Reef to Outback News's Posts - YWAM - Australia Reef to Outback

Five Star Streets Releases New Album: Let Justice Sing

Reef to Outback News — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:07:09 PDT

In an exciting and solemn hour, Mike Murray - front man for Five Star Streets - hosted an intimate release of the band's latest album, Let Justice Sing.

The album, a passionate mix of experience and emotion put into song, captured the hearts of around 50 people who gathered to listen. The music's message is one of justice and redemption in the midst of the some very intense realities, which many of the listeners had encountered first hand on outreach in places like Thailand, Bali and Papua New Guinea.

It was a holy moment as those in attendance remembered the capacity that music has to influence and bring change and a hope rose in hearts. A spontaneous prayer emerged from the crowd for the many young people who will be affected and the women and children whose stories are told through song - a hope that maybe justice will have a voice.

Production of the album has been a story of joy and challenges for Mike and band members BJ Magee and Luke Haythorpe. The night was one of celebration as they - and many who helped - were congratulated on the wonderful success. Behind the scenes footage of the project and title track "Let Justice Sing" can be seen and heard at www.fivestarstreets.com.

The official release and subsequent tour through Australia, America and New Zeland will be held later this year.

ConGRADulating Students: Live Webcast

Reef to Outback News — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:12:58 PDT

The January Discipleship Training School, School of Music in Missions and Biblical Core Course and YWAM Reef to Outback will be hosting a live webcast of the graduation ceremony today at 10:30am (GMT +10).

To hear stories from the past 5 1/2 months, watch the students graduate, and maybe even pick out a friend or two you remember from your RTO days, simply log on to our "Community" page or CLICK HERE.

A big CONGRATULATIONS to all of the graduates and the school staff on a job well done!

The Pain Behind the Sex Industry

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:36:27 PDT

“I’m married with a little girl. My husband doesn’t like that I’m a prostitute, but if I don’t sell myself, we won’t be able to afford the food we need to survive.”

This was the cry recently heard by the YWAM Reef to Outback outreach team in Bali. The most shocking thing of all? Sex with this woman will cost only around $2 AUD.

The sex industry around the world is being fed by hungry appetites at the cost of many women and children. In Bali, the situation is no different; however, the women from YWAM RTO have had the opportunity to partner with a local ministry to offer help to those suffering in such a way.

By meeting the girls on the street and sharing truth with them, they have had the opportunity to meet with girls as young as 11 years old who are selling themselves. One girl, aged 17, decided to give her life to God after speaking with the girls from the team; however, she was still without a source of income when a group of 5 boys, aged 18, showed up waiting to buy their turn with her.

In the midst of the despair, the team hopes to be able to bring alternatives for the women. One night, Ania Kossar accounts, they were talking with an older woman when 7 young men showed up, drawn by all of the white skinned girls on their teams.

“They were making really rude gestures. We ignored them,” said Ania and then recounted how they began to sing sweet songs about Jesus to the woman. “[As we were singing], I turned around and gave the ring leader a “mom look” and told him for the next song he needed to keep his guys quiet. He nodded, taken aback at my intense stare
but totally obliged.”

“While the girls kept praying for the lady I turned to the leader and his friends and started asking him questions about his life. By this time he was quite respectful with me and said I was a ‘nice lady.’ When I left I shook his hand and said, ‘You must be a nice guy and grow up to be a good man.’ He smiled.”

Indeed there is hope for both women and men as we look at how to bring a positive influence in the midst of the harmful sex industry around the world.

Outbacks Dry Up the Reefs in YWAM RTO's First Origin Match

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:12:55 PDT

The Outbacks Dry Up Reefs in a 16 – 6 Opener

Strand Park was the birth place of a rugby league rivalry that will last the ages as the first annual YWAM Reef to Outback Origin kicked off with the Reefs going to battle against the Outbacks.

A scare shot through the Reefs’ camp as captain Mike “Muz–ratu” Murray tweaked a hamstring* in the pre-game warm ups and was late to the coin toss. “It is going to take a little bit more than that to keep me off the field,” Murray said.

As the two teams lined up for the National Anthem* it was obvious that nothing was going to be left in the tanks of either side as the passion of both teams was contagious to the 22 spectators.

Defense was the backbone behind the Outbacks’ win with front rower Michael Cusack (42 tackles) and second rower JP (39 Tackles) starting for the team’s defensive domination.

Captain Keevy Harris said it was one of the tougher games she has played.

“They (Reefs) came out firing from the first kick off, and it was difficult to gain any momentum in the first exchanges,” Keevy said.“I was really happy with our defensive commitment through out the whole game, and it was something that we worked hard on during camp.”*

The Outbacks got on the board early with Aaron Wright scoring off the end of a millimeter perfect kick from halfback Iliesa and they continued to put on the points through Michael Cusack which saw the Outbacks head into half time with a 8 – 0 lead.

After and inspirational half time rev-up from captain Murray the Reefs came back into the second half with the wind in their sails, but were put to the sword with tries coming from Mitch Russell and Aaron Wright, crossing the white stripe for the second time in the evening.

“We just couldn’t get a roll on, just too many mistakes and when you give an opposition with that much talent those opportunities you are going to pay for it,” Jen Murphy said after the match.*

The Reefs’ only try came mid way through the second half to Mena Tuibua, who managed to capitalize on some quick play to scamper over the line. He was able to convert his own try, closing the gap to make it 16 – 6.

“We will have to regroup and learn from our mistakes if we want to compete with the Outbacks in game 2,” Justin Claypool said.*

The teams are not expected to change too much for the second game of the series, but Jared Hoover faces a nervous wait after being placed on report for a high tackle on Meesi Lopetti* while Kiti Saukuru wasn’t seen in the second half after pulling out with a corked calf.*

Man of the Match was awarded to Aaron Wright after his 2 try heroics and a solid defensive effort which saw him with the following stats; 2 Tries, 17 Hit-ups, 22 tackles, 1 Lnbrk.

* Not all stats are fully factual

Outbacks:
Tries; Aaron Wright 2, Michael Cusack 1, Mitch Russell 1.
Conversions; Kiti Saukuru 0/1, Keevy Harris 0/1, Michael Cusack 0/1.

Reefs:
Tries; Mena Tuibua 1
Conversions; Mena Tuibua 1/1

Referee; Brad Davies.

Reef to Outback's Biggest Morning Tea

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:06:58 PDT

Its not statistically proven, but if it wasn't Reef to Outback's BIGGEST morning tea today, it certainly was one of the most special.

To honour the lovely April DTS, all the staff (led by the amazing Robyn Mulligan) banned together to put a very special morning tea for these young men and women who have come to join us from all over the world.

