th trip there this year alone. It's been a huge effort for everyone to get these campaigns off the ground, but it is so worth it!

We both wish we could take you there to be a part of it and see for yourselves on Fijian soil! One of the most amazing things is to see God awaken hearts to who he really is, and then to see the response to that awakening is priceless.

The pictures are of one of the altar calls in Lautoka with the hundreds of people who came forward to give their lives to Jesus! The other pic is of our set up for GX with ramps and all. We had to ship 4 x 40ft containers from Australia to get all our tech gear to Fiji, and then ferry/truck it all over Fiji. Not an easy feat. Some say this is the biggest tech set up for any event that has ever been to Fiji. I believe it!

Not too Hot...

Well, it looks like Josh's trip home is a timley one. Today he has beena bit sick, having waves of dizziness wash over him. It looks like last weeks little incident was not food poisening, but a viral infection that is flaring up again. We talked to a nurse tonight and if he is not feeling better by tomorrow we will need to go and see a doctor. The nurse told him to lay down and rest for a couple of days - um....yeah like that is going to happen. Hopefully, I will be able to convince him that this is a good idea.

Also, my email server has crashed. If you have sent me and email in the last couple of days and I have not responded this is why:> Hopefully it will be working tomorrow.

Moving on to Suva...

Well Josh is back home now, it's so good to see him after nearly 2 weeks. He'll be back in NZ for a week before heading over to Fiji for the final two weeks of the IWT campaigns.

Josh took me out for dinner last night to one of our favourties restaurants in town, it's so good to have my hubby home!

The tour finished up in the West having an amazing impact on all the towns and cities that we went to. In Lautoka over 21,000 people heard the gospel and almost 2,000 responded, along with many healings. In Ba, almost 10,000 heard the goepel and about 1,000 responded to Christ. Almost 10,000 people have made committments to follow Jesus so far, and we're only half way through the tour.

Who knows what the long term implications of this tour will be on Fiji.

So on Sunday all the teams rolled out and moved onto Suva, the capital of Fiji. The city has a population of about 300,000 to 400,000 people, depending on who you talk to. We have broken the city down into three regions to reach the maximum amount of people possible. Alongside the main events we'll have teams preaching the gospel all over the city in schools, prisons and anywhere they can.

Another One Bites the Dust!

Tonight the Fijian city of Lautoka hosted their final night of Impact World Tour. GX International performed for a crowd of 8,000 people and in the end approximately 550 people made decisions. Another good night!

Tomorrow brings a very happy, yet very early day for me. At 7am I will drive the long curvy road to Auckland to the airport. Josh is coming home for a few days of rest before he and Dave head back into battle. I am so excited to see Josh. It feels like he has been gone for forever. Now, it is definitely time to get some sleep.

The real deal....

Here is the coolest story from last night with GX International in a town called Ba. After the show, a Hindi mother and her little 9 year old girl came forward to the front to respond to the salvation call. It turned out that the girl had been born 100% deaf and had never heard in her life. After she received prayer from one of the team members, God totally opened up her ears and she was freaking out as she heard for the first time in her life. They both gave their hearts to the Lord, and will follow him the rest of their days! Praise God! The night went well apart from some rain which meant that the skaters couldn’t skate on the ramps, it was like walking on soap apparently. Well….it was totally worth going to Ba just for that one 9 year old girl and her mother. I’m sure it’s bound to totally transform that whole family.

Meanwhile…..in Lautoka, about an hour before the show started, it started to bucket down with rain. On a large open field with not much grass, having just been through a drought, the field turned into a mud bath within a matter of minutes….you can only imagine what it was like after 1 hour…..yeah, YUCK! Anyhow TX went ahead with their show, and about 5,000 people still turned up in the mud and rain, hanging on every word spoken by TX. A powerful message was given, and over 450 people responded at the altar call to give their lives to Jesus. A man who had a stroke recently who was totally paralyzed on his left hand side of his body was totally healed and was able to lift his left arm high above his head and walk around on the stage to the loud screaming and clapping from the crowd! There was such a buzz in the atmosphere and the preaching and music soon drowned out the prayer to Allah from the mosque across the road. A Hindi lady who could not walk properly was prayed for and got healed and gave her life to Jesus before the show even began!

God is so faithful, it’s such a joy to be involved in seeing many lives being set free, and seeing young people find their true identity in Jesus!

The picture is of the Fijian man who was lifting his arm high and walking around showing the crowd how he had been instantly healed from his stroke.

Lautoka opens with a storm

Well tonight Team Xtream opened for a crowd of 5,000 people in Lautoka. However, two hours before the show started, buckets of rain drenched the field, turning it into a giant mud pit. Everyone had to walk through he mud in bare feet or get stuck in the mud - literally. Healings were taking place before the show even started and in the end approximately 450 people made commitments. Another great night!

Onto other notes two new websights have been launched to help keep up with the statistics and testimonies from IWT Fiji. Check them out!

http://www.rossmanna.com/vault/fiji-updates.html - Blog updates

http://www.rossmanna.com/vault/fiji-updates/fiji-official-stats.html - Tour Statistics

Tavua

The tour is going amazing. The last two nights we have been in a small town called Tavua, which has a population of about 9,000 people. We had crowd of 3,100 the first night and then 7,200 the second night. So effectively the whole town heard a clear gospel message and had a chance to respond. Over 1200 responded during the two days and gave their lives to Christ.

It’s amazing how God is moving. Last night Team Xtreme (the big guys) were there and prayed for the sick afterwards. One man who was lame and had not walked for many years, stood up out of his wheel chair. A young girl who had been told she was useless and was abused her whole life by her father was given a huge daddy hug from Big Jason. He ministered the Fathers love to her and told her how beautiful she was. Her mother and grandparents where there watching, and they all broke down in tears as God revealed His unconditional love to them all. It has been an amazing time.

