October 2003

Greetings from Toongabbie, New South Wales, Australia!

It's been a wild journey since the last Psalm One Update. Every morning I wake up and wonder... Where am I? What country am I in? What time zone is it? Am I scheduled to speak somewhere today? Am I supposed to be catching a plane? Is it 85 degrees and sunny outside? Or 20 and sleeting? Do I greet my host with "G'Day!" or "Kia Ora!"? Will I be dodging wallabies and wombats on the road this evening?

I am in the midst of a ministry stretch that has taken me from Oregonia, Ohio all way down under to Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Bicheno, Launceston, Devonport, Strahan, Queenstown, Riverton, Bathurst, Hawks Nest and many towns in between across Australia and New Zealand. I have stayed in 14 different beds so far, and I think I will sample three or four more before I return to my own beloved bed towards the end of the month.

I have led retreats, done evangelistic outreaches, preached in churches, taught women's groups, consulted with ministry leaders, counseled with people, and spoken wherever they want me! It's been a lot of planning and a huge amount of hard work and long hours.

But it has been an amazing journey of faith and ministry that could only come from the hand of a very creative and resourceful God. At the start, He kept telling my heart, "I go before you" and He certainly has shown that with every step.

I can definitely say, this has been an incredibly rich time of fellowship with God, endless divine appointments, and a genuine sweep of the Holy Spirit as we minister down here. So many blessings and surprises.

God has opened doors, laid groundwork, made connections, set up unexpected divine appointments, provided above and beyond, brought people into our meetings and gatherings from everywhere, and most amazing to me, spoken to hearts and minds through my feeble offerings. My job is to do my homework and show up. His job is to change lives. And I have been consistently blown away by what He has done to reach out and bear fruit that would remain (John 15:16).

I keep thinking of 1 Chronicles 29:14..."But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and from Thy hand we have given Thee." Who am I? I am no one special. But He uses this ordinary woman to do extraordinary things, because He can and will use anyone who yields to Him, even me.

I am also His beloved daughter. And He has shown me that in so many ways. I experienced examples of His spectacular creation that most people only see in photographs. I have enjoyed fellowship with some of the most fabulous people. There have been truly hilarious situations and evenings when my face has ached from laughing so hard. There have also been deep and life-giving conversations about life and the Lord. And I have enjoyed the privilege of many hours of being with God and God alone. And you know what? He makes a marvelous traveling companion.

I'm in the home stretch now… Two big events back to back on Friday (Ministry Wives Gathering in Castle Hill, NSW) and Saturday ("Work, Play, Rest and Pray" Retreat in Wentworthville, NSW). That will take a huge amount of energy, but God doesn't run out! So pray for His words, strength, endurance, clarity, love and joy as I trust Him to tackle these two exciting days.

And pray for smooth logistics, safe travel and a minimum of jet lag (plus supernatural packing to fit my expanding possessions into my suitcases!) as I head back to the other side of the globe in a couple of weeks.

Gratefully,

Linda

Special Note: I am so grateful to those who have been praying on a daily basis for me and all those with whom I have been working. Thank you Oz/NZ Prayer Team! You can't imagine how much it has meant to me to be able to know people were supporting me in prayer every step of the way. Thanks also to so many for the messages of encouragement and support. Please forgive me if I have not responded individually to you. My time and internet access is limited but know that I appreciate the kind words and cheerleading!!

I'll be meeting with the Caregivers Forum, a network of people who minister to people in ministry, the last weekend in October. I am so committed to pooling our resources to support those who give their lives to the work of God.

We have a Day of Refreshing coming up in Oregonia on November 8. This is open to men and women and we would love to have you join us. Space is limited and filling quickly so RSVP soon!

November 15 we will be having a Cincinnati Ministry Wives Gathering. This will be a great time to get together for a time of pampering, soul care, encouragement, support and laughter. If you know any pastors' wives who might appreciate an invitation, let me know.