Under the guise of a fire drill (which did serve as a proper fire drill), the DTS were surprised with a beautiful table, attentive servers, and loads of lovely food and drink. From fresh fruit to warm cookies; from lattes to milk shakes - it really was a smorgasbord of tasty treats served with love.

The students and staff all received a special note and placard affirming how much they meant to us here.

It certainly was a lovely morning and a special moment.

PNG Man Still Impacted Five Years Later

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:57:28 PDT

As one of the world’s most Christianized nations, Papua New Guinea is famous for the number of churches, mission organisations and Bible translators. With nearly 800 languages in the country, its evident that it will take quite a number of workers to see the Bible available to the 6.25 million person population.

It is in the midst of all these wonderful people serving that the January DTS outreach team from YWAM Reef to Outback found themselves in a place called Little America. As a result of all the American missionaries working in this region, they even have a little store full of American food. For a group living in the jungle, this was an exciting oasis!

But not for long! After filling up on homemade pizza, they are headed back to the heart of PNG where they will continue to work with people from the Highland regions. They are using stories and short skits to help share messages of value and hope to the nationals and finding crowds of up to 400-500 people arriving to listen to what they have to say.

Team leader, Buddy Baldock shares a story from their time, “We were travelling back to Lae from a village five hours away. We stopped in a market for some fresh coconuts and while were standing there a man came out of the market and told our translator that he recognised me from five years ago when I was here on my DTS outreach. Not only did he recognise me, but also remembered my name, what our team did and talked about while we were there.”

What an incredible story to remind the team that there is value in every message that is shared. You never know who will remember and be impacted for the rest of their lives!

From Australia to East Timor

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:40:40 PDT

The Arafura Games in Darwin proved to be an excellent stepping stone into East Timor for the outreach team from YWAM Reef to Outback's January Discipleship Training School.

The team served at the games which are a mini-Olympics for nations in the Arafura Sea region. Amidst serving on the media team, getting stories for the newspapers about the athletes and also helping on the medal ceremony team, the students have taken the opportunity to talk to many of the games organisers and participants.

“As the team was standing around the other night holding flags a man came up and started talking to them,” Naomi, the team leader says, “when suddenly, they were surrounded by heaps of media wanting pictures of them with this guy. He turned out to be the Chief Minister for the Northern Territory. The team also found out that he was going to be in East Timor at the same time as them. He thanked them for coming to the games and helping.”

The students even got a chance to practice their Tatum dialect on the East Timor athletic team at the games and
discovered that the athletic team would be on the same flight to East Timor as them.

After arriving safely in East Timor, the group made their way to the village of Searolan where they will be for two and a half weeks with no electricity or access to email. They are enthusiastic about the weeks to come!

School Students in Victoria Take a Stand for Justice

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:11:12 PDT

It's been a massive week for the January DTS outreach team to Victoria from YWAM Reef to Outback, but the entire team are are establishing great connections for YWAM's upcoming Australia & PNG ship tour and are finding an incredible amount of favour and excitement everywhere they go.

The team have been doing high school programs on missions and using the ‘Voice in the Dark’ videos while sharing their stories from Fiji. They're criss-crossing across the state and the response from the students & teachers has been amazing. For their question panels at the end, they have all been asking how they can get involved in YWAM and what it means to be 'sold out for God'! Team leader, Anna Sutherland says, “It confirms to my heart again the calling that is on Aussie youth to respond to our world in need."

Currently the team are based in Hamilton with some of the leader’s supporters that own a boarding house. “It has been perfect, we have visitors constantly - but none of us seem to mind,” Anna says. Here, they were able to lead a Baptist youth group which went well as God gripped young people’s hearts again for more. They also did a prayer walk one morning with a few church people involved in the Christian school, the council and the Port where the ship is coming in.

“I'm just so overwhelmed by God and how much He is in this tour and His heart for this region,” says Anna who is originally from the area.

There are some things to pray for. The team has a really full schedule with a lot of traveling. There isn’t much ‘down time’ so please pray for continued energy.

YWAM Students Assist in Orphanage in Singaraja, Bali

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:10:15 PDT

YWAM Reef to Outback's January DTS outreach team to Bali has found themselves in a tiny village outside a city called Singaraja in Northern Bali. They are staying at an orphanage of about 30 children that’s being operated by YWAMers. At first glance, the team believed that these kids were absolutely normal, healthy and fulfilled and they are, but actually, almost all of them had come from an incredibly challenging background filled with abuse, refugee camps, the loss of one or both parents, or being sent away from their family due to economics. It was a heartbreaking situation and yet hopeful that they have been able to experience such growth despite the incredible history they each have.

When the group left Denpasar they had mixed emotions; they had formed great bonds with the small YWAM family at the Bali Base. Arriving in Singaraja, their schedule has required a fair bit of initiative, most of the group is rising to the challenge. The orphanage just loves for the group to play with the kids. Many of them are at school and writing exams, but the younger ones are drifting around every day. During this time, the team does work in the kitchen, games outside and the guys built an orchard.

A group of the team took a drive back to Denpasar to visit a teenage prison. On Friday morning they will all be leaving Singaraja and head back to Xtreme ministries to work with youth groups, hospitals, prisons and prostitution.

Music Raises Awareness to Stop Sex Trade

Reef to Outback News — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:52:05 PDT

Music Raises Awareness to Stop Sex Trade:
YWAM RTO School of Music in Missions student, Micah Engal share an insider's perspective from the road.

The breezy beach air tugged at our shirts as our band, Elior, set up for another show in Tops Park, overlooking one of the main beaches in Byron Bay. From our arrival in the balmy tourist-heavy town, we felt an openness from the numerous travelers around us to talk about our experiences in Thailand. With an international crowd for our audience, many of whom had traveled to Thailand in the past, much interest was quickly generated from our music and testimonies. We soon realized that a free barbecue was the quickest way to people's hearts, and with the help of YWAM Byron Bay, helped fill their stomachs as they watched our shows. 5 days in Byron and 4 shows later, our flurry of activity had yielded a harvest of meaningful conversations and greater awareness about issues of social injustice. One highlight of our time in the beautiful coastal city was meeting a Vietnamese-born woman named Newitt who had been adopted by an Australian couple just after the Vietnam war. Not only was Newitt enthusiastic about our music and message but she also mentioned how personally grateful she was to be raised in Australia. If she hadn't been adopted by Australians the likelihood of her ending up in a bar like her Thai counterparts would have been very high. Encouraged by the reception and respect we felt from our listeners, Elior headed down the coast to Coffs Harbor.

The Blue Cross church in Coffs Harbor had opened their doors for us to stay for a couple days. Since we had been unsure where we were staying in the city up until a week before we arrived, our band was heaps grateful for the church's generosity on such short notice. With the only scheduled event during our stay being a full-length Voice in the Dark tour show for their youth group, our team used the extra time to put in some well-needed practice hours to fine tune our songs and practice our testimonies. On Friday night, Elior pulled out all the stops as they performed for their first group of Aussie youth during their outreach. It was good to play for the audience we had been preparing for back in Townsville, though the rest of outreach had already been amazing even with its twists and unexpected turns.

