Plans and Purposes

I am excited to come home.

I believe that God has told me that his plan for me continues in Michigan at Hillsdale College. However, from what I've experienced so far, the promises that God gives you don't usually line up with the circumstances that you're in. I first experienced this in my run-up to coming to Australia in the first place. I knew that God had placed it on my heart to come, study, and serve with Hillsong Church. However, at that time, finances were impossible and it looked as if I would have to give up my goal of being a doctor for quite awhile.

As it turned out, God's word is true that "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." This year has been simply unbelieveable because of the opportunities and connections that God has placed here. While at Hillsdale, I'd like to be involved quite heavily in global medical missions. While at Hillsong, I've made connections with a wealth of nations that would've been impossible to connect with otherwise.

Serving with Hillsong has also given me a massive heart for my home church (Living Hope say whaaat?) and the city of Grand Rapids. It's amazing to me that sometimes God has to remove you from a place to give you a brand new appreciation for it. I can't wait to be back with my family and friends and step out together into what God wants to do in our city and in our nation. I have no idea what's coming up, but I can guarentee that it will be fantastic.

'Mmerica!

Hillsong Conference is quickly approaching!

Strangely enough, I've been allocated to a team called "Night Refresh", which means that I'll be cleaning toilets at 2 AM! Please pray for me.

 Other things to pray for :

-It's Ryan's birthday today. Send him a birthday prayer!

-Anthony has decided to stay in Australia, but is looking for a house to move into and favor for a job.

Thanks for all your support and prayers! I'll continue to update as much as possible!

John Mark

"Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told." -God.

Countdown

35 DAYS LEFT
I haven't written for a long time, but let's not dwell on the past.

Recently, God has been giving me opportunities to do things that I never could've even dreamed of doing. For instance, my housemate Ryan is currently working on a video announcement for his church in Canada and asked if I would write the backing track for him! It ended up being a lot more work than I initially thought, and I learned quite a few lessons about working with a director along the way, but I am really happy with how it turned out. The video is still going through the final editing, but maybe I'll throw the link up here when it's done.
When I go back to 'Mmerica, I'll be looking for a part-time job in production. For that, I'll need a portfolio of all the things that I've done with Hillsong in lighting and sound. Recently, God has been providing opportunities to work with amazingly creative stage designers for college chapel services and they have really helped to fill out my portfolio. (pictures later)

Also, I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I had a chance to work with my incredibly talented friend, P.J., on his short film which will be completed soon. During his film, I helped out during the shoots by taking the reference audio for all of the shoots. It was a completely unexpected opportunity, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. (link later)

Other things:
-Our house now has a ping-pong table
-Anthony might be moving to Norway next semester to work on a fishing ship.
-Matt has decided to stay for second semester
-Ryan is now a professional "busker", which means that he goes to malls with his guitar and collects coins that people throw at him
-and Brian.....can dance well? (link later)

This past week, I was able to hang out with my parents and cousins in Brisbane! I absolutely loved the kangaroo petting and people watching that we got to do all over the city. What I was amazed by was how quickly I became comfortable and ineffective as a Christian. I've realized that even though my tenure at Hillsong has made me incredibly effective when I'm in a structure and working hard, I still haven't figured out how to keep the same purpose in me during a break. Most importantly, I need to abide in Jesus and seek his kingdom and righteousness regardless of whether I'm constantly serving in church or if God wants me to just build relationships with my family for the week.

Things to pray for:
-Matt needs a job
-Anthony needs a miracle to get to Norway
-Strong finish to this season for me and an easy transition into serving God at home.

Thanks for all the feedback on the blog. It really helps motivate me to write more. I plan on writing more during the week so that I can continue to fill you in on the amazing things that God does. Thank you for your prayers!