Kia Ora, (Greetings/Welcome/Hello) from Suzie in "Kiwiland!"

[Suzi Best]

Hi there all, I have currently found myself in the roles of Music Ministry and Worship Leading at the Buller Anglican Parish in NZ, mainly due to their being not many Churches in this part of the country. I am about 3/4 the way through the first Internship Year with the Bishopdale Theological College in Nelson, some 3.5 hours away from here. I attend Tutorials there every month, but the rest of my study is done via Skype and online. I am enjoying finding out how little I really know about the Godhead and in deepening my relationship with the Triune God. My focus this semester is "Worship" - what it is, what it means, how we do it, and why we do it.

This is an interesting turn around for me, as I was bought up in a religious cult, ran away in my late teens and walked totally away from God for many years. But after not finding any satisfaction in my life and getting a bit too close to death to many times, I started around 15 years ago going to Pentecostal Churches and gave my life to Christ, was baptized and then had a bit of an up and down time for a few years, especially as my own family and the entire cult all totally disowned me for life. But 8 years ago I met my husband after praying for someone to love me, and life has got pretty good since then. I have learned more about the unconditional love of Jesus.

I write music, love to play - especially the keyboard and piano and to sing (although I am the first to admit I am not terribly good at that part!), and I am currently being very tested while struggling with leading an almost entirely conservative, traditional Church where change and anything new is almost considered some form of heresy! I have learned a lot, mainly how to not react, or if reaction is necessary, to react in the grace, mercy and love of God, but it is still hard and I advice would be welcome.

I found this site while searching the internet for ideas for my current Ministry project and it looked appealing. Look forward to getting to know y'all a little better. Suz

[WorshipVanguard]

Welcome to TWC, Suzi! Glad you found us!! We have a phenomenal community here. I pray you find the encouragement and support you need as you journey through your walk with the Lord and with the ministry of Christ. Blessings to you!!