Early the next morning after our big premier, Elior packed its bags once again and drove down to Newcastle. Despite long hours of driving and one of our band members being quite sick, we made it down to Newie without much delay. Our coordinator Stevie had scheduled for us to play that evening at their Youth Street Live program and so we set up our gear and ate a hurried dinner. There wasn't time to do much more than a sound check and offer up a prayer that God would use that night, but He certainly came through in a big way. Many of the Youth Street Live crew were inspired by both the music and the message of the evening.

Fantastic Opportunities in PNG

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:58:22 PDT

It was a wonderful weekend in the Ayugum Valley as a small team of two from YWAM Reef to Outback's School of Biblical Studies began their seminar there on Friday by going over the method and explaining each step of inductive Bible Study, then getting into the book of Philemon.

Saturday and Sunday were packed full of opportunities of ministry and meeting people. They were able to get into the local prison on Saturday afternoon. Ivan spoke about choices and forgiveness while Jonathan followed by talking to them about shame and redemption.

“It was definitely something that God put in our laps and turned out to be a fantastic opportunity.”
- Jonathan Spainhour

From there the team were dropped off at a youth center in the valley that was founded by a Irish couple. There was a drama group in the area working with the kids, so the guys mostly played with the youth and watched. Next week they plan to return.

Sunday morning was spent at the church which led to a lunch meeting with the guy who started the World English Bible. You can check it out on the web! They are going to take his place in teaching Inductive Bible Study on Tuesday evening, imagine that, as he and his wife go to finish the adoption process for their daughter. What a double blessing!

They are excited to see all of the other ministry opportunities that are opening up as they are there. Continue to pray that the team is effective in their communication and in tune with what God has for them in the remainder of their time in PNG.

From A Fijian Village to Country Victoria

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:31:58 PDT

As the Fiji Team travels back to the main land they shared about their amazing adventure. Kioa is the name of the Island they have been working on with YWAM Marine Reach. On arrival, the team jumped right in with wound care, giving out glasses, and pulling out teeth, well, helping at least! They were involved with nutrition and hygiene education, construction work and praying for people. While Marine Reach stayed on the ship, they stayed in the village. Some local ladies cooked every meal and opened up a house for them to stay in. Living conditions were challenging with no showers, flushing toilets or electricity, but they breezed through it and soon became part of the village family. They reported having a great time working with marine reach and were sad to see them go on Monday.

When Marine Reach left the team painted the school, did house visits, swam with the kids, and held a youth event in which 15 youth gave their lives to the Lord or responded to wanting more in God! Also, some locals took them to the other side of the island to check out the reef and go fishing. A lot of them cried when the team finally left in a little boat on their last morning!

“It was such a great experience, I think I can speak for everyone on our team that our hearts have been captured for the poor & needy. We were all quite overwhelmed as we saw 4 year olds with mouths full of rotten teeth and covered in boils & scabies. And then even the simple thing of giving someone a second hand pair of glasses totally changed their life as they're able to see past a few metres in front of them for the first time in years.”
- Anna Sutherland

On their way back to Lautoka, one of the students, Kara, got up and preached at a bus stop! The team arrived in Melbourne on the weekend and jumped straight into speaking at three church services and also getting involved in schools in country Victoria.

They are all in a really good place and can't wait to share about the ship and encourage people to get involved in missions!!

Outback Schools Get a Visit from YWAM Students

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:26:18 PDT

From Mount Isa to Longreach, a team from YWAM Reef to Outback has been engaging with students in schools across Australia’s North Queensland Outback. The team has been sharing a fun, interactive, religious education class with the school students.

Team leader, Andrea Olsen reports, “[We have] really loved working with the guys out here and mixing with the youth, especially the indigenous.”

The team has also been working in some Aboriginal communities, and sharing in local youth groups and churches.

YWAM Team Reports from Papua New Guinea

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:21:41 PDT

Most people would see a big beautiful river and be delighted by the view and maybe an opportunity to swim or raft leisurely. For the YWAM RTO team in Papua New Guinea, the river has become their toilet, their bath, and their main water source. Needless to say, they are very grateful to have appropriate water purification procedures with them!

The team is ministering in a village deep in the Morobe province and having wonderful results connecting with people. While finding the heat and the circumstances challenging to their accostomisation with Western comforts, the team have confronted them with a great sense of adventure.

In the larger town of Lae, they have been ministering in schools and churches and helping to prepare the way for the 2010 YWAM Australia & PNG Ship Tour with YWAM’s medical ship.

For more info, visit our website at www.ywamrto.com

Music Outreach Team Goes To Byron Bay's Mardi Grass

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:10:57 PDT

Its not a mis-spelling. Byron Bay's infamous Mardi Grass took place last week and was the celebration of everything marijuana.

In the midst of the action, our School of Music in Missions outreach team took to the streets with a message of hope and some great tunes.

Check out their update video here:

Want to find out how you can influence others through music? Check out our SOMM webpage or visit our main site: www.ywamrto.com

Happy Mother's Day: Letters Home from PNG

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:28:19 PDT

With two teams in Papua New Guinea at the moment, and with a special day to honour mums, it seems very appropriate to send on these letters from the January DTS students from YWAM RTO who had the opportunity to send a message home.

Hey Kay family!
I hope you are all doing well! We are having a great time in PNG so far and I think we're getting used to the culture! All the girls had the traditional Mary-blouses on for church on Sunday which was cool! A highlight for me over the last week would have to be going into a Primary School and doing some crazy skits and some dramas and sharing the Gospel with the kids. If you take out a camera, prepare to be swarmed by kids!!! They are all so sweet and we had lots of fun hanging out with them and playing some action songs with them :) It's very joyful to spend time with them!! We did the services at AOG at the weekend too so we were involved in the worship for that! They had a pretty rockin' band so it was cool to be a part of it and to worship with them all!! =]
I miss you all loads...and I love you all heaps! Oh and good luck with your exams Gemma! I'm so excited to see what God has in store for all of us over here in the next 5 weeks! Thankyou so much for all your prayers!
God Bless and take care! Lots of love..
Lyndsey xxxx

Dear Powell family,
Hey family! I am alive and safe in Papua New Guinea. We have had an amazing first week. My favorite part has been taking photographs of the beautiful people here. Once you take a photo of one person, they all ask you to take a photo of them. It is a dream come true to be surrounded by kids asking me to take their photograph and having them giggle once they see themselves on the camera. Also on Sunday we got to take over an AOG church service and I got to share my testimony in front of a large group of people, which was exciting.
I want you all to know I miss you terribly and every time I play with the kids here at the YWAM Lae base, I am reminded of Kyle, Liam, Jess, Gavin, and Jonathan. This may be the last you hear from me while I am in PNG. And I hope the move is going well and isn't too stressful.
Thank you for your prayers. I love you all dearly!
Peace!
Love, Mae

