Time to be brave…

Many of you already know, but it’s time to make it more public!

The Davies family are moving to the USA!

This decision has not come lightly, there are lots of reasons to stay in Townsville…… and lots of unknown’s with going.But ultimately we believe we are following God into our next season. And we know from experience that there is nothing better than following His lead! This passage from Isaiah has been pivotal …

Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

So along with that we’ve been reading and hearing things all over the place about trusting God, having faith, not being afraid and that our children will flourish. (Thanks to MOPS- who’s theme this year happens to be about being Brave!, Church, Joyce Meyer and our own bible readings).

Again and again for me it’s been don’t be afraid, trust in who God is. (Can you guess I’ve had some fear issues??!)

There are so many things to think about, selling our house, getting a new one, where are the kids going to school, where are we going to work??? Each one of these things is a significant question. (I get asked at least one of them every time I tell someone!) And the current answer is I don’t know! We just have to trust one day at a time. One step at a time. And actually ENJOY it! I oftentimes get caught up in the what-if’s and worrying, because if I’m not concerned then I’m not taking it seriously, right?. Well, worry is taking the joy and excitement out of it. So I will choose to trust that God know’s our needs before we even ask him! (I’m sure I’ll have to remind myself of this quite a few times!).

So we are planning to go sometime in the July/August timeframe. We have a lot to do to get our house ready to sell before then! We’d appreciate your prayers and thoughts.

Life and blessings,

Melissa & Brad, Gabe, Seth, Isaac and Corban.

DfG in PNG

Our first lot of Days for Girls kits have made it to Papua New Guinea, thanks to

DfG in PNG

Madeliene Habib.

I first met Madeliene in March when she arrived in Townsville before the ship set sail to begin this outreach season. Madeleine is a Master Mariner. She is based in Hobart Tasmania and regularly volunteers for humanitarian and environmental organisations.  Here is a little of her story and how she got involved with Days for Girls and YWAM Ships.

 

“I first heard about Days for Girl from another volunteer on board (the ship). Women’s health is a strong focus for YWAM and we often sail with midwives on board. This is a perfect platform for Days for Girls and we have a unique opportunity to access communities that are otherwise forgotten.

I formed a chapter of DfG earlier this year – the South Hobart Chapter – and began sewing kits. I was fortunate to pair up with the Townsville chapter who finished my kits and we now have 40 kits on board to distribute. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a much larger distribution in rural PNG.

With these kits we will be targeting the girls at Emiti School on the Bamu River.  Right now it is school holidays in PNG so we will distribute the kits when we return in a few weeks.  Today I had the opportunity to explain the kits to Sister Antonia, the local health worker.  she was delighted by the concept and agrees that it will help girls to confidently attend school all through the month.  I’m really looking forward to being part of the team who will distribute the kits.”

 

I know that many women here in Townsville and around Australia have contributed to sewing these kits out of love and with passion, because the monthly needs of women and girls is something we can certainly relate to!   What a privilege its is to be part of something so very practical and that adds value to life!

The team will be explaining the kits and giving them out to the school girls within the next couple of weeks and I can’t wait to hear all about it!

Here is a little more of Madeleines heart…

Our ship’s crew and all medical teams are all entirely volunteers. In fact we cover all our travel, visa, and insurance costs and pay a modest daily sum to cover our living costs on board. For many people that might seem extraordinary – but for me it is not nearly as extraordinary as having the opportunity to be part of this wonderful ongoing project and to offer basic medical services to people in real need.”

You can find your nearest days for girls chapter on their website www.daysforgirls.org or contact Madeleine directly at

southhobarttasmania@daysforgirls.org

or ywam medical ships at www.ywamships.org.au

Have a great day!

 

 

Important Breaking News

Big Davies News

It’s time to get out of the nest…..

I hope you received our last e-newsletter a couple of weeks ago.   I hinted at some things the Lord has been speaking to us and specifically that this year would hold twists and turns and it has.

YWAM has finished its move into our new city campus, things are settling down there and yet are gearing up for a big building blitz to refurbish and add accommodation and we are looking at getting a new ship very soon!!

In the midst of all this exciting provision for the ministry, God has been speaking to us personally and we’d like to share the things that God has been laying on our hearts.

