Prayer Letter 10

Hey all

 

I've finally had a chance to write another prayer letter.  Enjoy!

 

Tami

 

The Whole World - in a Village

Hey all

Here's an article written about Global Village - the aspect of Teenstreet I was involved in this summer.  Have a read :)

http://www.teenstreet.de/stories-articles/2012.html  (web address for article)

The whole world – in a village

By Katie McCay · 31 July 2012

The Global Village at TeenStreet is an exhibit designed to shock and inform. It aims to open our eyes and make us aware of the struggles other people face in today’s world. This year, the Global Village takes on an airport theme, where participants can 'fly' with 'OM Airlines' to one of four different 'lands'- land of the captives, blind, poor or oppressed, and discover what life is like for the people living there. Martin, from Sweden, who has worked at the Global Village for seven years, explained the main idea behind the Global Village, as well as what to expect if you take a 'flight' with 'OM Airlines.'
Martin explains that the main idea behind the Global Village is to bring a "broken world to the teens." Operation Mobilisation (the organisation behind TeenStreet) organises short-term missions around the globe, giving young people the opportunity to go and discover the needs of others. At the Global Village this is reversed, as the broken world is brought to the teens and they discover God’s heart for those in this world who do not know Him or are suffering. Martin believes it is important that the teens learn about what is happening in the world around them, as well as knowing that all people are loved by God: "Few people are living and working amongst these people, and therefore only a few are able to reflect God’s love in these places. God loves the people of a broken world, and we must love them also."
So what did the teens make of the Global Village? Anniliina and Lida from Finland remarked: "It was shocking. We felt really helpless." Leanne from Ireland had a similar reaction: "It was different... and shocking." Martin and Simon, from the Netherlands, who visited the country of the blind, also described the experience as "shocking," and the Global Village was "definitely worth visiting." Perhaps the few words the teens used to describe the Global Village is what speaks the loudest- the Global Village has the capacity to shock us with the sad reality of the world today.

Prayer Letter #9

Prayer Letter #8

Hey!  Here's an update as to what's going on at my end, but how about you?  I'd love to hear your news :)

Tami

A day in my life...

STOP IT!!! or...

From April 15-20 I was in Shropshire for some Youth Counselling training at the OM UK base.  It was a pretty intense week, with topics like abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, sex & identity, and gender confusion.  There are many things that young people struggle with, and many things to keep in mind when counselling them that are different from counselling adults.  Above all, I learned that the best advice to give to any young person with any type of struggle is, "STOP IT!!!"  Watch the video below to get what I mean...

Actually, I hope you know I was kidding!!  Below is a picture of a "mock" counselling session, where we practiced listening to each other tell stories of our lives when we were teenagers.  How do we really listen, not just to what people are saying, but what their heart is saying, and what is going on beneath the surface?  How do you share personal things in a way that is helpful and authentic, without using it to interpret or force something from the young person?

Youth Counselling is actually quite challenging...but also rewarding.  Please continue to pray for me and the other participants to have opportunities to counsel, and for love, wisdom and authenticity as we practice.  Pray for young people that you know, and young people here in the UK, as they face different struggles.  Pray for them to experience a loving God who is relevant for their lives.

Gremlins Among Us

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Matthew 6:7-8

I have this habit.  At the time it seems like it helps, but eventually it just drags me down.  It takes over my thoughts, tires me out, and sometimes my muscles ache more too.  Anyone know what I mean?  It's a little something called worry.  Except in reality, it's not so little.  When you let it, it has power to take over your life.  It's best to catch it when it's small, before it grows into a gigantic monster that eats all of your energy, motivation, and peace.  Kindof like a gremlin.

