You've been crazy but you've been good... Twenty Fourteen!

If there's one thing I've learned in 2014 that is trust. Trusting God in the times when I'm in the great unknown and trusting him with even the little things in my life. All through my studies at YWAM, God was teaching me that he just wants relationship with me. He doesn't just want to be involved with the 'big' dramas that happen in my life, but he also wants to be involved with the little things, because he cares. Little things like going to get a cold drink on a hot summers day, even while I'm with my friends to even just watching a movie. By me realising how great His love is for me, I've become so much more closer to God.  My relationship has become stronger and now I know I can talk to Him all the time. Seriously! It's great!! I can have this constant conversation with God about absolutely anything.

But the biggest thing over 2014, especially over the last three months is my heart. My heart has grown so much towards God's children. I've seen God give me the heart to love those whom most people would just find it easier to walk past. God really relieved my heart one night as I was walking with a group of friends and we passed a homeless girl on the street. She looked my age which broke my heart. As I walked past her I really felt a tug on my heart. To walk back and give the food we had to her. So I did just that! I walked up to her and when she noticed that I was about to give her the food, the biggest yet most gentle smile was on her face. I sat with her for a few minutes. I really just felt to bless her and pray for her, so I did just that. By me just taking that step out from the crowd and turning back to where people were just passing this 19 year old girl by. I stopped and took time to show her the love of God. 

In that moment, that moment of just giving my attention to this beautiful girl, God started to do something in my heart (I also believe she was touched and continue to pray for her). It was then that God told me this was my destiny. To help those who society pushes to side. To be that encourager to girls and young women. To stand against the crowd, against the 'flow of life' and start to make a change. 

Now that twenty fifteen is just around the corner, I want to challenge myself to continue to dig deeper into God everyday. Because where I find God I find true love and it's God's love that this world needs. This life I'm living, I'm living for God and with Him. So bring on 2015!! I can't wait to see where God will take me next. 

I encourage you! Yes you! The one who is reading this. To live life with God and grow in the love God has for others. 

Sara-Jayne x

Goodbye Philippines

San Fernando is beautiful! It's one of those little towns filled with beautiful friendly people. And so close to the beach!!... But bellow all that there's still so much hurt and brokenness. By being here I can see God's heart for the people here.

We've been working a lot in schools and universities, performing songs, telling our stories and just encouraging them to live life with God. We've had such great opportunities to really speak life into their lives.... And of course with us being foreigners they want many photos with us.

For the school we did ministry in, it was actually the first time they let YWAMers in. Usually they are very strict on who they let into the school, but God opened the doors so we could really impact the children and encourage them to have a relationship with God.

Saturday night we went to a red light district close to where we are located. We mostly felt to walk the streets and pray, declaring God over that place. Yet spiritual we could feel a heaviness over that place.  My heart was heavy and broken for those girls who haven't seen God's love. 

"I don't want to leave this place the same and not letting what I have seen God do change me."

So now it's time I get some sleep.  4 hours (4 am) and we will be leaving for Manila to head back to Australia. 
Outreach has been an amazing experience.  Seeing God move not just through ministry but in my life personal.  He has taught me so much about His love for me and for the nations.  So farewell Philippines! It's been lovely chilling in your country.

I heart Philippines

Wow its been awhile since I've posted on my blog. Oh I've missed you guys!!

So if you haven't figured out now, I'm actually not in India anymore.  Nope! I'm now in the Philippines.  "Say what Sara?!? When did this happen?" 

Haha... Well... it's now been about a week and half being here at the YWAM base here in Manila.

The Philippines is so beautiful.  The people,  the weather and the food. It's just all so amazing. I'm loving it here! The children are adorable. As we walk down the street kids come running up to us wanting to just talk and play with us.

Children waiting for their food. 

We do a lot of ministry at smoky Mountain. Which is a big slum with houses on top of a dump. The slums were also cleared to make housing for 30,000 people that make their living from picking through landfill's rubbish. 

We also been working with children and mothers who live there in their one room small apartment. During the day, twice a week we have been able to run a mothers bible study. We've been working with many children such as children services and feeding programs. 

"I'm loving every moment of being here!"

At the end of this week we are taking a 8 hour bus ride to San Fernando to continue our ministry.  This will be our last place before heading back to Australia.  Goodness gracious,  it's gone quickly!!!

On our days off we've been able to see the rest of Manila.  The city is beautiful with markets on every Sunday,  which most of you know markets are my absolute favourite.

