Oh dear, how time has flown by since the last post! It seems like ages ago since David and I were living apart, as he has been home now since the first week of November!! YAY. Since his return, we have had a whirlwind of events, conferences and happenings up until today, and it definitely feels like a holiday is needed and on the horizons!! :)
We spent a wonderful 5 days with Peter & Christine in Perth and their awesome church there. It was such a relaxing and restful time, and it was great to meet up with everyone who are part of Peter & Christine's networks there. One thing that I came away with from the trip there was the value of relationships and I came to really appreciate and love Peter & Christine so much more! I couldn't believe how natural and family it felt to be there with everyone..... it was truly a blessed time and I can't wait to meet up with our Perth family again.
Once we came back to Brisbane from our Perth trip, it was back to the grind and so much was perceived to be on the horizon for Breakthrough Nation. We just completed our BN conference with all the Directors of divisions and eldership teams from around BN and it was truly an experience of forging things together that have never been seen before; but also a challenge to really delve deeper into the depths of God's heart and mind for what this thing "nation" is that we have been called to! Still much to do and much ground to cover, but I was so grateful for the time spent together with everyone from around BN. Always great to catch up with family and build God's house together.
Sooooo with all that's happened, all I can say is BRING ON THE HOLIDAY, and let us all be merry and joyful as we enjoy sweltering heat (maybe only for those of us in Brisbane??), BBQ's, lazy days, movies, swimming, good books and GREAT COMPANY! Hooray.
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Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Well, believe it or not but I think it is actually getting easier to deal with living apart from my husband! It's been two weeks now, and although the natural tendency to miss my husband is there, but somehow beyond that is the deep sense of joy and deep satisfaction in my heart and soul that comes from obedience to the requirements of God for our lives and a nation at this time.
In addition to this, I am also enjoying the personal growth, journey and stretching that this time apart is affording me. It's been wonderful to take on challenges that I would normally just have an input to.... but now I have to take the helm to lead and direct in these. Not only have these personal benefits fulfilled me, but also hearing the reports from Tonga and what God is doing there through David has been the icing on the cake!
I think one thing that is becoming clearer and clearer is just how much God has put inside both David and myself.... and when I think about that, it makes me think about how much God has put inside every married couple! The ability of God to supernaturally chase one thousand by one and ten thousand by two is truly a power that needs to be tapped into by couples today. Many times I think we only see the circumstances in our every day lives and by that we decide how much we are capable of. But when we see our lives not through our circumstances, but through what God has spoken, promised and declared would be, then we begin to understand the supernatural power of God to work through us; not because we are so great, but because we are so truly humbled by Him that we get out of the way and allow His exponential power to work through us, enabling us to do so much more than we could ever hope to do on our own strength, skill, ability and power.
I am learning day by day that the supernatural power of God is truly in us, if we would simply get out of the way, shut our minds down and allow Him to come through our thinking and we fully yield to Him through humility - He can truly do so much through us that at the end of every day we would look back and see how PRODUCTIVE we have been and how much we were able to do. Not because of our skill and ability, but purely because of our ability to humble ourselves, get out of the way and not dare to think or believe that we could achieve any of this on our own steam!!
Maintaining a pure heart and clear mind is a sure fire way to have the power of God work through us and get things done even in our everyday lives. The more we clutter our hearts with issues of our daily lives, or fill our thinking with all the cares of our life and everyone else's life (you know we do!!! HA.) the less room there is for God to move and get things done. Whatever we may achieve with our heart and mind clutter is usually reached through much striving, frustration, grumbling, moaning, complaining and burden that we eventually burn ourselves out and everyone else around us!
Let's do ourselves and everyone else a favor, and learn to totally let go of everything, not hold on to anything so tightly, and allow ourselves to CHILL OUT and TRUST GOD!
Honestly... the world would be a much better place if we all did this! And we would see our world change a lot quicker too!!
In addition to this, I am also enjoying the personal growth, journey and stretching that this time apart is affording me. It's been wonderful to take on challenges that I would normally just have an input to.... but now I have to take the helm to lead and direct in these. Not only have these personal benefits fulfilled me, but also hearing the reports from Tonga and what God is doing there through David has been the icing on the cake!
I think one thing that is becoming clearer and clearer is just how much God has put inside both David and myself.... and when I think about that, it makes me think about how much God has put inside every married couple! The ability of God to supernaturally chase one thousand by one and ten thousand by two is truly a power that needs to be tapped into by couples today. Many times I think we only see the circumstances in our every day lives and by that we decide how much we are capable of. But when we see our lives not through our circumstances, but through what God has spoken, promised and declared would be, then we begin to understand the supernatural power of God to work through us; not because we are so great, but because we are so truly humbled by Him that we get out of the way and allow His exponential power to work through us, enabling us to do so much more than we could ever hope to do on our own strength, skill, ability and power.
I am learning day by day that the supernatural power of God is truly in us, if we would simply get out of the way, shut our minds down and allow Him to come through our thinking and we fully yield to Him through humility - He can truly do so much through us that at the end of every day we would look back and see how PRODUCTIVE we have been and how much we were able to do. Not because of our skill and ability, but purely because of our ability to humble ourselves, get out of the way and not dare to think or believe that we could achieve any of this on our own steam!!
