Pictured: Ash Young with kids from the Kintore Community.
We are just over half way Crossing Australia and have one night left in Alice Springs, then we head for the Simpson desert! Even before I went on this trip, the impact of suicide back home broke my heart, but out here every single person we've talked to has been affected. There are so many hurting people. Emotionally, it can be pretty tolling but I'm so glad that it's not just a knowledge of what's going on, it's real and raw to us everyday. So I thank God these people are talking about it and thank him for the awakening of our hearts.
Personally prayer wise, for the first time in my life I don't know what's next for me, I went straight out of school into an apprenticeship and now I'm finished, the work dried up and I'm on my own. It's almost like God has dragged me into the desert for a month just to be still and know he's God. But if you know me you know that I love to have clear direction, and make things happen. So pray that my ears and eyes would be open to what God has for me.
There's plenty to pray for in the days ahead, prayer for safety through the Simpson Desert is a big one, God has really watched over us the whole way so praise for that and prayer for the road, or lack of road ahead is key.
My biggest prayer point is for the people we've met and will meet, most of those that have talked to us are ready for the good news, for peace, healing and hope or all of the above. We know that it's often in our brokenness that Jesus does miracles. So pray that we can just glorify God and be his instruments. It has to be God that meets with people and transforms their hearts.
A verse that has been imbedded in my mind is Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, I say again rejoice!
Blessing, Ash Young
