Intense

Wow! Just finished my first week of real classes after a full week of "intensives." Intensives being almost 8 hours of lectures each day for three days!  I'll tell you, it's been a busy and intense two weeks.  God has already revealed so much to me and it's only going to get bigger and better and harder.

Here are some quotes from amazing men and women of God who taught and preached the Word here at Hillsong:

"Kingdoms are extended, destroyed, and maintained through language." -Robert Furgeson

"Your tongue describes the position of your heart." -Robert Furgeson

Hillsong College Chapel

"Here at Hillsong, we're not looking for clones or cookie cutouts..." -Tracy Barrell

"If you're not glad...you're serving something else [not God]." (pertaining to serving in your local church) -Catrina Henderson

"When Christians do church together they ought to see God." -Duncan Corby

"Your value cannot be determined by your gifting, your value is established in Christ." -Duncan Corby

"It's far better to finish things when people still want more than to finish 10 minutes later than they had hoped." -Duncan Corby

"What if we looked at people like they were just one step away from Jesus?"-Lee Burn

"If you're not gripped by the cause, nothing will change." -Lee Burn

"Jesus didn't do away with the law.  He fulfilled it." -Catrina Henderson

"Live your life in a way that favor loves you." -Brian Houston

"Favor is not the absence of challenges." -Brian Houston

"A family. A body. A house."

Of course that is the tiniest snap shot into two weeks packed with amazing teachings.  Even more so, not only did we have intensives we also got to be a part of Vision Night at Hillsong! Hearing and seeing Brian and Bobbie's vision for the church that impacts the world was incredible.  Home.  That's the 2012 vision for Hillsong Church across the globe; to be a place where anyone can walk in the doors and feel at home in Jesus Christ.

God is teaching me so much and softening my heart in ways I couldn't have imagined! And it's only 4 weeks into being here! Wow. God is good. Thank you for all your support and love.

I haven't found a job yet...though I've applied to several places and I'm still on the hunt. Please be praying that I find one soon! Learning to trust the Lord in my finances. And learning to stay strict to my budget. What up?!

I've been to the beach once and I'm still making incredible friends! God's doing great things while I'm here.  Be praying for Sean Welch as he's serving a year in Haiti. So proud of that man! Thanks for all the love and support and prayers. I so feel them!!

Love,

Jessica

Myself, Caro, and Allie

Maroubra Beach

God is good.

I can't believe it's been a week already! It feels like I've been here in Sydney for weeks and weeks.  God is so good and so faithful.  Here are some sweet praise reports/updates:

My flatmates are amazing women of God who truly pursue the Lord's will.

Carol from Germany

Betsy from Kenya

Alanna from Canada I have yet to meet, but I hear she's amazing!

I've made some incredible, Godly friends here already.

Miss Aly from Georgia

Kate the great! From Canada.

I've been exploring Sydney (all safely in groups!)

Sleep schedule is completely normal!

And I've taken a Barista course for fun...praying for a good job!!

Hillsong Church service was amazing.  The Spirit of the Lord in the room was incredible and brought me to tears.  To know that God has called me to serve at this place, in whatever capacity, is truly humbling and amazing.  As I'm preparing for classes to start, my heart's desire is that I will be open to whatever God has for me in this next season.  Because I know that He's preparing me for great things!   

I miss you all at home! Been thinking and praying for you constantly! Thank you for your prayers and support for I can definitely feel them.  If you see my family, give them a huge hug and squeeze from me! Love you all.

God bless!!