YWAM Hockey Outreach Update

So.  After a tough week with a lot of tears, I read some good stuff, I heard some good stuff, and it was decided that last weeks trials weren’t God trying to tell me not to go; sure, there were roadblocks and it felt like nothing I did was going right, that everything I did somehow was telling me to stop. 

I couldn’t get a visa in China.  That told me don’t go.

I couldn’t raise more that 10% of my financial need.  That told me don’t go.

I had friends and family, while trying to comfort me about the visa, tell me that it just wasn’t meant to be.  That told me don’t go.

Then I gave my head a shake.

I read about Paul’s hardships (okay, I was going to write something else; then opened up my bible randomly and it happened to be 2 Corinthians 6…) and all I have to deal with is bureaucracy and money; that’s nothing compared to beating, imprisonment, sleepless nights (okay, those I have), hunger….

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.  (James 1:12)

and then I thought about how last weekend I travelled all the way to Guangzhou to get my visa in vain; I not only spent 27 hours on a train, slept in a hostel with rats, and had to pay for it all; but on top of it all, I lost my hockey championship ring, my camera was stolen and I felt poor when I came home; then I read this

Listen my dear brothers, has God not chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love?

Okay, and it’s not like I’m starving or dying; but sometimes when you lose things of monetary worth; it still hurts.

And there was a day where I was kicking myself for booking a non-refundable flight to Helsinki; when I paid for it, without having a Russian visa, I thought it was an act of faith, but after the weekend I felt like I was an idiot.  After friends telling me not to give up; that it wasn’t over until it was over, and that money is only money, I was reminded that I should have a little more faith.  If I originally said that I believed that God would provide for me, why was I now doubting it?  It’s not over until it’s over; and that’s why I’m flying to Helsinki to join the other members of the YWAM Hockey Outreach, I’m getting my Russian visa while in Finland, and I may lag a few days behind the rest of the outreach team (Russian’s take a loooonng New Years holiday…)but when I join them in Russia; it will be a testament to God’s faithfulness.  I have had a lot of barriers put in front of my path, but when I finally go to do what I came to do; it will so much sweeter. 

People often say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and one of my favourite verses is

…but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3,4)

Today is Saturday, I have three days until I leave for Helsinki; and between now and then I have four final exams to write, a list of things to buy, a list of things to do and a pile of textbooks to review; actually I don’t know when it will all happen, but it will.

If you want to send me a word of encouragement, find out more about this YWAM Hockey Epic Outreach, or send a donation my way; please do. My email is btpeters@ucalgary.ca :)