Maintaining a pure heart and clear mind is a sure fire way to have the power of God work through us and get things done even in our everyday lives. The more we clutter our hearts with issues of our daily lives, or fill our thinking with all the cares of our life and everyone else's life (you know we do!!! HA.) the less room there is for God to move and get things done. Whatever we may achieve with our heart and mind clutter is usually reached through much striving, frustration, grumbling, moaning, complaining and burden that we eventually burn ourselves out and everyone else around us!
Let's do ourselves and everyone else a favor, and learn to totally let go of everything, not hold on to anything so tightly, and allow ourselves to CHILL OUT and TRUST GOD!
Honestly... the world would be a much better place if we all did this! And we would see our world change a lot quicker too!!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
And so begins our life of living apart from one another....
It's bitter sweet to be back in Brisbane as David is now based in Tonga. The kids and I are faring well and enjoying the last few days of their holidays together. I find that I am really loving "family time" and am making the most of my time with my children. I think it's kind of easy to forget how fast time goes and how quickly they grow up.... until they are all grown up and leaving home! One of my motto's in life has always been to live life with no regrets. This has been very true up until now, and I aim to make this truth in my relationships with my kids as well.
I think one of the things that I am enjoying during this time also is the dependence I have to have on God and nobody or nothing else. There has always been the dependence on God throughout my life since surrendering it to God, but I think as a woman, wife and mother there has also been a dependence on my husband. This is something I'm still figuring out with God, as I have always maintained and believed that the position, role, dependence and function of a woman is totally different from a man's - especially in regards to the whole issue of submission! (Now there's a dirty word!!! Hee, hee, hee....) So far I have discovered these truths about the whole submission issue, which lays the foundation for our dependence/independence issues...
A woman/wife must remain totally submitted unto God and to her husband. In fact, I am supposed to submit to my own husband as to the Lord! "How?" I hear you scream! That's the best part where we process this with God and have Him teach us His ways (see Ephesians 5:22). There is a kind of "lordship" that husbands are to have in regards to their wives - but this lordship is to come from deep humility and the servanthood of Christ! This is where we have totally screwed up this beautiful equation, because men want to "lord" their authority over women out of their own flesh and self instead of the place of deep humility, considering others better than themselves (including their wives) just as Christ laid down His life for the church; and women will do everything to fight that wrong lordship because within every woman there is an innate spiritual ability to know that that kind of lordship is wrong! And there lies the struggle and tension of centuries between men and women.
Many people read that one verse (Eph 5:22) and automatically think that the responsibility lies solely with the woman for submission to occur correctly. I believe that the responsibility lies with the man as the leader, to provide the proper atmosphere, condition and platform for submission to automatically flow out from the woman. The greater responsibility lies with the man as "lord" and "master" - just as God the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords didn't wait for humankind to get their act right before He sent His Son to die for the redemption of their sins, so the man/husband must not wait for his woman/wife to submit before He lays His life down for her; but as a true "lord", just like Christ, the man lays down His life and sets the proper foundation for submission and leadership to take place. When this is done correctly by both the husband and the wife, the beautiful equation of lordship and submission can flow and take place as God intended.
The problem with many women today is that they trust themselves more than they trust their husbands or even God! If we were very honest with ourselves, and I know I am definitely speaking for myself here.... we as women trust our own instincts, our own reasoning, our own logic and our own ability more than anybody else's! This issue of trusting ourselves and not trusting God as we should has put us women in dire circumstances, that many of us have ended up blaming our husbands, our pastors, our bosses and everyone else except ourselves for the screw up of our lives. If we would just follow Sarah's pattern, and trust in God with a gentle and quiet spirit, submission would flow and we wouldn't have problems calling our husbands "lord" or "master" because this isn't a mere title we are giving our husbands, but it is a true expression of our hearts. (see 1 Peter 3:5-6) Because our hearts have been seared by the word of God, having the humility and trust that allows us to truly have our lives completely dependent on God and not ourselves. I know that THAT is a heart, position and life that I want! :)
Stay tuned, and stay connected....
It's bitter sweet to be back in Brisbane as David is now based in Tonga. The kids and I are faring well and enjoying the last few days of their holidays together. I find that I am really loving "family time" and am making the most of my time with my children. I think it's kind of easy to forget how fast time goes and how quickly they grow up.... until they are all grown up and leaving home! One of my motto's in life has always been to live life with no regrets. This has been very true up until now, and I aim to make this truth in my relationships with my kids as well.
I think one of the things that I am enjoying during this time also is the dependence I have to have on God and nobody or nothing else. There has always been the dependence on God throughout my life since surrendering it to God, but I think as a woman, wife and mother there has also been a dependence on my husband. This is something I'm still figuring out with God, as I have always maintained and believed that the position, role, dependence and function of a woman is totally different from a man's - especially in regards to the whole issue of submission! (Now there's a dirty word!!! Hee, hee, hee....) So far I have discovered these truths about the whole submission issue, which lays the foundation for our dependence/independence issues...
A woman/wife must remain totally submitted unto God and to her husband. In fact, I am supposed to submit to my own husband as to the Lord! "How?" I hear you scream! That's the best part where we process this with God and have Him teach us His ways (see Ephesians 5:22). There is a kind of "lordship" that husbands are to have in regards to their wives - but this lordship is to come from deep humility and the servanthood of Christ! This is where we have totally screwed up this beautiful equation, because men want to "lord" their authority over women out of their own flesh and self instead of the place of deep humility, considering others better than themselves (including their wives) just as Christ laid down His life for the church; and women will do everything to fight that wrong lordship because within every woman there is an innate spiritual ability to know that that kind of lordship is wrong! And there lies the struggle and tension of centuries between men and women.
