Cost of being a disciple

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple. and anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:26

When Jesus first called his disciples all he did was approach them at their job and say "come, follow me!". And THEY DID! They didn't say:
"why? what are you gonna do for me?"
or

"How good will my life be if I trust you and follow you?"
they didn't even bother to say:
"WAIT... Where are you taking me?"

NO! The Disciples dropped what they were doing and they followed Jesus. They didn't go home and say good bye to their families, they didn't go home and even pack for their journey. They TRUSTED GOD! They left EVERYTHING with nothing but the shirt on their back and they followed!
THIS IS THE KIND OF DISCIPLE I WANT TO BE. THIS IS THE KIND OF DISCIPLE I PRAY WE ALL BECOME.
ask yourself, if Jesus asked you to leave your house and family, job and even your cute little pet today to follow Him. Would you?



THE JOURNEY THAT I AM ON:
The high school ministry is really taking off this term. This week I will start mentoring in two different schools, along with the "Girls Talk" program, the breakfast and lunchtime programs and the summer camp approaching in September.
The last two weeks I've had the opportunity to teach Religious Education at Sunshine Beach High with the chaplain there. (The reason I am so excited about this opportunity is because Religious Education is being pushed out of schools and only a few schools actually do it.) It's been an amazing experience teaching R.E. There are about 60 students (grade 10 and 11) who show up and we have been showing them a rob bell video and then splitting them up into classrooms and asking them questions. The group I had was really open to talk about God.
My friend Jay and I lead the group discussion and all the kids were asking great questions about what we think hell is like (and we told them that it's basically the seperation from God, which means that if every good and perfect gift comes from God and GOD IS LOVE, then there is no hope, no love, nothing good!)
One of the students claimed to be athiest, yet he was the one who was seeking God's face the most. It was amazing to see these young kids really seek out the truth, they were testing us to make sure we were REAL.

SEEK THE LORD AND YOU WILL FIND HIM!

After every R.E. session, I pray that even though I don't get to see the fruits of my labor, or a student accept the Lord right then and there. I must trust that out of the obedience of my heart, they will continue to seek the Lord and God will meet them where they are at. God is the only one who saves...nothing I do or say will change that! I just plant the seed! So again, I will TRUST!


Prayer and Financial support:
I am sooo greatful for your faithful and fervent prayers as I continue to serve the Lord here in Australia.

** I have commited another year (possibly two years) to YWAM Australia because the Lord has shown me how important it is to remain consistent and commited to what he's called us to. I need prayer for:
*finances for my 2 year visa, plus the money I need to continue living here; food, housing, petrol, etc.
*In September I will be going to India and I need $1700 for plan ticket and ground fees. I also need $300 for the high school camp I will be counseling at the end of September.
I would love to visit the states and catch up with family, friends and supporters but am also praying for finances for that.

I will be sending out support letters soon and I will also take the time to call each of you who are supporting me already. I would love to touch base with you and share the great things God is doing in and through me.

Please pray and ask the Lord if he desires you to journey with me and support me financially. If you feel lead to support me, please contact me at: kjstilwell@hotmail.com
Thank you again for your love and support.

I will write again soon!
until then, continue in God's love!
KRISTIN