July, 2009

Just readying myself for a departure from Brisbane for Malaysia. That's right, the Australia portion of this tour is wrapping up and what a time it was! Just to fill in the gap since my last report, the last month or so in New Zealand was also so great and what a gift to my heart to have been back there and see many respond to God's Spirit.
I felt a little shell-shocked upon my arrival, well, let's start with the flight to Sydney from Auckland back on June 26. Two thirds into the 3 hour trip we turn around and head back to Auckland, having been told all eastern Australia airspace has been closed to all traffic. We found out back on the ground in Auckland (2 hours later) that a radar problem forced this, and once fixed, we refueled and started out again, making it on our second attempt, getting in quite late to Sydney.
Then on my first Sun. service, as I walk on stage and say 'Good...(morning)', my guitar falls off and crashes (neck end) to the wood floor. That's never happened in my life..however, wonderfully, no damage, and in fact, hardly out of tune.
Then less than a week later, after staying all week with a family full of sick people w/ this horrible Aussie flu, I got it the day I left them (they don't even know the hell they put me thru...how sad). I spent the next week feeling really stink, tho I did not miss any of my events, and tho a struggle to do it, they were all glorious times and hearts/lives impacted and many responding to the message to come alive and enter the big story God is telling. Then I spent the next 2 weeks feeling more or less stink, depending on which area of my body we're talking about. I got strength back, but had a bad cough and then my teeth went crazy with pain issues and wild sensitivity to cold esp. I didn't know at the time, but all related to this flu, so some lucky dentist got $250 of mine for some irrelevant advice and 20 minutes of his time. Finally saw a doc and got some penicillen, and am feeling almost back to normal now again.
I really felt these were all attacks to get me off my game and make me lose heart. The enemy didn't like what I had to say, and so I felt even more determined. It's been an important time here, with many responses and hearts coming alive. Now with this also came such wonderful blessings as dear friends and strangers cared for me, and God used some of them to really bless my heart.
Now July 30, I'm heading to Malaysia for 18 days in Borneo (Kotakinabalu). My good friend and bro Frans from New Zealand is meeting me there and will be with me for the next 6 weeks, visiting besides Borneo, Philippines and Cambodia. I'm so glad he could join me again as he did last year for the 2 and half months in these same 3 countries.
Mid Sept. will see me leaving Cambodia, and getting back to New Zealand for a short second stint of 18 days, then flying to LA, Cal. for 2 weeks of events there. I always covet your prayers and your interest/support. I love hearing from you, and reporting back to you. This has been an amazing first 4 months of this tour...and in faith, am expecting a grand next 3 months. Please help me pray for many to come alive in Christ, and many hearts fought for and won, for the glory of God.