new zealand
house of prayer I still can’t believe I’m here! I’m in New Zealand of all places, with no other responsibility than to fellowship with Jesus and learn of Him. Seri-
ed and worshipped at a level I’ve never seen before. Daily I’m being pointed to the beauty of Christ, through the singing, praying and teaching of Scripture. THOP meets in the
ously it is amazing. Thanks to the many of you who encouraged and helped cultivate this longing for an intentional period of time set aside to sit before the Lord. (And walked through the last 6 months with me as it become so evident how much I needed more of Him!) It’s awesome to look back and see how God stirred hunger, showed my need and then perfectly provided this internship in the Tauranga House of Prayer. It’s a culture where the glory and worth of the person of Jesus Christ is exhalt-
church sanctuary of a local church. There are about 20 on the THOP staff. Mostly young married couples who are very talented musicians and singers, as well as intercessors. They lead the “sets” of singing and prayer 4 to 6 hours a day. (Gradually growing toward 24/7.) They start out the morning with a 2 hour devo-
tional set—one or two people lead-
join in singing, praying along with
ing contemplative music. During this
or praying for other things on our
time we sit and wait before the Lord
hearts. It’s a little hard to describe,
with personal meditation, prayers,
you kind of have to see it to get it, but
and study.
it’s amazing! The time in the prayer room is mostly independant. We have lectures in the afternoons that give us tools and information to take to the Lord while we’re in the prayer room, but for the most part we are left alone to learn through experience how to wait beThe next set is an
Intercession Set or Worship with the Word. Usually 6 singers and musicians leading in what they call a
fore the Lord.
delight
Delight has been a main theme of
Harp and Bowl pattern. Singing some
my time so far. Through the teaching
worship songs or Scriptures followed
and example of the staff lifting up the
by the reading of Scripture or prayers,
worth of Jesus, I’ve been reminded
then responsive singing inspired by
how delighting in the Lord is what
the heart of the prayer or passage
most glorifies Him. But I don’t live a
just spoken. During this time we can
life of delight and being honest with
myself it doesn’t even take me long to
weak but willing lover and He enjoys
be bored with Jesus.
me.
One of our teachers touched on how
Seeking His heart in the Word and
we don’t enjoy God because we do
feeling His smile has been a large
not believe that He enjoys us. Ah!
focus for my times of communing
This is so me! Convinced that He
with Him. Some days I’m very aware
is frustrated with me because of my
of how weak my desire is for Him,
immaturity, I say to His face, “You
but every time I take even a baby
have no right to enjoy me.” And He is
step toward lifting up His worth and
holding out His scarred hands saying,
waiting before Him, He has met me
“I quenched the wrath of God and
and taught me more of Himself and
have every right to enjoy you.” EVEN
His love for me. It’s so amazing how
in the process of my growth. Because
much He wants to reveal Himself,
He has made me a new creation I am
how everything hinges on knowing
no longer rebellious, I am a
Him more, and how simple it is to be with Him. “Simple” but oh so hard because of my prideful obsession with being productive and how easily I find satisfaction in lesser things. But God is way bigger and is doing a work to ground me in the knowledge of His love.
nz living I live at Faith Bible College about 10k out of Tauranga with 6 other non Kiwi interns. My awesome intern team consists of 4 Americans, 3 Kiwis, 1 Fijian, and 1 Ausi. I share a room with a “sweet as” girl Kari, who has been called to missions and is here at THOP for a couple years of prep and ministry. I’m blown away by the diverse beauty here. I love the constrast of flowering tropical bushes and palms next to pastures and sheep. And it is so GREEN! And no snakes! I get about 5 spider bites a week, but no worries nothing fatal so far. Their accent is fascinating, especially when they leave off the last half of the word. Most of the
time I understand them but sometimes I find that I heard correctly and just have no idea what the word means. Who knew that there is much diversity in the English language? And that things like Marmite, mince, pineapple lumps, muesli, flat white, opp shops, and merge like a zip, could become a part of my vocabulary? To keep life a bit more balanced we get out on the weekends to the beach, study in coffee shops, or go exploring. There is so much cycling here and I hope to buy a bike soon and try to look as cool as a Kiwi. We’re planning a camping trip and I can’t wait to see a bit more of this amazing country over Easter break. I appreciate your prayers so much and miss you all lots!
I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her [lovers]....But me she forgot, declares the Lord. Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. —Hosea