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Gap Year Globe Trotters: Right Then, SydneyOut of all the places that we have visited so far, Sydney has been the only place that I feel that I could have lived in. Which is strange, because until recently Australia was one of the places that held no real draw for me - 'I've seen Neighbours. I know what it's all about!' However, when it came to flying into Sydney I was as excited as a schoolboy! The first night Matt and I stood next to the famous opera house, we turned through 90 degrees to see the magnificent harbour bridge, through another 90 to see the dark, clear-cut silhouette of the city lit up against the night sky, and through the last 90 to see the Botanical Gardens. I let out a deep sigh and instantaneously declared my love for Sydney. This affinity with the city was strongly complemented by our time in Hillsong Church. Anticipation was high on our first visit to the church. One of my closest friends made a recommitment at Hillsong and talked so highly of the church that it had a lot to live up to, but I wasn't disappointed. The church, famous for its worship, has two congregations, one in the centre of Sydney and one in an area called Baulkam Hills, from which it derives its name. The teaching, hospitality and the generosity of the church were also first class - by the second weekend these two Brits had offers to play basketball, go to a birthday barbeque or head to the beach. So my friend was on the button when she 'bigged it up'. But it was the worship in the presence of God that really stirred my heart. We also loved our ministry time at Hillsong City Church. Yes, within one week the leadership, recognising the anointing that Matt and I travel under, had handed over their city flock of 2,000 into our capable hands! I know a lot of you are thinking: 'Was it Matt's spontaneous worship that impressed Darlene or Jeff's ability to expound Scripture to a breathless audience that moved pastor Brian to hand over his pulpit?' Well, it was neither. Instead, we opted for the role of car park attendants, and in the brilliant sunshine of Sydney we shepherded 2,000 people and their cars and loved it. I would like to say it was because of our love for the local church that we took so much pleasure from it - however, I suspect these qualities were strongly complemented by the orange tabards, glow sticks and walkie talkies (with ear piece!) that we were given! We had fun - in fact, we found it difficult to stop ourselves from laughing. Welcoming people to church with a smile was a pleasure. It was a church with a clear vision and purpose, and our stay in Sydney refreshed our vision and hunger to pursue the things of God. Jeff and MattJeff Wannell© Evangelicals Now - March 2003 |