It’s so cool to see God move in whole families, healing the sick, mending broken hearts and setting people free from all sorts of bondages that have held them down for many years.

On other notes, Josh is starting to feel a bit better. He is still not 100% after the food poisoning, but he now back in game and out of bed. Please pray for full recovery of strength.

It is STILL a Battle

Well, the last 24 hours have not really surprised me...but they have been a challenge. Yesterday, our Internet crashed....once again - no surprise. Josh is in Fiji, the Internet crashes. It's been the pattern. Unfortunately, this means that all communications between Josh and I stop, and with Josh not having regular Internet access, our communication about the tour has also been "frozen". However, today Dave came over and managed to get it working again. Thank goodness for Father-in-laws.

Then last Josh got a horrible case of food poisoning. For all of you that have had it, you know what that means - he is totally out of action. Today he is so week he only moved out of sure necessity. He is starting to be able to hold down food now, so that is a step int he right direction. Pray for his quick recovery, and grace for us to be apart while he is not well.

On other notes, the tour has been going quite well. The teams are in good spirits, but tired. Please pray for their strength and that they would be in good health.

Saturday night in Nadi was a battle. The crowd was quite rowdy and drunk. Despite that, God's presence was strong and He had his way. The results from Saturday night are as follows.

Crowd 8000
Decisions - approximately 530
Healing's - Lots, but one testimony is that a deaf person in Fiji is now hearing.

Newsflash!

Tonight, I talked to Josh via cell phone as he was riding from Sigatoka to Nadi in a very noisy bus. The last two days have been full on as he has been traveling back and forth between the above mentioned cities. He is happy to report that logistically things are running "pretty smoothly". Unfortunatly, he does not have internet access available for closer to real time pictures and reports.

Last night in the hub city of Nadi a crowd of 5,000 people turned out to watch TX smash things :> Out of those 5,000 people - 701 people responded. Witchcraft is a stronghold in the Nadi area, therefor there was lots of prayer and counseling going on at the alter call.

Tonight in Sigatoka - a satalitte city (meaning a much smaller stage and less special effects), there was a crowd of about 4,000 people in attendence. 270 0f them responded to the message of Jesus. I am still waiting to hear reports on the school performances. Isn't it amazing to be a part of it all!

One Very Cool Testimony....

Well guys, I know you like testimonies, and I couldn;t help but to share this one with you, that we got through. Enjoy!

"Bula!!

I am a 14 years old Fijian boy and my name is Semesa. I would like to acknowledge you all for coming to Labasa and for showing those cool shows and I really enjoyed it. You guys rock especially the Team Extreme Intl. and the Gx international. I really enjoyed the hip hop dancing, free style motor-cross and biking and the skateboard airs and bomb freestyle tricks but I REALLY REALLY enjoyed the skating and the biking because we rarely see those kinds of cool styles in Fiji.

I would also like to thank you guys for sharing about Jesus. It touched alot of people and especially me. After you talked about Jesus and shared some message, I learnt alot and I came to realize all the wrong and bad things or mistakes I've done and I would like to thank you guys so much for that.

Anyway thanks alot for everything and I hope that you wiil come again to Labasa. Don't forget to send my regards to one of your members who is my friend and his name is Micheal. Tell him that he is so cool in doing those brake-dances and also if you can tell him to e-mail me sometimes.

Thanks
GOOD BYE! (MOCE)"

Off to Fiji Again.

Well we've been back in NZ for four days. Its been great to catch our breath, and bueatiful weather back here too. The House of Prayer has been praying non stop for Fiji, so it's been great to be able to bring back good reports and testimonies.

Josh is heading back to Fiji with Dave tomorrow afternoon just in time for the tour which hits Nadi and Sigatoka this weekend.

WOW!

Well This update is been written from New Zealand!! Yep we arrived safely last night back into the lush green land of Aotearoa, truly a beautiful nation! It'd good to be at home together for a few days before Josh returns to Fiji on Thursday to keep things moving with the tour.

The last night on the tour in Labasa was amazing, with over 10,000 people packing the stadium. Hundreds came forward at the altar call, and one young Fijian got up to testify about how God had healed his broken back and all the pain that he had. It was amazing to hear how God had touched his back on the first night, but on the 3rd night he finally came forward to testify and then give his life over completely to Christ.

over 33,000 people came out to the IWT events in the first week, and heard a clear gospel message and had the opportunity to respond.

Labasa will never be the same. It truly is like a spiritual bomb that has gone off.

Here's a photo of some adorable kids watching and listening attentively.

Breakthrough on Vanua Levu

Island Breeze brought the fire last night in Labasa – literally with fire knife dancers included. An amazing time. Island Breeze has such amazing team and performance, and the Fijian/Indian people loved it. We had a crowd of about 7,000 people in the stadium with approximately 507 decisions last night. Obviously the stats don’t give the bigger picture of what is going on here. It’s like a spiritual bomb has gone off in this Island. Many Indians are coming forward to give their lives to Christ, being totally transformed. We’ve seen whole families pour into the altar call area. God is touching lives all over. The pastors are coming together, and it’s just started off with a bang. In Savusavu last night, over 3000 packed out the stadium with over 150 responding to Christ, many more decision cards are yet to be collected. A Hindu priest came forward at the altar call to give his life to Christ; one of the local pastors knows him and will follow him up.

Above is a pic of the Altar call in Labasa. This is great for the people of Fiji, the gospel truely is powerful.

Misty and I return to Tauranga on Sunday night.

crowd last night

This is a picture of the crowd last night, we had 8,000 pack into the stadium, the largest crowd in the history of the town.

The other picture is of the ground this morning after the heavy rain which began at midnight. It's not raining now and should be clear tonight, but we need the sun to come out to dry the water.