Many people read that one verse (Eph 5:22) and automatically think that the responsibility lies solely with the woman for submission to occur correctly. I believe that the responsibility lies with the man as the leader, to provide the proper atmosphere, condition and platform for submission to automatically flow out from the woman. The greater responsibility lies with the man as "lord" and "master" - just as God the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords didn't wait for humankind to get their act right before He sent His Son to die for the redemption of their sins, so the man/husband must not wait for his woman/wife to submit before He lays His life down for her; but as a true "lord", just like Christ, the man lays down His life and sets the proper foundation for submission and leadership to take place. When this is done correctly by both the husband and the wife, the beautiful equation of lordship and submission can flow and take place as God intended.
The problem with many women today is that they trust themselves more than they trust their husbands or even God! If we were very honest with ourselves, and I know I am definitely speaking for myself here.... we as women trust our own instincts, our own reasoning, our own logic and our own ability more than anybody else's! This issue of trusting ourselves and not trusting God as we should has put us women in dire circumstances, that many of us have ended up blaming our husbands, our pastors, our bosses and everyone else except ourselves for the screw up of our lives. If we would just follow Sarah's pattern, and trust in God with a gentle and quiet spirit, submission would flow and we wouldn't have problems calling our husbands "lord" or "master" because this isn't a mere title we are giving our husbands, but it is a true expression of our hearts. (see 1 Peter 3:5-6) Because our hearts have been seared by the word of God, having the humility and trust that allows us to truly have our lives completely dependent on God and not ourselves. I know that THAT is a heart, position and life that I want! :)
Stay tuned, and stay connected....
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thanks to a little black birdy on our recent trip to Auckland, reminding us to update our blogs!! Hee, hee, hee... change is now happening because of you! :)
So much to update on since my last entry; I guess that's what happens when you don't blog regularly! From my last blog, the book is now published and has been on the market for about 4 weeks now. I encourage anyone who is serious about their purpose in life as God designed it, to get a copy of the book 'OMEGA GENERATION' by David K. Vaka from your local bookstores - doesn't have to be Christian bookstores either. But it's a book for people who are serious about change not only in their own personal lives, but also for their cities, nations and the globe! It's not a book for the fainthearted, or those who are comfortable remaining comfortable. It's a book that will challenge you, offend you, frustrate your thinking, and then propel you to change and do something about your challenges and frustrations.
There is also the whole Tonga mission that is now moving forward at a phenomenal rate. This Wednesday, 30th September David actually moves to Tonga to base himself there and begin work on the ground building foundations for initiatives that will build the nation. Myself and the kids will head back to Brisbane and tie up things there, preparing ourselves to move to Tonga next year once things on the ground there have been established and set up.
We have already started a political party in Tonga which is now registered and established with it's core team of leaders. It's called the 'National Reform Party' and it exists to bring God's reform to the nation. We are also making connections with key political party in the nation who have been on the political front of Tonga for over 30 years. Many of these things will be established and cemented further as David moves to base himself on the ground in Tonga this week.
Currently we are in Auckland and have been here for just over a week. It's been a fantastic trip and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here with Afi, Lynette and the church. It's been amazing to see how everyone has so grown up and matured. Many of the young ones who were barely out of high school when we were here 5 years ago are now mature leaders, graduating from law, politics, education, health, media and becoming influential leaders within their own right and calling.
Our children are loving their time here. It's going to be interesting to see how they react when their Dad boards a different plane to ours on Wednesday!!
Well, will update more as we progress with everything in our neck of the woods. Will update soon too on our upcoming Breakthrough Nation conference in November this year, as well as ICON. Stay tuned... and stay connected!
So much to update on since my last entry; I guess that's what happens when you don't blog regularly! From my last blog, the book is now published and has been on the market for about 4 weeks now. I encourage anyone who is serious about their purpose in life as God designed it, to get a copy of the book 'OMEGA GENERATION' by David K. Vaka from your local bookstores - doesn't have to be Christian bookstores either. But it's a book for people who are serious about change not only in their own personal lives, but also for their cities, nations and the globe! It's not a book for the fainthearted, or those who are comfortable remaining comfortable. It's a book that will challenge you, offend you, frustrate your thinking, and then propel you to change and do something about your challenges and frustrations.
There is also the whole Tonga mission that is now moving forward at a phenomenal rate. This Wednesday, 30th September David actually moves to Tonga to base himself there and begin work on the ground building foundations for initiatives that will build the nation. Myself and the kids will head back to Brisbane and tie up things there, preparing ourselves to move to Tonga next year once things on the ground there have been established and set up.
We have already started a political party in Tonga which is now registered and established with it's core team of leaders. It's called the 'National Reform Party' and it exists to bring God's reform to the nation. We are also making connections with key political party in the nation who have been on the political front of Tonga for over 30 years. Many of these things will be established and cemented further as David moves to base himself on the ground in Tonga this week.
Currently we are in Auckland and have been here for just over a week. It's been a fantastic trip and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here with Afi, Lynette and the church. It's been amazing to see how everyone has so grown up and matured. Many of the young ones who were barely out of high school when we were here 5 years ago are now mature leaders, graduating from law, politics, education, health, media and becoming influential leaders within their own right and calling.
