Now Blogging at PeteBrookshaw.Com

NOTE to all Transforming Mission Readers. My NEW Website/Blog can be found at http://www.petebrookshaw.com/

Over time I will be fazing out Transforming Mission. Thanks!

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Yearn for more.

Jo and I have realised so strongly that people have been praying for us recently. It has been an awakening from the desert experience we have found ourselves in. Only very recently Jo and I have had a close relative die, and it quickly helps you to appreciate the life you have and to take stock of where you are and what you are doing. We love the time we spend with other Cadets in college and the moments of influence and blessing at Packenham Corps.

I wrote recently about 'my heart' in ministry. My passion to see lives touched with the power of the gospel of Jesus... My heart will always yearn for something more. I remember running a Youth Event in Werribee about 4 years ago now, called the Mega Vibe!! It was an exciting night. God had nudged me to preach that night, so I did, and towards about 30 people responded to the gospel that night and were inspired in some way from God. Why do I share this? I remember afterwards, the excitement from the night. The exhiliration! The passion! The presence of the Holy Spirit! I felt all this... Yet a big part of me, still yearned for more. Maybe, I'm too hard to please, or I'm never satisfied, or I never celebrate the victories enough... But all I can say is, amongst my laughter and reflection, my heart yearned for more. It still does. It probably always will.

See folks, we've sung the songs for a long time. We've had the funny dramas, the nice preach, and the flashy announcements on powerpoint. We've attracted the same crowd, with their nice uniforms, and their friendly cliches, and the edible 'Scotch Finger Biscuit'. But my heart yearns for more. So much more. So Much Much more. Lets yearn for more... Ohh yeah. I'm beginning to get excited now! Lets yearn for a Salvation Army of warriors, fighting against sin and injustice. Lets pray for a Holy Spirit anointing so strong even our political leaders need to bow their knees. Lets inspire an inner passion so vibrant that our friends, are no longer our gossip buddies, but our comrades in the mission we have before us. The World WILL turn to Jesus. The Church WILL be a place of equipping and arming up and not a spiritual ghetto. Our communities WILL connect with the God of the Bible and lives WILL be transformed. Hallelujah!!!

Lets go friends. Lets yearn for more... Share

My Heart

Lately my heart has been aching. I'll be honest with you and diverge a little from my usual look at mission. My heart has been aching for the lost. We worshipped at Packenham lately and I cried so hard for those that don't know Jesus. We worshipped at Werribee recently and again I wept like a baby, thinking of the enormous job we have of reaching the multitudes.

I contemplate too much recently about my lack of involvement in reaching the masses. My life cries out to do something of significance. I find myself a fish in a tiny fishbowl, with little room to swim. I'm not attempting to critique those at College. I love the staff, and the cadets and everyone is working so hard to make things right...

But something needs to change for me. Maybe it's simply my attitude. Maybe it's more. Maybe my passion for meaningful engagement in ministry is greater than my passion for interpreting the book of Nehemiah. Although maybe this is deep, important theological content that I need in order to be effective for Jesus. Maybe God doesn't care.

My heart yearns for the lost. I take the opportunities when I find them. Or when I find time. My life seems so meaningless (I feel like the writer or Ecclesiastes), yet God has a purpose in their somewhere.

This is probably a blog that belongs in the private journal, but would you be inspired to pray for the lost, for those whose lives are broken and hurting? Would you do what you can, when you can, with all that you can in order to reach as many as you can with the message of hope found in Jesus? Share

Pete's Pastoral Care Time!

* Happy Birthday to Rachael Collins (a cadet in our session), hope you have a cool night tonight!

* We're all praying that the new Victorian premier John Brumby will be blessed by God as he makes decisions that affect Victoria, Australia.

* I'm praying for healing for my mate Shaun whose been unwell lately... not to mention everyone else whose sick; I hope God will bless you!

* For all those that are wanting to change the World and God hasn't brought the harvest yet... Be content where God has called you at this point in time.