This is a picture of Josh and I getting on the airplane to fly from Viti Levu (the big island) to Vanua Levu (the northern island). It was a 18 seat prop plane, the smallest one I have ever flown on. All in all it was a good flight with awesome scenery of the islands. When you are up in the air looking down, it is so evident how isolated Fiji is. It’s just and group of islands in the middle of vast Pacific Ocean. We are at the ends of the earth, and the ends of the earth are hearing the gospel!

What's hapening with IWT Fiji

Well it is raining in the North. The performances in Somosomo, Savusavu, and Labasa have all been held in the rain – the amazing thing is that the crowd keeps coming, staying through the rain, and giving their lives to Jesus. Apparently, the Team Xtreme performance last night in Labasa, was the largest public gathering ever held in the Northern Island. So literally, history is being made. Here are the results from yesterday.

Savusavu – Approximately 2,000 people in attendance for Island Breeze – 80 confirmed salvations – many more that we couldn’t confirm because it was raining and people left for shelter.
Labasa – Approximately 8,000 people in attendance for Team Xtreme - 454 confirmed salvations – a safe estimate of at least 200 more people that made decisions, but did not come into the rain to talk with a local link. Many were healed and touched by the Lord.
All Saints Anglican School – GX school performance - 127 confirmed salvations

Considering last night was the largest public gathering in the history of the Northern Island, we have had an interesting development that needs your prayer. Yesterday, Frank Bainamarama (Fijian Prime Minister) declared a National Edict, that there was to be “No Public Gatherings”. This is after giving us his written word that we would be allowed to run the campaigns in Fiji. So, Taubale the nation IWT director, talked with his uncle who is in the Prime Ministers cabinet. We were told to continue with the campaigns. Please pray that everything would continue as planned when we hit the main land Sunday night. Pray that we would not have “run ins” with the army in response to this edict going out from the Prime Ministers Office. Please pray that we would have continued favour with the government of Fiji.

Flying

Well it's another beautiful day in the Islands of Fiji! The sun is out and there is a nice sea breeze. We're off to Labasa this morning, catching a plane in just over an hour. Tonight we have our first Hub night of the campaigns along with another satelite in the Northern Region. It's exciting to see what will happen. Hopefully there will be no rain, and clear skies. We'll keep you posted with what goes on.

Results from Somosomo

The results are just in from Somosomo! We are happy to say the 12% of the crowd that attended the opening night performance of Impact World Tour Fiji, gave their lives to Jesus. That means that 250 people out of a crowd of 2000 people are going to spend eternity with Jesus. That indeed what it is all about! Let's keep praying! 12% of the crowd is higher than normal, but I'm believing for at least 50% of the crowd before this tour is through.

P.S. Josh just chipped his tooth - so pray for grace to deal with it until Sue (his mom)can fix it next week.

What a Day!

The tour has started with a bit of supernatural activity. Yesterday in Somosomo, the tour kicked off. All day while the set up was being done, a dark cloud was hovering over the stadium, but it was not raining. Around the stadium it was, in the stadium it was not. Then about two hours before the tour kicked off a brilliant rainbow appeared over the stadium. The show kicked off to a full crowd and the response was big (still waiting on numbers). Hopefully we will have more on that a bit later.

Our day yesterday was another extremely busy day….but fruitful. We started out in Lautoka, then went to Sigatoka for an executive meeting, then to Lautoka for a meeting with the transportation company, then to Nandi for another executive meeting, and then back to Lautoka. We really need your prayers as we meet with these executives. It seems that after 3 years of meeting with executives, they still don’t understand the vastness of IWT. A week out, there are still not enough people trained to lead those that respond to Christ. Unfortunately, that means people will fall through the cracks. Please pray for our meetings today and that the church would jump into action and be ready to lead people to Christ.

Our God is bigger than a Ferry Timetable

Yesterday, a breakdancer on GX arrived in Suva a bit delayed. He contacted the cordinator and was told there was no way he was gong to catch the Ferry to the Northern Island. The boat was leaving at exactly 2 o'clock. He told us he was comming anyway. As late arival raced toward the warf, the rest of the teams loaded the boat and got themselves settled. At 2 o'clock, the Ferry attempted to close the drawbridge on the boat. It would not close. It stayed stuck for 20 minutes. In those 20 minutes, the breakdancer arrived at the dock and litterally ran onto the ferry. Just as soon and the breakdancer jumped on the boat, the drawbridge clsoed and the boat was off. Amazing isn't it?

Meetings All Over Fiji

Josh and I are now based in a city called Lautoka on the Western side of the main Island of Fiji. We along with our coordinators on the West (Vika and Seria) are doing lots of traveling. We are meeting with the executive committees all over the island, making sure everything is ready for the next two weeks. Last night we went from Suva to Pacific Harbour, to Sigatoka, to Lautoka, to Ba, and then back to Lautoka. It was a long day in the car with lots of meetings and Fijian food along the way (lots of starch).
Today is the first day official day of the Tour. The teams and most of the staff have started the tour in the Northern Division. The stage and lighting is set up, the advertising is blitzing the main radio stations and prime time TV. Tonight TX is performing in a town called Samusamu on the island of Taveune. From there the tour will move toward Lambasa. It is all rolling!
Our day is going to be alot of driving once again. In just a little bit we (Josh, myself, Seria, and Vika) are heading back to Sigatoka for another executive meeting. From there we will head to executive meeting number 2 in Nandi, and from there back to Lautoka to prepare for tomorrow. Local link training and more executive meetings are on the agenda.
Please pray for the following.
Safe transportation for all the teams and coordinators.
Grace for all the volunteers making bricks (for TX to break) and working in the offices.
That the local executives will have wisdom in getting final things organized and that all final preparations would fall in to place smoothly.
For the remaining finances to come in for the tour.
For continued grace for all the teams to adapt to Fijian culture, food, ect...

