August 13 - 18

This week was all about getting back to work! We came back Tuesday afternoon and went full throttle beginning Tuesday evening with the John Bible Study that Ken is leading. So far the average has been 13 people, which is really great! We're looking at two signs/miracles at a time and watching them on the Gospel of John movie which is word-for-word the book of John.

Wednesday Ken wrapped up teaching his class about the cannon. It wasn't his favorite topic and so he is looking forward to beginning more exegesis next week with them! So far though, he enjoys the students. They seem to have a lot more to say and Ken often finds that he has to cut back the involvement so that they can get through all the material they need to get through! I guess that's a good problem though, eh?

Wednesday I had my third meeting with Mark W, Guy J, and Pauline S to do the finishing touches to the Segue brochure I created. It was a great meeting - we nailed down all the little things we have to get done before the music conference (Segue) in October. The brochure and poster were great - now I have to get them printed and mailed (300...ugh!) but it's awesome that's it's actually happening! Our goal is to have 60 people attend (our limit), however, we'd be happy with 20. Please pray that the mailing and advertising will have a good impact on the Church here in NZ and that musicians, lay preachers, and other church volunteers will come.

Wednesday through Friday Ken had one of the youth, Amanda, shadowing him. It was a project for school, where she had to experience a work environment of her choice for three days, and she choose to see what a DCE does! That was really exciting for Ken, and she seemed to have a great time. Some of her jobs included: re-creating the youth ministry note board, spending time in prayer/Bible study, helping create the scavenger hunt for Friday night youth, folding/mailing brochures for the 5 Love Languages Seminar in September, and wrote an article for the Olive Tree. Ken sure enjoyed the extra help, especially for the brochure folding and mailing. Another thing to keep in prayer: the 5 Love Languages Seminar that Pastor/President Rob Erickson will be leading. It's open to all the LCNZ and also to the other local churches around Palmerston North. Hopefully there will be a good showing, it's sure to be a rewarding day ending with a nice dinner.

Friday night youth went well, although Ken was disappointed that some kids torn down some of the new poster that Amanda created (although, they didn't realize Amanda had done it - they thought it was Ken's work.) After youth, Jude Nelson, a youth parent, talked to Ken and said that she and some others were praying for the youth group and would continue to pray harder for the negativity that seems to come from a certain family and youth towards Ken and all he does. She did mention that eventually need to be approached - hopefully the PLT or our next pastor will do that.

Saturday evening we had Jen and Sam over for pizza and a movie - it was wonderful to hang out with them before they head off to Europe! They leave at the beginning of September for 6 weeks to travel Europe, see Sam's Dad, and stop in to the States to visit Jen's family. Should be a great time for them, although we will miss their company.

This whole week has been filled with rain rain rain, although it did stop long enough on Sunday afternoon for Ken, Pep and I to head over to the beach with some coffee and cookies. It was a great way to take a break and enjoy God' creation. The countryside here is just so beautiful! We can't get over it...and Pepper loved chasing the bird (her favorite pastime) - although at the beach this time they seemed to be chasing her! Seriously, they were circling over her and diving down towards her...silly dog. :) Sunday night we went back to church for the call meeting - we are extending another call to an Aussie named Geoffrey. I'm very much hoping he will accept it, but we won't know for a fortnight (two weeks). Ah, the suspense!!

Monday Ken began training for his marathon. He's decided to do the Marathon in CA next March and so the training begins now! Phew! Good thing he enjoys all this running.

Well, that about sums up the week. No pictures, I think we took enough of those last week during the conference and ski trip! Hope this finds you in good health and spirits. :)