Trying the food would have to be my favourite experience,  especially in a new country. I mean, who doesn't like magical flavours jumping all around in your mouth?? There food is so colourful here and even though it may look like the strangest thing I have ever seen, It always tastes delicious.

I'm so sad about leaving Manila as my heart has grown so much towards this place,  but I'm also excited to see how God is going to move in San Fernando.

Please keep my team in your prayers as we spend our last two weeks of outreach here in the Philippines.  Pray for protection,  health and that God will really use us to touch people's lives.

Remember God made you different to be a difference!

God bless!

Another India update

I can't believe how fast time has gone by.  We only have over a week until we leave India.  What!?!!

Last week we had corporate which is where we meet up with all the other teams that are here in Kolkata. It was really good hearing from the other teams about what God is doing in their region. After reporting back and worshiping our great God together....  We went out and did a bit of evangelising. 

We've been out doing a bit of evangelising around our region in Kolkata.  In train stations, at a uni and in little villages. We're just able to bless people,  give out bible tracks and pray for people, even though they don't always understand us. They still love how we come and 'try' to talk to them, but they especially love it when we perform a few songs. 

Last Friday we went to a rehab Centre where there were 58 men and women who struggle with many addictions including drug and alcohol.  We were able to share our testimonies and perform a few songs plus a drama. I was able to share my story and pray for many of the women who are finding it really hard. At the end we did am alter call and all 58 of the men and women gave their lives to the Lord. 

The Saturday after, we spent the day going to a girls and boys hostel.  We spent time at each hostel playing, talking and performing for the children. At the boys hostel there were two boys, on with a sore foot and the other with one with a broken foot/fever. God came through and totally healed them both.  Not long after they were running around the room.

It's been so great to see God work through the team. 

 

This week we went to a uni to help run one of their Christian meetings/gatherings they have. 

Every week we go to a girls home where we play with 6 young girls. It's really just a time of blessing these girls and just having fun with them. Showing them that they are valued and loved. 
There is also a boys home that we go to once a week. We also play games with them, sing songs and dance with them as they have so much energy.  

Every Sunday after noon is my favourite time of the day because thats when we run our youth seminar. Its a place where we share with them about a topic we had during lecture phase.  This week was on lordship.  We also have small groups which is my favourite part.  I love the group of girls I have.  Even though it's sometimes hard to understand each other, they are always smiling and laughing. They always have questions whether it's got to do with the topic or not.... But I live seeing the hearts that they have for God. Actually that's been one of the most amazing things here in India. Seeing how the children worship and pray.  It seriously challenges and encourages in my walk with God.

God is so good! It's been surreal seeing the heart that he has for the people in this city. Having the opportunity to bless people and love on them has been amazing. 

Quick update: Playing teacher and loud noises

The past two weeks have been a crazy yet full on. Besides being sick for 3 days and unable to leave my bed. We've been doing a lot of children ministries.  Such as running children services,  going to a girls home to make bracelets with them, running a school assembly which later on  lead to playing teacher for a bit. I actually really enjoyed teaching the year 8 class English.   They were such a fun group to talk to.

Yesterday we went to a church service which was hosted in a small room. It was very crowed yet somehow I've gotten use to being squashed up against someone. After the service they made us lunch.  I sat down next to a few little girls who spoke really good English. The conversation really kicked of when one of the girls asked me if I watch master chef Australia.  Aperently it's a real hit here in India. 

Sunday afternoons we've been running a youth seminar.  Teaching on topics such as hearing God's voice and worship.  We each have our own small group where we discuss about the topic that was just spoken. I love mine!  I have a group of girls who love to ask me questions and pretty much just joke around.  

Through out the week we walk the streets finding little villages to have a jam session. And every time through that we have a crowd which gives us a great opportunity to tell people about Jesus and pray for them. I've had many good discussions with people about Jesus and what he has done in my life. 

Sometimes it can be difficult because of the language barrier.  But somehow we always get past it.  We played soccer with a bunch of kids on the street and even though they didn't speak much English, we all still had so much fun.

I want to quickly say thank you for those who have supported me financially.  I'm loving it here! Even though it's sticking hot,  smelly and so noisy.  Haha it's great! 
God bless you!

New World. New country.

Im feeling hot and smelly. I'm sweaty and it feels gross. But at the same time I'm loving every bit of being here. The city is beautiful!