Hey Mom, Dad, and Sarah!!!
Hope all is well back home. PNG is pretty amazing, beautiful and crazy....it was such a culture shock when we went to the markets and into town. We've been staying at the Lae YWAM base this past week and we think we'll be here for another week and then in a week we'll be off to the bush and villages for just under two weeks, then to the Mt. Hagen ywam base for the last weekish.
I love you guys, and miss you lots. The kids are soooo cute here, and the weathers not tooo bad, you just sweat a lot. I hope Tyler's been emailing you....
It's been cool seeing God move here amongst the people. We've been performing dramas, playing music and sharing lost of testimonies. if you wanna see the main drama we've been doing check it out on youtube-lifehouse everything drama. Liz and i have been trading off being the main girl... it gets painful after a few times a day. haha. Love you guys and can't wait to skype you when i get back...5wks. oh ps. we've been eating lots of sweet potatoes, rice and (bananas with every meal). oh yeah and sleeping in mosquito nets(even though they're not bad here at all) Well i love you guys lots, please continue to pray for our health and protection. LOVE LOVE LOVE.xoxoxoxoxox. Megan

Hey! Mom, dad, Dan(dot dot dot), and Jake!
Miss you guys so much. I hope you guys are doing okay with everything. I spent a good amount of time in prayer for you the other day, God has been really pressing on my heart to keep you at the top of my prayer list. Isn't it cool how God can connect our hearts even when we are separated. Things are good here in PNG. Mom, I know you are crying right now, because you had no idea I would be able to send you a email. This might be the only time but I hope it blesses you. : ) Its been awesome getting to meet all the children here. They are so much like my kids in Ecuador. It makes my day when they hang on me and want to play games. It brings joy to my heart. We went up to a school the other day that had never been visited by a YWAM team. They were so blessed and it was fun just loving on them for a few hours. YAY God!!! I am healthy and well. Yes, I am eating. The food is great! I have had the wonderful chance to share my story a couple of times. God is pushing us as a team to really trust in his word. Its good. I love you guys so much. Please be praying for me.. my back is really hurting again. Thank you so much!!!! CANT wait to tell you all the stories. Just six or so weeks till I see you!!!
Jake, The chances of me getting to talk you before graduation are slim. So, I just want you to know how proud of you I am. i think about you all the time. You are an amazing brother and I am so excited to see how God uses you in the future. Have an amazing graduation..laugh a lot, make dad take tons of pictures, and enjoy the time with your friends. Love your little big sis, Liz
Love youuuuuu,
LIZ
P.S Make sure you read all the other post to hear more cool stories. watch the youtube video that Megan shared about.!!

Hi Mom, Dad, Taft, Sean, and Autumn (and Chloe...)!!! Miss being able to chat with you periodically throughout the week. Aren't Skype and wireless internet amazing? I'd come to take them so much for granted. I cannot believe I have been PAPUA NEW GUINEA for over a week already. I assure you guys we are all doing quite well. This week has been amazing. It has been so wonderful for me to actually see and experience how people live. The base we are staying at in Lae is right on the edge of "The Settlement", which is the slums where people live who have come from their villages to get a job in the city but were unable to. It breaks your heart to see all the kids running and playing on the street amongst smelly trash, and their families peddling fruit and such along the sides of the road. On Wednesday we had the amazing opportunity to go and minister to the primary school there. The school was... a shack. It literally has poles with cardboard walls and a thatched grass roof, and all the kids sit on the floor (along with a few elderly ladies who are "year 1's and 2's" who are learning to read!). We performed dramas for them and shared testimonies demonstrating the love of Christ for them and stressing His desire to have a living relationship with them right now, and their value and abilities as individuals. It was a very neat time. We've been doing similar things in various places throughout this whole week, though we have been trying our best to truly seek God each step of the way and not fall into a "methodical program." We already have seen how God has really been working through us and stirring people's hearts that definitely didn't come from just us talking and acting out a skit to a song. He is so awesome and it is great to be co-labourers with Him. I'm looking forward to what He will be doing these next 5 weeks and can't wait to share more stories of what He does with you all in person when I'm home in 6 WEEKS! I can't believe it. Love and miss you all.
Tabi

Hey mom. We made it safely here to PNG. We've only been here a week and already we've done tons of ministering and have had a busy schedule. Much is the same as last time, but much is also different. We have worked in churches as last time, but God has also been using us to scope out the land for the YWAM base here. We've done ministry in some of the more poverty stricken areas in the city including working with a fellowship that ministers to prostitutes and criminals that live on the streets. (Don't worry we have been completely safe and covered by churches working these ministries). We saw three people come to know God one of the nights after Ross shared a testimony! Praise God! We have also gone twice into the Settlement (non-land owners... kind of like a squatter camp) where we did a program with the school that is there. We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the people's generous giving to us in their need and have also been challenged just by how little people live off of here. I was able to preach at a womans' gathering of about 75 women and Ross was able to preach on missions at the largest church in the Lae area... we were able to run the whole service for the two services they hold sunday morning. It truly is the land of the unexpected. It is funny, there is a lot that we (Buddy and I) are realizing we romanticized about our last time here and that the environment truly isn't comfortable (trash, smells, cleanliness, sweat etc.)... but God is giving us so much strength :) I can see so much changing in Ross being in a place like this. It is so much different than America and even the nature of the people and their values is shaping so much in both of us... it is crazy how much comfort you can truly get used to!

I also wanted to let you know that our plans have changed a lot and we will be doing a lot more traveling than we originally anticipated, though we are looking at staying in Lae one more week right now. We will be back here in Lae for 1/2 of week 3 and then out at a school outside of town. For week 4 & 5 we will be traveling from village to village around Goroka (which is between Lae and Mr. Hagen). A man is trying to pioneer a YWAM base in Goroka and we are going up there to help. From there we will then head to Mt. Hagen for only 1 week (week 6). Communications have been a lot harder to do than anticipated (hence this group email). I don't think the phone card idea will work as this might actually even be the only email you will get from us until we are back in Cairns. God is doing so much already. Please be praying for us. I love you and we are excited to tell you all that God does!
P.S. will you please tell dad and grandma that I tried to call them before we left, but our phonecard gave us a lot of trouble the weekend before we left. Please tell them that I love them and am thinking of them :)
Love you! God is doing great things here in us and for His kingdom. Always,
Sarah and Ross

