The Blueprint

The YWAM population on the island has doubled this weekend as 5 teams returned from their outreaches in different parts of Asia. Fortunately, YWAM Maui has multiple housing options on the island and the overlapping time between schools will not be overcrowded. Up in Haiku is the main base where we are staying and its generally business as usual. We are heading into the Holy Spirit lecture week, which will be interjected by hearing from the other schools and their graduation. The two weeks leading up to this point were Worldview and Bible Overview.

Worldview was taught by Will, a businessman who used to work at YWAM Maui. This week included a look at how knowledge and worldviews are produced. Moreover, we analyzed different streams worldviews have taken and their reasoning, which are often attached to different religions. A significant point to the week was that ideas have consequences. This was actually hard to hear at times as views ignoring Jesus are lacking hope.

The base director for YWAM Maui Tom led this last weeks lecture on Bible Overview. As in depth as possible in a week we analyzed the Bible's story of creation, the fall of man, and God's redemption of man. It is incredible to recognise God's consistent loving and holy character throughout the Old and New Testament. The Bible demonstrates God's merciful and just nature in His desiring to be in right relationship with people. The crescendo of redeeming God’s relationship and ours is the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is astounding how the Old Testament led to this point. The Law demonstrating our need for a perfect sacrifice and the countless prophesies all directing to Jesus. This week is an excellent transition into our Holy Spirit week as we learn what it means to live redeemed and with the Counsellor.

Aside from lectures we have continued to be busy with preparing for outreach and spending time here in the community. The surf has not disappointed due to the El Niño and I am having a great time with the team out on the water. Our regular kids ministry has also been thriving as we are really getting to know and love the group. What was a special this past week was going to be a part of a local Christian school's spiritual emphasis week. Our team sang songs and talked in the formal Chapel, where I had the opportunity to tell a story and teach. Following this we specially met with the surfer kids to encourage them.

Please pray for me and my team as well as the people we will be meeting and places we will be going in Taiwan and Indonesia. Thanks and blessings to you all.

Isaiah 53:4-5

4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.