Psalm 30:11-12

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.

Lord my God, I will praise you forever. Ps. 30:11-12

That verse is so good!

Ministry is continuing here. I'm really being used in some different ways than before.

SURGE is continuing to grow and I am planning a worship "workshop" of sorts to teach students how to praise God with their instruments and voices. Sometime next week that should be going on and i'll let you know how it goes. I have also been working with the worship leaders at SURGE and developing them and working on leadership within the bands. The kids here are awesome. Very dedicated. I led worship on Fri. night for SURGE and after the message we had about 30 mins. of spontaneous prayer and worship. It was incredible, a very growing experience for the youth group.

I am also working with Viona Schulz (childrens pastor at ECW) in creating a worship band for the children's ministry from the teens at SURGE. We are working through some cutting edge children's music. It's great. Something I've never done before.

Christmas is around the corner and I will play a large role in Christmas in Burswood (christmas community event) by working with the SURGE drama team and directing a Christmas drama which we will also perform at the annual Night In Bethlehem experience here at ECW. Never directed a drama before but it is fun! I have also been practicing and playing on Sun mornings with the existing worship band. I'll be playing drums for both Christmas in Burswood and Night in Bethlehem.

Tonight, I am going to Brett and Kristin Jones' house for some American thanksgiving! I'm excited.

Thank you for continued support and prayer.

keep praying.

-john

What am I doing?

Hello friends!

I'm getting settled in here. Finally hitting some sort of a routine. It's good. I've been doing a lot these past 3 weeks. And by the way, the photo on the left is the view from my room. Pretty cool huh?

The first Sunday I was here I played a song for Communion and I am going to be actively involved in the Sun. morning worship in some way. Drumming, singing and leading some. Also, last Fri night, I led worship for SURGE (the youth program). It was a lot of fun. Sun. night, we had our 2nd preview service for our contemporary service. (one of the primary reasons im here). It was awesome. The theme was silence and being still before Christ. Very powerful.

Also, this past Friday, SURGE attended an area youth rally at Mangere Nazarene Church. It was a great time of connecting with local youth leaders and pastors. I'm excited about working with network of pastors here in Auckland.

I will update again on my home life and things going on for fun but just wanted to give an insight into my ministry thus far. Tonight, I'm leading worship for the youth Surge 4 Word (bible study and youth meeting) and meeting with the team leaders to plan some events. Thank you all for the support.

keep praying.

-john