seykora ministry team

Email us for information on this cool strategy!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0000

WHAT IS the University of the Nations (U of N) Conference

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:36:00 +0000

Every two years Youth With A Mission holds it’s global University of the Nations Conference (YWAM is part of University of the Nations). Since 1989, God has lead the UofN Leadership to call the YWAM family to this biennial workshop. Our purpose is to listen to what is on God’s heart for this time and season, to network and fellowship with each other, to sharpen our skills and to strategize for greater fruitfulness. Each conference has had its special flavor and emphasis. It is wonderful to see how God has worked through these gatherings to further develop our vision, join us together in deeper unity, bring fresh revelation and an ever-increasing commitment to express our calling. “For such a time as this” is an opportunity for our global YWAM family to meet. One event in four places, bringing us closer together.

The program “For such a time as this!” will give insight into what God is doing among the nations and how we can be even more fruitful in finishing the task. In the afternoons there will be a variety of attractive seminars to equip. There will be much celebration, ministry and prayer for one another. We will have the opportunity to network with people from our region (South Pacific), area of ministry and shared passion points. The gathering of the YWAM family to hear together what God is speaking to us concerning the time and season and is an event concurrently at four locations across the world.

YWAM Perth is coordinating the conference in South Africa. The director at YWAM Perth has asked Joshua to conduct a seminar/workshop on the topic of Biblical Education & Leadership Training at the conference. Meanwhile, Sarah has been preparing all the print materials and helping with videos that will be used during the conference. In addition, since the beginning of June, YWAM Perth has been sending outreach teams to Cape Town leading up to this conference as part of an initiative called Catalyst 9. Part of the seminar will have us out in the streets of Cape Town, reaching those in the community. You can read more about Catalyst 9 and what God is doing in Cape Town by visiting, http://www.ywamperth.org.au/life/?news-1803.

Having been in YWAM for just three years, this is the first time we are able to attend this conference, but it is not in our current budget to afford the expenses.

consider partnering in sending us to the conference mentioned above

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:30:00 +0000

You may have read in our newsletter last week, we are preparing to head out to South Africa for the YWAM U of N Conference from September 4 – 14, 2009 in Worcester.

We have been praying and seeking the Lord for strategy on raising the finances to do just that. We would like to invite you to join us in the initiative.

If you feel led to do this – thank you! Contact us on ways you can get involved, namely HOST OR ATTEND A BBQ!!!!!
We need to purchase tickets for our trip as soon as possible. The cost of the airfare for the family is approximately $3700 USD. The anticipate cost for the entire trip is about $4970. We can send you any information you may need, but we simply ask that this cookout take place as soon as possible (we realize it’s a bit last minute, but God can pull off miracles!).

We appreciate your faithful prayers and support. We hope you are as excited about this strategy as we are! Please see page two for more information on the purpose of the conference and let us know if you have any questions.

We look forward to hearing from you very soon. Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

Blessings,

Joshua Seykora

Transform PNG

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:33:00 +0000

“The Gulf Province is the last frontier of Papua New Guinea. We need to clean house both spiritually and physically.” - Governor Havila, Gulf Province, PNG Papua New Guinea is a land of over 800 different languages, high lush green hills and deep thick steamy jungle. The Gulf Province located in the south central portion of PNG is considered both remote and strategic. The availability of consumer goods is scarce but the prevalence of natural gas and oil has made this province one of the most strategic in PNG in recent years. Although high in natural resources, there has been absolutely no financial income or return into this province in the last 17 years! Since PNG gained its independence, this province has experienced little in terms of development and growth. The people of Kerema and the Gulf Province are a peace loving, but are asking to be taught the ways of character, faithfulness, stewardship, and integrity in a nation that is polluted with corruption. The current leaders of this province are eager to provide relief to the people and the land. The governor called this seminar a “voice of relief to the people… [in which] the Gulf Province would breathe freely again…” The seminar they requested was on how transformation comes through God and His Word. The bible and the biblical worldview is the only worldview and religion that can provide solid answers and principles to any problem or circumstance. The world was created by God and God is a God of Truth. There is truth in every area of life – science, economics, government, family, education, media, etc. Life is created to operate according to truth and when a nation embraces truth, then the fruit of happiness and freedom is the result. When a nation abandons truth, then destruction, bondage and misery are its fruit. After a very honorable and festive welcome, we spent 11 days teaching on such foundational topics as the Nature & Character of God, Sin & Repentance, Forgiveness and The Cross. We continued the seminar with teaching on the Biblical Worldview, How Transformation Comes, and teaching on family, government, economics, leadership and women’s injustice issues. We were privileged to have Sam Kisolo with us. Sam is from YWAM Uganda and has played a huge role in seeing Uganda become the first nation to show a decrease in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He has been before the United Nations and spoke with great authority in the area of HIV/AIDS and Community Health. Each day of the seminar included a morning teaching and practical application response session, followed by an evening session. The morning sessions were mainly pastors, leaders, and other people from the city. The evening sessions were more or less a crusade that saw about 400 people each night. The pastors and leaders were challenged and thrilled with the teaching. In fact, they were already making plans to take these teachings to the villages in their provinces. Unity within the church was evident and strategic planning could result in a corporate effort to see Kerema and the Gulf Province transformed. Before leaving, I was able to assist Sam Kisolo as he documented his recommendations for the province – Teaching on HIV/AIDS, Teaching and addressing Women in Leadership and Injustice Issues, and combating idleness in the young men and women in the city. This seminar was a positive step in the right direction – as led by God – and will continue to be a work in progress. Already and Biblical Core Course team from YWAM Townsville, Australia is already up there conducting inductive bible seminars. Also, YWAM Perth will be considering further outreaches to this province. Thank you for your prayers! To God be all the glory. Testimony One night we showed the film End of the Spear to nearly 1400 people on the rugby field in the center of Kerema. At the end of the movie, one of our team members shared the Gospel and we saw about 150 people respond to the invitation of salvation. As we were counseling and praying for them in small groups, the heavens opened and a much needed down pour of rain followed. Not one of the 150 people left! They all stayed. We were able to connect with at least 90 of them in the following days in order to see them get connected with the local churches. One night Sam Kisolo spoke about biblical worldview. One of the many challenges in that teaching was how we view creation. Do we care for it as if the King were returning at any moment. Their practical response from this teaching was to mobilize the church to begin cleaning the town. They would start with the rugby field on their afternoon off before the community movie night. That afternoon, the pastors and leaders were out on the large field with rakes, wheel barrows and garbage bags cleaning the field. By the end of it, it was fit for the King!

