I am pioneering a new photo journalism ministry here in Youth With A Mission Perth!! It's called 'Remarks'.
This one is a lengthy newsletter about the pioneering process. I feel the story of how God spoke to me about it is a very important story. It all comes back to Him who speaks.
With this new season, it comes with new battles - I am sharing about how my dad is doing and about my visa stuff below. I am asking for new prayer supporters and here's the link to sign up for this, I would love your prayers! (https://tirzahartono.myportfolio.com/prayer-support-1)
This one is a lengthy newsletter about the pioneering process. I feel the story of how God spoke to me about it is a very important story. It all comes back to Him who speaks.
With this new season, it comes with new battles - I am sharing about how my dad is doing and about my visa stuff below. I am asking for new prayer supporters and here's the link to sign up for this, I would love your prayers! (https://tirzahartono.myportfolio.com/prayer-support-1)
".. and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over." - Joshua 13:1
In February 2015, I was on a red-eye flight to Melbourne for a week of holiday and it was around 4 am but I was wide awake - it's strange because I usually can sleep (surprising well) in planes. I knew that God wants to say something so I grab my Bible and looking out the window. The clouds covered the whole sky (pictured below from that exact moment!), I can't see anything else. I thought to myself, I've never seen anything like this before, even though I've been on planes countless of time before then. All of the sudden, the plane went down and as soon as I see what's bellow the cloud, God spoke so clearly: "Tirza, there are new territories for you to take on. But you can not see it until you step into it." At that time I was praying into a leadership position into something I completely have no experience with and I thought that was it; something new that I never did before.
A week later I arrived back to Perth and I was just doing my normal quiet time that day with my usual Bible reading. All of the sudden, God said: "Photo Journalism. There is no place too hard to be reached." At this point, I have my background with media, doing graphic design stuff. I've never learned how to operate a camera, nor had one or ever using it extensively. As of writing, well, you probably know it's not my best fit - I still find grammar is a hard thing to learn and to be good at!
But that Voice was so clear that I can still remember it with such clarity and confidence. I hold on to it even though it seems silly. I got my first camera and the majority of my photos from that first year was blurry; I just didn't know how to use it.
Fast forward 5 years later - after the 'I don't know anything about this' stage to 'I am passionate about this' stage; after searching and praying for the right place to do this calling; after the waiting game for the right time; after a few photojournalism projects and a whole lot more confirmations... a photojournalism ministry within YWAM Perth finally launched - and it's called 'Remarks'.
In February 2015, I was on a red-eye flight to Melbourne for a week of holiday and it was around 4 am but I was wide awake - it's strange because I usually can sleep (surprising well) in planes. I knew that God wants to say something so I grab my Bible and looking out the window. The clouds covered the whole sky (pictured below from that exact moment!), I can't see anything else. I thought to myself, I've never seen anything like this before, even though I've been on planes countless of time before then. All of the sudden, the plane went down and as soon as I see what's bellow the cloud, God spoke so clearly: "Tirza, there are new territories for you to take on. But you can not see it until you step into it." At that time I was praying into a leadership position into something I completely have no experience with and I thought that was it; something new that I never did before.
A week later I arrived back to Perth and I was just doing my normal quiet time that day with my usual Bible reading. All of the sudden, God said: "Photo Journalism. There is no place too hard to be reached." At this point, I have my background with media, doing graphic design stuff. I've never learned how to operate a camera, nor had one or ever using it extensively. As of writing, well, you probably know it's not my best fit - I still find grammar is a hard thing to learn and to be good at!
But that Voice was so clear that I can still remember it with such clarity and confidence. I hold on to it even though it seems silly. I got my first camera and the majority of my photos from that first year was blurry; I just didn't know how to use it.
Fast forward 5 years later - after the 'I don't know anything about this' stage to 'I am passionate about this' stage; after searching and praying for the right place to do this calling; after the waiting game for the right time; after a few photojournalism projects and a whole lot more confirmations... a photojournalism ministry within YWAM Perth finally launched - and it's called 'Remarks'.