Our children are loving their time here. It's going to be interesting to see how they react when their Dad boards a different plane to ours on Wednesday!!
Well, will update more as we progress with everything in our neck of the woods. Will update soon too on our upcoming Breakthrough Nation conference in November this year, as well as ICON. Stay tuned... and stay connected!
Monday, July 6, 2009
OMEGA GENERATION - THE BOOK!
Hey Everyone,
Guess what? The book is truly done, finished and SENT! It is now in pre-production stage with the publishers..... keep you all posted - HOORAY! HALLELUJAH! YIPEE!!! Should be approximately 6 weeks before it is completely PUBLISHED.... provided all is correct with the files sent through.
Guess what? The book is truly done, finished and SENT! It is now in pre-production stage with the publishers..... keep you all posted - HOORAY! HALLELUJAH! YIPEE!!! Should be approximately 6 weeks before it is completely PUBLISHED.... provided all is correct with the files sent through.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
What's NEW?
I have been off the BLOG radar for sometime now, as most of my focus has been editing David's first book. PHEW! What a process!! But great news.... I have FINISHED the race, kept the faith (and my sanity!! Ha, ha, ha...) and THE BOOK IS NOW READY TO GO TO THE PUBLISHERS! YAY. I honestly can't describe the feeling of overwhelming JOY, FULFILLMENT, ACCOMPLISHMENT and RELIEF I feel right now knowing that the book is ready to be sent off to the publishers. But having said that, David is now reading through it ONE MORE TIME to make sure that he is 100% happy with it, but I should have that manuscript to the publishers within 24 hours. Look out for our updates on his book.... it should be published within just over a month once I click that button and send it through!
Tonga...well what can I say? There is so much taking place in the spirit with that nation that we are just so excited and so at peace with the whole transition that is taking place and the preparation that God is doing on every level. I don't think I realized how much preparation God needed to do (on me personally! Ha, ha, ha... so not perfect! Hallelujah), but I am so fully committed to the process and am loving it in a paradoxical way!
We will be heading off to Tonga at the end of July. David will go first for a week or so, then I'll join him with the kids and a couple of helping hands in tow (thanks Tofi & Beks!). We'll be consolidating the political party on this trip, as well as looking into some of the practical things for our family for our move over. Sounds simple and straight forward, but not really!!
Breakthrough Nation...there is just so much happening all around BN (Breakthrough Nation) that it's getting hard to kind of keep up with everyone & everything. The two groups from Brisbane Embassy that are representing Australia at the World Hip Hop Championships next month have been working so hard for their upcoming challenge. They have a massive fundraiser taking place this weekend at the Sunshine Coast to raise $80,000! GO HARD GUYS! We're hearing great things about the new Wellington Embassy that has just started - big thumbs up to Josh, Ema & your team. Don't worry.... it will soon all feel so normal.... setting up the chairs, leading praise & worship, preaching, following up people, running all the ministries.... etc. Welcome to the pioneering Pastor's life!!
Melbourne is doing massive warfare over their big hairy giants in Dandenong - awesome stuff Oz & Liz and your team! We're with you guys all the way.....
Gold Coast Embassy is having their first ever RALLY for their city this Sunday night. Can't wait to be there with Derek & Raewyn and their troops! It's going to be IMPACTING.
We were in Sydney a few weeks back, and it was so great to be there with Mike, Liz and their community. What a great bunch of people. Look out for SOR's album everyone.... these guys are going to ROCK THE GOSPEL MUSIC WORLD!
Gosh... I could go on... but I think I should stop here before I overblog it!
Anyway, it would be great to hear your comments or have you follow my blogs. Feel free to comment and add any other updates to what's happening in your part of the globe.
Till next blog.....
Tonga...well what can I say? There is so much taking place in the spirit with that nation that we are just so excited and so at peace with the whole transition that is taking place and the preparation that God is doing on every level. I don't think I realized how much preparation God needed to do (on me personally! Ha, ha, ha... so not perfect! Hallelujah), but I am so fully committed to the process and am loving it in a paradoxical way!
We will be heading off to Tonga at the end of July. David will go first for a week or so, then I'll join him with the kids and a couple of helping hands in tow (thanks Tofi & Beks!). We'll be consolidating the political party on this trip, as well as looking into some of the practical things for our family for our move over. Sounds simple and straight forward, but not really!!
Breakthrough Nation...there is just so much happening all around BN (Breakthrough Nation) that it's getting hard to kind of keep up with everyone & everything. The two groups from Brisbane Embassy that are representing Australia at the World Hip Hop Championships next month have been working so hard for their upcoming challenge. They have a massive fundraiser taking place this weekend at the Sunshine Coast to raise $80,000! GO HARD GUYS! We're hearing great things about the new Wellington Embassy that has just started - big thumbs up to Josh, Ema & your team. Don't worry.... it will soon all feel so normal.... setting up the chairs, leading praise & worship, preaching, following up people, running all the ministries.... etc. Welcome to the pioneering Pastor's life!!
Melbourne is doing massive warfare over their big hairy giants in Dandenong - awesome stuff Oz & Liz and your team! We're with you guys all the way.....
Gold Coast Embassy is having their first ever RALLY for their city this Sunday night. Can't wait to be there with Derek & Raewyn and their troops! It's going to be IMPACTING.
We were in Sydney a few weeks back, and it was so great to be there with Mike, Liz and their community. What a great bunch of people. Look out for SOR's album everyone.... these guys are going to ROCK THE GOSPEL MUSIC WORLD!
