An Irish Update..

Well since arriving back in Ireland 17 days ago, things have been rather crazily busy but rather crazily annointed also. While on the plane, I decided that in order to fully trust God about what he was doing as far as crazily raising money (notice the overuse of crazily) I realised that all my dependance needed to be on him, and him alone, so I thought...what's the best way to do that?

Fasting. (ohhhh yeah)

Now those of you who know me will know that I love a good fast! 14 days in Egypt,and 9 days in L.A with my friend Than, and a few days here and there in between. God had to help me raise about $2500 within the next few weeks to pay off my flight home and my mission trip to Kyrgyzstan.
So on arriving home and greeting my parents at the airport, I wasn't sure how I felt. In all honesty, I already didn't want to be there, but I know that God has clearly told me to come home,so I know there was something for me here. Whether I'd see it or not. My fast had begun and I explained to my parents...my mum's reaction was that of, 'Oh, well we bought loads of food for you coming home...you can't even eat a little bit?..Will God really care if you just eat a little bit?' It was funny. But ok, because I can't expect everyone to understand. I had medical lecture upon lecture. Electrolyte balances and what not. Crazy.

But I knew I was doing what God wanted me to, and I began to pray instead of eating. Heaven opened, and God began pouring things out into my life, word after word of knowledge and encouragement.

And I am gonna take you through some things he has done.

On the fun side though, I've reclaimed my post as Charlottes favourite babysitter! :) Yay! And I have hung out with my friends, watched good movies, listened to good music, shopped in the rain, walk around Belfast, taken lots of pictures, hung out with my nephews and sister, and got paid for preaching at a church! And still to come...the big Belfast bonfire night, the marches and parades, a good old fashioned knees up (my knees will be down, as I havnt been eating I can't risk drinking!) and seeing my little sister as she visits from England with her boyfriend and I meet him for the first time. I got to hang out with my 'chara gaelige' (irish friend) Noirin and Theo (the baby!)...and putting Charlotte and Theo together was rediculously cute.

So in fasting...(everyday I was praying for finances and the SOW/MA staff)

Day 1. God gave me visions and verses for Kyrgyzstan, and planted some fundraising ideas in my head.

Day 2. I recieved $400, God revealed things about who I am in him and spoke major words about Kyrgyzstan. God gave me the word to move forward on the SOW for the fall.

Day 3. The Spiritual Warfare began. God told me t pray my dry bones would stir. God reminded me to 'ask and i'll give the nations to you.' So I asked for Kyrgyzstan.

Day 4. My computer sold for $400. God told me that he'd already taken care of the finances! :)

Day 5. God began to teach me of what it meant for me to be his son. God spoke to me about knowing the truth of the plans he's spoken into my life.

Day 6. God gave me more verses for Kyrgyzstan. God gave me Psalm 4 for me. God broke my 'depression'of being home.

Day 7. Reminded the money is taken care of. More words for Kyrgyzstan. Broke my worrying spirit. God told me the sweetest thing, in the quietest way - 'I just want to spend time with you.' God told me to put him on the throne and to take me off!

Day 8. God gave me words for SOW/MA staff. God told me to pray for a big release of finances.

Day 9 and 10. Two people wrote me cheques. One was $250 and the other I've yet to receive. I got asked to preach (and get paid for it.) I prayed that God would expose my heart issues.
Prayed for wisdom, God gave me direction and lots of words for Kyrgyzstan.

Day 11 and 12. Preaching went phenomonal. My mum cried. Lots more money! God asked to pray for MORE.

Day 13 and 14. After praying I got some word of some monthly supporters.

Day 15. After the usual, God revealed to me the truth over some of my insecurities and set them right.

Day 16. After praying, I received more money, or pledges.

Day 17. Madness. I heard today I am almost ready to book my flight.

How great is our God?

Tony's future...

Hey all!

Great and exciting news comes to those who wait!

Well, the last few days have seen amazing things happen. God just really speak about direction, encouragment spoken to me, dealing with inner things I've needed healing for, doing some fun creative work with the Mission Adventures crew out here in L.A and most importantly, just having a blast discovering who I am as a son of God.