* Just a thought for you, in such a pluralistic, 'anything goes' society, remember, love the sinner, hate the sin. Don't love the sinner and love the sin. (Just a thought...)

* Thanks to all those at the Training College who have supported the 75 hours of prayer we will be doing. (I hope you've heard of the 24/7 prayer happening within the Salvation Army Southern Territory)

* God comfort those right now, who feel abused, who feel depressed, who are addicted, who are hurting, who are lonely, who are supressed, in the name of Jesus! Share

Speak. Your Servant is Listening.

We had a retreat day today. A day of opportunity to pray and listen to God and what he would speak to us about.

I couldn't stop thinking of 'Servanthood'. That fancy word for what God calls his people to be: Servants. Jesus humbled himself and became man, and in his life he served. (John 13, he washes his disciples' feet)

I've been tossing around thoughts recently of success. How does success tie in with serving? To serve is to succeed? A life that is faithful to God is successful? You may feel the same, but sometimes I wake up and think, I want my life to be successful. I want it to mean something. I want it to reach thousands of souls for Jesus. I want it to live on when I die. But maybe God's wanting me to do one thing. To focus not on success. To focus less on fruitfulness. To not let my life be consumed with busyness, attractiveness, money, peer pressure, etc. But above all things, that I would learn how to...

Serve.

Isaiah 42:1 - 'Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him
and he will bring justice to the nations.' Share

Invent the Future

We can't control the past.

How we live in the present determines the future.

We can change the present.

Therefore we can invent the future.


Will you dream with me a little..? ... ... ... ... I dream of pioneering thousands and thousands of healthy churches, that reach many, many people for Jesus. I dream of preaching the gospel in South East Asia, with many people coming to faith in Jesus! I dream of seeing corps reaching thousands of people with the gospel (Mega-Church or Mega-networks -- whichever!) I dream of having the influence to make the changes I know are right...

Will you dream once again? We CAN invent the future, by what we choose to do today. Share

Rest is Good

Rest is good. Rest is needed. Here Jo and I are at a place called Mannum in South Australia. Enjoying the view and taking some photos. God is good that there has been much rain lately. I pray God will send what's needed in the amounts that are needed.

Have you been too busy lately? Remember God is the one who grows the Church. Stop a little. Rest a little. Trust God that he will grow your ministry. Trust God that he will expand your business.

Rest is good. Rest is needed.
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My Dream... A Spirit-led Revolution

A couple of years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke a scripture deep into my being. Isaiah 61:1, which reads, ‘The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners’ (NIV). This is my life; empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the poor and to provide physically and spiritually for the needy. Some months ago a prophet was speaking into my life and spoke the words of Isaiah 61:1 – without knowing, but just confirming this (God is good!).

I must admit something. I’m not content being the CO of a church of 40 middle-class Salvos; no offence. God has given me and you a mandate to go and make disciples of all nations, and my passion is to see effective Spirit-filled ministry multiply so that as many lives as the Lord allows us to reach, will be reached. There is a generation of young people that are not satisfied with the status quo, that are hungry after God’s presence. I would love to empower them to literally usher in a Spirit-led Revolution.

I also dream of preaching the gospel in South-East Asia, and seeing thousands of lives impacted. I dream of planting thousands of vibrant, soul-saving, social-justice minded corps that reproduce again and again. Lots of dreams and visions… But am I merely ambitious, or would you pray and believe that maybe the Lord has placed a enormous vision on my heart that with his help might just be accomplished…?

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Birthdays are Great!

Thanks to all those who helped celebrate my birthday yesterday! For those that want to know... I'm now 25 years old.

Birthdays are a great chance for others to show hospitality. I found that out yesterday. My wife Jo made me a chocolate cake and we sang Happy Birthday and I was made to feel very special! (I love my wife...)

