English Newsletter Juli 2015

Hey,

I know I have been talking about this newsletter since years and I am very happy that the time has come where it becomes reality. First I want to take a few moments to share about my newsletter, just so you know what to expect. Thank you so much for signing up, it means a lot to me.

 
The Goal:

My Goal is to keep this simple and not overwhelming. I don’t want to create something that will take you all day to work through but something you can enjoy. So I want to write something more frequently but not too long. I want to share what is going on in my life rather then what has been going on in the past.
     My Hope is that you will be encouraged and challenged and that you enjoy this partnership (e.g. in prayer or encouragement) with me.

 
What am I up to, a little catch up:

Since you signed up for this you will probably know that I am working with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). After I have left the US last year I went on a sabbatical. There I realized how needed this time was and I could really learn how to rest in God. This was and still is a really important lesson for me. I do believe God has called me to a life of full time ministry (however that will look like) and so it is very important to live in a healthy balance. The main thing God has been teaching me in the last years was that Jesus died for me so I can have a relationship with him, not that I could work for him. So I am learning to have right priorities and although I have the strength and the gift to pull through some hard work and long hours, that is not to be my standard because I have to take care of myself as well and live healthy.
    In April this year I moved to Switzerland to do a Counseling School with YWAM. I realized that this is an area where I could use some further training as I am working with many people. It has been amazing three month. God has taught me a lot about myself and has really strengthened my identity in him.

Since about three weeks I am in Brazil for the three-month outreach phase of my school. It is very different than for example a DTS (YWAM’s Discipleship School) outreach. I am learning now to put into practice a healthy ministry life-style. Our main tasks on this outreach are to walk with people in personal development through counseling, to preach and to teach about counseling and inner healing. Please pray for us as we are bringing God’s love and truth into the lives of people.     If you want to follow the teams short updates on Facebook make sure you “Like” us.   I am always happy about mail, so feel free to answer me to this mail if you have to say something. Also come by my blog where I am posting some thoughts and ideas that will encourage you. In Christ, Raphael