Gosh... I could go on... but I think I should stop here before I overblog it!
Anyway, it would be great to hear your comments or have you follow my blogs. Feel free to comment and add any other updates to what's happening in your part of the globe.
Till next blog.....
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Just adding in some photos from David's first trip to Tonga. Enjoy!
L to R: Mike Mauu; Derek Beattie; David Vaka; Oswin Fainga'a; Afi Leota; Rolando Pisia.
Front: Princess Siulikutapu
This particular visit with the Princess was a significant start to the current movements taking place in Tonga today. She basically prophesied over David and spoke to him about his role in Tonga.
First photo below: the Embassy Directors (Senior Pastors) of Breakthrough Nation.
Below: Reformation House; a youth project aimed at positively changing the lives of at risk youth in Tonga.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Further updates on Tonga
Already it is almost a week since we arrived back from our whirlwind trip to Tonga. So much took place, that it has been difficult to find where to begin in writing about it all. Since my last blog, it ended up being a challenge to update my blog regularly due to our hectic schedule and limited access to technology. It is probably better writing this now after a week of being back and having some time to reflect on the magnitude of the events that took place.
Little did we realise, that the first few meetings that I wrote about last time was just the beginning of what would be a unanimous response from everybody we met up with - from politicians, to business people, to educationalists, to pastors, media, lawyers and your local everyday citizen alike! Everyone we spoke to about the vision to bring national reform to Tonga in absolutely every sector of life, totally agreed, supported and even voiced their hope and belief that David would be the right person to bring such reform.
Tonga right now is in a very critical condition where it is poised to either become the paradise of prosperity with every dream, hope and promise being fulfilled and manifested; or become the uttermost forsaken land of devastation, poverty and chaos. The path that Tonga chooses next will truly determine its future. Travelling back from Tonga, I felt a huge burden in my spirit for the nation as I literally saw a glimpse of what it would become if something was not done now to prevent such chaos, devastation and destruction taking place there. This vision emboldened within me even more the desire to lay everything down so that God could use us to bring reformation to a nation according to His will and desire. Death never seemed so sweet!
Right now, people are still hearing David on their radio's and seeing him on their televisions in Tonga as all the major television stations are replaying his interviews and speaking that were recorded while we were there. Even while back in Australia, we have an opportunity to be televised weekly on one of the main television stations there, as well as a weekly column in one of the major newspapers - the Taimi Tonga. This has presented a great avenue for us to continue to speak to the nation about national reform, and bring more clarity to the vision that God has given us. We have also started the groundwork to form a new political party to enter the elections for next year, and we are continually seeking God for the details of His plan and will as we enter deeper into this new phase for our lives and calling.
Little did we realise, that the first few meetings that I wrote about last time was just the beginning of what would be a unanimous response from everybody we met up with - from politicians, to business people, to educationalists, to pastors, media, lawyers and your local everyday citizen alike! Everyone we spoke to about the vision to bring national reform to Tonga in absolutely every sector of life, totally agreed, supported and even voiced their hope and belief that David would be the right person to bring such reform.
Tonga right now is in a very critical condition where it is poised to either become the paradise of prosperity with every dream, hope and promise being fulfilled and manifested; or become the uttermost forsaken land of devastation, poverty and chaos. The path that Tonga chooses next will truly determine its future. Travelling back from Tonga, I felt a huge burden in my spirit for the nation as I literally saw a glimpse of what it would become if something was not done now to prevent such chaos, devastation and destruction taking place there. This vision emboldened within me even more the desire to lay everything down so that God could use us to bring reformation to a nation according to His will and desire. Death never seemed so sweet!
Right now, people are still hearing David on their radio's and seeing him on their televisions in Tonga as all the major television stations are replaying his interviews and speaking that were recorded while we were there. Even while back in Australia, we have an opportunity to be televised weekly on one of the main television stations there, as well as a weekly column in one of the major newspapers - the Taimi Tonga. This has presented a great avenue for us to continue to speak to the nation about national reform, and bring more clarity to the vision that God has given us. We have also started the groundwork to form a new political party to enter the elections for next year, and we are continually seeking God for the details of His plan and will as we enter deeper into this new phase for our lives and calling.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Reformation Tonga
Hello from Tonga! It's been 4 days now since we arrived early Saturday morning, and so far we've had a fairly easy, laid back start to our visit. Yet having said that, last night things began to take shape and form of what we felt in our hearts that God wanted to do on this trip. For those of you who are not aware, David visited Tonga for the first time in about 5 years, back in February/March earlier this year. This trip for David ended up being a bit of an ambush by God, where He began to speak to David about returning to Tonga, not so much to build up Breakthrough Embassy Tonga (our church branch of Breakthrough Nation), but to bring a reform to the nation, and turn it back to His original intent and purpose. So many prophetic words have been declared and spoken over Tonga, but God has been looking for someone, a people, to bring all His promises and prophetic declarations into reality and manifestation. As a result of this initial trip this year, we have arrived this time with a more deliberate awareness and consciousness about working through strategies and connecting with people to begin to bring God's reform to Tonga. We felt in our hearts that our focus for our visit this time is the Body of Christ and the Government or political realm, setting platforms for God to bring in His desired reform to every aspect of life.
