"...For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Jesus said this to his disciples after a couple of them had requested to sit on either side of him once he took up his "glorious throne",
This short statement is intriguing because often when someone takes a position or place of power you don't often hear them talk about how they can humble themselves and serve those around them, instead we're often presented with the picture of people in those positions the ones being served, sometimes even catered to their every whim or desire!
As a follower of Jesus, however, I believe I am meant to live life in a way that imitates the love, compassion, and works of Jesus and if he chooses to take the place of servant- I will do the same with my life.
In November I once again spent a week volunteering with a group called- Red Frogs. The purpose being "supporting, serving, and safeguarding young people." Each year thousands of young Australians finish high school and as a means of celebrating take a week long holiday known as schoolies. These celebrations often involve things like binge drinking and drugs, as Red Frogs we work to be a positive peer presence to young people- basically their older sisters and brothers to help them out and refer to other agencies like police or emergency when needed.
This year I was challenged with the opportunity to serve in a different capacity by being a Zone Chaplain. This role actually focuses more on serving our volunteer team leaders and team members. I was actually quite hesitant to take on this role mainly because personal insecurities and fear of unknown. As I prayed, I felt God show me different ways he has gifted, skilled, and grown me throughout the years and knew that this was the best way I would be challenged to rely on God and serve those around me. Something that I often pray is that I would live life in a way that loves extravagantly, gives generously, and trusts God wholeheartedly- this is easier to pray than to actually do and I felt confronted by the opportunity to put my words into action. It was an incredible week, while it looked completely different than any other schoolies weeks I've been part of and while I probably got significantly less sleep it was one of the most rewarding, inspiring, encouraging, challenging, and shifting weeks for me in so many different ways.
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Thank you to all those who supported me to be there, I look forward to next year!

After getting back from our vessel S/V Ruach in early August I prepared for a trip to the states.
This was an amazing time because I was able to see all of my siblings and a lot of other family members, I was also able to be part of the Annapolis Sailboat Show again, sharing about the vision of YWAM Ships Newcastle, from there I had a stopover in California and was able to see a good friend that I've known since high school. 
Upon returning to Australia I continued my role of co-leading our Communication Department, we've been focusing on up-skilling new staff particularly in content creation. As a team we were able to complete two video projects one promoting our Bible Core Course and the other for Christmas. (see below for videos). 

This is a specific fundraising plea for an upcoming ministry opportunity. 

I am excited to share that I have been asked to serve as Ship Manager with our vessel S/V Ruach as she makes her way back to Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Being Ship Manager is a leadership role with the primary function of serving the crew/staff onboard by establishing good culture, weekly schedules, clear communication, and to provide pastoral care.

Currently our vessel is in Townsville and we will begin our voyage to PNG on July 11, this takes about a week, once we've arrived I will stay for another week to help getting the team settled and back into a routine for being in PNG.

My goal is to raise $1,000(aud) which around $700(usd) to cover this outreach, below is the breakdown of what that money is going toward. 

• PNG Visa ($100)
• Flight to Townsville ($300)
• Flight from PNG to Newcastle ($600)

Will you please consider giving toward this?
If you're willing and able to give below are the details on how you can donate-

PAYPAL: 
PayPal.Me/KelcieRausch

Australian Bank Details:
Commonwealth Bank
Kelcie Rausch
BSB: 062-814
Account: 1035 4825

​On an early morning run I was praying and contemplating God’s faithfulness. My mind drifted toward the thought and verse that says “his mercies are new every morning”. It’s from a book called Lamentations in the bible. It is believed that this book was written shortly after Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon-I can imagine it’d be a very dark time for these people who’s entire world has been destroyed. This got me thinking about how the transition from evening to morning is a slow but also quick process. If you’ve ever watched a sunrise you might understand. Initially, there is what’s called “first light” it can actually still be quite dark but slowly more light fills the sky but the interesting thing is the sun hasn’t come above the horizon yet. Following this there’s the actual time where the sun comes above the horizon, this happens quite quickly in my opinion, it seems like within seconds that beautiful burning ball of fire pops above the horizon and BAM! You’re blinded but also captivated by its intensity. For me this imagery reminds me of God’s work in my life...Sometimes (actually most often) he’s bringing that gradual “first light” transformation, it can feel slow and difficult to truly see that change is happening but when I take the time to stop and look around me I see that I’m no longer in the darkness. Other times it’s like the sun popping up over the horizon- quick and a bit shocking. In either scenario God is moving and at work to continue refining me to be more like Jesus. My prayer is that I would continue to open my heart to him and allow the transformation, as difficult as that may be at times it’s always worth it!
Lamentations 3:22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

I'm so thankful to live in such a diverse community; it's not difficult to find myself sitting with a woman in her 80's having and cup of tea in the morning and then running around with toddlers in the afternoon. 
As per usual I was hanging out with good friends and their son who is two years old. We had spent the afternoon at the beach and were on our way back to their house to eat dinner.  As we made a stop at Woolies (the nearby grocery store) my friends' son began to get a bit fussy. He didn't care much for waiting in the car as his mum went in to get the last of what was needed for dinner, instead he kept asking for a "nack" (snack) or an apple. The fact that I did not have either of those items was not possible for him to understand. In my attempt to bring calm I tried offering a drink of water which was promptly turned down.
He continued saying the same words over and over again "nack, nack, nack". 
I tried to reassure him, "We're almost home."
"When we get home we can get something to eat, we'll have dinner."
"Don't worry, just five more minutes, then we'll be home."
"We are very close, home is not far away."
Nothing seemed to work and fair enough he's two- when you're two you don't really have any concept of time or distance or why you're not getting what you're asking for in that exact moment. Your life is completely dependent on your parents and when you're not getting what you want it just doesn't make sense.
As I continued watching my little friend get worked up about wanting a snack and not wanting to be in his carseat I had a revelation... Sometimes I act like a two year old with God. 
I get focused on a few particular things and it becomes impossible to see the bigger picture of what God is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. At times, like my toddler friend who wanted a snack, I don't realise that it's not a snack that I need but an actual meal. We were planning to have dinner once we got home, his parents had planned for him to be well taken care of but he couldn't see that. It wasn't going to be long till we would be back to the house but again, the concept of time and distance could not be understood- how often am I like that with God?
"God, when will this change?"
"When will I have the answer I'm looking for?"
"Where are you right now, how come you feel distant or like you don't care?"
"How come you won't give me what I "need"?"
 In the bible in a book called Romans it says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." 
I believe that God is good, I believe he is the source of love, and that he is the best of the best. He's the most creative, most wise, and the author of life. I believe he is a good father who knows what each of his children need and works relentlessly to see those needs met. I also believe that his ways are not my ways and his thoughts are not mine- God is doing so much more than what we see before us and I'm learning to be ok with the unknown, to rest in the peace he offers, and to trust that he faithful.
My hope is that I and we may be able to  respond to his faithfulness with hearts full or faith. 

*Below is a song that encapsulates this for me, it's called Kia Kaha and the main tag says, "Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui" which means "Be strong, be steadfast, be willing."

If you've read my last post or follow me on instagram/FB you'd know that I've been working on set for a short film project. I had such a wonderful experience working with the team and "learning the ropes" of being on set. My favourite aspect of this whole journey has been the collaborative effort that is involved in producing project. So the saying goes: "Team work makes the dream work." 

Below is the final product, I hope you enjoy.

Love,
​Kelcie