But in the midst of all of this, God speaks.  God says, "I know what you need before you ask me."  Really?  Before I ask?  Yes.  Before I ask.  God knows me better than I know myself.  God knows what I need and I don't even need to say anything.  The other day I was feeling very discouraged.  I was talking with God about it and wondering why God wasn't changing the way I felt in some way.  Then I go upstairs (I was at work) to get some tea, and happen to go by my mailbox.  A large (but light) white envelope lay inside.  Curious, I picked it up and opened it before I went downstairs (patience has never been my biggest fruit of the Spirit).  Inside I found a rainbow of coloured paper and stickers.  I had no idea what it was.  A small white paper inside told me that two Sunday School classes from my home church (in Canada) had adopted me as their missionary.  These were cards from all of the kids!  "Our church feels empty without you."  "I've always wanted to be a missionary!"  "Praying for you."  Wow!!  So God knew exactly what I needed, and gave it to me at just the right time.  God's amazing like that.

I suppose that's why Matthew continues verses 31-33,

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God knows what we need.  God provides what we need.  Not always when WE think he should, but ALWAYS on time.  "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150)

I hope that this story reminds you of the many times in your life where God provided what you needed exactly when you needed it.  But more than that, I hope it inspires you to trust God with what is in front of you.  God's got it.  In fact, God knows what you need before you ask him.

 Halesowen Youth Centre:  This is the government run youth provision where I live.  I've been trying to work through the process of being able to volunteer here for a number of months now.  It's a slow process.  Recently I had an informal interview with the area leader, who said he'd be glad to have me on as a volunteer.  All that is left now is for all of the information for my criminal records check to be processed.  Please pray that this would go through smoothly and without complications.

 My flatmate Elizabeth lived in Japan for three years, and really wanted to go out for Japanese food to celebrate Easter.  Here's a picture of us enjoying Teppanyaki - where the chef cooks the food in front of you with flames & all that jazz.  It was delicious!

 On April 6th I had the chance to hear Elizabeth preach at a Chinese church in Nottingham for their Good Friday service.  Elizabeth has been mentoring me for awhile now, and it was great to see her in action!  She preached on Revelation chapter 11, and it inspired me to dig deeper into the Bible.

 After the service, we visited the oldest inn in England, built in 1189!!  It's built into the base of the 'mountain', below Nottingham castle.

 You can't go to Nottingham and not visit Robin Hood!











For those of you on Facebook, you will have seen these photos of my trip to Israel, Jordan, Egypt, & Switzerland.  But here's just a bit more info from that time... 

 Here's part of our group on the shores of the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv, doing a short devotional.  Let me just say that this trip was a dream come true.  Studying the Bible where the Bible took place - epic.  Highly recommended!!  It has started my thinking on doing a Masters degree in some type of Biblical studies in Israel.  Right now it's a thought and a prayer request, nothing more... but the idea just fascinates me!

 This is the view from the top of Mount Carmel, looking out over the Jezreel Valley.  Read 1 Kings 18 for the account of God's defeat of the prophets of Baal through Elijah on Mount Carmel. 

 Here's a shot from Nazareth village, a re-creation of what Nazareth would have been like in Bible times.  This is where farmers would have scattered their seed.  Very different from the huge Prairie fields that I first imagined when I read Matthew 13 (parable of the sower).  You can see here different types of ground the seed would have fallen on - the path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil.

 Also from Nazareth, this is a view from inside a typical synagogue in Jesus' day.  This is the type of roof the friends would have dug through to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus in Mark 2:1-5.  The only difference is the wooden poles would have been spread apart more (they're closer together here for safety reasons).  

Below is another view of the synagogue

 Group photo during our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee!!

 This is a photo of what the picture below would have looked like in Jesus' time.  Now we're at the ancient site of Caesarea Philippi. Look at Matthew 16:13 and following.  Jesus says that Peter is the rock on which he'll build his church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.  This is what Jesus had in mind.  Caesarea Philippi  was a place for worshipping pagan gods.  Jesus was making a powerful statement!

 Sunset over the Sea of Galilee

 Check that off my bucket list!  A camel ride in Genesis land (the Judean wilderness).

 You wouldn't think so, but this is the Jordan River.  Not exactly the type of river I had pictured when I read the Bible!

 Can't forget Jerusalem!

