Hey everyone,
Sorry it's been so long since my last post, things were a little busy. I can't believe that I only have a week left of outreach! It's flown by so fast. The last four weeks have been pretty crazy. The last post I was writing from Gladstone, but since then I have been to Mackay, Sarina, Airlie Beach and now I am writing to you from Mount Isa. Each place has been jam packed full of fun and God has moved so much during those times.
Mackay was maybe one of the most difficult times on outreach I encountered. As a team we became camp counselors for troubled youth. Camp Eagle was a place put on by the chaplains from the schools around town for kids that they felt needed a bit more attention. The reason it was so trying is because of the lack of respect. Though, as the camp went on we where able to see more and more improvement in their attitudes and their respect for others. I was asked to look after a kid that has severe depression. I spent about 90% of the time at camp with him talking and looking after him. He is a Christian, so we had some great conversations about God and I did my best to answer some difficult questions. Even though this time was some of the most difficult it was probably some of the most fruitful.
Next my team headed to Sarina. Here we had one of the craziest schedules I think I have ever heard. We did a few school programs, helped clean up a skate park, went to an old folks home, and gathered native seeds... yep you read it right, gathered native seeds. For being such a crazy schedule it was one of the most fun. The diversity of our group definitely helped us in each of our diverse engagements. We were also blessed enough to be billeted at a beach house on a private beach. Don't worry I took heaps of photos.
After that we headed up to Airlie Beach. This is a huge stop for backpackers. We stayed at a YWAM base that has just started up there and we showed up to meet their first DTS. The team and I ran a few school programs and a Bible study which were great experiences. The YWAM base there is really focused on backpacker ministry, so we got to help them out with that as well.
Now I am in the Isa. This is the second time being here and it's become quite a bit hotter than last time, but still bearable because I jump in the pool whenever I get the chance. The last few days have been great because we have been doing acts of service which I love. We are staying at a caravan park run by some YWAMers, which we were able to help out and do some yard work at. We also ran a Sunday school, an indigenous youth group, more yard work and a kids telephone religious class. The kids telephone class was really awesome. Because Australia is so spread out a lot of kids are on cattle farms and don't get the chance to go to school. We participated with School of the Air and what they do is have a school over the phone so kids can have a chance to receive an education. It was amazing being able to be a part of it and see how it all works.
Tomorrow we head off to Maggie Island for Red Frogs and schoolies. Its bound to be an amazing time and I am excited to see what God does. Keep your prayers coming and I will blog again once I get the chance.
N.G.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
First week in Gladstone
So I have officially finish my first week of major outreach. It has been an amazing last seven days with everything I experienced. Last week was jam packed full of Auslifes. This program is so different to anything I have seen in the States because Queensland allows God to be taught in the schools. It's quite incredible doing a program that introduces foundational values to these kids and also brings in the element of God. It blew me away on how well the kids behaved and how many positive responses we received to what our team was bringing. The best part about it is that all the kids that had some sort of a response to the program are able to be followed up by a person called a Chaplain. Most of the schools in Queensland have Chaplains for extra moral support for the kids and the problems they encounter on a day to day basis. So all the kids that went through Auslife and wanted to know more about God are able to go talk to the Chappies and have someone to continue to build them up. It has been awesome getting to be apart of God's plan during this time. I am looking forward to see what will happen next week and excited to see what God has in store for me.
Hope you all are well.
Nate
Hope you all are well.
Nate
Friday, October 16, 2009
Just before I leave for outreach...
It amazes me that I have just completed two thirds of my DTS. Friday was my last day of lectures and tomorrow I leave for my major outreach. It seems to me that I have only been here for a fraction of the time but as I think back at all I have learned and the time I spent with God, it is evident to me that I have been bearing the fruit that comes out of fourteen weeks of lectures and outreach.
As I began to try and prepare myself for the next six weeks of outreach and walking into something completely new, I came to the realization that there was no point of me to try and prepare. If I try to predict what might happen or try to figure out what God might possible do, I realize now, that I would be putting God into an entirely way too small of a box and I wouldn’t let anything happen the way it should. Plus I would be for too over whelmed at all the thing that are going to come. I’ve decided the less I know the better, just give me what I need to know and I will run with it. So I will give you all the gist of what I know. First stop is in Gladstone and there we will be working with the schools doing Auslife. The only thing that I really know about Auslife is that the schools give us time with the kids to impart foundational values into their lives through games, talks and small group discussions. Then we head up the coast to Makay and Airlie Beach. At these destinations my team and I will work with a backpackers ministry and a camp for “troubled” youth. Next we head all the way back to Mount Isa for around a week. I’m still not sure if we know what we are doing there but I figure it will be a lot like the first time we went. Lastly we will go to Maggie Island during schoolies to work with Red Frogs crew. Really the only thing I know about our last stop is that schoolies is like an Australian version of spring break. So I’m assuming it will be a pretty intense time for my team and I to be a true representation of Christ.