Excited Taxi Driver

Last night when we arrived in Suva, we stayed in the same house that we used to live in when we were here last year. This morning as Dave, Josh, and I, piled into a Taxi we had a small adventure. Dave was talking with the Taxi driver as we passed a new church building. The taxi driver went on told us that he was an elder at that church. Dave then proceeded to tell he driver that we were here with Impact World Tour. The taxi driver got so excited it was amazing. He started speaking in Fijian really fast, and then he proceeded to get lost. We kept having to interrupt him to get him going in the right direction. The tour is still 4 weeks away in Suva, and it looks like the momentum is going to be electricin the capital city.

IWT FIJI is here

Wow, after almost three years of preparation IWT FIJI is here. Josh and I arrived safely in Fiji late Thursday night. It has been full on since then. We along with about ten others that had arrived Thursday jumped in a van and headed along the bumpy road to the Coral Coast Christian Camp. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was the Encounter Weekend where the IWT staff and performers fueled up for next 6 weeks. We has some great times of worship and we felt as though "the ancient gates were being lifted up so that the King of Glory could come in - Psalms 27".
One of the coolest things for me was seeing so many different people groups all uniting in order to bring the Gospel to the nation of Fiji. Being in worship times with so many different people groups was a small glimpse of what it will be like one day around the thrown of God.
Last night the IWT FIJI COMMISSIONING SERVICE was held at the CMF church in Suva. Each team performed a short item and we were then sent/prayed out by the combined church of Fiji. It was awesome. The crowd went wild as Kali (the second tallest man in the world) tore a phone book in two in about 1 second. The break dancers were especially impressive as the flipped and spun through the air. And Island Breeze seemed to usher in the presence of the Lord as they culturally honoured the leadership in the church of Fiji. It is going to be a great tour!

This is slightly blury picture of Kali, the giant - next to anothet Team Extream member.

So that what has happened so far! Josh and I are heading back on the road to Nandi to do some final preparations in the West, while the majority of the teams are getting on an overnight ferry up to the Northern Island. Pray that the rain would stop in the North and that the lighting systems would be able to be repaired (they were damaged during transport on non paved roads). We need dry field to put stages on! We hope to be in touch soon - wherever we have internet access.

Community meeting.

Last night there was a YWAM community meeting where people involved in YWAM from all over Tauranga were invited to gather together for a time of worship, testimonies and reports. It's so good to be able to gather with other YWAMers having come out of an atmosphere of prayer and worship (House of Prayer). We believe God is merging a prayer and missions movement of young people right here in Tauranga. Josh was asked to share on the House of Prayer and IWT Fiji, the majority of the meeting ended up focussing on Fiji.

Speaking of Fiji, we fly out tonight at 8pm. It's going to be so great to go out into the nations again. It's really exciting what God is doing at grassroots level in Fiji at this time. We feel so empowered to be sent out from this place.

All the cards are out on the table with IWT Fiji now! Yesterday a storm blew in, the van broke down, posters were dispersed to all the wrong locations, one of our coordinators sister died along with a whole heap of other stuff that has come up last minute when doing something of this scale. However, we feel that this is an amazing opportunity for Fiji as a nation, keep an eye out for regular reports of our travels and news from the beautiful Islands of Fiji.

The Packing Has Started

It is almost 10 pm (bedtime) and our room is a little bit messy. Suitcases, clothes, and everything else needed to go to Fiji is in the process of being packed. I think it will be all systems go until we are actually sitting on the plane. It always seems to be that way, run around and get everything done and then relax on the way to whatever destination it might be. Okay, enough procrastination - time to pack!

Warranty....got to love it!

Tomorrow is going to be a day of fixing things in the Cole household. Both my car, and Josh's computer are being taken to the repair shops before our 8am start at THOP. For those of you continuous blog readers (way to go the faithful-thanks for sticking with us through the silent stretches), you will remember our journey with computers last time we were in Fiji. Josh's brand new computer broke and he was without for two months.

That being said, it seems fitting to me that the day we reserved our tickets back to Fiji for IWT...his computer stopped working again. This time the sound and DVD driver have stopped working. Josh isn't too phased, and I'm not too worried though ....BECAUSE IT HAS BROKEN 1 WEEK BEFORE IT'S WARANTIE RUNS OUT. Isn't that stinky but brillian at the same time.

Friends!

Well....we just had a great night with some of our friends from around the area! I just love hanging out with friends, laughing, sharing, eating, worshipping, and just loving on each other. I love how God designed life to revolve around relationship. This is something Josh and I learnt whilst in Fiji from the Fijian people and their way of life and cultural values. While we lived there at our home we had no radio, no TV, no Internet, no Stereo system, and no newspapers, we just had God, each other and friends. Fijians are the pinnacle of what you would call relational!

Speaking of Fiji.....Josh and I will be going there together next Thursday for the launch of Impact World Tour. It's so exciting to be part of a nation wide project involving the whole Body of Christ, where thousands will come to know Jesus!

Time to crawl into my super comfy bed!

We just came back from the Coles where we were involved in Matt's birthday party. Imagine 10 twelve year olds totally covered in mud scarfing down sausages and brownies, and all screaming like girls. It was very commical. Josh had the joy of being the ref for the rugby game that occured after the big feed. Boys will be boys!

Conclusion on the drive home: boys talk just as much, if not more, girls.

Matt's Birthday!

Today was Matthew Cole's 13th Birthday! So, in usual Cole fashion we ALL gathered for a celebration dinner. Steak on BBQ, Birthday Cake with Lemon Icing, and game of Balderdash to finish up the night. Matthew, or Matty as we call him, is really a good kid - well teenager. You might want to remember his name though. In ten years he will probaly be on the New Zealand cricket team.

Another Visitor....

