Dance, dance, dance in the freedom we know

We’re gonna dance, dance, dance
In the freedom we know
Because the freedom we know
Is gonna last forever
Mighty To Save, Hillsong Music Australia

Why do Churches in New Zealand not dance and sing for joy when we worship God? Should we not dance for the joy of our Salvation?

It's true, in countries in Africa, like Nigeria, it is part of the culture to dance. It's not in New Zealand... or other first world countries.

So does being developed mean we lose the joy of our Salvation?
Does the church follow society or society follow the church?
Can we not worship the King of all Kings, the Lord over all cultures in any way acceptable to Him?

Back in Dunedin

So now that I'm back...

Exams draw nigh.
This is it, the final calling.
The flight bound for pharmacy.
Via Second Semester Health Science.
All I need is my ticket.
Which can be bought with studying.

So that's what I'm doing.
Getting out of the flat and heading to the airport.
Well on my way to reaching my destination.
The first check comes on Friday.
I'll be ready, with my blood, sweat and tears.
A price deemed worthy.
Or atleast I think.

I guess the test on Friday will decide for me.
Pray for a safe journey.

Rayd

Christchurch Road Trip

So here's what happened over the weekend...

I was sitting in The Link on Friday afternoon. Sundeia sat down next to Heide and I and asked what we were doing over the weekend. I thought about it: study on Saturday, Church on Sunday, gym on Sunday afternoon...that's about my whole weekend summed up. Then Sundeia exclaimed she was going to Christchurch! 20 Seconds later, so was I.

So I headed off to do a fundraiser I was part of, finished the fundraiser by about 7pm and said good riddance to the land of blue and gold. Arriving at my parent's house at around 12.30 I quietly unlocked the door, tiptoed softly up stairs to my bedroom, most cautious creeping passed my parent's bedroom. Then waking up the next morning I heard someone awaken, waiting patiently until they got into the shower, I slyly went to the toilet, loudly flushing, and sat down at the dining table with a bowl of cereal. Five minutes later, Mum walked into the kitchen with a surprised look on her face. "What are you doing here?" she asked. I told her I lived there, but apparantly I've been gone too long for that to seem believable.

So after the shock, I made myself at home and opened the pantry door to shelves abundant in all things that make a man's mouth dribble.

The real point of this blog though is to talk about the A Mazing events of Sunday night.

It all started with me deciding to go hang out with Stephen Jaegar. We got into the car and started heading into the port hills (Up to the seat). Stephen stated that we might as well go grab some coffee from Coffee Culture (as he works there). When we arrived at CC, Stephen's workmates asked him if there was anything at his church for people who had been kicked out of home. We went back to my parent's place to ring up a few people in the phone directory. After about 20 mins of calling Stephen and Mark went back down to CC to pick up the girl (Amy). By the time they got back, it had been decided that she was staying with us for the night.
I'll just tell you Amy's story (hope she doesn't mind). Amy's mum had basically put her in a car and driven her across town to Cashmere and dropped her off, penniless and deserted for the night. Having already tried ringing the Salvation Army and other such organisations without much success she was left in an ackward position.
She said to me at Coffee Culture, "I'm sorry I wrecked your night." I thought, "No Way! I live for this stuff!" But it just came out as, "No Way!"

So in the Morning we ate pancakes and dropped Amy off to work, having had some great discussions and leaving her with a really positive view of Christianity, and the knowledge of a place she can crash next time she's down and out.

The amazing thing about it though was the reflection I had as we travelled back down to Otago. I thought of all the spontaneous decisions made in the last couple of days.
Going up to Christchurch, Txting Stephen and not anyone else on Sunday night, Turning the car up the hill toward the seat, Coming back down the hill to get a coffee, Stephen having let his workmates know he was Christian and them asking about looking after this girl Amy.

Just made me think, if I hadn't gone up to Christchurch, where would Amy have slept.
And thinking about it, why did I decide to go to Christchurch?
I don't believe in coincidences.
But I do believe in God using me as an instrument.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27