Last night, David happened to meet up with one of the seasoned government figures in politics currently, and shared with him his vision for reformation in Tonga. The man was amazed to hear the vision, and began to share with David the history of Tongan politics and particularly the Democratic political party with their journey and challenge to bring reformation and change to the nation for the sake of the people. At the end of their conversation, the man was so convinced that a change is needed at this time as the people have become disillusioned and disheartened by the current political party's inability to bring the necessary change to the nation. Not only this, but he expressed his belief in David's vision and heart to bring reform, not only because of the need for it by the people, but because the missing ingredients seemed to be in place with David and what he is proposing - essentially the values of selfessness, honesty, transparency and accountability. At the end of the night, the man fully gave his support to whatever David would do, and is hopeful of change through a new direction.
This morning, David had another significant meeting and live interview with one of the major privately owned media groups here. This turned out to be yet another divine meeting, as this man happened to be deeply involved with politics and media. Again David shared with him his heart for reformation in Tonga, and even during the television interview the man tried to hide his tears as he was once again inspired and given hope for the vision that he and many others had carried for so many years to see change come to the nation.
In essence what is happening right now, is that people everywhere are saying the same thing - it is time for change and a new direction for Tonga politically. That reform must take place in government, and new hope for a better future and direction for the nation is needed. So far, everyone whom David is speaking to are fully agreeing with what he is saying, and are even willing to back him in his vision to bring change.
Personally, it's been a huge eye opener for me and I'm just trying to adjust to everything that is taking place. For David, I think it's surreal. For me, I think it's outright SCARY!!!! Prior to this visit, I honestly thought I was ready in my heart to just up and leave everything at the drop of a hat and move to Tonga. But being here, it's been a huge reality check and exposure of my own considerations and fears, that I'm glad this is happening now rather than later..... hee, hee, hee....At this stage I guess I'm not sure of anything, but I'm just learning to take it one step at a time.
Well, stay tuned for more and please feel free to comment on my blog......
Last night, David happened to meet up with one of the seasoned government figures in politics currently, and shared with him his vision for reformation in Tonga. The man was amazed to hear the vision, and began to share with David the history of Tongan politics and particularly the Democratic political party with their journey and challenge to bring reformation and change to the nation for the sake of the people. At the end of their conversation, the man was so convinced that a change is needed at this time as the people have become disillusioned and disheartened by the current political party's inability to bring the necessary change to the nation. Not only this, but he expressed his belief in David's vision and heart to bring reform, not only because of the need for it by the people, but because the missing ingredients seemed to be in place with David and what he is proposing - essentially the values of selfessness, honesty, transparency and accountability. At the end of the night, the man fully gave his support to whatever David would do, and is hopeful of change through a new direction.
This morning, David had another significant meeting and live interview with one of the major privately owned media groups here. This turned out to be yet another divine meeting, as this man happened to be deeply involved with politics and media. Again David shared with him his heart for reformation in Tonga, and even during the television interview the man tried to hide his tears as he was once again inspired and given hope for the vision that he and many others had carried for so many years to see change come to the nation.
In essence what is happening right now, is that people everywhere are saying the same thing - it is time for change and a new direction for Tonga politically. That reform must take place in government, and new hope for a better future and direction for the nation is needed. So far, everyone whom David is speaking to are fully agreeing with what he is saying, and are even willing to back him in his vision to bring change.
Personally, it's been a huge eye opener for me and I'm just trying to adjust to everything that is taking place. For David, I think it's surreal. For me, I think it's outright SCARY!!!! Prior to this visit, I honestly thought I was ready in my heart to just up and leave everything at the drop of a hat and move to Tonga. But being here, it's been a huge reality check and exposure of my own considerations and fears, that I'm glad this is happening now rather than later..... hee, hee, hee....At this stage I guess I'm not sure of anything, but I'm just learning to take it one step at a time.
Well, stay tuned for more and please feel free to comment on my blog......
Monday, April 27, 2009
WOW it's been a couple of weeks since my last blog. Can't believe how fast time flies by. It's been a topsy turvy two weeks too, with our kids being on holiday, getting sick and late nights keeping vigilance over them. All of which makes a wonderful challenge to meet deadlines for work and still run Breakthrough Nation at a level that is synonymous with heaven!
This week David & I will be going to Tonga for two weeks. This will be the first time for us both to go back to Tonga together since our last trip there together in 2004. I'm looking forward to it for the fact that God is doing amazing things there; repositioning the nation for a major overhaul and shift on every level, in every way. My last trip there was 2005 on my own with Liz Mauu and Cyrus. I remember that trip as I was quite surprised at the drastic changes that had taken place in Tonga both spiritually and naturally at that time. Sione & Linda had only been there for a couple of months, and looking back now, it really was a new beginning for us in Tonga and for Breakthrough.
David's last trip really set off a whole lot of things for the nation, that this trip back will be interesting to see God manifest whatever He has in His heart & mind for this nation.
Anyway, will keep posting up on my blog regularly when we are there..... hopefully will get some footage or photos posted up during the trip also.
This week David & I will be going to Tonga for two weeks. This will be the first time for us both to go back to Tonga together since our last trip there together in 2004. I'm looking forward to it for the fact that God is doing amazing things there; repositioning the nation for a major overhaul and shift on every level, in every way. My last trip there was 2005 on my own with Liz Mauu and Cyrus. I remember that trip as I was quite surprised at the drastic changes that had taken place in Tonga both spiritually and naturally at that time. Sione & Linda had only been there for a couple of months, and looking back now, it really was a new beginning for us in Tonga and for Breakthrough.
