Love God, Love the Body

Hello Friends!

I have reached the end of my first week of lectures. Hard to believe it's only been a week, I feel like I have been here much longer!

What an incredible week it was. Our topic for week one was called "Bible Unity and Evangelism" taught by Shirley Brownhill, the YWAM Perth base director. We were SO blessed to have her as a speaker- it was amazing to start the School of Evangelism off with Shirley's teaching. Wisdom flows from this woman. I spent the week just trying to soak in drops of wisdom. Here are some of the lecture points that brought revelation to me:

• When God talks about advancing his Kingdom, he talks about the body.
• God's dream: that every tribe, every tongue, every nation will stand before the throne (perfect unity). Our unity and actions give people a taste of what heaven will be like.
• God has not asked us to do anything that is not possible by his grace and his power.
• We must find our security in Jesus and let his love, grace, and power bring unity in our relationships.
• The Acts 2 Church models perfect Bible unity. Blueprint to bring God's presence into a community.
• We, the church, have the opportunity to show people, communities, nations, how to live in communion with God and with one another.
• The Acts 2 Church opened doors in their community. People are attracted to communities united by the love of Christ, because it is reflecting the character of God. When people see Jesus, they will love him!
• The anointing and the blessing comes with unity (Psalm 133).
• One of the biggest lies of the enemy devised to bring disunity is that the basis of commitment is mutual perfection. He knows how powerful unity is, and he is out to destroy it.
• The most powerful form of warfare we can do is to commit ourselves to Bible unity.
• If we truly love God, we should also love the body of Christ.
• There is no reserve in the character of God. He is a communicator. He will never remove himself from us- He is committed to the absence of reserve.
• Forgiveness is our source of life!
• Always find yourself in the context of team. Unity=power. Power to see exponential change in communities, to see breakthrough in the ability to spread the gospel, give healthcare, whatever God's will may be.
• God uses every trial or difficulty we face as a shaping mechanism to make our character more like His (James 1:2-4).

I felt very challenged this week in multiple areas of my walk with God. God was speaking to me about areas of my heart where I haven't loved the body of Christ in the fullness that he calls me to love. Loving the body is not an option, it is a command. Reflecting on God's command to love the body and become one with the body, I felt God say "Let me transform you by becoming more deeply committed to the body."

Leading up to this school, I have been praying and praying for deep transformation to be God's hand to reach the lost. I feel like God has been answering me this week- that he will provide opportunities for the transformation to take place, but it is up to me to obey him in the small things. Deep commitment requires obedience when it's uncomfortable, when I don't "feel like" reaching out to someone, or even when that decision will go completely unnoticed. I know exactly what God is talking about. It's the times where I feel led to pray for someone I don't know and ignore it, when I feel led to write a letter of encouragement and forget, when I avoid someone I don't have the energy to speak with... the list goes on. These decisions can seem very small and insignificant at the time, but truthfully, they impact the body and my own relationship with God from truly flourishing.

Not to live religiously, but God sees my heart. He is calling me to go deeper. If I truly want to be used by Him in extravagant ways, I need to start loving people in extravagant ways, especially those within the body of Christ.

I have been praying for God to renew my mind to become more ministry-minded and Kingdom-focused. I want to see communities transformed for Christ. I think the renewal of my mind will take place when I take my eyes off myself and focus them solely on Jesus, pouring the love that He gives me onto people. The heart change happens when I repent of selfish thinking and actions and make decisions to love people out of obedience to God.

Lord, I desire this change more than anything. I ask for your grace to help me walk in obedience to everything you ask me to, loving people the way you've called me to love. Thank you for working in my heart with gentleness and truth.