Well....it seems to the be the "season" of visitors at the moment. How Fun! I have this funny feeling that this "season" might set in for a while now. The little "THOP/YWAM" community seems to be growing constantly. Stefen and Chelsea, the newly weds (3 weeks), who were staying with us until they got their feet on the ground have moved out a few days ago to their own place, probably to their relief....and tonight we're blessed with a new visitor, Gwen, from YWAM Perth. She will be with us for a week or two before heading out. Lovely!

Dinner at the Coles tonight was typical....fun, laughter, games, a leg of lamb, and Lani's ultimate brownies.

We're both pretty tired after the weekend, as we were working right through with IWT banquets in Auckland and garage sales through the Urban Lounge. Very fruitful, but two tired bodies need a good rest.

Goodnight!

How Sweet!

I just have to brag on my husband tonight. In the midst of a crazy busy week for both of us, Josh managed to surprise me with a beautiful arrangement of lilies complete with a hand made card. Not only was it a total surprise and a beautifully sweet gesture, but he was fully involved in the arrangement process. Apparently, he climbed down a cliff to cut the flowers from their natural setting, then went into his sisters art supplies. After carefully choosing the wrapping and ribbon, and with a little assistance from some friends, the lily creation came into being.

I know....I have an awesome husband!

Power of Positive Thinking

Last weekend I heard someone say something that really inspired me. This person, who will remain nameless, is suffering from a lifetime illness. However in the midst of new physical challenges everyday....positive words just keep comming.

Here's what this person said to a recent comment....

Someone asked me...."what else could possibly be wrong with you? I replied, don't ask whats wrong with me, just think of all the things that are right with me....I'm thankful!"

It remindind me of the power of positive thinking, or as I see it...looking at life through the eyes of faith.

Relaxing Weekend

This weekend was very refreashing, even though it was very wet for most of the time. With Josh been gone in Fiji and with a lot on both of our plates, we thought it was important to just stop and enjoy one another. We went on a romantic date to Kaimai Cafe this afternoon which is probably Tauranga's best kept secret, our new favourite. Good food, a great movie, an amazing church service this morning, Josh getting over excited about a rugby game to the point of standing a couple of feet away from the TV yelling at the players, baking and playing guitar took up the rest of our time.

Josh was given the oppurtunity to share at church this morning and we were both super encouraged by the response, and the hearts of the church family as they heard about what all is going on.

We have a big week this week with our IWT Fiji Banquet in Auckland this coming weekend and also a garage sale for the Urban Lounge on Friday and Saturday with plenty happening in between.

Deja Vu

Definition - the experience of thinking that a new experience had happened before.

Pretty much everyone has experienced the unsettling mystery of déjà vu - that flash of memory when you meet someone new you feel you've known all your life or recognize a place even though you've never been there before. Apparently it's far more commen to happen to 15-25 year olds more than any other age group....Interesting.

Well tonight we watched this movie called Deja Vu in which the plot obviously revolves around this whole concept. It is one of those movies that really makes you think and leaves you shaking your head in disbelief at the end. If you're looking for a good movie to watch this weekend, check it out and let me know what you think.

From Fiji....

Hey Folks!

Just wanted to say BULA from Fiji. Things are going very well here with all of the preperation for IWT FIJI. The staff gathering was a powerful time, and it was evident that God's spirit was moving in and amongst us.

We had 7 Church Kick Off's over the weekend, which was just awesome. Most of them were combined launches, which means all the churches come together to hear the vision of IWT. In most cases, this is unheard of in Fiji with usually such division between denomitations. However Yesturday was a different story, we had methodist, bretheran, pentecostal, AOG, and pentecostals all in one building joining together to hear what God is doing in and through IWT. I love how psalm 133 talks about where there is unity God commands his blessing, to see this blessing actually outworked in the church, is amazing.

God is doing a new thing in FIJI that has never been seen, touched, entered into, or even imagined ever before.

We're off to Sigatoka today, and then I fly out to NZ on Wednesday morning. It's been such a full, productive time. And you might not believe me when I say this, but it has actually been cold here. Cold enough to have to wear long pants and a jumper.

Cheers.

5 thoughts...

1. WEDNESDAY was a big day in the Cole household. Josh left for Fiji on Wednesday and Chelsea and Stephen arrived the same day. I think everyone can imagine how busy Tuesday was...but whew, the house was clean, the bags were packed and we made it. Dave and Sue Cole left for Fiji on the same plane as Josh so all in all the family has become even more dispersed than usual. What a interesting, mobile world we live in.
2. AVOCADOS are now in season, and I love that my in-laws have a small orchard of them. I might not have a full fridge, but I do have a giant bowl of guacamole in it. Yum, now if only I had some chips....
3. PRAY FOR THE HOSTAGES IN AFGHANISTAN It must be really scary to be a hostage and have your group leader/pastor killed. We should all pray for them to be strong and have courage in the face of danger. May peace, love, and hope abound
4. WHY does lipstick cost $21.00-$38.00 a tube in New Zealand? I just used the last of my favorite lipstick, and went to the Warehouse and the Pharmacy looking for a replacement. No way am I paying that much for something that might cost $8.00 bucks max at Target in the USA! I can go without till Christmas or the next care package.
5. I LOVE READING! One thing I do to fill those just before bed time moments when Josh is gone in read. It distracts my mind from making up thuds and bumps that I think that I hear. I have rediscovered this joyful thing in the last two days. I'll let you know if the novel I picked up off the shelf turns out to be any good. It's about a fire fighter.

A Weekend of Birthdays

Well it was one of those weekends this weekend; where pretty much everyone seems to be getting older! Well maybe just those who have had birthdays. I guess age doesn’t really count until your number gets higher....time really doesn't wait for anyone does it?