 Wailing wall in Jerusalem.  I got to stick a prayer in too.

 At the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.  In the distance you can see people standing by the tomb where they believe Jesus was buried....this was one of my favourite sites that we visited.  It really brought Jesus' death and resurrection alive for me.

This picture to the left is from inside the tomb.

 Markets in Old Jerusalem

 Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

 

Taking a dip in the Dead Sea :)

 At the Giza Pyramids in Egypt

 In the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, I found the Israel Stele!!  This is the first time Israel (as a nation) was mentioned outside of the Bible.  If I remember correctly, it was from Pharaoh Merneptah's victory listings.

 Cave churches in Cairo

 Found this near the cave churches, looking out over Garbage Village.  You're the God of this city!

A final highlight was an overnight layover in Zurich, Switzerland, where I could visit my friend Stephi!  I met her on my first year in OM, and hadn't seen her in almost 5 years!!!  It was nice to reunite :)  Another blessing from God.

Well, that's all for now.  I hope you're blessed by reading this!

Tami

Prayer Letter #7

Youth Track!

Hey there!  Here's an article written by my friend Betsy about the Youth Track I've been working on...enjoy!

Youth track comes to Lifehope

OM Lifehope is offering a new youth track for community outreach participants this year. As part of the larger OM Lifehope training programme, participants have the option to study foundational principles and engage in practical youth ministry as they reach out to local communities in the UK.
“The youth track gives the opportunity to study and reflect on Christian youth work,” says Tami Zacharias, Lifehope youth leader. “This programme teaches you how to think and gives you frameworks and structures.”
The four-month track, launching for the first time this month, is comprised of studying, reflecting, talking and doing. Participants use relevant training materials, participate in regular youth work, reflect on what they are learning and meet with a mentor.
Why not just jump into youth ministry? Tami explains that time spent in purposeful study leads to powerful ministry. ““If you know what your biblical and theological foundation is,” she explains, “you’re able to analyse what the needs are and find ways to meet them instead of just putting things together and hoping it works.”
The youth track handbook states, “…The best ministry comes when we are intentional about it. We’re going to be better youth workers when we know what we want to achieve, and do it on purpose.” The goal of the youth track is to build a foundation which equips youth workers to minister from a biblical basis, regardless of cultural context.
“As I was developing the programme,” says Tami, “I wanted to think cross-culturally. I was very aware that everyone coming into the youth track would be coming from a different context. I wanted to give the students tools and skills that could be used in all cultures.” With the first participants coming from Spain, Bulgaria and Brazil, a cross-cultural approach is vital.
Through the completion of the four-month track, participants will be equipped for current and future youth ministry. Please pray for the youth track students as they walk through the programme. If you are interested in learning more about the youth track at OM Lifehope, click here.
Credit: Betsy Rouse This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
© 2012 Lifehope This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Gobble Gobble - Experiencing Turkey

 Welcome to Turkey: land of squattie potties!  Of course there's more to it than that, but it was a big thing my co-worker Christina and I noticed when we arrived.  Although we were going to Turkey for a leadership course (and a bit of sightseeing), we weren't sure what to expect.  We had heard a few 'horror stories' and so we were somewhat apprehensive.  While I can't speak for all of Turkey, the part we visited was much different than I'd anticipated - in a positive way.  As we stepped off the train I heard a loud siren-like noise, looking around to see what emergency was going on, I realized it was the Muslim call to prayer.  Yep, not in England anymore.  But God was with us the entire way.  We weren't sure how to get to our hotel, and someone on the train walked us all the way there.  We weren't sure how we'd get to Ephesus, and a hotel employee gave us a free ride.  We didn't speak the language, and we met someone our first night who was very friendly - AND fluent in English!  These are just a few examples of God's faithful provision.  Isn't our God amazing?