That’s about all I know of the next six weeks of my adventure. I’m doing everything possible to go into this time with an open mind and an open heart. Only God knows what this time will hold and I hope I will be in the position to allow his will for this time to be done. I appreciate everyones prayers and thoughts and if you would keep them coming it would be a huge blessing.
I don’t know if I will be able to write a blog in the next six weeks, due to lack of internet or time. If I do get the opportunity I will be sure to send something your way. I will also be sure to come back with stories and heaps of photos. Hope you all are well.
As I began to try and prepare myself for the next six weeks of outreach and walking into something completely new, I came to the realization that there was no point of me to try and prepare. If I try to predict what might happen or try to figure out what God might possible do, I realize now, that I would be putting God into an entirely way too small of a box and I wouldn’t let anything happen the way it should. Plus I would be for too over whelmed at all the thing that are going to come. I’ve decided the less I know the better, just give me what I need to know and I will run with it. So I will give you all the gist of what I know. First stop is in Gladstone and there we will be working with the schools doing Auslife. The only thing that I really know about Auslife is that the schools give us time with the kids to impart foundational values into their lives through games, talks and small group discussions. Then we head up the coast to Makay and Airlie Beach. At these destinations my team and I will work with a backpackers ministry and a camp for “troubled” youth. Next we head all the way back to Mount Isa for around a week. I’m still not sure if we know what we are doing there but I figure it will be a lot like the first time we went. Lastly we will go to Maggie Island during schoolies to work with Red Frogs crew. Really the only thing I know about our last stop is that schoolies is like an Australian version of spring break. So I’m assuming it will be a pretty intense time for my team and I to be a true representation of Christ.
That’s about all I know of the next six weeks of my adventure. I’m doing everything possible to go into this time with an open mind and an open heart. Only God knows what this time will hold and I hope I will be in the position to allow his will for this time to be done. I appreciate everyones prayers and thoughts and if you would keep them coming it would be a huge blessing.
I don’t know if I will be able to write a blog in the next six weeks, due to lack of internet or time. If I do get the opportunity I will be sure to send something your way. I will also be sure to come back with stories and heaps of photos. Hope you all are well.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Back from Minor Outreach.
Dear Friends,
I have just returned from outreach and glad to say it went very well. The last three weeks have been jam packed full of new experiences and adventure. During this time the team and I have lead school programs, church services, a youth camp and did a bunch of praying. Through all these experiences all the class time I have received has come in to use and became more valuable than I realized it would be.
Mount Isa was the first stop on our trip and a great first introduction to outreach. One of the days we were there we did a school program that we able to lead for a group of 11th graders. Here we were able to share biblical truths with them and get to see in what ways these ideas could help them in there day to day lives. Another opportunity we were able to serve in was an evening church service for young aboriginal kids, we had so much fun singing songs, doing a drama and playing games. To top off the time in Isa the team and I went to the top of a mountain and prayed with a man named Ray who has been praying every Tuesday night at 5:30 for the last eleven years. It was a real humbling experience getting to pray with him for his city and to witness, first hand, such dedication and passion to see something change.
The second half of outreach we spent with with eleven high school kids from Melbourne. The first week we spent time discipling these young kids a lot like we had been through the first ten weeks of our DTS. After that, as a big group we ventured to Palm Island were we spent the next week serving the community and one of the local churches as much as we could. Palm is a much different place than the rest of Australia in the way that most people consider it to be the closest thing to a third world community that is still a part of a first world nation. We also learned that the people of Palm have a lot of hurt from the past in the way the government and caucasians have treated them, so we did everything we could to be an example of Christ and to help mend the wounds that are there.
It’s crazy to think that these last three weeks were just a taste of what is to come on my major outreach. I am doing well and looking towards the next two weeks of lectures, then it’s off again on outreach. Thank you all for all your prayer and if you would keep them coming that would be much appreciated.
Hope you all are well.
N.G.