Hey ma and pa.
I won't tell you what we've been doing, you can read everyone elses letters...loving being here. It's so much like communities it is regularly spinning me out, imagine a whole city run by kardu chipmum....a lot of the same issues, though it's cleaner, more together, people have more focus, confidence etc...it's good to see. We're on the edge of a settlement here at the base, so it's a bit more slummy I guess, but still the people are better dressed and skin is better than at Wadeye...it's hard to tell what class people are in, though beetlenut stains give a fair idea. Broken 5 strings in 6 days somehow, and the shops don't have much so we'll use what we've got. The crew here at the Lae base are amazing, been great to open new doors in the area through our team and encouraging them etc. Team is going well, and remembering rule number one i think :). Hope J, L and KW are doin good, and congrats for finishing work moose!! Bet it feels good. I didn't get a chance to book flights to Melb/NZ before I left, so the NZ part may be off coz flights will probly be dear as by the time I get back. Should still be able to go and see Sim. So we arrive in Cairns 8pm ish on the 5th...I'll give you a call when we get in so we can meet up, we leave again in the morn at like 6. Hey by the way that song puramanimi is proving useful haha! Thanks for prayin for us...love you mob.
Umbaya,
Sar Bear oxox

Leftwich's
Hello dear family
I am writing to you From the city of Lae in PNG, it has been an amazing trip so far. we are all safe i am healthy and serving the KIng Jesus. Growing in a deeper intimacy with Him every day. I have been given the opportunity to share my testimony two times so far. IM learning how to do that again because for a while i would share it without heart or emotion so im re learning how to share with heart and conviction of God's goodness. This has been different than other trips becasue i am really learning and trying to do things that the Lord leads me into rather than just shooting in the dark im trying to be real intentional about how i minister to others by the leading of the spirirt. so its really good, i prayed for some kids and it was great because the lord really showed me how to pray for them, another time we went to a women's prayer group church service thing, and that was really good, i was praying for this one woman and i just started crying and she started crying and i had the opportunity to pray comfort over her because her husband had been beating her. yea and again the other day i prayed for these three guys and again the Lord was faithful in showing me how to pray for them. pray that we will get dircetion from the Lord and walk in it with conviction and passion. LOVE LOVE you all
YOURs truly BEN

FOR THE ORPIAS:
Dear ma and pa and ate joyce...
Hey there!! So as you can see, we compiled a little email from the team since our internet is very limited so you can probably read everyones update to know what exactly we've been doing.. but i just wanted to send a quick greeting and say that I am alive and doing well and am enjoying so much of Papua New Guinea! i still get moments where i can't believe that I am here but know that Gods perfect hand prints are all over it for this time! its really cool to see everytthing come together since i didn't know i was coming to PNG a month ago... but God is so good! I've had lots of photo/video opportunities here in Lae but i realize its harder than it sounds because I am with the team most of the time and want to engage in ministry as well! so i am learning humbly how to find a balance between finding myself with the camera and without... either way, i am loving the people of PNG and realize once again how much i love being in these slum areas and really seeking God and telling them about Jesus in unique God-moment ways. i am doing pretty much everything what the dts team is doing... we went to the biggest AOG church in Lae last sunday and whenever we introduce ourselves, we tell people what church background we come from .Whenever I mentioned i was from an AOG church, i would get this huge applaud which i find very funny... but the AOG pastor got my contact details because for some reason, he is looking for a Filipino AOG Pastor to come to Papua New Guinea in december. Want to come preach in PNG pa? hehe... and by the way, he knows Pastor Abe in Port Moresby and is good friends with him! I will email pastor abe when i get home ... but anyway... i have lots more stories but i just wanted to share that one... it is awesome being here once again on outreach in a place like this, in a nation that doesnt have a lot physcally, but is so very rich because of their hospitality and culture. ive already made some good friends here at the YWAM Lae base... you can see in the pictures that the girls wore their traiditonal PNG "merry-blouse" on sunday... dont laugh...i looked like a pregnant woman!! haha. we all had a good laugh but it was great to somehow step into a culture with our outfits... okay well i guess this is it for right now... again, I am doing well and the team is awesome! im getting to know a lot of them and am so grateful to be here.... please pray for protection, safety and direction for all of us... time is going by so quickly and i wish i was going to be here longer!! but oh well... Gods perfect timing.... i miss you and love you family and thanks again for all your support and encouragement to see all of this come together... talk to you when i get back in a couople weeks!!! p.s. you dont need to forward this email to everyone. i'll do a full update when i get back.... thanks! :)
love.
joanna

Small but Mighty: YWAM RTO Sends Its Smallest Outreach Team Ever

Reef to Outback News — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:08:41 PDT

YWAM Reef to Outback recently sent its smallest outreach team ever. The team of two, including school leader, Jonathan Spainhour and student and long-time YWAM RTO staff, Ivan Edeling, headed to Papua New Guinea as part of the outreach phase for the Bible Core Course.

It was with great joy that we sent this small, yet mighty... and incredibly handsome outreach team to PNG to help train and equip leaders there in the method of inductive Bible study, which helps readers study the Bible from a historical and contextual perspective.

Jonathan and Ivan have been in the Kerema region of PNG, running seminars for pastors and leaders and studying the books of Philemon and Ephesians. In the midst of the seminars, they’ve been working with youth and preaching at churches.

To find out more about YWAM RTO’s Bible Core Course, please visit our web page: www.ywamrto.com or email rto@reeftooutback.com

Youth Street Featured at the Cowboys Home Game

Reef to Outback News — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:16:05 PDT

Attendees at last Saturday's NRL (National Rugby League) game at Dairy Farmer's Stadium were greeted by cheerful faces from YWAM's Youth Street program.

The volunteers were there to cheer on the North Queensland Cowboys as well as to promote Youth Street, the peer-based mentoring program which runs every Saturday at YWAM Reef to Outback. Heaps of 12-17 year olds were provided with information about the program at the gates and curious onlookers wondered about the large yellow letters the group was holding.

During the game, the classic promo video for Youth Street was played on the jumbo Harvey Norman screen and announcers shared details of Youth Street in both Townsville and Mount Isa.

Beyond the promotions, it was a night to connect with youth. Many young people who attended the game were curious about these adults who were interested in them. They joked, laughed, played guitar and asked questions. During half time, more than 40 of them were given a free pass to attend Youth Street.

The night was great for the youth and for the Cowboys - who happened to win the game. And it seems a few of the staff weren't too disappointed with the opportunity to see an awesome game... and even a few who toured the professional facility afterward!

Biscuits and Parades: YWAM RTO Honours our ANZAC Heroes

Reef to Outback News — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:48:54 PDT

ANZAC. For Aussies and Kiwis, the word may mean a lot, for others, it sounds like the newest planet discovered!

