Hi, Akita here - trust you are enjoying your week.

Rock Stars + Groupies.

Around 10 years ago my Dad and I played hockey together in Perth. Although we played often there was one night that I will never forget... the night I met Australian cricketting hero Adam Gilchrist. He was at the hockey ground and was my favourite cricket player - I was a huge fan. So after the game I could not help but go over and introduce myself and shake his hand .... huge moment for me.

On our way home I was telling my Dad how thrilled I was that I got to shake his hand and how I may never wash my hand again. My Dad didn't know who Adam was and even after I explained how he is famous and listed his great feats... my Dad was not overly impressed. He tried to get the message through to me that we all (including you) are just as special, talented, and unique as Adam Gilchrist.. and we should not adore, idolize, or seek to be just like some one else.

And it is true, we all have a unique calling on our lives and it would be foolish to want to be someone else or have what they have. Their success is theirs and not yours. Yet there are many "groupies" who are desperate to always be with people they admire, shaking their hand, or to tell everyone who they had coffee with, who they saw ... and keep bringing up their name to supposedly higher themselves... we can't ride their coat tails... we should be wearing our own.

Even in Christian circles it is evident that some people are "groupies".
We each have our own things/good works to accomplish, I should not be trying to do yours, and you should not be trying to do mine. Ephesians 2 v 10: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

For Christmas my brother-in-law gave me a little book of wise sayings called "No tattoos before you're thirty" by Sam de Brito..... one of them said this: Don't be the groupie - be the rock star. When I read this it reminded me of the day I met the famous wicket-keeper and the chat on the way home. It encourages me to strive towards what I have been called to be..... I so want to be the rock star.

Blessings,

Akita.
11-1-07

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To visit the Oxygen Youth website:

If you have any praise points, encouragement, favourite verses, or short teachings you wish to share... please send me an email (I know there are some out there) and we will try to include.

Oxygen - Kicking off the new year with prayer. So on Saturday the 3rd of Feb all youth are welcome to come on down to CCC Bunbury from 8pm-12 midnight to pray for our city, our youth, our mission team, our country ... and more. This year is going to be great as we step out into an area God has called us. We have a few new events occurring as well as regular worship events, think BIG and keep your eyes glued to the website for further info. Note: all Oxygen events will be on the 1st Saturday of each month, so start preparing and write them into your diary.

BV Youth - Term 4 is now finished. During the summer holidays we will take a break from regular events... so watch this space + read your church bulletin for upcoming get-togethers.

Prayer - every Sunday afternoon, 5-6pm @ church.

prayer: for the team from Oxygen going to Tanzania in Feb 2007. Prayer for safety, funds, opportunities, effectiveness...etc. Team members: Aarron, Akita, Andrew, Danny, Dave, Jason, Jesse, Mandy, Stephanie, + Stephanie.

prayer request: for protection for two of our young ladies currently travelling to different locations in Asia, to carry out short mission trips with YWAM. Both would love continued prayer for their protection, guidence, opportunities, and blessings. Both Rebecca and Joanna would like to thank the church for the prayer and financial assistance received. Thanks for all the support.
We look forward to their safe return late January, and to hear them share some of their experience on a Sunday morning, once settled.

prayer: for the huge Battle of the Bands rally planned for Bunbury young people in March 2007. Prayer for the working team of this project. Prayer for acceptance into local high schools, tafes, and local uni. Prayer for sponsors to respond positively to requests. So far a good response, but still in need of major sponsors - big requests are going out this week, please pray.
Check out the Elevator website: www.oxygenyouth.com/elevator

.... if you have any requests you would like added here, please email me, contact details below.

Psalm 49 v 16

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases.

Please feel free to forward this email-newsletter to friends + family.

Akita Olsen - Youth Pastor
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
Office phone: (08) 9721 3379
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

If somebody has forwarded this email to you and you'd like to subscribe to this weekly message, please visit www.bunburyvineyard.org.au/thrive.htm.