I’ve restarted work – at last! The restart is under strict time limitations: my first week was at 3 hours per week, this week has been for 4 hours and so on for the next two months until I get to about 12-15 hours per week.
There will then be a pause as I work out with the Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, ACC case manager and TSCF how things are going. I’m also about to have a full neuropsychological assessment, a review with the Neurologist and a speech and language assessment with a S&L Therapist. It’s great to be back and work but as you can tell from the number of professionals still involved it will be a slow road ahead as I get back to ‘normal’ working life. Like the signs often say ‘workers in road: slow down’ – it might not seem like much is happening but progress is being made!
In the limited time at the moment I have 3 main focuses: getting my head back into TSCF space by catching up on the last 9 months; working with Elliot as he prepares to join staff in building a team of supporters who will partner in the work in prayer and finances and working on some resources for the TSCF website (bible studies etc).
Meanwhile there is a flurry of activity all around New Zealand as Universities start a new academic year. Here are some snippets from other people on the TSCF team who are up to their eyes in the start of orientation weeks:
“[an]American student last night said something to the effect of that he was looking forward to having his faith challenged by living in a culture more hostile to the gospel. For the many students who live and breathe that hostility, it's not just a cross-cultural experience. We must pray that the word of God will grow and be communicated with clarity on the university campuses of NZ, so that students will be confronted with the glory of the Christ they are rejecting, and that God in his mercy will draw them to recognise that glory - despite the hostility and distractions of the culture around them.” Scott
“The biggest development for me over the past wee while has probably been a big change in living situation. Over the past year there have been a small group of us with a real vision for setting up a flat with the intention of lived out community - an open doors home that welcomes anyone and everyone and is a platform for the Gospel going out in Auckland. After quite a bit of praying, discussing and searching we moved into a brilliant new flat two weeks ago. There are 5 main flatmates: Elliot, Pete, Megan, Jess and myself and then we have quite a few various people in and out at any one time, including Keith from Canada who'll be with us for a month. What a story it has been of God's provision and faithfulness and we are already seeing it being used for intended purpose with people in and out all the time. We had out flatwarming and envisioning night on Sunday and it was such an encouragement to see so many willing to partner with us in this ministry.” Gillian
“I thought it would be good to introduce some more members of the TSCF family. Today, it's Mel - she's the President of the CU here at Victoria University in Wellington & a real star. Please pray for her & her team as the year starts in earnest next week… Why are you involved?: Hmmm...because I want to see students genuinely reaching out to their friends and having a desire to see the Gospel spread around campus.” Ben
ONE particular thing for urgent prayer is that Gillian’s visa runs out on Wednesday. We will hear today if NZ Immigration will extend her current visa or whether she will have to return to Scotland on Tuesday and get a new visa from there. We want her to be able to stay but recognise that God’s hand may well be at work returning her to Scotland so that she can return to NZ soon-ish for a longer term of service! Please join with us in prayer.
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