Last Saturday, it took on a new meaning for many young volunteers at YWAM Reef to Outback as they assisted with the ANZAC Day ceremony along Townsville's strand. The group of 18 helped honour veterans from the Australia & New Zealand Army Corp. Amidst helping the "diggers" out of their vehicles and serving water to those who marched in the parade, there were many stories of the good ol' days. Veterans, their children, and women who lost their spouses in WWII were among some of those who were honoured on the day. In attendance was the last living WWII veteran from Australia's Torres Strait Islands.

The parade was followed by a moving ceremony where wreaths were laid in honour of those who gave their lives for the freedom of the Great Southland. Robyn Mulligan, co-founder of YWAM RTO and Ben Bishop laid a wreath on behalf of the staff and students of YWAM RTO.

Even the bus ride home was a cultural event for the non-Aussie and Kiwis. Everyone was given a taste of an ANZAC biscuit, a delightful "cookie" with oatmeal and coconut. The biscuits were originally made to be a long-lasting, energy food that wives, mothers, and girlfriends could send with their soldiers in WWII. It was a tasty memory of so many who have laid down their lives for the freedom we now have.

ENGAGED! A Special Season for a Special Couple

Reef to Outback News — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:56:02 PDT

What started as a normal day for one young couple on staff at YWAM Reef to Outback, turned into a special moment that would launch them into a new season and change their lives forever.

Beside a lake in Australia's outback, Johannes Klupfel asked Shauna Snyder to be his wife. In keeping with Shauna's American traditions, Johannes (who is German) presented Shauna with a beautiful ring. The diamond studded band proved to be the evidence he needed to indicate he was, in fact, seriously proposing to her and she excitedly responded, "YES!"

They are ecstatically planning their wedding day, although Shauna admits she still hasn't mastered the proper pronunciation of her future last name.

Upon saying their vows, Shauna intends to join Johannes at YWAM RTO's Mount Isa youth ministry centre, which he has been leading since it began one year ago.

Congratulations to the Klupfels to be!

YWAM Presents at Belgrave Heights Convetion

Reef to Outback News — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:35:52 PDT

What better way to celebrate Easter than camping with thousands of friends?! And what better way to celebrate this season of "new life" than to introduce a "new" ministry that is being rebirthed in YWAM Australia?

Brad Davies headed down to the Belgrave Heights Missions Convention near Melbourne where around 4,000 attendees were gathering to for fun, fellowship, teaching, and some great insights into missions.

The theme this year, "Transporting the Gospel" highlighted different methods of transportation used to bring hope around the nations. From airplanes to pushbikes, from 4WD trucks to ships, there were heaps of inspiring organisations sharing over the Easter long weekend.

In keeping with the theme, Brad helped communicate the plans for YWAM Australia to rebirth a medical ship ministry, including a 2010 promotional tour and opportunity for people to assist by coming on the ship to volunteer in Papua New Guinea. There were many excited about the future for YWAM and some even signing up to volunteer with the ship directly.

If this excites you, as well, please contact us at rto@reeftooutback.com to discover how you can be a part!

YWAM Team in Bangkok Remains Safe

Reef to Outback News — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:28:53 PDT

Amidst news reports of upheaval in the nation of Thailand, the School of Music in Missions team from YWAM Reef to Outback have confirmed that they are safe and taking necessary precautions as advised by the Australian government and YWAM Thailand.

Despite news reports, the team has been experiencing amazing results during their time engaging with many ministries throughout Thailand. From working with children, to helping women in the sex industry, they are filled with passion and hope.

The team will return to Australia shortly and will be promoting the issues of injustice in Thailand through a music tour. For more on the band they'll be touring with or to find out about bookings, visit their webpage: Elior.

Interested in using your music to make a difference? Find out more about our School of Music in Missions.

An Easter Feast

Reef to Outback News — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:16:49 PDT

YWAM Reef to Outback staff arrived this morning to an unusual sight. The normal Wednesday morning of worship music, prayer and staff meeting was replaced with elegantly decorated tables and a menu for an extravagant feast.

In celebration of Easter, it was a bit of a twist on the "Last Supper" - a chance to connect with Jesus. The menu began with cinnamon buns, coffee and juice and around the tables. Staff were encouraged to share stories of special things that had happened in the past week and give credit to God for the wonderful things He had done in their lives.

From there, the celebration continued without real food, but the menu described a "tapas feast" of prayer topics. With a list of the many things that are happening at the centre - the new database we are implementing, Ken & Robyn's trip to New Zealand to connect with Marine Reach, Brad's trip to Melbourne to be part of the Belgrave Heights Mission Convention, the skate competition we're organising for August, the tour through Indigenous communities we're going on with dancers and atheletes - staff were encouraged to have a "taste" of every prayer point and pray with each of the leaders in these areas.

For "dessert" we had a time of encouraging some of the staff in our midst who have really poured a lot of time and effort into what they do lately. It was a chance to lavish on some of our unsung heros and remind them of how special they are.

It was a very unique way to begin celebrating this season of Easter and provided a wonderful platform for us to remember Jesus - who He is, what He has done, and what He is doing!

Red Lights and Gucci Bags

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 23:26:50 PDT

Morgan Hirning from YWAM Reef to Outback's School of Music in Missions reports from Thailand:

It is a new concept for our team to do the majority of our ministry at night. Coming to Thailand you can only prepare yourselves so much for the things you will see and the experiences you will have. During the first week we worked with ARK International (At Risk Kids). Their ministry heads into the smaller slums in Bangkok teaching good health, clipping the kids nails, washing their hands, singing songs about Jesus. Jaso and Micah even did a puppet show for the kids. We also paid close attention to where the kids were coming from, who their parents were and what kind of condition they were in. All in hopes of giving us a better understanding of just how at risk some of these kids are.

For the next few days we spent the majority of our time in the red light district of Bangkok. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were going to see. It takes about an hour to get to the red light district from where we are staying and we decided to use the time in our sungtow (Thai transportation) to worship. It was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had. We literally worshiped throughout the city. The presence of God was clearly in the sungtow and all of us were certain that there is no other place we were meant to be then right there.

We entered the city around 6:30 and proceeded into the red light district. We separated into two teams and walked down each of the streets praying for the people and places that we saw. The dance bars were filled with scantily clothed women dancing to western music. On the other side of us were rows and rows of stalls full of Gucci bags and shoes and wallets. Children were running around in the street and tourists that seemed oblivious to where they actually were and what was going on all around them. There was street called The Boy Street where men called out to other men, men dressed up as women and all things perverse were offered on this street. After walking through we stood and prayed at the other end calling on God to have mercy and bring redemption where hopelessness lives. It is confronting and challenging but there is no place we'd rather be!

Photo: The School of Music in Missions band, Elior. For more information on how you can be involved in a YWAM RTO school, email us at rto@reeftooutback.com!