The big news is we believe that God has been showing us that it is time to finish our time with YWAM Townsville, for now.  God began to speak to us at the beginning of the year and has continued to confirm this direction again and again.  So we are looking forward with anticipation with what the Lord has in store.   One of the words God spoke to Mel was that “It’s time to get out of the nest”.  Both of us have served here since we were fresh young 19 year olds and we feel like it’s time to learn to fly on our own.  One of the confirming words spoken to us was from a visiting speaker at the church we attend.  He prayed for us but didn’t know anything about what we’d been processing.  He felt like we were coming into a new season and that God wanted to take us back to the basics.  He got a picture of a ship, and that all ships need to get taken out of the water to get all the barnacles scraped off them and repaired and repainted before it can go back into the sea.  We certainly could relate to that picture!

Thank you for faithfully supporting over the years with friendship and finances we are so very grateful.  We would never have been able to stay in missions for the past 15 years without your support.  So thankyou!

At this stage we are not completely sure on what is next. We still have a heart for ministry, but we don’t know what expression that will take.   Mel does believe that she is to pursue working in the area of pregnancy and birth as a Doula and God willing, will start supporting Mums and families mid-year.  Brad has often thought of helping out at the local Christian radio station and is thinking about pursuing work or study… but we really need God to order our steps!   And what does it really look like for us to learn to fly?  So we would appreciate your prayers as we head into this new season.  We have total peace about this decision and we know our God is so faithful to supply all our needs. We are looking forward to how God will continue to lead us!

It looks like we will officially finish up with YWAM in a week, but with a friend visiting from the USA in mid-May and then Brad going to visit his family in the States for 2 weeks in June, it won’t be till July until we can really focus fully on what’s next.

If you have any questions or words or prayers what-so-ever we would welcome them.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Our new email address is bradandmeldavies@gmail.com
Our mailing address is 9 Humphrey st, West End, QLD, 4810

Belated New Year Upadate!

***** I wrote this newsletter in January but forgot to send it!!! Oops… There has been some very interesting and big developments since this email so will be sending out another update very soon!! Stay tuned and keep an eye out for our next letter, soon.******  The photo below is from my Sister’s 40th South American inspired birthday!!

Happy New YEAR 2014… It’s gonna be a ride! Hello friends, As I often find myself doing at the beginning of the year I was asking God for a word for the year, some sense for the year to come.  I felt like he said “Are you ready?”  Instantly I knew that He was making sure that I actually was ready for this year and especially I needed to make sure that I was walking in friendship, openness and accountability with people who will spur me on in my relationship with God and pray with me and for me. So after that I asked the Lord “Ready for what?”  The impression I got was that this year is going to have twists and turns and once I’m in it there is no turning back, kinda like being on a waterslide.  I also felt that it is going to be very important to trust Him and not to have fear or worry in my heart or mind.    So with that as my beginning to the year I am confident that God has some good things for the year ahead!

Brad is a Thermomix Consultant! Also this year Brad is beginning a little hobby of selling the Thermomix.  There is nothing else quite like the Thermomix, German designed, food processor/blender/grinder/cooker/kneader/steamer all in one.  It’s especially fantastic if you want to reduce additives and preservatives in your food because it’s so easy to make yourself.  So far we have made sorbet (mango, peach/banana, orange/raspberry, banana/raspberry),  chocolate chip cookie dough, hamburger rolls, bread, mushroom risotto, rice & almond milk, coconut milk, honey mustard chicken, cooked rice & pasta, pasta sauce and custards.  That’s just in one week. We can’t sell them in the USA but Brad can sell them anywhere in Australia and New Zealand! YWAM Townsville Last year was an incredibly transitional and challenging year.  Through the grace of God we saw many good things happen and reached many people in Australia and in PNG.  The major transition was that we changed our operating location from where we had been for 10 years into the City Campus which was an old TAFE centre of Townsville. So as we begin this new year fully in a new facility we would appreciate your prayers for God’s Spirit to hover over us and build through us what is on His heart. This year we are looking at doing another building blitz to be able to accommodate our staff and students and we are still looking at acquiring a new ship that will better serve many people. The Boys This year Gabe will be in grade 4, Seth grade 3 and Isaac will be repeating Prep (Kindergaten).  Corban of course is 3 and is quite the character!   All 4 of our boys are great swimmers now, it really helps to be able to be in the pool everyday.   Prayer points God would lead us specifically this year This kids schooling especially Gabe YWAM – the Building Blitz, and new Ship

Copyright © 2014 Brad and Melissa Davies YWAM Townsville, All rights reserved.     You are recieving this email because YOU believe in US!.  YWAMers rely on relationship based support and believe that it promotes responsibility, accountability, communication and mutual prayer.   It involves the donor as a partner in ministry.  YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the Mission with no expectation of payment from those we minister to.” Our mailing address is: Brad and Melissa Davies YWAM Townsville PO Box 6221 Townsville, Queensland  4810 Australia Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list        update subscription preferences

A car that can fly?