Mount Isa. The whole town is built around this mine and that tack is a giant lead smelter.
A late afternoon at the beach on Palm with the Jetty.
I have just returned from outreach and glad to say it went very well. The last three weeks have been jam packed full of new experiences and adventure. During this time the team and I have lead school programs, church services, a youth camp and did a bunch of praying. Through all these experiences all the class time I have received has come in to use and became more valuable than I realized it would be.
Mount Isa was the first stop on our trip and a great first introduction to outreach. One of the days we were there we did a school program that we able to lead for a group of 11th graders. Here we were able to share biblical truths with them and get to see in what ways these ideas could help them in there day to day lives. Another opportunity we were able to serve in was an evening church service for young aboriginal kids, we had so much fun singing songs, doing a drama and playing games. To top off the time in Isa the team and I went to the top of a mountain and prayed with a man named Ray who has been praying every Tuesday night at 5:30 for the last eleven years. It was a real humbling experience getting to pray with him for his city and to witness, first hand, such dedication and passion to see something change.
The second half of outreach we spent with with eleven high school kids from Melbourne. The first week we spent time discipling these young kids a lot like we had been through the first ten weeks of our DTS. After that, as a big group we ventured to Palm Island were we spent the next week serving the community and one of the local churches as much as we could. Palm is a much different place than the rest of Australia in the way that most people consider it to be the closest thing to a third world community that is still a part of a first world nation. We also learned that the people of Palm have a lot of hurt from the past in the way the government and caucasians have treated them, so we did everything we could to be an example of Christ and to help mend the wounds that are there.
It’s crazy to think that these last three weeks were just a taste of what is to come on my major outreach. I am doing well and looking towards the next two weeks of lectures, then it’s off again on outreach. Thank you all for all your prayer and if you would keep them coming that would be much appreciated.
Hope you all are well.
N.G.
Mount Isa. The whole town is built around this mine and that tack is a giant lead smelter.
A late afternoon at the beach on Palm with the Jetty.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A few days before outreach
So it's a few days before outreach and everything seems like its gone by so fast. It is week nine now and I only have thirteen more to go. For me, at least, time has flown by. This week of lectures are on spiritual warfare, taught by Dean Sherman. Dean has been in YWAM for forty-two years now and the funny thing is that he spoke on my Dad's DTS twenty-seven years ago on the exact same subject. It's funny how truth never grows old or never stops being true. It is a real blessing to listen to him speak and the value of the knowledge he has given me is unfathomable.
A new update on our minor outreach is that we will actually be leaving on Sunday now instead of Saturday, because they still need some people to help out with Youth Street. I'm really looking forward to these next three weeks seeing how all this training is going to come into play with people who don't know Jesus. Please pray for my team and I as we go out and do what God has asked of us.
Hope all of you are doing well.
A new update on our minor outreach is that we will actually be leaving on Sunday now instead of Saturday, because they still need some people to help out with Youth Street. I'm really looking forward to these next three weeks seeing how all this training is going to come into play with people who don't know Jesus. Please pray for my team and I as we go out and do what God has asked of us.
Hope all of you are doing well.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Post camping
Hey Everyone,
Hope everyone is doing well. I have been extremely well. Got back last week form camping for two weeks in the bush. It was so awesome! Our DTS got heaps closer and God met us in the most incredible way. To put the icing on the cake, the scenery was breath taking; from the awesome gum trees that surrounded us, to the spectacular array of stars scattered across the dark sky and the gorge that was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen in person. How could we not become closer with God, he was everywhere we looked.
We have one more week of lectures then my team heads off for our first outreach. On this outreach myself and eight others will head to Mt. Isa and Palm Island to minister to the indigenous people of Australia. It's going to be an exciting time to see what God has in store for us, anything is going to be possible and I'm the passenger seat along for the ride.
I want to thank everyone who has prayed and support me along the way. Within the last few days I have received the rest of the money needed to pay for this outreach. I would like to sincerely thank all of you and a few of my fellow DTSers for making this happen. It is a very humbling position to be in and it's just amazing to see God work.
I should be able to get online and post blogs while I am out on minor outreach, but if not I will be sure to post once I get back with tons of pictures.
Love you all,
Nathan
Hope everyone is doing well. I have been extremely well. Got back last week form camping for two weeks in the bush. It was so awesome! Our DTS got heaps closer and God met us in the most incredible way. To put the icing on the cake, the scenery was breath taking; from the awesome gum trees that surrounded us, to the spectacular array of stars scattered across the dark sky and the gorge that was one of the most beautiful things that I have ever seen in person. How could we not become closer with God, he was everywhere we looked.