Well, Tuesday 24th June, I will be back in Northern Ireland for 3 weeks to visit family and friends, as my sister is coming over from ENgland for a few days, so I definitly wanted to pursue a trip home.

There was a big part of me that was torn up. I wanted to stay in California to work with my church, but I wanted to go home to ireland...but there was not a part of me that was peaceful. About anything. I even asked God to give me dreams, and I had two in one night, one was at home, one was here in California.

Then last night after seeking God with a friend I was praying with, and after reaching a place of desperation for God to speak, he finally dropped something into my head. Both.

How could I do both?

Well, when I found out that my sister was going to be home, and our family could all be together for a few weeks, I knew straight away what to do. God also give me specifics on coming back to California for July-August. I don't know exactly where and what, I have my ideas, and people are praying but I felt so strongly that I was to be here for that part of the summer...and then after that is the exciting part.

Since being here on the YWAM base, I have really connected, in such a God way, with a guy called Tony, who has been a missionary in Kyrgyzstan for the last 5 years, and just recently finished School Of Worship here at the YWAM base. It was something so God annointed, and appointed, that when we prayed together, God just showed up, and did things, as we found ourselves in 5 hours long conversations until 3 in the morning most nights!

After hearing him share about Kyrgyzstan, and the culture and people, I had this little jump in my heart. He shared about disabled orphans (something God gave me a heart for while in Egypt) and one thin he constantly reminded me as I sought direction was 'remember where God has led you'...more specifically, what God has already spoken into my life. Which reminded me of DTS and one night I had this dream that I was in this village, walking through, on a mountain and there was a yak pulling a cart...

..after praying into this, and obviously having spoke to people (Pete and Kizzy at the time) I am excited to say that I will be going to Krygyzstan at the end of August on a 'scouting' type trip. I will get to do some practical work, serving Tony and the people there as Tony makes a transition to come back to the US, and getting to see the orphan ministry and just love on some kids...as well as really pray into the possibility of why God brought Tony and I together, ministry wise, as well as friendship wise.

Everything has just been so God appointed...and that's so exciting!

God also confirmed this in a time of seeking confirmation too. Tony has this clear picture and image for God, and I got a random bible verse, which was spot on, especially after praying that God would give me scriptural support.
All in all, its an exciting time, God is giving me back my heart for missions, a real passion and desire to serve where possible, and a passion to see my family.

But let me tell you it hasn't been an easy place to get to, and I am excited to see what God does as I enter the next few months of personal outreach.

Again, this is all something that is self funded and I just want to go do Gods work and help advance the kingdom!

The costs for things like these can sometimes be high, but God has really blessed me so far, and I know will continue to as I step out in obedience.

My flight to Ireland and back to California is part paid but i still need about $800 to cover the cost, and my trip to Kyrgyzstan is going to cost around $2500 to $3000 dollars.

Those are my needs and I believe in what God has spoken, and have absolute faith that God will provide. So I want to ask you directly if you would partner with me in my endeavours to follow where God has led, and know that when you can financially support, it is not just me, but the Kingdom you are investing into. I am excited to get to be God's hands and feet and only you can help make that possible!

The smallest donations can make the biggest difference, and even from $1 they all make a difference. I am excited to partner with you and I will call you soon to follow up! So please let God do something amazing and be part of this amazing adventure over the next few months!

I would ask that you would respond, even if it is to say that you can't support me right now, please let me know!

God's blessings!

Tony.

A long weekend.

This weekend was a weekend of many new things.

A new marriage. A new makeup expirement. And a new hairstyle, created by moi for one of my friends. Why should you care? Because. You just should.

So, I'm hoping lots more people are reading this now that I am linked on both Karisse and Kristal's blogspot pages...so here begin yee ole madness blog.

Eivind came and went. Saddness abound.

I got to hang out with my friend Holly from ComedySportz...she rocketh.

Brandon and Leslie finally tied the knot, which was an exciting wedding to be at. For real. The first time i met Leslie was over the phone...in the summer of 2006 at a chilli burger fast food place. Good times. All of their families were here and it was alot of fun having all the people around the base...like old times.