We had our first evangelism outing this week. Every Thursday, YWAM Perth has base-wide evangelism in various locations around the city. This week, we went to Scarborough Beach, about 200 YWAMers. We did public worship in a park, then went off in pairs to pray and make conversations with people. I went with a staff leader named Jenny to pray for the community and we eventually came across this group of teenagers at a bus stop, the young girls publicly intoxicated, yelling and making a big scene. We walked over with a few other YWAMers and stood in the midst of it all. After about 10 minutes, we started talking with three of the sober kids, one guy and two girls, and eventually shared with them why we were in Australia to learn more about God. These kids were so open, asking questions and wanting prayer. The girl I was speaking with said she didn't know much about Jesus and did not hesitate to say yes to hear the gospel. Amazing what God can do! Oftentimes we judge that a group will not be receptive to God, but it is not up to us to judge, only to act in obedience to the Holy Spirit. I know these three were touched that night by something real- the power of God's love calling them to relationship with Him. I pray that they made a response in their heart that will change their lives.

I love the students on my SOE. We have really bonded this week in class and outside of class. I am becoming friends with each person and enjoy all the time we spend together. Unity should be our highest goal and I feel we have gotten off to a great start, loving and supporting one another.

Thank you for your consistent prayers. Please feel free to contact me anytime- I would love to hear from you! E-mail, facebook, mail, blog comments... I long to stay connected with friends and family.

Blessings :)

Stephanie

I'm At Home

"I'm at home when you're with me. When I'm with you, worries fade away..."

I am back in Australia and feel completely at home. A wave of peace came over me as the plane landed, like I was spiritually connected to the ground. There is nothing like experiencing the center of God's will. I know I am right where God wants me and it's an amazing feeling.

I spent last week in the Gold Coast, visiting the base before flying off to Perth. I worked at the base this week, helping them out with anything they needed. Just getting a feel for what staffing will be like and getting things prepared for when I come back after the SOE. I can't even describe to you the joy I felt being back at YWAM Gold Coast. I feel completely part of a family there- peace, joy, security, belonging. I know this base is home, and I am so glad I was able to stop by and be reminded of what God spoke to me about coming back to staff.

I also spent the week in prayer that God would prepare my heart for the School of Evangelism. More than anything right now, I want to remain close to God, hearing his guidance and direction and allow him to work in my heart in whatever way will conform me into the servant he has called me to be. I want to receive each and every thing He intended for me to take from this school. I want to be better equipped to be God's hand to reach the lost, loving them in extravagant ways.

I am also praying for finances to come in. The due date for the lecture phase is this Friday and I am still about $1,200 short. The school leader told me I can get an extension, but the sooner the better. Please pray with me for the funds to come in at the right time.

So yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, I arrived in Perth to do my SOE. This base is much different than YWAM Gold Coast... it is huge! I feel like I am at a college campus. I am staying in a dorm with 30 girls. The building (called the "228") is really nice... it has a nice layout with a living area in the middle, big kitchen and dining table in the back, and two big rooms on either side where all the beds are set up. The bedrooms have a living area and walls that divide the room up a bit. I am on a top bunk and am settling in to my space.

Being YWAM, it is very multicultural in my dorm and around the base with people from all over the world. I met a few of the other students in my school... Moira from Holland, Kersti and Amy from the US (staff), Miles, Moriah and Kyle from the US, and Danny our school leader from Australia, who is amazing and made us all feel very welcome. There are a lot of Americans on my school I am realizing. I am excited to meet all the other students!

Right now, it is Sunday morning and I am sitting at the dining room table with 4 other girls eating breakfast and talking about our experiences with YWAM. This evening, Danny is having the SOE students over to his house for a barbecue so we can all meet each other, which I am excited about. Our school starts tomorrow and will probably consist of an orientation to the schedule and course material. I am looking forward to getting started and getting into a routine.

Well, that is all for now! I will let you know how classes go this week.

Thank you all for praying. It is your prayers that have gotten me here and I am incredibly grateful.

Bless you all,

Stephanie

Fundraising Praise Report

Thank you so much to all who came, supported, and prayed for the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser I had after church today. I am so blown away by God... I raised almost $1,000.00!