We have one more week of lectures then my team heads off for our first outreach. On this outreach myself and eight others will head to Mt. Isa and Palm Island to minister to the indigenous people of Australia. It's going to be an exciting time to see what God has in store for us, anything is going to be possible and I'm the passenger seat along for the ride.
I want to thank everyone who has prayed and support me along the way. Within the last few days I have received the rest of the money needed to pay for this outreach. I would like to sincerely thank all of you and a few of my fellow DTSers for making this happen. It is a very humbling position to be in and it's just amazing to see God work.
I should be able to get online and post blogs while I am out on minor outreach, but if not I will be sure to post once I get back with tons of pictures.
Love you all,
Nathan
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
My Outreach Letter
G’day Everyone,
How the time has flown by. It is week six already and my life has changed so much. The last five weeks of lectures have been full on and a place for immense growth. Everyone in my DTS has become so close (we are pretty much family now) and I know I have made life long friends. Now, to grow even closer to God and each other, we get to spend two weeks in the Outback - camping. I know powerful things happen when you separate yourself from the rest of the world and have time to focus on God, so I am super excited to see what happens. In four weeks I and eight others will be heading on our practical application (outreach) of all our lectures. My outreach team will be driving around North Queensland (the same state I am in now) and work with youth in 7 different towns across this state.
The first outreach is our minor trip, which is three weeks, and during this time we will go to Mount Isa and Palm Island. These two towns are mainly populated by indigenous people. My team gets the privilege to work with these amazing people and just love on the families and kids that are from these areas. The second or major outreach, is a six week adventure road tripping to Gladstone, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Mt. Isa and Maggie Island. At these stops we will be reaching out to youth in different ways. Some of the groups we will be working with are Auslifes, Camp Eagle, Backpacker ministry and Red Frog. All of these groups are youth orientated and we will get the opportunity to encountering all sorts of kids from regular high schoolers to “at risk” youth. One of our stops is at Maggie Island where Schoolies takes place. Schoolies is the equivalent to The U.S. spring break. Here I will be working with Red Frog and the way we get to minister to the kids is by acts of service. As a group we will drive kids home, be positive encouragement and just be there when the kids need someone to lean on. I believe God want to use me during this time and I know I will be able to make a difference in the places we go. For both minor and major outreach, 9 weeks of ministry, my leaders estimate the cost to be less than 3,000 Australian dollars.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far with thoughts, prayer and finances. We were able to raise the perfect amount for all of my lecture fees and God has done so much. The time has come to further my growth and help others as I embark on a new adventure of outreach to the youth of Australia. I would like to ask everyone to once again partner with me in a life and world changing experience. I would ask first and foremost for your prayer, I have been at the receiving end of them and I know they are being answered. Secondly If you would like to support me on these mission trips your gifts would be greatly appreciated. I thank you all for helping me get this far.
Love you all,
Nathan Gonzalez
P.S. For more information about Ywam or the Reef to Outback base go to www.reeftooutback.com.
How the time has flown by. It is week six already and my life has changed so much. The last five weeks of lectures have been full on and a place for immense growth. Everyone in my DTS has become so close (we are pretty much family now) and I know I have made life long friends. Now, to grow even closer to God and each other, we get to spend two weeks in the Outback - camping. I know powerful things happen when you separate yourself from the rest of the world and have time to focus on God, so I am super excited to see what happens. In four weeks I and eight others will be heading on our practical application (outreach) of all our lectures. My outreach team will be driving around North Queensland (the same state I am in now) and work with youth in 7 different towns across this state.