There was dancing, and grooving, and cheesecake - and I even wore eyeliner. It was inspired by Kyah and Kristal (of course it would be) but it's not like I put up a fight. I also did Katherine's hair. (This blog is turning more and more strange) But I was excited because Fiona taught me how to curl/wave hair with a flattening iron. And i think it looked gooood. In the hoooood.

Life is going in major dramatic ways. Ways I fear, ways I am exicted about, ways that seem like such good idea's then wake me up ina cold sweat during the night because they don't seem possible...but they are happening all right.

Oh yeah, I need you help.

I need to raise about 400dollars so I can fly back to ireland within the next week to begin raising support for my full time committment to missions! Please help and contribute, you are not just helping me, but advancing the kingdom of God.

Bless you punks.

p.s wedding pics should be on facebook.

Tony: Kristal, what do think about nuns..?

Kristal: (sniggers..)My first thought was like...they are sexy. But I feel sorry for them sometimes. My dad came to visit nuns when he was in Germany for like a week. Well, maybe it was a day...oh (laughs) I didn't realise how valley girl I sounded...this is why I dont have any friends...I sound just like those dumb girls on the radio yesterday (Disney FM)..and I was totally judging them and God was like don't be judgemental, and I am just like them, God just used you to prove that to me...(in a serious voice) Thanks Tony, for taking me off my high horse.

So...I went through this wardrobe...

So...yesterday I almost went into anaphylactic shock...

I woke up on the base...pretty early...went to base meeting..and saw so many people that I havent seen in so long. I saw Eliza, and nearly died...it's only been two months but i didn't really vet to see her the last time i was here...so we are gonna hang like a hang nail.

There was a bit of a shock later when I walked into the little walkway thing and there stood my norwegian prince. Eivind.

DIED.

So we ended up spending the day being crazy fools. We had some lunch, hung out in the coffee room, went to the dollar store...then to the mall...and all of this was directed by our -on-the-phone GPS system, Katie Colvin.

After Eivy bought some clothes and dragged me around all the shops (what a woman) we got some food and prepared to depart.

Back at the base we put together a cunning plan to go see Narnia. I have seen it twice, but Katie, Annie nor Eivind, who were going with us, hadn't seen it, and I love it so I had no problem going to see it after all.

Which we did, and there were some mixed reviews, which we talked out on the way home...Norwegians!...So...then it was off to beddie byes.

P.S There was a serial killer in the mall...we almost died. He jumped on my back and proceeded to stab me four times, Katie flykicked him off and he landed in the fountain...and he burst into flames. It was scary. But we're ok.

I have returned.

So I decided...it's about time I got back into the swing of blogging.

I kind of feel out of that swing, but now, after getting my blogging backbrace, or equivalent...blogging cast, or blogging eyepatch, I'm all better and ready to rejoin the world.

Are you there? Let me know.

Well, today has seen me packing like a mad man as I leave for California tomorrow. Indeed.

I thought you were in Virginia?
Well not anymore.
I will be going to california to pursue some wholeness in God. It's what I need, and I'm not ashamed to admit that. I will be in an environment where I can be nutured and loved and where I will be able to see Godly leaders operate. I am very excited about that.

First I am stopping by the YWAM base to say hello to a few friends..which of course I would do.

But lets say, WHATS THE FLIPPIN DEAL WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO CHECK 2 BAGS ANYMORE??

Seriously, I am a missionary people, I can't just go paying willy nilly for bags and overweight and blah blah blah...What a tough situation...please pray that they dont charge me, or that God supernaturally lowers the weight of my bag, or the machine malfunctions...

So..packing. Packity pack pack. Takes so long. I am wrapping up my life here alot sooner than I thought...but in some ways thats good, because I know I am following God and excited to see where this crazy adventure takes me.

Oh boy...

well...here's some pictures of the packing frenzy...firstly..me in the mirror..




my 'worried im not gonna be able to get my bags on the plane' face.



the big bag and all the clothes that didn't fit in it..



my cool old fashioned suitcase



It feels good to be back...

Is it enough to cry??

Well...where to begin.

The Fall DTS 2006/2007 officially graduated on Saturday. It was a time of mixed emotions and much anticipoation. Well at least for me. It also offical marked the end of what has been an incredible 5 months.

