TEA 05/09 - When Will Sandflies Be Extinct?

This week's adventures started out in Christchurch - one of the most popular and well-known cities in New Zealand! We paired up and went on another adventure day, only this time we learned about the history of Christchurch by asking random people we came across. A few good conversations got started this way and we also had the opportunity to pass out tracts about "What's Wrong" with Christmas. 

On Sunday evening, the TEAm was invited to the YWAM (Youth With A Mission) base in Oxford! We shared a dinner with the students there and had some really encouraging conversations and prayer time. IT was very refreshing to fellowship with other Christians for a short time. It's great to see God at work in other people's lives.

A short day tramp through Mt. Cook found most of the TEAm swimming in a glacier lake! After all, someone has to stay dry and warm to be the photographer ; ) It was a gloriously sunny day that provided a pleasant atmosphere for growing closer to each other and enjoying God's creation. It also resulted in several sunburns... : )

We got to see the world's biggest (no joke - they have a certificate and everything) sweater/jumper/jersey - depending on which continent you live ; ) Upon arriving at Mt. Somers, in preparation for our big tramp, the entire TEAm (minus George) went on a run together! This was a fun way to work together. Later that evening, we had a great discussion that gave us all a chance to be vulnerable with one another. So far, this has resulted in a tighter knit group - Praise Jesus! God is really working his way through each one of us individually and together.

Next up: a four day tramp into Mt. Somers! It had snowed quite a bit the night before, so we had our first snow tramp! It was fun (and slippery) as we hiked up to see a huge waterfall. The first night in Woolshed Creek Hut, we had the place to ourselves. But, the second night, after returning from a long day hike up to the top of Mt. Somers, we were joined by three ladies. They sang worship songs with us and one of them had lots of questions about Christianity! It was very encouraging to realize there are people out there who are interested!

The third day of the tramp included water caves and even more waterfalls. We arrived at Pinnacles Hut to find it nearly full with more people constantly streaming in. We had a great evening talking and playing games with others that were there! After tramping out and (finally) cleaning up, we got to go back to YWAM on Monday morning to participate in their weekly service. It was great to go back and be encouraged some more. 

(playing in Pinnacles Hut)

The TEAm is now on the west coast of the South Island and heading north. This week we are focusing on serving one another. Please pray that we can understand what it means to be a true servant of and for Jesus. Pray that we continue to work together and not against each other and that everyday is another opportunity to serve OTHERS and not ourselves.