OLD MATES Update
Old MATES is up and running! We have met twice in the last 6 weeks and have begun the long process of building a healthy community.
I am (currently) the only follower of Jesus among the group and would love your prayers. Already, there have been some heavy things shared within the community.
I am (currently) the only follower of Jesus among the group and would love your prayers. Already, there have been some heavy things shared within the community.
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Some of the things that have come up (without going into to much detail) are things like navigating life as a newly divorced dad with kids, or balancing tricky family of origin relationships while trying to be a good husband/dad, and still another conversation was around coming to terms with having alcoholic tendencies.
...And this is only one month into it! The freedom and grace of Jesus are desperately needed here. However, it is hard-ground, because their experience of "religion" is a painful one, and their concept of Jesus is so far from the reality of who Jesus actually is. |
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So please be praying for wisdom, discernment and boldness to speak life into these times. Please pray that I, too, would be vulnerable, and honest about where I find joy and strength.
My hope for Old Mates is that other local Christians will be able to connect into this space; but for now, it is just me who is seeking to be a worthy ambassador of the Kingdom in this community.
In the next two weeks, 4-6 of us from Old Mates will be setting aside a Saturday to bless an elderly man in the community. He was hoping to get a backyard project/gardening done but has been unable due to health/age. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the guys, while also helping the broader community and serving this local couple.
Please be praying for what God is doing here. I do not feel well equipped for this at all and have a desperate dependence on the Spirit. Please join me in praying that God would continue to open doors with these guys and that one day, they too, will know Jesus personally.
My hope for Old Mates is that other local Christians will be able to connect into this space; but for now, it is just me who is seeking to be a worthy ambassador of the Kingdom in this community.
In the next two weeks, 4-6 of us from Old Mates will be setting aside a Saturday to bless an elderly man in the community. He was hoping to get a backyard project/gardening done but has been unable due to health/age. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the guys, while also helping the broader community and serving this local couple.
Please be praying for what God is doing here. I do not feel well equipped for this at all and have a desperate dependence on the Spirit. Please join me in praying that God would continue to open doors with these guys and that one day, they too, will know Jesus personally.
OLD MATE - Aussie slang, used anytime you forget someone's name. We also use it tongue in cheek, about the fact that we are starting to feel older.
M.A.T.E.S. Acronym for Men Active Together Encourage Strengthen
Entertaining
Boys at Home
Here is a little tip we found keeps boys entertained.
Just look at the pure joy.
TIP: Let them build it themselves (and clean up), that way it is far more satisfying for them to then smash it.
Just look at the pure joy.
TIP: Let them build it themselves (and clean up), that way it is far more satisfying for them to then smash it.
