Hi, Akita here - hope you have been enjoying the school holidays.

Is Anything Happening?

I have been bumping into some old friends recently and it has suprised me how much growth there is in peoples lives. I am not sure if they realise it, as it can be difficult to see growth when you are so close to it. It can be easier to see growth in others, or others' children, then your own/self.

We learn new things all the time and are no doubt in a process to improve and get to our goals. Some feel ripped off when they see someone reach a certain level and they think "I am still studying and can't go off and do that right now"... and may feel that they are not getting anywhere. Let me assure you that it takes many steps to get to a great distance, rarely is it an instant thing. So even if it looks like an instant thing for someone - it isn't, don't freak out!

Some remember the biblical story of young David leaving his shepherding role and arriving at a war zone + killing this huge giant named Goliath.... wow.... what a transformation... talk about going from one level to another! But we must remember that while out in the fields being faithful with the shepherding, he learnt certain skills by protecting the sheep; killing wild animals, bears and a lion. He was growing step by step, being prepared for something greater. He must of felt ripped off that all his brothers were off doing the hero thing at war, and there he was watching sheep. Surely these skills and steps enabled David to be successful with the Goliath encounter. Yes - the battle was the Lords, but David's skill was a part of that.

Growing can be painful, working through issues, driving 25 hours with your parents to get your license, going over things, study, doing the mundane,...etc We may be unable to see the growth, but it is happening. When you take a step back and look at where you were and where you are heading now........... most see a great encouraging difference.

My prayer for you is that every now and then you stop, reflect + thank God for the growth.... the seen and the unseen.

Blessings,

Akita.
12-10-06

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To view some camp photos, or listen to the camp sermons online, or to enter the Oxygen monthly competition, visit the site to enter:

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.

BV Youth - New term planner out soon for term 4, for all Bunbury Vineyard youth. Keep an eye out for then and grab a couple. Lots planned - heaps of fun + challenges!!

Fun Night - On Saturday the 21st of October, starting at 6pm come along to church for a combined fun night with the Australind Vineyard joining us. Bring a plate of food for a shared tea. Sumo suits and many games.... come along with your family + friends.

ROC 11+ - First ROC 11+ activity will be Q+As @ G+As on Sunday the 22nd of October. Bring some friends, food, questions, and praise points.

Team Wars - coming soon on Friday the 27th of October we will be challenging the CCC Youth with Team Wars. Battles, comps, + dress ups! Dress theme: Make your own super hero costume. There will be prizes!! Held @ CCC from 7-9pm.

Oxygen - Next event will be on Saturday the 4th November, held at Bunbury Vineyard Church, opp Old Silos, pre-show 4-6pm, then a $2 sausage sizzle, then the main-show 7:30pm-9:30pm. Bring your friends and your expectation.

praise point: Man, camp was awesome. Thanks for the prayer! There were many healings, commitments, break-throughs, prophetic words, + more. Wonderful time with great: guest speaker, activities, worship, fellowship, teachings...etc Thank you all who served, attended, and those who covered it with prayer.

prayer request: for protection + financial support for a local youth named Joanne. Jo feels called to attend and serve in an upcoming YWAM mission. She has asked for prayer for safety as well as assistance financially, for the Summer of Service mission to Thailand in January 2007, with YWAM. If you would like further info on this please email myself. Thanks.

prayer: for the huge salvation rally planned for young people in March 2007.

prayer: for all the local school Chaplains out there doing His business.

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

2 Peter 3 v 18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

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, please visit www.bunburyvineyard.org.au/thrive.htm.