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.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
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.
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.
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