David's last trip really set off a whole lot of things for the nation, that this trip back will be interesting to see God manifest whatever He has in His heart & mind for this nation.
Anyway, will keep posting up on my blog regularly when we are there..... hopefully will get some footage or photos posted up during the trip also.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
AGAPE EASTER
Happy Easter! It's Easter Monday today, and it's turned out to be a rainy, drizzly day in the usually warm sunny Brisbane. A great day for us to take time out with the kids, lounge around home and catch up on dvd's, reading, games and whatever else families do to relax and chill out.
Easter is traditionally a time where people go away camping, holidaying or visit a church to feel a sense of closeness to Christ during this season celebration; and I am sure this Easter was no exception to this for many people.
At Breakthrough Embassy Brisbane, this Easter we decided to have a somewhat different kind of approach to our Easter Service. Everyone made the effort to recreate the last supper scene throughout the whole service, with people dressed in the style of dress from that period, food from that period, props made to try and turn the hall into a rugged upper room, with a lowkey kind of simplicity to everything including the Praise & Worship, preaching and running of the service.
But the significance of the day was not in the outward display of any recreation or re-enactment of the last supper or the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The heart of the service lay in the AGAPE of Christ, that drove Him to be killed and crucified for our sins, so that through Him we too could partake of the more than abundant life that He died and rose again to give us.
Every year it is common for people to celebrate this agape love of Christ, but this year what came strongly to me was the condition of our own hearts and whether or not we too possess the same agape love of Christ. This Easter, not only did we want to celebrate the unconditional love of Christ for us, but we wanted to take stock of our own unconditional love and begin to do a spiritual critical analysis of our own hearts this Easter, asking the hard questions to ourselves of whether we love people unconditionally just as Christ did. We can come to church week in and week out, sing praise and worship songs, do Holy Communion, hear a great sermon, give our tithes and offerings.... but still hold offenses in our hearts towards our parents, families, ex-partners/spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends, business associates, children and the list could go on! While offenses are common and a normal part of life, it is what we do with these offenses that distinguishes us from the world, and sets us apart so that we begin to truly display ourselves as peculiar people called out; a people who are in this world but are not of this world.
It is so easy to love Christ and celebrate what He did for us, because He loved us unconditionally. But I believe that He is looking for a people who will demonstrate and display the exact replica of what He did, for our generation and people around us today. Truly we can change our world if we take a completely different approach to life as we know it, and genuinely follow and live out the example of Christ - His selflessness; His unconditional love that held no grudges/offenses against those who hurt, persecuted and crucified Him; His sacrifice for us, even though we were so undeserving of such love, grace and mercy.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34 - 35
Does the world around me know that I am a disciple of Christ by my life; my love that is the same as Christ's? Or do they only know that I am a Christian because I go to church every week and talk a lot about what ministry/programme we are running at church?
Everyone desires to receive unconditional love, but how many of us are willing to actually GIVE IT? Jesus was so clear, that we are to love each other as He loved us. It's time for us to give abundantly in our unconditional love for each other - for our enemies, our offenders, our persecutors....EVERYBODY!
Let this Easter be a significant change for us to not only celebrate Jesus' love for us, but also our love for others, just as Christ loved us too, and gave His life as a ransom for us.
Easter is traditionally a time where people go away camping, holidaying or visit a church to feel a sense of closeness to Christ during this season celebration; and I am sure this Easter was no exception to this for many people.
At Breakthrough Embassy Brisbane, this Easter we decided to have a somewhat different kind of approach to our Easter Service. Everyone made the effort to recreate the last supper scene throughout the whole service, with people dressed in the style of dress from that period, food from that period, props made to try and turn the hall into a rugged upper room, with a lowkey kind of simplicity to everything including the Praise & Worship, preaching and running of the service.
But the significance of the day was not in the outward display of any recreation or re-enactment of the last supper or the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The heart of the service lay in the AGAPE of Christ, that drove Him to be killed and crucified for our sins, so that through Him we too could partake of the more than abundant life that He died and rose again to give us.
Every year it is common for people to celebrate this agape love of Christ, but this year what came strongly to me was the condition of our own hearts and whether or not we too possess the same agape love of Christ. This Easter, not only did we want to celebrate the unconditional love of Christ for us, but we wanted to take stock of our own unconditional love and begin to do a spiritual critical analysis of our own hearts this Easter, asking the hard questions to ourselves of whether we love people unconditionally just as Christ did. We can come to church week in and week out, sing praise and worship songs, do Holy Communion, hear a great sermon, give our tithes and offerings.... but still hold offenses in our hearts towards our parents, families, ex-partners/spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends, business associates, children and the list could go on! While offenses are common and a normal part of life, it is what we do with these offenses that distinguishes us from the world, and sets us apart so that we begin to truly display ourselves as peculiar people called out; a people who are in this world but are not of this world.
It is so easy to love Christ and celebrate what He did for us, because He loved us unconditionally. But I believe that He is looking for a people who will demonstrate and display the exact replica of what He did, for our generation and people around us today. Truly we can change our world if we take a completely different approach to life as we know it, and genuinely follow and live out the example of Christ - His selflessness; His unconditional love that held no grudges/offenses against those who hurt, persecuted and crucified Him; His sacrifice for us, even though we were so undeserving of such love, grace and mercy.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34 - 35
Does the world around me know that I am a disciple of Christ by my life; my love that is the same as Christ's? Or do they only know that I am a Christian because I go to church every week and talk a lot about what ministry/programme we are running at church?
