Craig and Debbie Rayner

Mimi, mum, Annette at 65th

We are a couple of days late this month, as our final weekend was filled with family as Deb's mum celebrated her coming of age, legally entering the senior years. These months in Canada have been about me meeting Deb's family and connecting with the people that have supported Debbie over the past 10 years in Hong Kong. We have been sharing our vision of a life in Kazakhstan with all of these people, with the wildly different results of incredulity and acceptance, depending on the mind set. The highlight for me has been watching the faces of the people that we are sharing with, and seeing the dots connecting in their minds. In some cases, this has challenged the values held, and other have had their values reinforced.

During August, we travelled to visit friends in Connecticut. We drove down, and on the way back we travelled on some of the back roads, enjoying the scenery and small U.S. towns that we were travelling through. One of the things we were fascinated to see was the number of U.S. flags on display, an indication of the patriotism of the locals. The thought that came to my mind was what would happen if the staff of the MD were equally patriotic about their relationship with dad. Is that what is needed to change a world?

We are now to enter a phase of training in preparation for our return to Kazakhstan after Christmas. Being accepted by Y.W.A.M. has been an adventure in listening to dad, and a confidence in seeing the plan that he has for us in Kazakhstan. We have not doubted our call to Kazakhstan, but the manner of reaching the goal has been in question since we received news that our application to Y.W.A.M. Cimarron was rejected. We are now confirmed, partly packed and ready to start our course at Y.W.A.M. Colorado Springs on Thursday. The backup plan that was given to us in November last year still sitting on the shelf. I have been amazed to see dad in action, truly amazing.

Our DTS Name Tags

We were met at the airport, and driven back to the base, an old Hilton hotel, so it is a great place to be learning, a large café, book store, swimming pool, and loads of little corners to sit in and have a bit of a chat . There are three schools running, so we are doing the basic intro type course, but there is an intercessory school and a strategic planning school as well. So about 100 staff for the schools and about a100 students are on site as well as several other groups using the facilities. I am trying hard to learn names, reminds me of summer at CR. We were having a bit of a wander today and found the pre-school and nursery rooms as well as a fitness room – right across from our room – wonder if that is just coincidence, maybe not eh?! I am actually sitting in the café now and we have ordered lunch, we do have wireless on the site, which means we will be contactable with Skype and e-mail. However, I keep hearing how busy the time will be so e-mail might be the best. If you see us on Skype we will do our best to answer!

More pictures of the campus at: http://www.ywamsf.org/campuslife.html

Each Sunday of August I was reminded that expecting to change was a big part of preparing for our training time. Change routines, change relationships and change expectations for me; for us and of our Father. Found not a small amount of pride was standing in my way , the small voice in my head was saying; “we have cheerleaders and support and know where we are going…and doesn’t the ten years in HK count for anything?” I was to say the least a bit into myself. Not the prettiest thing to bring as a gift and ask Dad to change, but amazed by His grace and my excitement for this time. So as we arrived yesterday in Colorado Springs and start on the DTS, I am so expectant that this time will be going deeper in so many ways…

Contact Details

Phone:
Australian Phone: +61 (0)2 6100 3637 This phone number connects with my Skype account and has a messaging service.

Our E-Mail Addresses: and

Current (Kazakhstan) Postal Address:
10a Basenova St
Almaty 050060
Republic of Kazakhstan

Please ensure that any parcel that you post to us is marked as NCV (No Commercial Value.) Parcels with value are often held for ransom.

Donations

We can only do the work we do because of the people who support the vision that we have shared with them. Should you wish to support our work, please click on the appropriate nation to find details of how you can go about blessing us with finances.

Hong Kong

Canada

Australia

U.K.

U.S.A.

Contact details were last updated on the 18^th December, 2009.