This picture is of the free continental breakfast at our hotel, and let me tell you, Turkish food is delicious!!  This breakfast, slightly modified for tourists, consisted of fresh bread, 2 kinds of olives, fresh oranges, helvasi (sweet, dense treat with pistachios), two kinds of cheese, fresh butter, jam, tea, juice, tomatoes, and a goat's cheese mixture.  I looked forward to breakfast :)  The guy in the picture works at the hotel and is the one who gave us a ride to Ephesus, and later to the train station as well actually.

 Since we came to Turkey a few days earlier, we had the chance to see a couple sights - including the biblical Ephesus!  I was absolutely elated to be able to see more of what is talked about in the Bible - it really make it come alive!  Here's Christina and I at the beginning of the city, before it started raining.

 This just gives you a little idea of how large and impressive the city would have been in its day.  The pillars made my feet look small...and I don't have small feet...hahaha.

I couldn't resist this shot of the puddle just as it started to rain...beautiful.

There were all kinds of stray cats around not only Ephesus, but also where we were staying...lots of dogs too. 

 This is a shot from the top of the long marble street that led down to the Celsus Library.  There would have been large pillars and statues all along the street.  Some of the things down the street included public latrines, houses, baths, temples, fountains, etc.

 This is the great theatre where Paul tried to go into in Acts 19, but couldn't.  It can fit about 24,000 people!  Just compare the small figures on the bottom right to the size of the structure - wow! 

Why couldn't Paul go into the theatre?  Thousands of people were quite upset that Paul was saying that their gods weren't gods at all.  The people of Ephesus, and in other areas, worshipped Artemis, the goddess of fertility.  They were shouting "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" for over two hours, and were about to be accused of rioting.  On the left is what the temple of Artemis would have looked like in its day.  On the right is what is left of the actual temple - almost completely destroyed.  I'm going with Paul - Artemis wasn't a god at all.  Look at what is left!  But our God remains.

 Here's a statue of Artemis that was in the museum - this would have been in the temple... crazy looking isn't it?

Over here we're in one of the local restaurants with a friend we met - Aydin.  The first night we went to this restaurant he was sitting nearby and heard Christina & I speaking English.  He started talking to us and he was fluent!  He was able to translate things for us, and when he left, he invited us to visit his carpet shop down the road the next day.  So the next day we went there and had tea and learned about carpets, then met him for supper that night.  It was great to experience some warm Turkish hospitality!  We drank way too many cups of tea! 

 This is Selcuk (pronounced Sel-chook), the town nearby Ephesus where we stayed during our sightseeing.  The conference was nearby as well.

 The leadership course we attended was called FLighT, which stands for Foundational Leaders Training.  This is the building where our sessions took place.  We learned about a variety of things, including characteristics of a Godly leader, multicultural teams, team building, communication, constructive feedback, motivation, project management and more.  The training was basic (i.e, foundational), but it was still helpful.  I also really enjoyed meeting people that work all around Western and Central Asia.  God's people are at work everywhere!

From the characteristics of a Godly leader session, we had to write down some of the things we thought characterised a Godly leader on these strips of paper.  Themes that came out were serving, humility, integrity, communicating well, deep relationship with God, etc etc.  Thinking about all this reminded me of John 15 - apart from God, we can do nothing.  How can I be humble, live with integrity, serve others, communicate well, live deeply with God, if I try to do it by myself?  I need God!  Please pray for each of us who went to this course as we desire to be Godly leaders. 

Because of the area where most of the people attending the conference work, it's not wise to show pictures with their faces where they can be identified.  Here's a photo of a praise & worship time during the conference.


Hopefully now you're not craving turkey, but have enjoyed reading about my experience in Turkey!  I'm looking forward to putting what I've learned into practice, and I humbly ask for your prayers in this - it's a balance between being faithful in what God has given me, and recognizing that if God doesn't do it in and through me, I'm hopeless.  Through this conference I believe I've grown closer to God not only in the way I lead, but also personally.  The more I truly experience of God, the more thankful I am that I'm God's child.  Thinking back of people worshipping Artemis, I'm thankful that my God is alive and always with me.  What a great God we serve, amen?

Be encouraged and blessed in our God,

Tami