The first outreach is our minor trip, which is three weeks, and during this time we will go to Mount Isa and Palm Island. These two towns are mainly populated by indigenous people. My team gets the privilege to work with these amazing people and just love on the families and kids that are from these areas. The second or major outreach, is a six week adventure road tripping to Gladstone, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Mt. Isa and Maggie Island. At these stops we will be reaching out to youth in different ways. Some of the groups we will be working with are Auslifes, Camp Eagle, Backpacker ministry and Red Frog. All of these groups are youth orientated and we will get the opportunity to encountering all sorts of kids from regular high schoolers to “at risk” youth. One of our stops is at Maggie Island where Schoolies takes place. Schoolies is the equivalent to The U.S. spring break. Here I will be working with Red Frog and the way we get to minister to the kids is by acts of service. As a group we will drive kids home, be positive encouragement and just be there when the kids need someone to lean on. I believe God want to use me during this time and I know I will be able to make a difference in the places we go. For both minor and major outreach, 9 weeks of ministry, my leaders estimate the cost to be less than 3,000 Australian dollars.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me thus far with thoughts, prayer and finances. We were able to raise the perfect amount for all of my lecture fees and God has done so much. The time has come to further my growth and help others as I embark on a new adventure of outreach to the youth of Australia. I would like to ask everyone to once again partner with me in a life and world changing experience. I would ask first and foremost for your prayer, I have been at the receiving end of them and I know they are being answered. Secondly If you would like to support me on these mission trips your gifts would be greatly appreciated. I thank you all for helping me get this far.
Love you all,
Nathan Gonzalez
P.S. For more information about Ywam or the Reef to Outback base go to www.reeftooutback.com.
Monday, August 10, 2009
G’day Everyone,
Well a month has flown by already. It’s amazing how fast time goes when you are learning and making amazing new friends. Most of my time has been spent on lectures, homework, work duties, Youth Street, building friendships and occasionally going to the beach. I’m having a great time. At times, it has been a lot of hard work. Something I have come to realize the last few weeks is growing is hardly ever easy and occasionally hurts. That’s been my life ever since I have gotten here, constant growth.
The last three weeks we have been learning about clear consciences, relationships, and the father heart of God. All were good subjects and I learned so much each week. I have been constantly challenged to grow and to step into what God has for me. So far it’s been an amazing time for me grow and mature. The lectures aren’t what you would normally expect. The majority of the time is the speaker speaking on the subject of the week, but they also allow for a lot of Q and A. This gives time for anyone having hard time grasping any concept of the talk to really understand what is being said and for it to make the journey from your head to your heart.
This week is going to be full of adventure and even more growth. Yesterday we went to the Billabong Sanctuary. It was so awesome getting to actually interact with the animals. They had kangaroos roaming free, koalas hanging out in trees and a only thin fence that separated you from the crocodiles. Today through Friday the lectures are on identity, which sounds like its going to be a topic I will be learning a heaps in. Then on Sunday the DTS and I will be heading to Hidden Valley for two weeks of camping and lectures. I have no idea what to expect from these next couple weeks, if they are like any of the last four they will be full of adventure and learning to trust God more than I knew I could.
Well a month has flown by already. It’s amazing how fast time goes when you are learning and making amazing new friends. Most of my time has been spent on lectures, homework, work duties, Youth Street, building friendships and occasionally going to the beach. I’m having a great time. At times, it has been a lot of hard work. Something I have come to realize the last few weeks is growing is hardly ever easy and occasionally hurts. That’s been my life ever since I have gotten here, constant growth.
The last three weeks we have been learning about clear consciences, relationships, and the father heart of God. All were good subjects and I learned so much each week. I have been constantly challenged to grow and to step into what God has for me. So far it’s been an amazing time for me grow and mature. The lectures aren’t what you would normally expect. The majority of the time is the speaker speaking on the subject of the week, but they also allow for a lot of Q and A. This gives time for anyone having hard time grasping any concept of the talk to really understand what is being said and for it to make the journey from your head to your heart.
This week is going to be full of adventure and even more growth. Yesterday we went to the Billabong Sanctuary. It was so awesome getting to actually interact with the animals. They had kangaroos roaming free, koalas hanging out in trees and a only thin fence that separated you from the crocodiles. Today through Friday the lectures are on identity, which sounds like its going to be a topic I will be learning a heaps in. Then on Sunday the DTS and I will be heading to Hidden Valley for two weeks of camping and lectures. I have no idea what to expect from these next couple weeks, if they are like any of the last four they will be full of adventure and learning to trust God more than I knew I could.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hey everyone,
It's been a crazy last four weeks here in Townsville. A good crazy, but crazy none the less. Most of my time has been taken up by lectures, Youth Street, work duties, home work, building new friendships and occasionally going to the beach. There is so much I want to tell everyone, and I will, but first I want to upload some pictures so everyone can see some of the things I get to experience while I'm here.