I had to speak at the graduation - and yeah - i thought i knew what i was going to tlak about, but i actually didnt until later that day, when God told me not to talk about the thing that i was meant to talk about in the first place. Phew...hard sentence to say.

So instead of speaking about Fedi and the Orphanage and all the stuff that was happening in my heart, I instead, went up to the stage with nothing specific in mind, and i even said that...asking God to help me know what to say.

Well - it went well. I felt like my inability to say anything coherent really showed my heart on the outreach. I was just in awe, and blown away of all the things that God had been doing, that i couldnt really express it in a way that made sense in any language. But yeah God spoke through me at the end, and i even was taught something myself.

Its not about YWAM. It's not about outreach or DTS. It has to ALWAYS be about Jesus. Everyday i have to wake up and CHOOSE him. Willingly except that he is my strength and that i can't do anything but live in him. But luckily, YWAM, DTS and outreach are ways in which we can meet God. But it's not about the way we meet, its about the actual meeting. I graduated last - it wasn't alphabetical, just coincidence. And people cheered like crazy. Honestly, it was so nice, i was really blown away by the ammount of love, and how people were proud of me. It was intense. It was nice because my family couldn't be there.

People have been leaving since then. Today, Eivind, Mike, Dihanna and Addie left. I spent last night with Eivind just talking and praying (and there was a little bit of crying - mostly on my part)...then he left today. I was so sad. I cried some more.

Eivind's been a big part of my life the last 5 months. I will definatly be in touch with him and know i'll see him again.

What's for me next?

School of Ministry Development. Starts in March. I will be under Lauren, Dan, Susie, Katie....and my fellow students (the ones i know) Dihanna, Kyle, Mike, Elise, Addie...

I'm trying to get home for a week or two before hand...we'll see how it works.

Crying shards of glass...

In times like these when things are hectic and life is crazy, the is pure simplicity in the profound.

I'm finding life to be very simple at the minute. I'm either doing something right or something wrong. But that's okay. I'm not perfect. I'm just a simple northern-irish man after God's heart.

I'm feeling sentimental cause this time last year I was living with Glenn, had a job and was preparing for Christmas. This year I am a missionary, have no money, and live with a bunch of people from all over the world. Now I'm not saying I prefer the first situation...but it was definatly more 'cosy'. But this year I am inlove with Jesus more and more and he is becoming the best friend I could have ever wanted. This Christmas I will be in Africa, loving people and loving Jesus.

It has been a crazy year, and as this extravaganza of '2006' ends, I will be loving it. Am i crazy for trying? And crazy for crying? And crazy for loving you?

Sorry...listening to Patsy Cline.

Life is nothing I have expected it to be, but rather an intriguing surprise even to myself. We can never have control. Once we realise that, i think it is easier to give everything to God.

And I've treid and I've tried, but I haven't yet given everything. And the certainty is knowing that it is okay. God will gradually strip me of the tiny things that hold me back. Until then, I will continue living in the freedom I have, and loving the joy that i have found.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I've got my memories...or have they got me...? (Me last december at a Numinous gig in Dublin....check out Andy Frame looking random. And my red haircolour.)

Why....?

So it happened. It was inevitable. Yet my heart was crushed all the same.

Sally was brutally stabbed in the 2006 season finale of Home and Away. Will she survive? I think yes. But they taunt us with this 'montage' of Sally's life at the end of the finale. Was that to say R.I.P? or to say Happy 18th Anniversairy'? No-one knows. Except the maker of Home and Away.

So...Sally and Brad finally got together. Only 10months after Flynns death, and only 4 months after knowing him. They shared a romantic kiss under the mistletoe and Sally exited to the parking lot to go get ready for their dinner. She was startled by Rocco, who was clearly upset. She tried to talk to him, but all he said was 'He gave me no choice..I'm sorry'. As he pulled Sally in. She gasped. The knife went in.

She fell.

Gasping.

Then slumped to the ground in the midst of Silent Night lyrics "Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace." Ironic.

Here is Sally as she was about to be stabbed -



and Sally momentarily after the stabbing -



To see this heart wrenching moment watch my video on my profile...

Will she survive? Who will find her? Who will avenge her?

