New Zealand Warriors

If there is anything I have come to learn about myself it is that I am horrible with blogging on a regular basis. So many days go by in which I intend to sit down and write out all the adventures God has been taking me through, but before I know it the day has gone by and yet again I have failed to make any updates in my life. 

It is so exciting to be sitting in New Zealand writing to all my family, friends and supporters that have all contributed to me being able to do ministry here. Since arriving here in December I have had numerous doors open and have watched God direct me to the right place at the right time. 

I have officially taken over as pastor of South Primal in South Auckland. In the past few weeks we have been establishing a good foundation with our leaders. Early on I felt God tell me that He doesn't need anymore leaders, but needs people that are willing to rise up as warriors and fight for the lives of these kids in prayer, time, and love. My heart has continued to break for the youth of New Zealand and I have an increasing passion to fight to rescue souls for His kingdom. Being passive is not a character quality that God can use. With the utmost aggression satan steals the lives of our youth everyday and yet we complain cause we don't want to pray, fast, give or even read the word. We don't want to discipline our flesh to do whatever it takes to see someone's life changed and set free. 

I recently got lost in a part of town called Otara. As I drove around the area of town that many would deem as "the hood" my heart began to break for those who grow up every day believing "this is it!" This is the life I have been given to live. A life that fights just to make it through each week instead of walking in the abundance of life that Jesus came to give us. And for whatever reason, God has compelled me to go. He has moved me with compassion to go after His children that are lost, blind, hurting, and scared. He has called me to be the one to bridge the gap!  

This Thursday at South Primal we will be concluding our series on "More To Life." We have challenged the kids to "dare to dream" and trust that God will bring a life of abundance and success. Success of course being defined by God's standards: love, joy, peace, having a good family and being good parents, freedom, etc. I have rallied together some of the most genuine people I have met at C3 church thus far and asked them to partner with me this week to lead these kids to freedom. One cannot have more in life without being set from the old ways of life! Being empowered with the Holy Spirit is crucial for any of us have to live a life of abundance and Godly success. 

In the next month we will be doing several outreaches and events to see more souls won for Christ. Also, we will be working with another young leader that has received a called to start another Primal in New Plymouth. Together we will launch this youth ministry and hit the streets to seek out and bring in the lost. This is only one of six new youth ministries that will be launched in NZ through C3 this year! By the end of 2013 Primal will be back into every major city in NZ. What a dynamic and strategic plan to take back what satan has stolen! Seeing the Kingdom of God grow is the passion and burden in all our hearts and we are taking it with force this year. 

We just finished our C3 Conference last week. The power of God was on the move and I know every leader and pastor was challenged in their walk and vision for 2013. Canon J John, Phil Pringle, Dean Rush, Dean Sweatman, and Sam Monk brought the word to all of us in a powerful and enlightening way. I am still laughing at J John's jokes, but more importantly I am still pondering and meditating on the way he presented the truths of God's word. This conference marked a year since I first came out to NZ, and it was a fulfilling moment to see how many doors God has opened for me! When He is ready to move and you are willing to follow then He will get you there quick! 

This next year is going to have its challenges. Already we have lost a couple leaders and had some changes, but having learned what it means to trust God over the past few years I am at peace knowing He has it planned out much better than I could ever dream! We are in a season of pruning and training as God is preparing us to rise up as the warriors He needs to fight for the lives of EVERY SINGLE child in this city. I don't want one or two...I want them all and going to do whatever it takes or whatever He asks to see lives saved for His name. 

I ask that you be in prayer with our C3 teams here in NZ. It is never easy to take new territories for Christ. The opposition always rises, but as we agree together in prayer we always see the victory!

I love and miss you all! I am so grateful to have your support and love even on the other side of the world.