Everyone desires to receive unconditional love, but how many of us are willing to actually GIVE IT? Jesus was so clear, that we are to love each other as He loved us. It's time for us to give abundantly in our unconditional love for each other - for our enemies, our offenders, our persecutors....EVERYBODY!
Let this Easter be a significant change for us to not only celebrate Jesus' love for us, but also our love for others, just as Christ loved us too, and gave His life as a ransom for us.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Champions are made, not born!
I have recently had this saying so strong on my heart and mind as I contemplate the state of Christians and christianity today. From my own observation, the trend for many of today's christians is that they are happy to just attend church services on a casual or ad hoc basis with no full commitment to a church community. The attitude of lone rangers not needing to connect with anyone but Jesus, together with the mindset that "being in love with Jesus is all that is needed; Jesus is love and grace and would never hurt me" is rampant in churches today. And it is these mindsets and attitudes that have created spoilt brat Christians who think that they can do whatever they like, whenever they like, with whomever they like - even when they know it is against God and His ways, because they have a fundamental belief that God will always forgive them and love them no matter. It is also these attitudes and mindsets that have created christians today to talk so much about God, about being more than a conqueror, about being an overcomer and about essentially being a CHAMPION. But have no lifestyle, authority or power to back this up, let alone give a true display of this in REALITY! Christians today are more talkers and proclaimers, rather than walking MANIFESTATIONS of the Word of God in their very lives.
It is time for Christians to stop mucking around with God, and get serious with Him and His process. And part of this process is that we are not called to just walk on our own with God as a lone ranger, but in a company of people called His church. For it is in the company of people and in the church, with all our imperfections and processes, that God will use this to make us into the champions we ought to be. Let's get away from all the trend of Christianity where going to church is just another social event alongside going to the nightclubs, the parties or the movies. Let's start taking our commitment to our local churches seriously, and give 100% so that we can be fashioned by God through our leadership, our fellow members and the church community. We must fear God in the right way, so that we don't misuse or abuse His grace and love that is so real. Ultimately, God's grace was not just to wash away our sins and cleanse us from all our wrongdoing, but His grace is there to CHANGE US AND MAKE US WHO HE KNOWS WE OUGHT TO BE! But that grace can never work in our lives as it ought to, if we continue to see it and use it as God's bail out plan for when I do wrong....even deliberately do wrong.
If we are truly going to be overcomers, more than conquerors and HEROES of our generation, then we need to get real and start taking God seriously, by fully committing to the process of being MADE by God rather than thinking that we will become strong heroes by osmosis through listening to great messages, reading great books and listening to praise and worship music. Being MADE by God takes guts, courage, determination, commitment, stamina, humility and a true pursuit of God Himself. To be made by God means that we have to lay down our WHOLE LIVES unto Him, and have Him deal with us as He pleases, not according to what we allow Him or what is comfortable for us. We can hear great sermons preached, read some of the greatest books ever written for christians and their walk in God, listen to the most anointed praise and worship music - but unless there is a true rendering of our hearts before God and a true brokenness of ourselves, our pride, our ways, our mindsets and EVERYTHING.....we will never become the champions that He has destined for us to be.
Being born again by the grace of God is one thing, being MADE by the grace of God through the trials, tribuations, afflictions and hard times is a whole other matter that only true champions can ever know.
It is time for Christians to stop mucking around with God, and get serious with Him and His process. And part of this process is that we are not called to just walk on our own with God as a lone ranger, but in a company of people called His church. For it is in the company of people and in the church, with all our imperfections and processes, that God will use this to make us into the champions we ought to be. Let's get away from all the trend of Christianity where going to church is just another social event alongside going to the nightclubs, the parties or the movies. Let's start taking our commitment to our local churches seriously, and give 100% so that we can be fashioned by God through our leadership, our fellow members and the church community. We must fear God in the right way, so that we don't misuse or abuse His grace and love that is so real. Ultimately, God's grace was not just to wash away our sins and cleanse us from all our wrongdoing, but His grace is there to CHANGE US AND MAKE US WHO HE KNOWS WE OUGHT TO BE! But that grace can never work in our lives as it ought to, if we continue to see it and use it as God's bail out plan for when I do wrong....even deliberately do wrong.
If we are truly going to be overcomers, more than conquerors and HEROES of our generation, then we need to get real and start taking God seriously, by fully committing to the process of being MADE by God rather than thinking that we will become strong heroes by osmosis through listening to great messages, reading great books and listening to praise and worship music. Being MADE by God takes guts, courage, determination, commitment, stamina, humility and a true pursuit of God Himself. To be made by God means that we have to lay down our WHOLE LIVES unto Him, and have Him deal with us as He pleases, not according to what we allow Him or what is comfortable for us. We can hear great sermons preached, read some of the greatest books ever written for christians and their walk in God, listen to the most anointed praise and worship music - but unless there is a true rendering of our hearts before God and a true brokenness of ourselves, our pride, our ways, our mindsets and EVERYTHING.....we will never become the champions that He has destined for us to be.
Being born again by the grace of God is one thing, being MADE by the grace of God through the trials, tribuations, afflictions and hard times is a whole other matter that only true champions can ever know.
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