India is a place I never thought I'd ever go to, but now I'm here and I'm in love with it. Sure the country is so different and you can't always trust the food... ahaha.... (oh gosh) Having people stare at you, take photos of you or even try to rip you off because you are white is always a great experience.... haha.. Yet the people here are so lovely and that's what I love. 

I'm slowly learning the bungalow language which is what they mostly speak here, while also speaking their biggest language Hindi.

This week was the biggest Hindu festival.  And it was all happening right at our door step. People coming from all around to celebrate their own gods. It was so so sad to see this.  To see adults and even children come to worship. It made me feel sick.  You could feel that there is a spiritual warfare here.

All during the festival my team read the bible from front to back.  We divided into groups of three and took in turns to read the bible for two hours. Making it a 24 hour thing.

I got so much from reading the Bible that way. I can really see that God has a heart for these people.  All throughout the Bible God talks about how much much his heart breaks for those worshiping other things.   It's God alone who is worthy of all our praises!

Please keep praying for us! Not sure when I'll have Internet again but I'll try to keep you all as updated as I can.
Sara-Jayne

7 Days and Counting!!!!

It’s been almost three months since I hopped on the plane to Perth. And now it’s only one more week in lecture phase. 7 day and counting until I leave for my first outreach location in India.!! Wow it’s gone so quick! These past weeks have been truly amazing, life changing, thought-provoking, the most challenging and fun time of my life!

My school have been working hard to sort out funds for the outreach phase by fundraising, including car wash and selling baked goods.  My school and I have been blown away by the insane generosity of family, friends and even people we hardly know. Thank you to everyone who have been praying over our finances and to those who supported me financially, it means so much. Through this, ALL of our finance have been paid in and flights are booked!

This is my family for the next 3 months and beyond. We leave for outreach in 7 days.

  

This past week was Missions Conference here at YWAM Perth. All day everyday was spent worshiping, praying, fellowshipping, dancing, and hearing from various speakers from YWAM. It was an incredible week with a focus on hearing God’s call on our life. Various speakers spoke about what it really means to be a missionary, what a true joy and privilege it is serving God. We also had some great Bible studies about Abram, discussed where the Gospel shows up in media, what true victory is and how easy it can be achieved with Christ, and so much more. We ended the Missions Conference having a dance party. So it was a pretty amazing, God filled week. A lot of revelations and decisions being made about the future. 

Thank you for reading my blog during the lecture phase. I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to blog while I’m overseas as I won’t have as much internet access. I don’t know if I will be able to post next week, so if I do not get the opportunity, please keep my team and me in your prayers.It's going to be so good but so intense as well We would really love and appreciate prayer for safe travels, team unity, and that we will see the Holy Spirit move through healings, salvations and breakthroughs.  

 

I am so grateful for every person who has reached out to me with their support since I’ve been here. It means the world to me and I love hearing news from home!

Also yesterday my Dad flew over just to come and visit me. I was beyond surprised! I'm so glad He's now able to come and visit me before I leave.

Thanks for reading! Until next time! 

Sara-Jayne

The day in YWAM (Vlog)

Exciting News!!!!

All our school finances came in Friday... Praise the Lord!! It was amazing seeing God provide the money in so many different ways. By praying and seeking His face we really started to see breakthrough. 

I just want to thank those who have been praying and supporting me along the way. Your donations are really going to bless people as you are sending me out to reach the nations. I'm so looking forward to reaching people with the love of Jesus and really seeing the way God is going to use me. 
Only 2 weeks to go and I'll be out of this country. Oh my goodness!!! It's gone extremely quickly!
India and Philippines here I come!!!!

Car wash Fundraiser we did even though it rained we still raised $200

This week I thought I would post up a video of a few of the things I get up to at YWAM (Well at least this week) for my friends and Family. So here it is!!!

Thanks for watching!!
 
God bless!
Sara-Jayne

Walking in Authority

This week we had the topic spiritual warfare with Dean Shearman. He wrote a book on the same topic which I actually ended up reading for one of my book reports. Dean talked on such simple stuff but at the same time it was such a new revelation. I enjoyed it so much, being really challenged and reminded about how we do live in a world where we are getting attacked. Spiritual warfare is REAL.

Everything we do affects the spirit world. We need to submit to the Holy Spirit. Stand firm in our faith and in who God is. Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) everyday. And walk in the authority that you have been given through the cross.