My thought today relates to leadership... Rome was not built in a day and either are leaders. I'm 25 now, and I have to work at developing my skills as a leader. I have many dreams and through continually connecting with God, learning the Bible, and putting good plans into action, I may well see those dreams come to pass.

Becoming a excellent leader is determined by what you are doing about it today!

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The gift of Hospitality

The gift of hospitality was shown to me this Easter.

Some of us travelled down to Rosebud, both Good Friday and Easter Sunday to share in church services there. Following both services we were taken to some people's houses for lunch. We were overwhelmed with the hospitality shown by those looking after us. What a blessing, to have Christians that simply love others, that simply care for others and want to simply bless others. Praise God!

We also spent some time at Melbourne Central Division's Easter Camp. What a great time! Lives were being transformed as people connected with the RISEN JESUS CHRIST! Again, Sandra and Mim (DYs) showed us wonderful hospitality and welcome (Thanks heaps guys!!)

So...

This Easter holiday, why not invite someone over for dinner or lunch? Show them some hospitality. I've been in the midst of it lately, and its both a blessing to the giver and the receiver! Share

Farewell to my Dad, whose now overseas...

Just recently my Mum and Dad decided to go to live in the U.S. in Detroit, Michigan. My Dad left the airport on Thursday and my Mum is leaving in July.

A few tears were shared as Dad walked into the International Departure Doors of Melbourne Airport. I pray he is safe and well, after three plane flights to get him to Michigan.

I write this blog to say that my Dad is an inspiration. Recently his own faith journey has been ignited, and before he left on the plane he shared how he had a dream of Jo and I; that we were climbing up a steep hill and it was hard work, but that God was going to get us through...

I then commented that the Bible says (Joel 2:28), that in the last days, Old men will dream dreams and Young men will see visions. Dad, you must be old? Then the reply came, 'I'm not the one with the receeding hairline.'

Dad, may God be strengthening you and blessing you on this next step of your own life... All my love! Share

College Update: How's it all going?

Well, we've now been at college for over a month (we started classes on Jan 31st). I can't believe it's March!

Jo and I are really getting along well with all the people in the college, the staff, the second year cadets and especially our Witnesses for Christ session. Everyone in our session has a real, authentic passion for Jesus and for being involved in the ministry he wants for them.

Is College tough? Of course. Is it enjoyable? Definitely. The schedule's busy, with lots of different things to do, e.g. New Testament studies, cleaning duties, paperwork to file, prayers, eating lunch together, travelling to local Corps (Salvation Army's), Pubs on Friday nights, and loads more. It's been a challenge to coordinate everything, as their are lots of different aspects of College life, and different course expectations.

How are our finances? Well, can't let you know too much, as then we wouldn't be living by faith, but lets just say, we're still praying that our possible Centrelink payments will arrive soon, as they haven't yet...

What would I say at this point in time about other people thinking about Officership? I would say, if you are considering it, then if you have been filled with the Holy Spirit (and if you have, you know you have been...) then the Spirit will pull on your heart when its the right time... I believe we need to pray earnestly, and resist the devil's tricks, as I believe he is attempting to hold some back from diving into the Will of God! College is tough, but don't be deceived. College life is awesome and God is equipping us for the privileged task of leading the movement we call the Salvation Army into fulfilling its mission of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. I say this nicely: Don't be wimpy and think its all too hard. Don't be so confused by postmodernist talk, that says putting aside some time for training is useless. Be filled with the Holy Spirit, and God WILL give you influence, and if he's called you into it, then he WILL use you and fruit WILL come out of your ministry.

I want to take this opportunity to say thanks for all those that are praying for us while we're in College. There has been some nights, we have literally felt the Holy Spirit lift us up into the presence of Jesus, and we said to each other, 'I think someone's praying for us!'

Praise JESUS! Send the Fire Lord! Let the Revolution now begin!

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The future awaits...

Well some of you that read my blog probably know I've been pretty busy lately. You know. Moving into College. It's all exciting. Unpacking boxes, farewell meetings, hellos, goodbyes, welcomes, sianaras, the list goes on.