Anyhow, we went to good friends 40th on Saturday night, and it was a great evening, perhaps the best lamb stew/curry I’ve ever had in my life, and great company. Yes it did mean Josh missing the rugby, but it was so worth while. It was so much fun to meet various people we’d never met before. We ended up talking to a couple who have disabled children, and we were both so impacted and encouraged by their testimony and the way they live their lives. Their perspective on life, their joy, and the way they spoke of God and lived out Christianity was truly inspiring. Listening to them share their ups and downs in life with children who ask the incredibly difficult WHY questions in the midst of suffering, was inspirational to say the least!

Sunday morning church was brilliant, we are both really enjoying Abundant Life Church at the moment, and God seems to be moving on quite a deep level. The worship times have been amazing the last three weeks, and it was exciting to hear Seth Fawcett share his heart with us, and everything that he brings in God. It’s so good to leave church feeling encouraged and inspired.

And then….On Sunday it was Mother Susan’s birthday. We had a fantastic night out at the Coles house, it was as funny, loud and fun as always. When all the Coles get together, there is never a dull moment. Ahhh….nothing like family. Perhaps the best carrot cake ever made in the history of man kind, was devoured before our very eyes, and chocolate fondue is always a hit out at Ruahihi road. Good night all round, and Happy Birthday MUM!

So we both feel rather refreshed after having the Lifeway guys around, and some decent fellowship and fun over a pretty wet weekend.

Josh is off to Fiji on Wednesday. The IWT National staff gathering is going to be happening in Suva this weekend, so look forward to reports about that.

Cheers!

A Week with the Lifeway Crew

Well God is still doing things in New Zealand and this week I felt like Josh and I were right in the middle of it. I have to admit we have been running pretty hard recently, and this week on a Friday night when we just wanted to veg out...but God had a different plan.

This last week Anna, Josh's oldest sister, came to Tauranga and brought the Lifeway Army with her. Lifeway, is a pretty cool church in Snells Beach-New Zealand that runs an internship called "the army". Anna and these thirty people in the army, came to Tauranga to check out the House of Prayer and to host a city wide event which took place last night. It was great to have them here, and it seems as though they loved the House of Prayer. It was good to have so many people at out 10am intercession meeting.

Anyway, last night Lifeway hosted a city wide event in Tauranga. Trevor Yaxley was the guest speaker, and Dave Cole was the MC. Trevor and the Cole's go way back, so it felt like family time...and Josh I ended up right dab in the middle of everything. Trevor is a brilliant speaker, and his words were full of fatherly love. By the time he gave the alter call about thirty kids came forward to give there lives to Jesus....which is awesome.

In true pull it together at the last minute fashion, there were not enough counselors to talk to all the kids wanting to give their lives to Jesus. So Josh and I jumped in. Josh got to lead three teenage guys to the Lord, and I got to do the same with two teenage girls. It was awesome to be a part leading someone to Jesus again. The shift that takes place in the human heart when we except Jesus as Lord, is the greatest miracle of all.

Refreshment is…..

Refreshment is going on long walks along the lake front in the sunshine, taking in the beautiful views of a gigantic lake, exercising until I’m sore, reading a novel while sitting in the winter sunshine in the garden, cooking with the other wives, and then waking up the next day and doing it again. At least that is what it has looked like the last few days for me. It is amazing to actually feel my brain relax a bit. I have to be honest and say, I’m not sure I like my brain relaxing….I like to be busy all the time, but it defiantly an interesting feeling.

Early tomorrow morning Josh and I are headed back to Tauranga, and Marty and Candice head back to America. It will be full on as soon we get home, as friends are coming for lunch. Hopefully we will get one last blast up the Mount before the weekend is officially over and Fiji becomes all consuming.

Lake Taupo and Friends

Well, after totally falling off the bloging wagon, we are back. We made it to Lake Taupo around 7:30 Wednesday night and dug straight into some fajitas and great conversation. Marty and Candice (the guys heading up IWT Ohio) are here, so a little time out was necessary to catch up with them. I don’t know if it really counts as time out though, because Josh is still working via the internet. None the less, the Walsh’s (complete with Taylor….age 3), Cole’s and Emmet’s are back together again for short time of refreshment.

Lake Taupo is an amazing place. For those of you who have not been to New Zealand, Lake Taupo is the largest Crater Lake in the country…..and I am pretty sure, the world. It is a beautiful place, and a great place to get away to. Whew, I am glad we are here.

Rain Rain Go Away!

It is now Sunday night and I can now official say "we have had the worst weather all weekend long", allthough I must acknowledge that rain is a blessing. Weekends tend to be our time to enjoy the outdoors, our friends, and Josh's family. However, minus Friday night (where we ventured out of our house to have a blast celebrating Aaron's 31st Birthday with the Walsh's) this weekend was doomed by rain. I didn't even leave the house on Saturday. Now that is just not like me! It has been raining nonstop since Friday morning, and it looks like at least the first few days of this week will be the same.

To pass the rainy days we have been doing lots of inside things. Josh and I happen to be numbered in the 11% of people (I found this fact on an online survey on allrecipes.com) who love enjoying puzzles. So this rainy weekend, out came the puzzles we bought on our honeymoon from the Ken Duncan Photography gallery (the is the photographer behind the movie "THE PASSION". Besides that, meal planning, recipe searching, a movie, streaming IHOP for hours on end, grocery shopping, and church filled the days. Oh well, I am guessing lots of people in Tauranga had such a weekend.

One impressive thing did happen this weekend though. When Josh and I got to church, the worship was really good. It was very encouraging, anointed and refreashing. A little Asian man was leading and the spirit of God was moving. I hope that was happening all over the city.

What you've all been waiting for!

Introducing, Abigail Kaitlin Harms!







She was born Sunday, June 24th at 7:51 p.m. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. with a length of 20 inches! After talking to the new parents, we know that Abigail is a night owl. She loves to sleep during the day and cry during the night. She also hates the cold. Good thing she was born in Kansas City in the summer time.

