Airlie Beach
Hello there, sorry about taking forever to update!!
So last week I went on a 16 hour road trip (not including the stops and such) to Airlie Beach. Its this Beautiful location right on the ocean and a group of about 20 people from my DTS went there to help with schoolies. Schoolies is a big party after the Australians graduate High school. Its a big celebration put on by the government that not only involves theme parties and loud music but also drinking, drugs, abuse, and even deaths. During these weeks of partying students get into about everything imaginable. My team went into this environment with the intention of simply loving these young people and showing them we cared.
We set up what was called the chai tent. it was a big tent, and inside we set up little tables with pillows around them and we served free slushies and chai tea. As groups would come in some of us would just sit and talk to them and as we got to know them we would ask a little bit about what they believed when it came to a higher power. Sometimes it was easy. Some of the schoolies even asked out of the blue, "tell us about Jesus Christ". Others didn't care at all. Many of them went to catholic schools and knew about Jesus but didn't take it seriously or just had a wrong view of faith. Others believed in Evolution or something else. Others were so drunk they couldn't even form a sentence so this experience was interesting. But our goal was to have a safe, peaceful, loving place for the Schoolies to come and hang out where there was no alcohol or what are called toolies ( People who come to the schoolies but are older and there to try to take advantage of the drunk youths ).
For Me, the week was stressful at times but also very eye opening and fun. These people haven't rejected Christianity, they just don't understand it. We were able to really open some peoples eyes as to who Christians really are. We showed them that we were not judgemental, super religious, socially awkward snobs, but normal legit people who have faults and problems just like the rest of the world.
The week was full of questions and explanations and we were all tested by spiritual warfare. It was hard for some schoolies to understand why we chose to live the way we were living. They enjoy doing what they are doing, and why wouldn't they, for them its fun and it feels good. But by our group loving on them and being interested in their lives, we were able to show them a different kind of joy and a different kind of life.
We also had teams working with the Red Frogs, which is a big organization who helps schoolies by talking to them, bringing them home when they cant remember where their hotels are, cleaning up hotel rooms, making the schoolies pancakes in the morning, hanging out with them, taking care or those vomiting because they are so drunk, keeping people safe, and handing out little red frog gummy candies. It is a awesome opportunity for ministry!!!
So last week I went on a 16 hour road trip (not including the stops and such) to Airlie Beach. Its this Beautiful location right on the ocean and a group of about 20 people from my DTS went there to help with schoolies. Schoolies is a big party after the Australians graduate High school. Its a big celebration put on by the government that not only involves theme parties and loud music but also drinking, drugs, abuse, and even deaths. During these weeks of partying students get into about everything imaginable. My team went into this environment with the intention of simply loving these young people and showing them we cared.
We set up what was called the chai tent. it was a big tent, and inside we set up little tables with pillows around them and we served free slushies and chai tea. As groups would come in some of us would just sit and talk to them and as we got to know them we would ask a little bit about what they believed when it came to a higher power. Sometimes it was easy. Some of the schoolies even asked out of the blue, "tell us about Jesus Christ". Others didn't care at all. Many of them went to catholic schools and knew about Jesus but didn't take it seriously or just had a wrong view of faith. Others believed in Evolution or something else. Others were so drunk they couldn't even form a sentence so this experience was interesting. But our goal was to have a safe, peaceful, loving place for the Schoolies to come and hang out where there was no alcohol or what are called toolies ( People who come to the schoolies but are older and there to try to take advantage of the drunk youths ).
For Me, the week was stressful at times but also very eye opening and fun. These people haven't rejected Christianity, they just don't understand it. We were able to really open some peoples eyes as to who Christians really are. We showed them that we were not judgemental, super religious, socially awkward snobs, but normal legit people who have faults and problems just like the rest of the world.
The week was full of questions and explanations and we were all tested by spiritual warfare. It was hard for some schoolies to understand why we chose to live the way we were living. They enjoy doing what they are doing, and why wouldn't they, for them its fun and it feels good. But by our group loving on them and being interested in their lives, we were able to show them a different kind of joy and a different kind of life.
We also had teams working with the Red Frogs, which is a big organization who helps schoolies by talking to them, bringing them home when they cant remember where their hotels are, cleaning up hotel rooms, making the schoolies pancakes in the morning, hanging out with them, taking care or those vomiting because they are so drunk, keeping people safe, and handing out little red frog gummy candies. It is a awesome opportunity for ministry!!!
Thank you for posting this on facebook. Now I'll be able to hear what's happening with you! I'm enjoying your blog! You make Jesus smile!
ReplyDeleteQuite the experience! Thanks for taking time for the update. :-)
ReplyDeleteForgot to tell you, I'm praying for you daily!
ReplyDelete