 

Top points from this week

• You don’t have to become a nothing for God to become a something. He is already something, He is everything!” I found this point so true as so many times in life I find we lower ourselves or put ourselves down to bring God higher. 
• We have all authority in the blood of Jesus Christ.
• “Spirit power moves to and through humans according to their amount of yielding”
• It’s your authority we have in prayer by the way we live”
• “Quit putting yourself down because you’ve done stupid stuff in your past, that’s selfish behaviour. 
• God created humans to reflect the image of God, and to rule over sin, Satan, and death.
• Death and darkness are not real. Death is only the absence of life. Darkness is only the absence of light. Life and light are reality. Death and darkness are the absence of reality. Death comes from the enemy. Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

So how do we do warfare? 

• Through Prayer and Relationships (with God and with others)
• Repent quickly & continuously - don't let sin remain to give any opportunity to the devil. 
• ALWAYS exercise faith
• Forgive quickly & continuously towards others 
• ALWAYS exercise humility.

 

My team is still in need of fiances so if you feel to donate please donate at:
https://secure.ywamperth.org.au/payments/

3 more weeks to go.......

Sara-Jayne 

Photo update - 4 more weeks to go!!!

We had Evangelism as the topic last week, which was so inspiring and challenging at the same time.  We went out to the city and performed a few songs on that Thursday morning. It brought a crowd and through that we were able to talk to a bunch of school kids from high school who were in the city for an assignment. It was really cool talking to them about having a relationship with Jesus and that God is our Father, as they all came from a catholic school. We were able to just hang out with them, encourage them and pray for them. It was amazing watching God work in their lives and seeing how engaged they were when we talked about God and shared our testimony.

Last week was a pretty hectic week with all the band practices we had, getting ready for our concert Saturday night. It was a great night full of music, dance and just a whole lot of fun! The place was full of singing a laughter as we entertained a few hundred people.


Meet my outreach team!!! Minus the staff as they forgot that we were taking outreach team photos, but don't tell them I said that... haha..... We've been praying a lot about outreach last week and this week as we come into week 9 of lectures. Praying about India and the Philippines, for safety, for what we specifically need to pray for over the nations, also praying to see fiances come through as many on my team are still trusting God for money.

Top to bottom, left to right: Hunter, Sydney, ME, Sarah, Jonny, Alaina, Sophia, Laurine, Shanelle and Lexi. Our outreach leaders will be Heaseung and Josh.

Hello from my school!!! 

 

I love these guys! I'm so blessed to have such an awesome, crazy group who are all so passionate for God. 

Meet Sophia (Front) from California and Sierra from Colorado. Top is Hunter From the GREAT nation of Texas, so he would say! As a band we would meet a couple times a week and practice our songs. We had to do two covers and write one song about either God's love or how He sees us. We did a cover to Fix you mashed up with Stay with me and we did Ed Sheeran's song I see fire.  

Getting ready for concert in 228 was a little crazy. Luckily our mirror is big enough for us, well most the time...

My girls!! This photo was taken on the concert night, as you may notice we are dressed up. These girls are gifted and amazing singers and I was so blessed to have them as part of my band members.

 

Thanks for Reading my blog. I hope you enjoyed these photos!!! 

God bless!!

Please keep me in your prayers also!!! 

Will you follow Jesus?? PLUS Video

Will you follow Jesus no matter what? I mean really? Even if it meant you had to give up everything?

Sometimes it's easier said then done which I've been learning a lot the past week. Lordship has been the topic for week seven and it was definitely challenging. Would I truly give up everything to follow Jesus, where I would prefer to stay in my comfort zone and keep my belongings rather then giving them away. Yet we are only here for a short time and when you think about it, everything that you have has been given to you. The money, your house, your family. You are blessed and I believe each one of us have the opportunity to reach out to those who are in need.

Following Jesus won’t be as much of a sacrifice as it will be a privilege. Honestly! When you think about it, what a privilege it is to be able to serve the king of kings. Jesus has picked us! Just like Jesus picked the disciples, men who didn't have a 'religious' background or label like the leaders did, but they were willing to learn. Jesus new their hearts! 

As being a follower of Jesus is a lifetime calling and he want's us to follow Him. He wants to be the king of our lives! He want's you to leave everything and follow Him (even if it doesn't mean literately, but even if it's just paying for someones coffee which I did last week). To have Him as your number one in your life, because God want's us to experience the fullness of Him and if we have anything above him that's stopping us from having a strong relationship with God. Jesus want’s us to give up everything, because eventually it can become an idol it will destroy our relationship with Him. God wants all our heart!

 A little encouragement for the day!!


Here's a bonus video of a dance my group did for a project that we had to present about an unreached country. We chose Burkina Faso in Africa.