I have now approached the $2,500.00 mark since I've been home. My plane ticket and visa are paid for, but I am still in need of my course fees and outreach fees- about $8,500.00 to go within the next few months. I have about $415/month coming in from committed monthly supporters out of a goal of $550/month when I begin to staff. Almost there! I am feeling very encouraged by the way God has been providing for me.

I leave on Thursday for Australia to start the School of Evangelism. I am VERY excited to begin this adventure with God and am ready to take in all that God has prepared for me during this six month commitment. Please pray for the renewing of my mind as I take this time to be immersed in the Word, that God will continue to conform and refine me into the woman He has called me to be. I am hoping to find purpose and direction as I seek God with an open heart to find my place in ministry on the mission field. Please also pray for finances to steadily come in at the right time. I have been trying to sell my car and hope to get it sold by the end of the year (If you know anyone who would like to buy a Toyota Highlander, please send me an e-mail! :)

Just wanted to give you all a quick update on my finances and say a huge THANK YOU to Orlando Community Church and all those who have been lifting me up in prayer. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such a generous, loving, and supportive community in Christ. I love you all and will continue to send updates regarding my needs and prayer requests.

Love and blessings,

Stephanie

Financial Need Update

Hello again! I am very happy to be back blogging. I sent many support letters out to friends, family, and OCC church members, but for those of you who are interested in partnering with me in my commitment with YWAM and did not receive a letter, I thought I would post my update/financial need on my blog:

As many of you know, I recently returned from a six month commitment with Youth With a Mission, or YWAM, based in Gold Coast, Australia. I attended a Discipleship Training School (DTS) where I took biblical courses for 12 weeks, then went with a team to the villages of Papua New Guinea for 7 weeks doing various types of ministry in different areas of the country.

This experience was truly life-changing for me. God did amazing things in my life and in the lives of others. I had the honor and privilege with my team to see hundreds of people come to the Lord, receiving salvation and healing. Early on in my commitment with YWAM, I felt God calling me back to Australia for more training in evangelism, stirring dreams, desires, and a newfound passion to reach the lost.

Responding to that call, I will be attending a YWAM School of Evangelism (SOE) in Perth, Australia for six months, beginning in October 2010. Similar to the DTS, I will attend courses for 12 weeks, then go with a team to Mexico City for 8 weeks to do evangelism focused ministry.

After the SOE, I will return to the Gold Coast base where I will take on a staff position on the Evangelism Team, helping to grow the ministries of YWAM Gold Coast and start new ones as God directs. I am making a two year staff commitment.

I am excited to share with you this amazing opportunity that God has presented me with and to let you know how you can support me in this next phase with YWAM. I would like to ask for your prayers as I begin a new journey, following God’s heart for missions. I would also like to ask if you would pray about financially supporting me with whatever God puts on your heart to give (no amount is too small!)

The cost of the School of Evangelism is about $11,000 (all inclusive of course fees, airfare, food and housing, insurance, etc.). I will need a monthly support of $550 over the next two year time period that I staff at the Gold Coast, which includes all my daily living expenses.

If you feel led to give, please make your check payable to:

Orlando Community Church

Write “Stephanie-YWAM” on the memo line

Mailing address:

Orlando Community Church

1067 Rainer Drive, Suite 1003

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Donations are tax-deductible through Orlando Community Church.

Please visit the “Become A Partner” tab on my website for the PayPal link to donate online! (not tax deductible)

www.stephanieungaro.com

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of supporting me in my mission. I am incredibly grateful for your spiritual and financial support!

Blessings,

Stephanie

Lecture Phase Reflection

G'day!

This week was (sadly) the last week of lectures. Saturday marked the last day of the "lecture phase" part of DTS. We had three days of teaching on Missions and two days of teaching on Destiny. The Missions lecture was very good... we learned about different areas of ministry, people groups, global issues, and our place as Christ's ambassadors "bridging the gap" between the world and God. The speaker was completely inspiring and stirred us up to represent Christ in PNG and wherever else God calls us to go. Kerstin spoke on Destiny for the rest of the week (discovering our plan and purpose in Christ). We spent time writing out our dreams and passions in life. She explained that God places certain passions in our hearts, which can act as a roadmap for finding direction in life. It was amazing to reflect on my God-given passions and see how they all flow together for what I am designed to do. I do not know exactly what my life will look like, but I have purpose and direction found in Jesus that will certainly glorify God if I keep my eyes fixed on Him.