I better start praying?

(Home and Away does not start back until January 2007) *sob*

Maybe it's nothing...maybe it's all just in my mind..

There are thirteen minutes until i give my heart to 'CAN'T SAY WHERE.'

No. Im not leaving. But i do have to do research.

Things are heating up and we have 10 days left. Oh my flipping word. And i need $3000. Let's see how Jesus provides for this one. Twelve minutes.

Yes...so Friday is our talent show. Kyak (my new name for Kyah) Maria and I are performing 'Downtown', from 'Girl Interrupted.' It should be fun! I also wrote a play called 'Jodi's Christmas Nightmare' and it has chereographed dance. Haha! I like to think of myself as multi-talented. Or at least 'multi-trying'. ten minutes.

I just watched two episodes of Home and Away. Kim and Rachel got married. And then that stupid ugly runt Lee came back for her baby. And she got it! Unfair! Seriously, i feel like praying for this situation, but I know it wouldn't help cause they aren't real. Maybe I could pray for the writers of the show...

And Sally...who's idea was it for her to flipping stabbed and left for dead??

That is Stoopid! I love Sally. It's like everything in my life is coming to an abrupt end. nine minutes. So I am going to 'Can't Say Where', Home and Away is going to be on a break, so I won't be able to find out who's dead until I get back.

eight minutes. I have been thinking of coming on full time staff here at L.A. It means i will be working full time with the Mission Adventures programme. Katherine says she already has plans for me...interesting. So i guess i am going to be doing the School Of Ministry Development in March. Here in L.A...that will last until Mission Adventures....then I will come on full time staff, and have to have regular supporters and stuff. That will be grown up for me.

Anyway..apparantly Kyah is getting married. I just don't know who to. I hope it goes better than Kim and Rachel's wedding. They lost their adoptive baby!

Seriously why? Why Lee, WHY?! five minutes...okay so here are a few pictures of how I am feeling...

Three minutes. (I wish this computer would hurry up.) Okay time is up now cause I've been waiting...



Finally...oh Sally...she looks afraid...Well done Home and Away...if you kill her...I will never watch again...(okay I so will...but idle threats are much needed.)

Must dash.

A Thanksgiving Tale

So...Thanksgiving was today!

I spent it with Katie's family up in Vacaville, North California, and i will be here for the next few days. It is such a lovely house and her parents and family are amazing people. Although her cat is soooo fat. Any we took LOADS of pictures but we'll get to that later.

We drove here yesterday from the base in L.A it took us from 1.15pm until 7pm so not really that long considering all the traffic. But the rdie was fun, especailly cause Rolf and Annie are here too. So we sang some Hollaback Girl..(all four of us, loud in our rental car) and enjoyed the smell of cow crap. Yum. Anyway...we stoped by a bull..(a fake one..) and i cut my toe open. ANnie just laughed. Like the Norwegian cold hearteed fiend she is. Katie's family also gave her her christmas presents cause she wasn't gonna be here. It was nice...I got a Starbucks gift card from them! Whoop!

SO I miss people...Kyle...Rachel..Dihanna...Leah...Addie...Mike...but I'll see them soon enough. But yeah...here is some pictures of this amazing day of thanks!

The Bull on the way there attacking me!



Me, Katie and our child...Bullface.



Katie , Me and Annie



Katie getting her photoshoot



Me doing my best pout!



The foreigners unite! (we even prayed in our own languages!)



Big family gathering!



Me going crazy on the turkey!



Me and Rolf!



Annie, Katie and Rick (Katie's dad)



Megan - Katie's sister



Me eating my first Yam!



My thanksgiving creation!



Too much turkey make Tony go cRaZy!



Katie at dinner!



Me at dinner!



Annie at dinner!



Rolf at dinner! (Smoking a carrot..)



Katie and Annie



Not ready for my close up



Definately not ready for my close up...



...neither was Annie...



However...Katie was...



Nice picture i set up..spot me in the background!



Katie and Me looking HOT



Katie in shock of my beauty...



Me in shock of hers...



Oh my flip...theres a camera!



Katies Little Mermaid Pressies!



Katie cries as she recieves her new laptop!



My stocking!