So what's my great spiritual insight, in amongst all the tears, anxiousness and joy? Hmm... We gotta be radical for Jesus. No more sitting around, spending all our days reading blogs. Isn't that right guys? Except reading this blog. Isn't that right guys?

The Holy Spirit wants to do something radical in each of our lives. He's ready to speak into our lives, heal our hurts and transform us into the likeness of Jesus. Exciting times...

Well, the future awaits... If I am able to have Internet access, I'll keep the site updated lots. Thanks to those guys recently who have been praying for Jo and I and also for those that have made generous financial gifts to support us through College. Share

Stuck in the Mundane

Packing boxes. Packing boxes. Washing the dishes.

I just wanna reach the lost with the message of Jesus.

Packing boxes. Cleaning bedrooms.

I feel like I'm stuck in the mundane. It's not my fault though, I'm moving into the Salvo Training College, so I got to do it. I'm still passionate about God though, even though I'm not currently involved in any revolutionary kind of ministry that is changing the World.

A guy back in the 17th Century knows what I'm talking about. Brother Lawrence (1614 - 1691) spent most of his life as a monk, working in the kitchen of the monastery, day in, day out. He had tremendous influence on the Kingdom of God though, because he simply served God and people sought after him for spiritual guidance.

Check out one of his writings called, Practicing the Presence of God. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice.html

Lord, let me serve you in the mundane. Although I look forward to the radical times ahead, help me to be faithful with what you've called me to do right now. Share

2007: A Year of Fruitfulness

Last year, contained many challenges and many busy nights involved in ministry. The ministry at Werribee was starting to take form, and take off, but then God has called Jo and I off to the Salvo Training College. Bec Shinkel said to me, 'You know Pete, you'll probably never get to see the benefits of the work you've put into our Youth Ministry.' What a funny thing. Right when things are beginning to take shape, God says, 'Oih! You! It's time to move on!' I guess God has it in control of course, but my heart knows that for Werribee, 2007 will be a year of fruitfulness.

The seeds are planted, and they're ready to blossom. The church is ready for something bigger. The church is beginning to be expectanct again for miracles, for Jesus to transform lives and the community to be reformed. The church will move into its new facilities in the early part of the year, and momentum will build. The church community will continue to express its love for Christ through it's wider community involvement. People will be saved. 2007, will be a year of fruitfulness.

Kev said in a prayer meeting recently, that we need to continue to be faithful, and frutifulness will flow out from that. If we strive to be faithful to God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, then God will birth results that will amaze us and bless us. The apostle John knew this, when he wrote, 'If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit' (15:5). I pray God will help Werribee Salvos continue to be faithful, passionate and intentional about growing the Kingdom, and I believe God will make 2007 a year... of fruitfulness. Share

My Christmas time of Giving

There seems to be nothing better than giving a gift to someone and then see them smile from eye to eye in appreciation. Christmas for me, was a great time to spend with my family, to spend quality time together sharing presents, food and tacky jokes. I really enjoyed giving gifts just as much as receiving them...

The ability to give surpasses the excitement of receiving!

Matthew 1:21 - "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." What an awesome gift God gave to the World? Jesus. Share

Salvo Training College here we come!

Hey everyone! Today, it was made official that Jo and I have been accepted into the Salvation Army training college for 2007. For two years we'll be living in the college on Royal Parade (Melbourne). After those two years of study, spiritual development, prayer, etc, we'll be going whereever the Salvos send us... Maybe we'll plant a church that will be radical and change the face of Christianity in Australia?

Thanks to everyone that's supported us through this fairly quick transition. The work at Werribee will continue til near the end of January and then we will have the big move into College.

While I'm in College, I want to keep this site updated regularly. So if you want to read some informative, passionate, challenging blogs, then check out Revolution Earth occasionally.

God knows the plans he has for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to make you successful! (Jeremiah 29:11). Bless you guys! Share