Byron Bay Outreach- November 2019

"...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!