Have you ever wanted to have a car that could fly?

We have one!…….

Well YWAM Townsville has one.

I am so excited about the possibilities.

This is a vehicle that was developed by Steve Saint, son of missionaries Nate and Marjorie Saint.  Inspired by his time living in Ecuador Steve developed this flying car to be able to drive over rugged terrain and to fly where there are no roads.  Enabling medical care to get to where it’s needed.

Our hope is to partner this vehicle with the YWAM Medical ship to reach even more hard to reach people in PNG!

I love that this captures my imagination, it speaks of adventure and ingenuity.

It speaks of fun and excitement and a lot of hard work.

It speaks of hope and love.

Here is a news article from the Townsville Bulletin

If you are looking for some good info and a few videos google Maverick flying car!

If you want to see it come to the property auction and community day at YWAM Townsville on the 7th of December, and keep an eye out for future events!

www.flyingcar.org.au

Check out my new Hog!!!

Don’t worry mom! I haven’t joined a biker gang…yet.

In the past few years we have often thought that it would be really handy to have a little scooter to get around on here in town. Often times you just need to make a quick trip to the shops or run a little errand and the 8 seater VW is a bit overkill. But as with a lot of things in life, the costs always outweighed the needs.

Fast forward back to the present and life has gotten more complex and busy. Mel is often out using the van and ferrying the kids to and from school, sports, and other activities. Meanwhile Brad is left needing to find a ride to the kids footy games, or a meeting in town. Within the next couple months the YWAM Base will be relocated 2.5km (1.5 miles) into the city. So the needs have increased and Praise the Lord the costs decreased… well sort of.

I had been keeping my eye out for decent used scooters, with little luck. Most still cost between $1,200-$2,000. Then I found this beauty with low kms and only 3 years old. It seemed to good to be true, but it was legit. I got it for only $400 and it is in great condition! (and it came with that very fashionable helmet)

Seriously this was a miracle that I am truly grateful for, but there is still more that needs to happen. Before I can drive it on the roads I need to raise an additional $300 to get the registration and insurance. I would love to get this sorted within the next week so that I don’t have to keep finding rides or running into town.

Would you be able to assist me with this? I would very much appreciate any prayers or financial support that you could throw my way.

Empowering Women, Meeting Needs: inspired by my trip to PNG

So It’s been a while since I’ve written, but I have been working on a few things in the background.  And I am so amazed and excited about a little project to bring life to women and girls.

Want to know what it is?…..

While I was in PNG last month…oh wait…over a month ago.. (wow time really does fly!)  I went looking for a project.   I was looking specifically for something that would engage hearts, minds and hands.   I have an amazing friend who is a gifted writer and blogger who has mobilized and inspired hundreds of people with projects like “Bloggers-for-birth-kits”  “Project Baby Billum” and raising money for a Solar Suitcase with “The Sunshine Project”.  You can check out her blog at http://adrielbooker.com/.

With these type of projects in mind, and the fact that I am a part of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), who love to get everyday Mum’s involved in community projects, I realised if could find a need the reality is I really do have the means and networks to do something about it!

So with my heart for mothers and women I asked the midwife, Michelle, who was on our outreach if she had any ideas of what would be of benefit.  Her answer was that “a few of the mums had asked if we had any pads.”   Of course!!  Feminie hygiene is a need that every girl and woman has!

I immediately began researching environmentally friendly washable options and found heaps of designs and patterns.

At this point I enlisted the help of a couple of friends, Adriel being one of them,  to help do a little research for me.  Over the next few weeks I was trialling and making a few different styles and I wasn’t completely happy with what I had and really needed a bit more research done.  Then Adriel came across an organisation called Days for Girls that was the answer to my prayers and an exact fit for what I was trying to do!

Then we discovered that there was a few chapters in Australia and the Queensland chapter for Days for Girls was actually in Townsville!  We’ve met and shared our passion and shared how amazing people are getting behind this project already with donations and materials!

This project has the potential to change lives, distributing the kits also opens up the lines of communication and education around reproductive and sexual health and giving girls and women dignity and opportunity for education and value.  We’ve discovered through the Ship outreaches that there is certainly a need for good education on these topics in PNG.

So on Sunday the 13th of October if you are in Townsville I, along with our local Days for Girls representative, will be hosting a Days for Girls Sewing Bee from 12 – 3pm at the YWAM base on Ingham Rd.  Let me know if you want to come!

If you can’t come but want to join in go to the Days for Girls website and grab the patterns and make some kits!

Three weeks in PNG: In pictures… and a few words

How can I express in words the fulfilment of a long held desire of my heart? No words can really do it justice. So how about I share a few photos and add a few bits here and there, is that Ok with you?

