Exploring all sorts of things

I write this the night before heading off to the Blue Mountains for a 3 day trek with a son and some friends. The 'six foot track' may not take us through the most pristine wilderness in Oz, but it will be fun to be stuck out in the bush with just packs attached!
Another sort of exploring happened today at PTC as we hosted Exploring Presbyterian Ministry day - our annual exploration of ministry opportunities in the PCNSW. It was great to meet with a group of enthusiastic young men and women with a passion to see how they can use their gifts so that gospel ministry may go forward in NSW and beyond. May it please God that their hopes will be realised - and that we might be part of helping that happen. Pray for John Irvin as he mentors men and women who are working through the processes involved in candidating and training.
It was also good to hear reports on PTC missions which were concluded last week. I really feel committed to our PTC approach to missions - encouraging student families to join the exploratory parties (aka Mission teams), and working hard to produce ministry of a high standard in churches and communities where our students will learn lots of new things. I was really proud of the quality of the ministry provided by our Southern Highlands (Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong) team.

Their preaching, praying and leading on the Sundays, and children's ministry during the week, was of a very high standard. The students spoke very positively of how much they learned during the week. A 'Week of Mission' contributes to preparation for a life of mission in fellowship with God himself.

Here are some shots of the team at 'Funhouse' and dressed in full explorers garb: Southern Highlands 'native dress'.