What's the news on New Zealand???

Last night we received an email with an official invitation to join the ministry in Christchurch, NZ at Canterbury University. We are very excited and feel a sense of peace that God is finally moving us in the right direction. So what does this mean? It means that we move on to the next step. The next step is an interview process with the heads of the international department at The Navigators and also counseling. The purpose of this is to make sure that we are ready to go overseas.
We want to thank you for all your prayers and support during this transition. We know it has taken some time, and even though we don't always like waiting for Him, we really feel that God is in this and His timing is perfect.
 

How Was The Trip?

“So, how was the trip to New Zealand?” You ask…

The flight into Christchurch International Airport was damp and a bit surreal. Especially after a 15 hour flight from LAX and a 4 hour layover in Sydney. I had been anticipating a spectacular view from the airplane coming into Christchurch, but was instead met by a thick blanket of clouds and a soup like drizzle. This was disappointing because I had of course only heard of the amazing beauty of the countryside and had scenes from the Lord of the Rings Trilogy dancing around in my head. Plus, I was already apprehensive about having left Erin and the boys such a great distance behind. Now I was beginning to wonder if the dark, damp clouds were going to be a sign of things to come. After clearing customs I began feeling a little self-conscious about meeting my NZ hosts, because I realized that they had no idea what I looked like and I had no idea what they looked like. The only previous contact that I had were a handful of emails and a single phone conversation. I was wondering how this was going to work and if they would even show up at all. All of my doubts began to dissipate when they did pick me out of the bustling crowd and calmly approached me with a warm smile and a reassuring inquiry, “Bryan!?” “Yes.” I replied feeling reassured and quite relieved. “You must be Lynton. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” I said while shaking his hand. “Yes, and this is my wife Philippa.” He explained. “It is great to meet you both.” I said.

It really is amazing how an influential person or people can change your attitude about things. I experienced this during my trip. I was anticipating being more excited by the beauty of NZ than the people making a difference for God in their city. I was blessed by the interactions that I had with Lynton and his wife and then the student leaders involved in the UCNAVS ministry. I was also introduced to many couples and young families that were making a difference in their community by living and discipling among the lost. This is a very uncommon thing to find among believers in the country. In NZ most people consider the idea of Christianity to be negative. There is a bit of an identity crisis going on in Christchurch. The Church of England established Christchurch in the mid 1800’s through the help of John Robert Godley who had attended Christ Chruch, Oxford. Today most New Zealander’s do not identify with any type of religion. For many that do believe they choose to practice their faith behind closed doors and gravitate to associating with only their Christian friends. There is also a strong “Home Church” movement among the dwindling Christian community in NZ.

If we are invited to join the ministry team in Christchurch we will be working primarily with the Canterbury University students and student leaders. A large part of our roll will be to disciple young men and women. Also, as we live in Christchurch we will be immersed in a secular culture and be called to live as insiders for Christ amongst our neighbors.

Please pray that a decision will be made soon, so that we may begin to officially prepare for this exciting transition.

Goodbye Colorado

Goodbye Colorado, we will miss you!
What we will miss!

My sister, brother, nephews, and niece.

The campers and staff at Day Camp

Field Trips with the campers.

The beauty of The Glen

Eagle Lake

Our church, New Life

Our Friends

Snow (most of the time)

The trees and mountains.

Long Summer Days that aren't too hot!

Summiting 14ers (Bryan only)

What we are looking forward to in Tucson:

Spending time with our parents

CCC

Our friends

No jackets

Mexican Food

Eegee's

Visiting our supporters

WOW

Sunsets

Real College Sports ;-)

My Landon

So for those of you that have met Landon, he is such an individual and soooo cute.  Well, maybe I am a little bias, but it's true.  Here is his latest!  He loves to read books and read them on his own.  So as you listen to him read his books you will hear the cutest thing.  As he finishes he does not say...the end...he says....AMEN!  I love it!

Current Plan

The current plan is to start packing up our home and head out to Tucson at the end of the month.  Probably January 30 or 31.  We will have a week in Tucson before we have to head to out to California for Bryan's plane.  Bryan will fly out on Feb. 9 and will arrive in New Zealand on the 11th (their time).  He will arrive in Christchurch where he will be spending time with a Navigator from New Zealand named, Lynton.  During his visit he will be able to get to know the Navigator team and help with a retreat for the University students.  This will really give Bryan an idea if he will be a good fit in this situation and a good look at what the ministry would be like.  Bryan will then return on the 18th of Feburary.  While Bryan is away the kids and I will be staying with our old neighbors Rachel and Alika.  We are very excited to get to spend some time with dear friends!  Please pray for all the traveling that will be done and for wisdom as we step out in faith!

A Visit to the Police Station

This Christmas Season we baked cookies with the kids and took them over to our local Police Station.  Our friend, Officer Nick, was working and was able to take us on a tour.  The kids got to see the car, turn the lights on, sit in a cell, and be hand cuffed.  Thank you Nick for taking us on a tour!  Let's hope this is the only time we see our kids in these settings :)

Come Let Us Adore Him

Like many of you, we sang the song, Come Let Us Adore Him on Sunday at church. While singing this great Christmas song I thought about one question over and over again. How have I adored Him this Christmas? Have I spent time with Him or have I spents most of my time with the business of the season?  Have I studied his word or have I watched a lot of Christmas movies? Have I really reflected on how God came to earth as a baby and paid the ultimate sacrifice for my sins? If I am honest with myself I often times get swept up by the traditons of the seasons. I am challanging myself and you to really adore our Savior this week as we celebrate his birth. So, how do I adore my Savior? Here is the definition of adore according to the dictionary.

adore (ə dôr′)
transitive verb adored adored′, adoring ador′·ing
1.to worship as divine 2.to love greatly or honor highly; idolize

I will choose to worship Him, I will spend time with Him, I will love Him, and I will honor Him!