It's been a crazy last four weeks here in Townsville. A good crazy, but crazy none the less. Most of my time has been taken up by lectures, Youth Street, work duties, home work, building new friendships and occasionally going to the beach. There is so much I want to tell everyone, and I will, but first I want to upload some pictures so everyone can see some of the things I get to experience while I'm here.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Hey Everyone,
Here is where all my time is going each day. On top of it we have two book reports, journals, workbooks, and two oral presentations due throughout our twenty-one weeks here.
Monday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Worship
9:00 - 10:00 Bible Study Workshop
10:00 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
6:30 - 10:30 Free Time/ Relationship Building
Tuesday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Nations Presentation and Prayer
9:00 - 9:30 Faith and Finances
9:30 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
7:30 - 9:00 Outreach Prep
Free Time- Bed Time
Wednesday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:30 Base Worship and Prayer
9:30 - 10:30 Communications (Time to call and write home)
10:30 - 12:30 Lectures
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Family Night BBQ
7:30 - ??? Footy on the Beach
Free Time- Bed Time
Thursday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Base Intercession
9:00 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
7:30 - 10:00 Study Time and Communications
Free Time- Bed Time
Friday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 8:30 Base Clean UP
8:30- 9:30 Worship
9:30- 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
Free Time- Bed Time
Saturday:
8:45 - 9:45 Brekkie
9:45 - 1:00 Free Time
1:00 - 5:30 Youth Street (Artedia...Art Team)
5:30 - 10:00 Youth Street Live (Photographer)
Free Time- Bed Time
Sunday:
Free DAY! ... Go to the beach!
Here is where all my time is going each day. On top of it we have two book reports, journals, workbooks, and two oral presentations due throughout our twenty-one weeks here.
Monday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Worship
9:00 - 10:00 Bible Study Workshop
10:00 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
6:30 - 10:30 Free Time/ Relationship Building
Tuesday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Nations Presentation and Prayer
9:00 - 9:30 Faith and Finances
9:30 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
7:30 - 9:00 Outreach Prep
Free Time- Bed Time
Wednesday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:30 Base Worship and Prayer
9:30 - 10:30 Communications (Time to call and write home)
10:30 - 12:30 Lectures
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Family Night BBQ
7:30 - ??? Footy on the Beach
Free Time- Bed Time
Thursday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 9:00 Base Intercession
9:00 - 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
7:30 - 10:00 Study Time and Communications
Free Time- Bed Time
Friday:
6:00 am Wake UP!
6:15 - 6:45 Exercise
6:45 - 7:30 Brekkie
7:30 - 8:00 Quiet Time
8:00 - 8:30 Base Clean UP
8:30- 9:30 Worship
9:30- 12:30 Lectures (in this time we also have 15-20 min for morning tea)
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 3:30 Free Time
3:30 - 5:30 Dinner Prep (Work Duty)
5:30 - 6:30 Dinner
Free Time- Bed Time
Saturday:
8:45 - 9:45 Brekkie
9:45 - 1:00 Free Time
1:00 - 5:30 Youth Street (Artedia...Art Team)
5:30 - 10:00 Youth Street Live (Photographer)
Free Time- Bed Time
Sunday:
Free DAY! ... Go to the beach!
I just received my DTS schedule of what will be talked about each week and who will be speaking. So I just wanted to fill you guys in.
July 13-17... Orientation
July 20-24... Clear Conscience... Ken Mulligan (speaker/ base director)
July 27-31... Relationships... Faith Dutton (speaker)
August 3-7... Father Heart of God/ Wisdom... Steve Aherne (speaker/ Australian national director)
August 10-14... Identity... Joanne Blaik (speaker)
August 17-21... Lordship/ Camping in Outback... Ryan Booker (speaker/ DTS leader)
August 24-28... Evangelism/ Holy Spirit/ Camping... David Stephenson (speaker)
August 31- September 4... TBA... Jese Misa (speaker)
September 7-11... Spiritual Warfare... Dean Sherman (speaker/ helped start ywam in Australia)
September 14- October 2... Outreach..Location TBA
October 5-9... Biblical Perspectives... Fiona Gifford (speaker)
October 12-16... Missions... Adriel Booker (speaker/ DTS leader)
October 19- November 27... Outreach... Location TBA
November 30- December 4... Debrief
July 13-17... Orientation
July 20-24... Clear Conscience... Ken Mulligan (speaker/ base director)
July 27-31... Relationships... Faith Dutton (speaker)
August 3-7... Father Heart of God/ Wisdom... Steve Aherne (speaker/ Australian national director)
August 10-14... Identity... Joanne Blaik (speaker)
August 17-21... Lordship/ Camping in Outback... Ryan Booker (speaker/ DTS leader)
August 24-28... Evangelism/ Holy Spirit/ Camping... David Stephenson (speaker)
August 31- September 4... TBA... Jese Misa (speaker)
September 7-11... Spiritual Warfare... Dean Sherman (speaker/ helped start ywam in Australia)
September 14- October 2... Outreach..Location TBA
October 5-9... Biblical Perspectives... Fiona Gifford (speaker)
October 12-16... Missions... Adriel Booker (speaker/ DTS leader)
October 19- November 27... Outreach... Location TBA
November 30- December 4... Debrief
Hey everyone,
I finally made it to Australia! I have been here a week and things have been going great so far, this week I have been getting to know the my other DTSers and also exploring the town. In my DTS there are 8 guys and 14 girls. The are all so awesome, all of them come from different places and everyone has something new to bring to the school.