A New Addition

I am pleased to announce that "Abigail Harms" was born earlier today. My (Misty's) brother and his wife have had their first baby. I don't know all the details yet, and I won't have pictures until they get home from the hospital tomorrow, but I know all the family, Mommy, Daddy, and baby are doing well. Aparently, labour went pretty well and it didn't last too aweful long. So....seriously PRAISE the Lord. The family is expanding. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them.

Internship Graduation

Last night we graduated the 3rd group of interns from the Revive Internship of the Tauranga House of Prayer. It was a good time of celebration. Here are a couple of pictures from last night.

A Changing of the Guard

I would like to say that I love old people. They have lived such full lives and really are treasure troves of knowledge. At my part time job, I often work with "mature clients" and they always leave me with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes. I don't know what it is about them, but there is something that takes you another place when you talk to them.

This week I have been facinated by the coverage of Ruth Graham's death. It is amazing how much coverage one woman going to be with Jesus gets. The publicity is all good too, which is amazing. Each one of the articles I have read off CNN.com, has brought tears to my eyes. I guess it is hearing the call of eternity, and knowing that Ruth Graham lived her life well. She is one of the those people that Jesus has said "well done good and faithful servant" to.

Throughout the reading, both Josh and I have both felt that Ruth's death marks a changing in the guard. It's time for the next generation to take their positions as leaders in the body of Christ. Does anyone else feel the same thing?

Josh is Home...and so is Dave

After a stint in Fiji (which felt like forever to me), Josh is back home with me! Yea! Yes indeed, tonight I fought through the 5 o'clock traffic across town (which seemed especially bad tonight) to my hubby. I must say it is nice to see him again, especially considering he took me out for a romantic dinner. Josh is extremly tired.

Josh had a great time in Fiji. He was extremly busy traveling with our production manager, speaking in churches, meeting with Executive committees, and meeting with our IWT Fiji staff. The campaign is not that far away now...just two and a half months, so things are runnign on a whole new level.

On to other notes, Dave has also just returned from America. He actually got to spend 24 hours with my Mom and Dad, which is really cool. This means I got to hear the latest from Texas and that I have my wedding photo albums back too! So, if any of you havn't seen them and want to, let me know. Also, I did manage to get the spagetti stain out of the curtain, thanks to a little product called "Friend". So all you stain fighting Mom's......take note.

Drama at the Cole House

Okay...so this is what happens when you have kids, I am SO not ready!

With Dave and Josh both overseas, Sue and I have been busy keeping things running in the two house holds. Obviously, Sue has a lot more going on than me with all the kids after school activities...so I have been helping her out. Tonight I picked up Debs from ballet and brought her home.

All was going great, we were talking about Cirque de Soliel and her next ballet recital. Anyway, then I cooked some chicken spaghetti (which was pretty good for a first time attempt). I then served up a plate for Debs, with "just a little" broccoli. As Debs headed toward the table suddenly, disaster struck. One step, two step, three step, spaghetti on the carpet and curtains.

I mean what do you do? I didn't freak out, so Josh would have been proud, but it just threw me for a spin. I can handle carpet stains, I have carpet cleaner....but curtain stains. Yikes! And the curtains don't belong to us either. They belong to the landlord. Anyway, it was a dramatic scene and I guess it still is. Presently the curtains are soaking in a tub of cold water. It is still to be seen if the spagetti sauce will come out. However, Sue dropped of some cleaner for me to try....so you can imagine what I'll be doing the next hour.

Something a bit different

Last night I did something a bit different, and went out with the team from the Urban Lounge. One of our designers is leaving the company to go back to school, and it was her going away dinner. I have to admit I wasn’t that excited about going coming out of a full day going for it at THOP and with IWT, However, Kathyrn (the designer) is an awesome person, and Josh was away, and I didn’t have anything other commitments on, so I went. It turned out to be a great time too! The people I work with at the Urban Lounge are just really cool, creative, people.

When you sit down to dinner with people, you really get to know them; and when you get to know them, well that is when the love of God can break into their lives. I don’t want to sound too churchy about it, but I love how the love of God can open up doors to share Him. The general view of God is so warped these days. People don’t understand that his greatest desire is “to have us with him where He is (John 17:24)” But if you love on them, I really believe they will eventually get it. Living a life of love is a great way to live too, so ultimately you loose nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1).

I don’t mean to complain…but will someone agree with me on this.

An interesting and annoying thing seems to happen every time Josh goes to Fiji (for those of you that know this, sorry to repeat it). To be exact, it has happened every month for the last 6 months now. It seems that right about 12 hours after Josh has stepped onto Fijian soil, my email account goes down in a very particular way. I can receive emails, but can not send them out no matter what I do, or who I call to try to fix it.

As you can imagine, this is a very annoying thing to try to work with when you are trying get things done for your husband who needs to communicate with you via email….and when you want to connect with loved ones in America! The area of communications is a stronghold in Fiji, so it does not surprise us that we go under this type of spiritual attack when Josh is there, but it is still a pain. Josh and I have learned to laugh at it, but now I want the warfare called off. I’m tired of these games, it’s time to get back to business!

Will you guys pray with me on this? Some things “can only come out by prayer and fasting” Mathew 29:9. God is bigger than this.

Josh in Fiji and Misty in New Zealand

Josh landed safely in Fiji yesterday afternoon, and besides being kept awake all night by barking dogs, is doing well. Today Josh and Matt, our lighting and sound technician from Australia, are traveling around the Westerns Region of Fiji working out the technical side of the tour. Logistics in Fiji are “interesting” to say the least, so please keep them in your prayers. They need to have quick minds to plan and strategize.