Featured Staff: Brad Davies

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:56:55 PDT

Its a farmer! Its a laser quest marshal! Its a telemarketer. No.... its this month's featured staff! Its true, he may have had more jobs than the beach has sand, but his current job - working in missions with YWAM RTO is a huge passion. With a competitive, never give up nature, this guy lives and breathes his job... and what he's up to now is pretty amazing. Join us as we hear a little bit more about this month's featured staff...Brad Davies...

RTO:What's your favourite colour?
BD:Black. I know, technically its the absence of colour but...

RTO:Favourite food?
BD:That's a tough one. I'm a really big fan of food. Its hard to narrow it down. I like complex flavours. I like a lot flavour mixed together...

RTO:What's your hometown?
BD:Orondo, Washington, USA

RTO:What do you love about Orondo?
BD:Its a small town community where everyone knows everyone and everything about everyone. Its very friendly. Its a farming community so they're all pretty close.

RTO:What was the most interesting job you had growing up.
BD:Working in the orchards, the airport, laser quest, a baseball umpire. (Laughing)... I was a telemarketer for an insurance company. That sucked. But technically we weren't telemarketing we were (putting on phone voice) "conducting a survey in your local area."

RTO:Why did you leave Orondo and come to Australia?
BD:Well, I didn't technically. I went away to do Uni for a year first. The reason I came to Australia and left the homeland, long story short... I had an amazing summer with God. I prayed for some good Christian friends to hang out with over the summer and I literally made some amazing friends. We lived together, worked together, hung out, prayed, worshiped. It was crazy! Three of that group went to do a DTS after that summer and we're all still in missions.

RTO:What was the best thing about DTS?
BD:I guess it was going from living a life WITH Christ to living a life FOR Christ. Christ was in my life and a part of my life but during DTS, I made Christ my LIFE.

RTO:What was the funniest thing that happened on outreach?
BD:I went to Cooktown (North Queensland) through the Outback and up into Darwin for the Arafura Games outreach. It was an all-Aussie outreach for me on my DTS. This isn't from that outreach, but in East Timor one time, I assigned this guy to get rid of the trash, which basically meant to burn it... all our rubbish and our body waste (poo). We had to catch our own rain through these tarps for drinking water. We kept tasting this smoky taste in our water. He came to me a couple days later and realised that where he was burning our poo waste, the ashes were going up and landing in our drinking water. GROSS! (Editor's note: No one was ill and the situation was resolved quickly.)

RTO:Did anything else interesting happen on your DTS? Like... anything romantically interesting?
BD:Well, there were three couples on my DTS but none of them worked out. Yes, I did meet the woman I was eventually to marry on our DTS. We didn't start our relationship until afterward but Mel was my small group leader and led my outreach team. We got to know each other quite well... but we didn't start anything until later.

RTO:What's your favourite thing about Melissa?
BD:Her passion for the Lord and the way she has a constant desire to go deeper with God. She's never satisfied with anything less than what the Lord has for us.

RTO:So you and Mel now have three boys. What is your favourite thing about being a family in missions?
BD:Every day is an adventure.

RTO:What's a recent funny adventure you've had?
BD:Isaac (9 months) found his way into our chicken coup and was rolling around in chicken poo in their cage. All the boys ended up in mud and they had a great time playing in the backyard.

RTO:Describe what you're doing now at YWAM RTO now.
BD:I've been overseeing our Base Operations and am currently helping with the YWAM Ship Tour.

RTO:Tell me a bit more about the Tour.
BD:We're bringing a medical ship into Australia to reach the poor and needy in Papua New Guinea & the pacific. Next year to launch the ministry, we'll be doing a tour down the east coast of Australia, promoting YWAM and raising awareness of the poor and needy. Also challenging the youth of this nation to missions and making a difference in the world.

RTO:Why are you personally involved?
BD:We love to see God transform lives... I love seeing Western youth (young adults) come in one way and then leave having met with God... seeing the world... experiencing the world in a new way. Getting out of their western bubble and having a mission experience and being able to see the bigger picture. Also, its evident that God is highlighting Papua New Guinea and the use of ships during this time. Its extremely excited to be a part of God's bigger vision and purpose... something that is incredibly beyond ourselves and our expertise.

RTO:Thanks, Brad. Is there anything else you want to add?
BD:Observe earth minute!

Singing Songs and Changing Lives: Recapping the Month of March in Pictures

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:43:29 PDT

After dodging a few cyclones, weathering a lot of rain, and recovering from a pretty hot summer, the month of March brought not only beautiful days for all of us at YWAM Reef to Outback, but also some great opportunities to hang out with youth.

We sent out four January DTS teams on their first outreach. For three weeks, they are connecting with thousands of youth in schools and churches, helping to mentor kids, prepare them for the future, and give them some hope in the midst of every day life. The teams have been to some of North Queensland's larger cities such as Cairns, Mount Isa, the country towns of Charters Towers, Mareeba, Atherton, and Ayr and even over to the beautiful indigenous community of Palm Island.

Our Townsville staff have had heaps of opportunity right in our backyard to connect with kids through Auslife seminars. Auslife is a great all day event for an entire year level in high schools. There are several programs including Goals & Values, Relationships, Peer Management, and Self-Esteem. Its high energy and very impacting. Here, RTO Staff BJ Magee plays a game with some local students.

The lights have dimmed, the crowd is waiting in anticipation - its the debut show of YWAM RTO's latest band, Elior (aka - our latest School of Music in Missions students). The first concert was a hit and the team is now in Thailand helping with ministries who are fighting gender injustice and human trafficking. They'll return to Australia for a NSW concert tour where they'll share some of their Thailand stories with heaps of young people.

Imagine 11 different nations... an equal number of worship leaders... and hundreds of God-lovers gathered over a video conferencing system. Spanning time zones from early morning to late night, the One Voice worship event, organised by YWAM's GENESIS team, was an incredible time of meeting together to worship and pray across the nations. It was beautiful!

Australian Outback Adventures

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:06:50 PDT

With four outreach teams on the road at the moment, stories are beginning to pour in about what's happening amongst youth in North Queensland. Students from the January Discipleship Training School at YWAM RTO are visiting Cairns, the Tablelands, Mount Isa, Palm Island, Charters Towers, Ayr and more!

Team leader, Naomi Emerson reports from Atherton, "On Monday we started school programs! We went to a tiny little school and had around 20 kids from prep to grade 7 – it was great. Tuesday we did 5 school programs (180 kids in total) and Wednesday we have another 5 school programs!"

Ania Kossar, who is leading the team to Mount Isa reports, "Last night we went to an Indigenous youth group. It was ABSOLUTELY amazing!! The kids were just beautiful. FULL of energy, but we left there so so so stoked to be part of it for the next few weeks."

Teams continue to help mentor youth throughout the region and will return in two weeks for lectures before venturing out again overseas.