This week has been packed full of learning new things and adventure. Most of the day is filled with lectures and work duties. As far as lectures we went through the criteria and what was expected of us for the next five and a half months. We also had A lady on staff, named Joanne, talk to us on how to hear God’s voice. On Monday everyone in my class got assigned work duties. I lucked out and actually got what I had hoped, dinner prep. I love my work duty. I go in for two hours Monday through Friday and help prep and cook food for the entire YWAM base. I have been learning a lot, but I am thankful I also know a little bit to were I can help speed things up.
The adventures have been amazing as well. We get most nights off and we also have half of Saturday and all of Sunday free. The first night everyone was here all the guys went for a hike up Castle Hill. Castle Hill is in the center of Townsville and its a pretty intense hike. It was a blast but I was definitely sore the next day or two. The beach is about a forty-five minute walk from our housing, I’ve been there three times already. The beach in Townsville is called The Strand, and its beautiful. At one end it has a free kitty water park and on the other end has the Rock Pool, which is a salt water pool that filter from and to the ocean.
On Saturday afternoons the DTS participates in a thing called Youth Street. This is a place were twelve to seventeen year old kids come to hang out and receive positive influences. Each person in my class signed up for a certain team that the kids are split up into. I was lucky enough to get into the art team called “Artedia” which is a mix between art and multi media. After our team meetings I get to take photos of the kids during the second half of the evening called “180 Hour”. This is a time where the staff and the crew play games, listen to a band, skate, and just goof around.
I can’t believe I have only been here a week and experienced so much. It is crazy to think what may be in store for me and my DTS in the next twenty weeks. This is going to be a crazy ride and I’m stoked to be involved. Thanks for everyones support and to anyone who is reading this blog.
Love, Nate
I finally made it to Australia! I have been here a week and things have been going great so far, this week I have been getting to know the my other DTSers and also exploring the town. In my DTS there are 8 guys and 14 girls. The are all so awesome, all of them come from different places and everyone has something new to bring to the school.
This week has been packed full of learning new things and adventure. Most of the day is filled with lectures and work duties. As far as lectures we went through the criteria and what was expected of us for the next five and a half months. We also had A lady on staff, named Joanne, talk to us on how to hear God’s voice. On Monday everyone in my class got assigned work duties. I lucked out and actually got what I had hoped, dinner prep. I love my work duty. I go in for two hours Monday through Friday and help prep and cook food for the entire YWAM base. I have been learning a lot, but I am thankful I also know a little bit to were I can help speed things up.
The adventures have been amazing as well. We get most nights off and we also have half of Saturday and all of Sunday free. The first night everyone was here all the guys went for a hike up Castle Hill. Castle Hill is in the center of Townsville and its a pretty intense hike. It was a blast but I was definitely sore the next day or two. The beach is about a forty-five minute walk from our housing, I’ve been there three times already. The beach in Townsville is called The Strand, and its beautiful. At one end it has a free kitty water park and on the other end has the Rock Pool, which is a salt water pool that filter from and to the ocean.
On Saturday afternoons the DTS participates in a thing called Youth Street. This is a place were twelve to seventeen year old kids come to hang out and receive positive influences. Each person in my class signed up for a certain team that the kids are split up into. I was lucky enough to get into the art team called “Artedia” which is a mix between art and multi media. After our team meetings I get to take photos of the kids during the second half of the evening called “180 Hour”. This is a time where the staff and the crew play games, listen to a band, skate, and just goof around.