There are many places in this world that God wants us to reach out to, but fear can take over faith to rise and take the step out. We aim to tell stories from the other side of the coin, to inspire and encourage others to go to the nations with the hope we have in Christ. Two things that God spoke for this ministry is the need to reach the next generation and using the tool of visual storytelling to multiply the workers in the mission field. Seeing that the next generation is a generation that is heavily impacted by visuals, we recognised the need to bring images to represent the nations. The next generation also heavily trained in visually presenting things. Remarks will create space for creatives to respond to God’s calling. We believe that we will see multiplication through storytelling. Because from one story being told, multiplication can happen.
There will be more about the ministry in the next newsletter, such as what are we doing day to day and how many of us in the team, etc etc etc. It is quite an odd time to pioneer a ministry; yes in the midst of pandemic and with the feeling that somehow our mission work being redefine a little bit because of restrictions. But I felt to just dedicated this newsletter to tell the story of how God has been faithful to speak and putting this vision into my heart. It's very exciting but yet this is all just the beginning... All glory to God!
There will be more about the ministry in the next newsletter, such as what are we doing day to day and how many of us in the team, etc etc etc. It is quite an odd time to pioneer a ministry; yes in the midst of pandemic and with the feeling that somehow our mission work being redefine a little bit because of restrictions. But I felt to just dedicated this newsletter to tell the story of how God has been faithful to speak and putting this vision into my heart. It's very exciting but yet this is all just the beginning... All glory to God!
Switching gear: news from my family
In February, we got the news from a heart specialist doctor about my Dad's health and it wasn't very good. He is in a critical condition, and then with COVID hit Jakarta pretty badly, he wasn't able to go to the hospital for a check-up. A month ago he finally went, and the doctor wasn't very happy with his condition. His heart basically failing, because of the hard work from the lungs that were drowned with water. And because of this, he is having a hard time to breathe and having trouble to sleep almost every night. The doctor gave him new medication, and then he went back the week after that with another disappointing result. At that point, the doctor wanted him to stay in the hospital. Our family never lack things but we do not have much either, so staying in the hospital for an indefinite time is not something we can afford. My mom and dad then decided that dad can just stay home but the doctor asked them to sign a paper saying that if anything bad happens, then it is not the responsibility of the doctor as he did recommend strongly for hospitalisation. I called my mom after that decision being made and I was devastated. As a first-born child, in my culture, there is an unspoken responsibility to take care of parents - but with my position as a full-time volunteer who continuously trusting God for His provision to stay in the mission field, I am not able to do so. I have been able to send them some finances here and there, but I don't have a saving with this big sum of money. My only younger brother has been carrying most of the financial burden, and it will be too much for him to carry this one as well, as we conversed that day. I cried a few times for that few days, and communicated a lot with family and wondering if I need to communicate with the extended family members as well. But on that day after I received the news from my mom, I knew one way to help, which to generate prayers with the people I am surrounded with. So I sent a message to 15 people that I know will be praying for my family.
Our God is a miracle-working God! My dad got a new medication that week and he was feeling better, but the real result is when he sees the doctor. A week later, my parents went to the doctor again and he was so impressed by my dad's health! His heartbeat almost normal from the scanning result, his breathing also getting better and sleeping better as well. My family and I fully believe that it was the power of prayers from people around us!
My dad still need to go for on-going check up, and its looking that he needs to be in a close watch for quite sometimes. We are trusting for a miracle!
