What a wonderful trip! We had some contrasting moments, dropping into Byron Bay, where some students swam in the crystal-clear waters. We lunched in one of the most scenic places in the world and were even blessed to see a couple of whales passing by not far from shore. Then, just minutes away, one of the greatest natural disasters the community had experienced. What a contrast. 

 We cleaned a couple more houses during this visit, one was the home of an 87-year-old Mum living with and caring for her 60-year-old disabled daughter. They will be forever grateful. We were privileged to have dinner with many of the families Samaritan's purse have helped in recent months and heard first-hand so many stories of tragedy, loss and survival. 

A family we met at the dinner said they were going to go to church for the first time because they were so impacted by the Christians they had met. On the way home, we attended a Sunday service with a church whose building was destroyed by flood. The congregation, apart from stirring us that NSW would win the state of origin (As if!), were amazed and appreciated that people, especially young people would come from far away. They said that it made them feel less alone.   

We pray that through this tragedy God would draw people to him. We are so proud of our students and how they shared God's love through their actions. 

Ephesians 1:17-18

I keep asking that the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in his holy people.