Hearing the Voice of the Shepherd

How to summarize a week in amazing New Zealand!

Let me focus first on the spiritual dynamic we've entered into here.  

As we've OUTFLOWed in 6 cities, I see believers eager to find ways to bring Jesus to people who would rather not be bothered with "religion."  Not much different in the USA really. 

This has been a time of encouraging one another to persevere! 

New Zealanders are a uniquely secure people.  No world enemies threaten them.  A social government works hard to legislate safety  -- ie. a big news item is a father being taken to court because someone saw him "swat" his son in public.  This father faces possibility of 2 years in prison.  Sports are hot (heard of rugby's All Blacks?).  Standard of living is comfortable.  NZ doesn't even have any animals that are poisonous or dangerous.  Only possums and birds and sea life. 

Here we've seen Christians already making significant impact through practical relational ventures -- a ministry of foot washing and clipping toe nails for elderly who cannot bend over to tend to their feet -- buying a pub [Christian music videos play in the pool room] to raise funds for children's literacy ministry in a small village -- weekly commitment to visit folks in a nursing home who have become dear friends.

In my prayer time I've sensed the Lord saying New Zealand has a special place in something God is up to around the world.  My admonition is to encourage them to persevere in doing good, and to focus on discipling people in learning how to hear the voice of the Lord.  The picture I have is of the Lord's sheep in pastures who wander away from the rod and staff of their Shepherd and find themselves easy picking for deception and destruction.   I sense this is a word for the church everywhere.

The Lord is seeking to prepare us for something "big" coming. . .and His people must be listening and living close to Jesus Christ for guidance, safety and empowerment.  The need to overcome evil and to be a safe place of refreshment for world wearied people will be essential for the church in our life time.    Take a look at Isaiah 32.   This is what the Lord has put on my heart in preparing to come to this beautiful land of Kiwis.

Our last conference is this Saturday in Aukland.  We appreciate your prayers for the Lord to accomplish His purpose again.   We head back to the USA on Tuesday!

Your prayers are felt.  Our host, Howard, commented on how relatively hassle free this tour has been and credits that to prayer.   

Thank you all.

Keep them coming!

Love from Dave and Pam

Tuesday am in downtown Queenstown.