To find out more about how you can be involved in a Discipleship Training School at YWAM Reef to Outback, write to us at rto@reeftooutback.com!

YWAM PNG Leaders Come to Townsville

Reef to Outback News — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:17:26 PDT

In an historic meeting, the leaders from YWAM Papua New Guinea arrived in Townsville on Friday to forge a friendship with YWAM Australia that is hoped will bring strength to both nations.

Upcoming plans for a YWAM Ship Outreach through Australia and PNG was the catalyst for the meeting, but the realities of what has been happening in both nations and the depth of possibility for a long term partnership were clearly evident.

The evening started with a cultural presentation by Fijians Kiti Saukuru and Amenatave Tuibua. With a speech of welcome and affirmation of friendship, leaders from YWAM Mount Hagen, Osea and Doris Waqamate as well as James Vevera, who leads the work in YWAM Lae with his wife Grace were presented with several gifts, significant to the cultures represented.

The evening continued with a feast of foods from Aussie BBQ to Fijian Coconut Fish, as all parties got to know one another better.

After the meal, YWAM Reef to Outback Director, Ken Mulligan, shared the vision for taking a medical ship into PNG and there was a great excitement as the visions of both nations began to merge. It was a powerful time of sharing and strategising and it appears that some wonderful foundations for the future have been laid.

Featured Staff: Michael Murray

Reef to Outback News — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:29:12 PDT

Its hard to say whether there is a more eloquent man at YWAM Reef to Outback than this month's featured staff. Anyone who can describe taking out the rubbish with the flair of Shakespeare himself wins a star in my book. But its not just stage presence or pretty words - or his secret love of game hunting - which makes Michael Murray so special. Join us as he takes us on a journey to the depths of his heart and passions...

RTO:What's your favourite colour?
MM:Green

RTO:Favourite food?
MM:Well, normally anything Mexican. However I'm experiencing a recent surge of Indian food.

RTO:What's the best thing about your wife, Jessica?
MM:Her quiet strength. She is tender and quiet but has this resilient strength. Since being married, I have personally felt more empowered and confident to go for it in God. And her hotness. (He says laughingly as Jess keeps jokingly reminding him of the fact!)

RTO:What's your hometown?
MM:Kalispell, Montana

RTO:What's the best part of Kalispell?
MM:Ultimately, my parents. I also love the abundance of recreational activities. Fishing, hiking, skiing, wakeboarding, lots more hunting, lots more wakeboarding, lots more skiing.

RTO:What's the best thing you've hunted?
MM:I was 18 years old on a three day hunting trip with my dad. We were camping... the whole lot. On our last morning we saw this elk and tracked it down. It fed our family for months.

RTO:What led you to do a DTS?
MM:At the close of high schools, I was thinking hard about the next steps and I was really unsure. It felt like all my friends had made decisions about what they were going to study in college and I just wasn't there. I had an increasing desire to get involved in ministry. I had a few friends in YWAM and I started having just these divine appointments. As I was listening to this outreach team share, I realised it was something that met the desires in my heart. I said. I want to be part of that.

RTO:Tell me a funny story about your time on DTS.
MM:One day in our young Christian zeal we, my friend Buddy and I decided we were going to fast all day. At the end of the day, we were lying in our beds. We were supposed to keep fasting all night but somehow we started telling stories about food. I was telling Buddy how in high school when I'd get home from sports and stuff, I would walk in the door of my house and be punched in the face by the aroma of a home cooked meal. Finally, Buddy couldn't stand it anymore. He ran into the kitchen, sliced off two huge pieces of day-old bread we were donated from the bakery and slathered about an inch of peanut butter on each piece. But this is where the story gets weird... I sill claim that I didn't cave in but Buddy is convinced that I had some bread and peanut butter too. Its still a joke between us. About six months later though, Buddy came to visit him at my house and when he walked in he said, "Wow! It is like being punched in the face by the aroma of a home cooked meal!"

RTO:What did you like about outreach?
MM:I went to East Timor in 2003, just after they gained independence. The devastation was still quite apparent. It was my first time to a developing nation. Poverty and extreme need was everywhere. It wasn't like I felt sorry or had pity on people but I just knew I wanted to use my life to help people. Not all the world is like where I'm from. I wondered how God could use me...

RTO:What's your favourite outreach location?
MM:Thailand. I feel like of any nation in the world, I am called to help address the issue of sex trade there. I know in my heart that I have a long term role to play in ministering to Thai people. I love the food, the people, the culture. I love Bangkok - how you can hop on the train and go everywhere! The Netherlands is pretty cool too... all the art and history.

RTO:Do you have a favourite book?
MM:Actually, its the one I'm reading right now. Not For Sale. Its a really thorough exploration/explanation of issues of slavery and trafficking balanced with stories of abolitionists. I keep going from being really confronted to really inspired.

RTO:What's your part to play in all this?
MM:Honestly, I feel I'm called to be an abolitionist and use the influence God has given and will give me to help issues of slavery and injustice.

RTO:Describe what you're doing now.
MM:Over the past few years, I've been to numerous countries and experienced the realities of poverty and need and used music in the context of missions.

I believe God's given us a model of advocacy - to go to nations, connect personally with long term ministries on the group who can help remove people from dangers of the sex trade, provide care and restoration, a job and salvation. We serve hands on. then we use music in the Western World to raise the profile of issues and the ministries (helping raise finances and manpower.)

They say the millennial generation is the most social ever. That innate thing that wants to see injustice stop, its a redemptive key to see young people do something with their lives and come to Christ.

So with all that, we're currently recording another CD with Five Star Streets and touring over the next two years to do that.

RTO:Thanks, Mike. Is there anything else you want to add?
MM:If you want to stay abreast of what is happening with Five Star Streets, check out our website - fivestarstreets.com.

If you like reading about Mike, you'll love our YWAM I-News! See more of Mike here!

Youth Street Crew Clean Up the Streets

Reef to Outback News — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:04:20 PDT

As flooding abounds in North Queensland this year, several of our Youth Street crew from YWAM Reef to Outback decided to stop oogling at the news and actually do something! They piled in a vehicle and headed to Ingham, one of the worst affected communities about ¾ of an hour north of our location in Townsville.

The 8 crew and 4 staff helped clean three houses and a community hall. From yard work to cleaning houses, to cleaning storage areas, they were working hard and the people of Ingham were so grateful. One elderly lady they helped in particular was so blessed.

As they worked, one of the kids went up to a crew leader (a peer leader) and said they wanted to be different just like their crew leader. At the end of the day, this crew was wanting to have faith in God. In the end two of our crew made decisions to believe in God.

Do you believe in what we're doing? Why not join us?!
PRAY - Join with us and pray for our mission!
GIVE - Donate to our work!
GO - Come and join us!