It's Friday, Friday...

For some time, we have wanted to bring together a small group of students who are particularly passionate about reaching those around them with the gospel. The dream became reality last weekend, as 12 of us gathered on the Kapiti Coast just North of Wellington to think about, discuss and consider outreach and evangelism.

It was a good group, made up with a mix of personalities, backgrounds and experiences. Nigel Pollock and I provided the input. Over the weekend, we considered what evangelism is, what the gospel is, how we engage the culture around us with the gospel, before thinking through some of the specific applications of how this would and could look on campuses across NZ. The group engaged well with the teaching, and seemed to go home to their respective cities with a renewed sense of wanting to share Jesus with those God has placed in their lives.

A real highlight was having the opportunity to talk and pray together about friends and family who we would love to come to know Jesus for themselves. I always find that praying for people by name, and asking God for specific opportunities to live and speak for Him is significant and helpful.

By the end of the weekend, the group had become increasingly gangsta

We long to see increasing spheres of influence, as these folks who are particularly enthusiastic about evangelism would draw others into the orbit of seeing who God is and the needs of those around them, and inviting people to consider Jesus. Over the coming months, I will be trying to follow up with each of those who attended to see how we can encourage others, as well as each other in sharing the gospel more.

As I write this on Friday morning, the main event of the next few weeks is the anticipated arrival of our second child early next week. Jen is due in for a C-section, and we look forward to meeting the latest addition to the family and a new chapter in our family's life. Jen would particularly appreciate prayers for the surgery. Sam & I are holding the fort, and look forward to helping mum out with the new baby. We will try to put news and photos online as soon as we are able. I anticipate taking some paternity leave, and God willing, after that, will try to return to posting fairly frequently on here with news of what God is doing in Aotearoa, New Zealand.