I can’t believe I have only been here a week and experienced so much. It is crazy to think what may be in store for me and my DTS in the next twenty weeks. This is going to be a crazy ride and I’m stoked to be involved. Thanks for everyones support and to anyone who is reading this blog.
Love, Nate
Sunday, May 17, 2009
My prayer request.
This is something I whipped up on my computer for everyone. I put one in all the support letters I sent out. If you did not receive one please let me know and I will send one to you as soon as I can.
Intro to my blog
Hey there. I'm just getting started on this whole blogging thing. Please bear with me as I still try to figure out how all this works. As a start I thought it would be best to post my support letter so everyone knows what is going on.
Enjoy.
Dear family and friends,
Many of you have watched and helped me grow over the last several years. Most of you know I have spent time going to school for fine art and graphic design while working a couple different jobs acquiring useful skills. There has recently come a time where I have hit a crossroads about what I should do next. One thing that has been in the back of my mind for many years was the possibility of doing a DTS (Discipleship Training School). It wasn’t until now that I felt God calling me to embark on this journey. I have recently applied and just received my acceptance letter to this school. The DTS I applied for is called Reef To Outback, located in Townsville, Australia. I have talked to many YWAMers and have found that this school in particular has a very strong foundation in the roots of YWAM and the heart of God. It also doesn’t hurt that I’ll be spending time in beautiful Australia. : )
For those unfamiliar with a YWAM training school, it is a five and a half month intensive training program and it involves 50 hours of courses each week. The school focuses on ministering to the community, hearing God’s voice, building relationships and experiencing missions. The course is broken down into weekly increments. The First 12 weeks will be our lecture phase. Throughout this time we will have speakers and many hands-on assignments. In addition to the lectures, every Saturday we will be involved in a program called “Youthstreet.” This is where the other students and I will get to spend time building relationships with teenagers through sports, art and other activities. After the lecture phase, the class will journey to one or several South Pacific countries for our 8 week outreach.
For the last several months I have been working diligently and saving money for an opportunity like this. The school is $6,580 for five and a half months. This fee includes all room and board, travel expense for the outreach, and lecture fees. I have saved about one third of the cost, and I already have my ticket for that wonderful 17-hour plane ride to Australia. I will also continue to work until I have to leave. As I prepare for this opportunity I ask for your prayers. Seeing as how I will be going to a country I’ve never been before and living with people I have never met, I know I will need them. I believe God will provide for this trip. If you would like to support me financially, your gift will be greatly appreciated. I thank God for your friendship and encouragement.
Love,
Nathan Gonzalez
Enjoy.
Dear family and friends,
Many of you have watched and helped me grow over the last several years. Most of you know I have spent time going to school for fine art and graphic design while working a couple different jobs acquiring useful skills. There has recently come a time where I have hit a crossroads about what I should do next. One thing that has been in the back of my mind for many years was the possibility of doing a DTS (Discipleship Training School). It wasn’t until now that I felt God calling me to embark on this journey. I have recently applied and just received my acceptance letter to this school. The DTS I applied for is called Reef To Outback, located in Townsville, Australia. I have talked to many YWAMers and have found that this school in particular has a very strong foundation in the roots of YWAM and the heart of God. It also doesn’t hurt that I’ll be spending time in beautiful Australia. : )
For those unfamiliar with a YWAM training school, it is a five and a half month intensive training program and it involves 50 hours of courses each week. The school focuses on ministering to the community, hearing God’s voice, building relationships and experiencing missions. The course is broken down into weekly increments. The First 12 weeks will be our lecture phase. Throughout this time we will have speakers and many hands-on assignments. In addition to the lectures, every Saturday we will be involved in a program called “Youthstreet.” This is where the other students and I will get to spend time building relationships with teenagers through sports, art and other activities. After the lecture phase, the class will journey to one or several South Pacific countries for our 8 week outreach.
For the last several months I have been working diligently and saving money for an opportunity like this. The school is $6,580 for five and a half months. This fee includes all room and board, travel expense for the outreach, and lecture fees. I have saved about one third of the cost, and I already have my ticket for that wonderful 17-hour plane ride to Australia. I will also continue to work until I have to leave. As I prepare for this opportunity I ask for your prayers. Seeing as how I will be going to a country I’ve never been before and living with people I have never met, I know I will need them. I believe God will provide for this trip. If you would like to support me financially, your gift will be greatly appreciated. I thank God for your friendship and encouragement.
Love,
Nathan Gonzalez
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