Thanks for your prayers!

Update: Move in date is the 11th!

In campus ministry, it’s very easy for the job to become life. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy campus ministry (or else I wouldn’t want to do it). But how does one separate work from “not-work”?

Should I want to separate the two? During the campus year, outside of campus hours, there’s a lot to do. Because I want to be friends to the students I work with, I want to spend time with them outside of campus (lest they think I see them as “projects”, or worse, should I actually start to see them in this way). At the same time, I don’t want to spend too much time with students, because then they’ll become my only friends. (I wonder if I’ve fallen into that trap somewhat, to the point where I haven’t had as good of a relationship as I could have with those from other circles this last year).

One thing I’ve done this year which has helped me in my work/not-work separation, is to place my computer in a room that is not my bedroom. Prior to this, if I tried to relax, I’d feel guilty about not doing work. When I tried to work, there’d be too many other distractions. As I prepare to move to Auckland, I expect to lose this privilege (with higher rent prices in Auckland, getting a spare room to use as an office is unlikely).

I mentioned that it’s easy for the job to become life. I’m not sure if that’s a bad thing (I’ve chosen a job which requires something other than the standard 9-5 work week — if that even exists anymore — and so for that reason I’ve hesitated asking how to separate work from “life”. I always want to be doing something that I’m passionate about (building God’s kingdom) for a job, because that is the purpose of my life (not saying that’s not possible in a secular job; that’s a whole ‘nother topic!)

So how do you separate work from not-work?

I’d like to begin with a “summary” of 2007. As I have taken the time over the last few weeks to seek God, there are two things he has taught me that stand out above all the rest.

The first thing — which may sound obvious, but I sense God has been saying to me directly in recent times — is that he wants me to trust in him more. Psalm 143:10 stands out to me, it says

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

My natural response is “Lord, I am already trusting in you as much as I know how.” He has responded, “Yes, I know. I’m going to teach you how to trust in me more, so that you can.” That is both a scary and exciting prospect!

Secondly, recent times have brought along many challenges, both in ministry and personally. Romans 8:24-28 is encouraging,

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Despite any difficult challenges that come along, I know that God uses all things for good, because of his purposes and salvation that he has called me to!

So, what of the future?

With these things in mind, I believe God is leading me away from Waikato University for 2008. I have been asked (and confirmed) to work in Auckland next year! This will be a significant change in many ways. My role will include 4 days a week doing campus work, and 1 day helping with IT in the national office. In this, I’m looking forward to working with Murray Johnson, a Canadian who is coming over specifically to help with IT.

With the change of location will come many challenges! Probably the hardest thing for me will be leaving behind my friends here in the Waikato, this is especially true of the staff team that I have been working with this year. I’ll also need to sort out living arrangements, a church, and all sorts of other details too! (I’m not sure of the exact date I will be moving, although it will likely be sometime in January).

Please pray for me during this time as I prepare for and begin to make this transition! I’ll post further updates on the move when relevant.