Here is the awesome team I got to work with everyday in Ship Operations.  I’m in the top left, on the bottom left is Hannah – the Chief Steward (aka Cook), beside her in the bottom right is Melissa – Housekeeping, and top right is Amber one of our great helpers.

We were catering for 48 people most days and I have to say we ate pretty well!  I spent the majority of my time helping in the galley, but I had the privilege to spend a few mornings with the land based teams to really get alongside the locals and our volunteers.

Here the village is lining the bank to say goodbye to us for the last time

Excited kids as we played with bubbles

People waiting for their turn to be seen by our team at the clinic

How we got to and from the ship…the zodiac!

I had the privilege to help with Primary Health Care registration… Here I am asking this man where he is feeling pain.

The team gave an amazing amount of immunisations over the two weeks. A couple of times I helped by blowing bubbles to distract the kids, this day I helped by drawing up the needles.

In one village we met a 20 year old woman who was a paraplegic and had a wheel chair. She asked if we could help her since her chair was digging into her and causing sores. The padding was almost non-existent. So one of our German engine room volunteers took it to the ship and spent the day giving it the full service – repairing the broken parts and adding some padding.

Here he is returning the renewed wheelchair from the ship.

A group of beautiful women

Alongside the clinics we offer a range of education sessions. This day I was helping teach general and oral hygiene to some school students.

Here is Jack, a local dentist.

I learned that Jack had been working as the village dentist since 1978, and has been using the same tools this whole time – 35 years.  We invited him to work alongside our dentists for a day and we were able to leave him with a couple of new tools to aid his work.  This encounter is something to be excited about!!  Empowering people to make a difference in their own communities!  It certainly energised and excited our dentist!

Outreach 5 2013

The awesome group of volunteers of Outreach 5!  People from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Sweden, Germany, England, Canada, USA and Papua New Guinea!  What a great bunch!

There were so many beautiful people and many stories to tell.  And there is much needed in these remote areas, sometimes it feels like a drop in the bucket, but we are making a difference and changing lives.

Thank you YWAM Medical Ship!

And then there were 5…

Well Mel is gone… to PNG.  She has left behind 5 boys, 2 Guinea Pigs and a few house plants.  How many will still be alive when she returns in three weeks time?  The pigs are pretty resilient, but we will just have to wait and see about the rest.

Seriously though; It is going to be a whole new world for me this next three weeks.

• Early mornings making lunches
• School drop offs
• Laundry & groceries in the mornings
• School pickups
• Homework in the afternoons
• Cooking Dinner
• Baths and bedtime
• Cleaning the house

Now don’t worry, I am not saying that I normally make Mel do all that by herself when she is here (well at least not the bedtimes).  But it does make a big difference when there is two of you to share the load.  Mel and I have often reflected during these times about how amazing single parents and military families are.

But we are excited for this time!  Partly because it is an “all boys party,” as Gabe, Seth, and Isaac say; but mostly because Mel is finally getting to go to PNG.  This next three weeks will give her the full ship outreach experience and we are praying that God would continue to speak to us as to what ministry will look like for our family during this next season.

Please keep Mel in your prayers, as well as me and the boys holding down the fort.

Love in Action

Last week at church someone shared a story reminding us that following Christ is about putting  Love into Action.

It kinda reminded me of the old DC Talk song “Love is a Verb”!  I remember listening to that as a young teenager thinking… ‘what’s a verb again??… oh yeah, an action word!’   Gotta love songs that reinforce grammar and values!

So as I was saying, love in action.   All of us have opportunities to put love in action everyday.  Making lunches for our kids, doing the laundry and dishes.  We can make a meal for a neighbour or a friend in need, we can give a hug or ask if someone needs anything.

So as I was thinking about this trip to PNG with the  YWAM medical ship I was reminded that this is the whole reason we do the ship – to put God’s Love into Action.  The ship is a tangible representation of the Fathers Love.  His love to the people of PNG who see that they are not forgotten, who are inspired and equipped to live and grow.  It’s His love to each of the volunteers who are able to use their gifts, talents and resources to go and meet real needs and are too inspired and equipped to live and grow into all they can be.

Many of you know that over the past few years my heart has been to serve women during pregnancy and childbirth.  And my hope is to use the skills I’ve gained in Papua New Guinea.  As I was preparing for this trip and knowing that I am serving in the galley as assistant cook.  I felt God remind me that “whatever my hand finds to do, I need to do it with all my heart”.  So I am looking forward to serving to the best of my ability and put action no matter what I am doing!