In February, we got the news from a heart specialist doctor about my Dad's health and it wasn't very good. He is in a critical condition, and then with COVID hit Jakarta pretty badly, he wasn't able to go to the hospital for a check-up. A month ago he finally went, and the doctor wasn't very happy with his condition. His heart basically failing, because of the hard work from the lungs that were drowned with water. And because of this, he is having a hard time to breathe and having trouble to sleep almost every night. The doctor gave him new medication, and then he went back the week after that with another disappointing result. At that point, the doctor wanted him to stay in the hospital. Our family never lack things but we do not have much either, so staying in the hospital for an indefinite time is not something we can afford. My mom and dad then decided that dad can just stay home but the doctor asked them to sign a paper saying that if anything bad happens, then it is not the responsibility of the doctor as he did recommend strongly for hospitalisation. I called my mom after that decision being made and I was devastated. As a first-born child, in my culture, there is an unspoken responsibility to take care of parents - but with my position as a full-time volunteer who continuously trusting God for His provision to stay in the mission field, I am not able to do so. I have been able to send them some finances here and there, but I don't have a saving with this big sum of money. My only younger brother has been carrying most of the financial burden, and it will be too much for him to carry this one as well, as we conversed that day. I cried a few times for that few days, and communicated a lot with family and wondering if I need to communicate with the extended family members as well. But on that day after I received the news from my mom, I knew one way to help, which to generate prayers with the people I am surrounded with. So I sent a message to 15 people that I know will be praying for my family.
Our God is a miracle-working God! My dad got a new medication that week and he was feeling better, but the real result is when he sees the doctor. A week later, my parents went to the doctor again and he was so impressed by my dad's health! His heartbeat almost normal from the scanning result, his breathing also getting better and sleeping better as well. My family and I fully believe that it was the power of prayers from people around us!
My dad still need to go for on-going check up, and its looking that he needs to be in a close watch for quite sometimes. We are trusting for a miracle!
Another challenge for me in the coming months is the plan to stay in Australia as my visa will run out in January. I am praying over the options, but it is looking like I would need quite a chunk of money to trust God for. The estimation is around $2,500 AUD. If you want to support financially for this need and trusting with me to stay in Australia, I would love to hear from you!
From this situation with my dad's health and to stay in Australia (and a few other circumstances from the past), I also recognised the enemy wants to steal purpose and the calling of God in my life. While I was praying, I felt that my calling is for our next generation to know Christ. That this calling isn't about me anymore, or even ever. Even though it is very hard, but I know I am committed to the calling of God in my life no matter what happens. With this then, I know I need to fight the battle; and I need God's strength to do this and through the prayer support from others too. What I just stepped into (pioneering Remarks) is huge, and I need covering in prayers. I am sending out another specific prayer list and I will be very open about sharing things with whoever wants to commit to regularly pray for me. To sign up for the prayer support, please click this link (https://tirzahartono.myportfolio.com/prayer-support-1) and fill out your details to hear from me. Your prayers are needed!
From this situation with my dad's health and to stay in Australia (and a few other circumstances from the past), I also recognised the enemy wants to steal purpose and the calling of God in my life. While I was praying, I felt that my calling is for our next generation to know Christ. That this calling isn't about me anymore, or even ever. Even though it is very hard, but I know I am committed to the calling of God in my life no matter what happens. With this then, I know I need to fight the battle; and I need God's strength to do this and through the prayer support from others too. What I just stepped into (pioneering Remarks) is huge, and I need covering in prayers. I am sending out another specific prayer list and I will be very open about sharing things with whoever wants to commit to regularly pray for me. To sign up for the prayer support, please click this link (https://tirzahartono.myportfolio.com/prayer-support-1) and fill out your details to hear from me. Your prayers are needed!
To close this lengthy newsletter, I've got a great story to share from my instagram post (pictured above): https://www.instagram.com/p/CGXWkoJFRqm/
I will write more in a few weeks regarding 'Remarks'.
Very grateful for your friendship throughout this year especially! And for the years of prayer and support - I am very grateful. I would love to hear from you! The best is yet to come.
2020, what a year!
|
by His grace,
Tirza
I will write more in a few weeks regarding 'Remarks'.
Very grateful for your friendship throughout this year especially! And for the years of prayer and support - I am very grateful. I would love to hear from you! The best is yet to come.
2020, what a year!
|
by His grace,
Tirza