The first three months of my DTS (the lecture phase) has been more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I came to the Gold Coast unsure of what I was getting myself into... I did not know much about YWAM and did not know anyone that would be here. I just knew that God called me here and I came in response to that stirring in my heart for missions. Since I've been here, God has poured out blessing after blessing upon me (too many to count) and has spoken to me in so many different ways, refining my heart and giving me a vision for my future. I have grown so much in my relationship with the Lord by dedicating this time to learn more about Him, immersing myself in the Word, and telling others about the love of Jesus. I could not have asked for a better experience! I feel like God surprised me with it all.

My heart for evangelism has grown so much since I've been here. I am passionate about telling others about Jesus. I have loved all the evangelism opportunities we have had... I have been able to explore different areas of ministry, sharing the Gospel and encouraging other believers. God has been breaking my heart for the lost and I believe He wants me to pursue more training in evangelism, which is something I am praying about.

Well, we are just 5 days away from leaving for Papua New Guinea. This week is Outreach Prep week... packing, shopping for last minute items, practicing our dramas, preparing sermons, etc. I think it will be a pretty busy week! Please continue to pray for finances for 3 of my team members (Alex, Taelor, and Daniel). We are still quite a bit short.

I am praying for the youth group... I know they leave this week to go to Guatemala. It sounds like a really exciting trip! God will do amazing things during their time there :) I look forward to hearing their stories.

Thank you for your continued prayers! Love you all.

Stephanie

My DTS Video

Check out my DTS testimonial on the YWAM Gold Coast website!

http://www.ywamgc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=7

I'm the first video on the right hand side :)

2 Weeks Until Outreach!

We are officially 2 weeks away from leaving for Papua New Guinea!

To my church family at Orlando Community Church: Thank you so much for your continued financial support. Quite a bit of money was raised at the Pancake Breakfast... I am so thankful to you all. It is amazing to see God's provision through my OCC family. Thank you also for your e-mails and keeping in touch with me... I miss everyone so much.

I am creating an e-mail list for my outreach team to send updates once we are in PNG. Please e-mail me your e-mail address so I can add you to the list to receive updates! My e-mail is stephanieungaro@hotmail.com.

These past few weeks of lectures have been amazing. We had a week on Spiritual Warfare two weeks back, and this past week our topic was Covenants. I have been meditating a lot on my position with Christ. During spiritual warfare week, we learned all about the authority we have in Christ Jesus against the enemy. This week, we learned about our covenant relationship with God through the blood of Jesus. We studied the covenants in the Old Testament (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Israel (Sanai), David) and saw the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus- the New Covenant. This was an incredible topic... I have such a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and the fact that I am secure in this new covenant with Him. God is so amazing!

I have a few prayer requests this week as we prepare for outreach:

• Taelor and Alex are still in need of funds. The money is due this Friday. We are confident that God will provide, but would appreciate the support of your prayers.
• Pray for team unity throughout our time in PNG.
• Spirit led planning as we prepare sermons and make last minute arrangements.
• That God will prepare hearts of the people we will encounter.
• Please pray for our health: Sickness from mosquitos and stomach sickness from food and water is common in PNG, especially in remote villages.
• Pray for our safety and protection.

My outreach team: Daniel and Carly (outreach leaders); Taelor, Alex, Paivi, and me.

I am so excited about outreach. I feel confident and ready to minister to the people of PNG. God has been stirring my heart ever since we found our outreach location... I just can't wait to see God move in this nation!!

I will update you before we leave. To receive updates once we are in PNG, please remember to send me your e-mail address :)

Lots of love,

Stephanie