Back in New Zealand, I am finally beginning to breathe a bit. With sending Josh off yesterday morning, heading to a day of work at the Urban Lounge (where I was trained in about a million different marketing things, including web design), and then going straight to our THOP leadership meeting in the evening, I was a busy girl. Things are really happening with the development of the missions base in Tauranga, and we want to ask you guys to pray with us for the release of property. God, who loves to surprise us, is advancing things.

Josh is great, and other news.....

The last couple of nights Josh has been really impressing me. First and foremost, he has been using the birthday gift I got him when we were engaged...his kayak. The fact that he has wanted to go kayaking "for the exercise" in the freezing cold New Zealand winter is insane to me, but it shows me how much he loves his present! Not only that, but it seems he has made kayaking into a profitable practice. His last paddle brought in two Kahawai, which is one of my favorite eating fish! What you catch you don't have to buy, so I say bring it on! And, yes it tasted great!

To continue in the bent of praising my husband, can I just tell everyone he is a great leader and teacher. A couple of nights ago we had a bunch of the THOP staff over for a partner raising class. Josh and Jordan (another staff member) did all the teaching and it was so good. All I had to do was offer the tea and coffee. I felt like I was back in the American 50's for a minute.

Onto other news: Anna, Nikka, Nathan and Ben (Josh's sister and her family) are coming to Tauranga for the weekend. I love hanging out with them, so that is really awesome. It will be a great weekend. I'm sure we will do alot of discussing my parent's in-law's new addition to their house, which brings me to my other news. I learned today that it is very common to paint over wallpaper in New Zealand. It creates textured look by a method that is alot shorter than, stripping the walls, plastering them, adding texture to them, and then painting them, which is what is generally done in America. So.....I guess that idea is back on the drawing board.

I think we were supposed to go....

In my last blog, I told you guys that we had some adventures in Christchurch. Well, here is one of them.....

When we landed in Christchurch, we met up with some friends and they took us to pick up our friends car. Our friend, Rexy, is awesome, and let us drive his car around while he was in Western Australia. However there was a little catch. We had to take the car to get a Warrant of Fitness before we left the Christchurch, as it was going to expire during our week of driving around the South Island. Rexy's car is pretty nice, so we thought it would be as easy to get the warrant. We maid an appointment, dropped Steph and I at the grocery store to buy food for the week, and let Josh take the car in for the test.

We were isle 11 when Josh called. The car failed the test......meaning it would be banned from the road. Apparently the brake pads were completely worn down and it was not safe for a road trip. Especially not on the winding, hilly roads of the South Island. In that moment I found myself faced with a choice....keep shopping in faith that we would still go, or put everything back on the shelves and figure out how to kill a week in Christchurch as our tickets were nonrefundable and unchangeable. I chose to keep shopping.

Now it was 2:00 pm on a Saturday afternoon...and almost everything closes down at noon for the rest of the weekend. Josh said there was one place the guy at the Warrant of Fitness place told him about, and he was going to try to see if he could get an "emergency brake pad change". Ten minutes later, when we were in picking out our frozen veggies, Josh called again. The mechanic was going to squeeze it in right now....even though he had 4 other cars to work in line. Not only that, but he left his shop to go and purchase the brake pads for us, and only charged us 100 dollars. It was unbelievable! Now all we needed was the Warrant of Fitness.

Steph and I finished our shopping, headed to Subway to grab a late lunch for the drive to Aurthur's Pass, and then began walking with all our groceries toward the Warrant of Fitness place. As soon as we reached the parking lot, Josh called (because he did not see us 40 feet away from him)...the car has passed THE TEST and we were ready to roll!!!!

Crazy huh, I think God really wanted us to go to. It was amazing how it all worked out.

An Awesome Time!

Josh and I just got home from putting my friend Stephanie on a plane. Normally, Josh driving to and from Auckland thing would be a semi normal thing....however tonight it was pouring with rain, and I actually drove the winding #2. It's the first time I have ever done it in rain and only my third time to ever drive it. Anywhooo....we had a great time with Steph and are so glad she came to visit us.

Our time in the South Island was so full of beauty, as you can see from the photo's. We started out flying to Christchurch and having some amazing experiences there. Then we went on to Aurthur's Pass, where we climbed Avalanche Peak. Then it was on to Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers, followed by a drive down the West coast with rain drenching walks to flowing waterfalls. The town of Wanaka (which is the city closest to Shania Twains vacation home) was our next stop. Everything we saw was just awe inspiring.

Queenstown and the Remarkable Mountains were our next stop. It was great to be able to see beauty and work at the same time. Starbucks served as the IWT office for a couple of days. Then onto our favorite place, Kinlock Lodge, where we met Samson and Delila, two golden retrievers. We also explored some Lord of the Rings Territory. We finished up our trip with an amazing day at Mt. Cook National Park, were we got to watch a real live Avalanche cascade down the rock face. Mount Cook is the highest point in New Zealand and an absolutely gorgeous site to behold. If you want to see more pics or know more about our trip please let us know, we have tons of videos and photos.

I think I made it and Oh Yeah....

Well, it is 10:20 pm and I have just finished packing for the South Island. I think managed to get almost everything done before my bed time in ten minutes. Phew! I'm exhausted.

I realized I forgot to update everyone on how Josh's public speaking engagement went in Fiji. Unfortunately, it never happened. In true island style, Josh showed up to speak and the church leaders told him they had mixed up the days of the speakers and that he couldn't speak that day. They wanted to come back and speak at the camp a few days later, but that didn't work with his IWT schedule, so it became a no go. Yeah...so there is the story. I guess the lesson is, when in Fiji just be flexible because things will always change.

Pictures at Last!

So after finally resizing these...here they are a few shots from Josh's time in Fiji. I love Fijians, they always looks so happy. It must be island way of life!

STAFF PICTURE


THE GIRLS and LUKE


THE BOYS


TRENA and NOAH


DAVID COLE