See footage and hear testimonies from Tanzania

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:29:00 +0000

NEW! Click on the video for the Tanzania highlights. In the video, Alisha, a Bible School for the Nations student, shares her testimony from this past school and her outreach with us in Tanzania. See footage and photos from our time in Arusha and hear first hand from one of the participants.

Preparing for Tanzania!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:54:00 +0000

Praise the Lord, he called us to go, and he has provided the finances! It was a battle trusting, praying and fundraising for finances for this outreach and we are pleased to say that we finally have breakthrough! Thank you for all of you who have faithfully taken the time out of your busy lives to pray for this financial breakthrough for the people of Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC!

During the next 19 days before we leave we will be praying each day for the participants of the seminar and the logisticals of the trip and we encourage you to join with us. We will be posting updates and current prayer requests here, and will notify you of updates.

Just a reminder that the PURPOSE OF THIS TRIP is to see Tanzanian Pastors and YWAMer's empowered to go into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to see their nation transformed by the word of God. We believe that through teaching key leaders Biblical principles for all spheres of society that we can see communinities and their nations transformed.

Prayer Points for Tanzania Trip:
1. Pray for timely communication from the YWAM contact there. There has been miscommunication on when we are coming and where we are actually holding the seminar! Pray that this get's sorted asap so participants can plan.

2. Pray for Ivan, an amazing guy on our team from YWAM Perth, who has decided to come with us. He still needs his finances.

3. Pray for the Transformation Seminar 1 to simply 'come together'. There are many details that still need to be worked out. Pray for timliness as there is a lot to be done in very limited time before we leave on February 7th.

4. We are assigning teachings this week. Each participant is praying over which teachings topics they would like to teach. Please pray for wisdom and clarity in hearing God's voice over this decision.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We are blessed to be working with you 'by our side'. Please see the link to the left for current events in Tanzania and the Congo (DRC).

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Report Back

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:44:00 +0000

J-City BELT 3 Seminar Report Back

I returned on Thursday night from J-City where I conducted a follow up BELT Seminar to the one Sarah and I led back in March. Each night saw between 10 - 15 participants. All of the participants had been to the seminar back in March, with the exception of a couple of pastors wives! We also had some young women there that were educators and had a vision to see a generation of "Daniels and Esthers" raised up in the city.

All of them commented on how they were impacted by the last seminar and thus were excited that BELT came back. I was so touched by their faithful attendance. It was like seeing old friends again and I really believe that I got a taste of what it was like for Paul to return to the churches he visited on his journeys.

The topics we covered were:
- Key To Discipling Nations (Discipling Individuals)
- Biblical Self-Government (Choosing to Live According to God's Ways)
- Overview of the Biblical World View of the Spheres of Society (What does the Bible say about Government, Economics/Business, Health/Science, Media/Communication, Arts & Entertainment)
- Biblical Worldview of Education (Mark Brokenshire from YWAM Melbourne)
- Biblical Worldview of the Family
- Biblical Worldview of the Foundations of the Church

God really showed up and brought the words each night! The Seminar was well received and the thinking of these men and women were definitely challenged. They walked away challenged to consider their own world views in each of these areas and to align them with the Bible. We also spent some time praying and seeing what God had to say about what their "transformed or discipled" city would look like as well as how they (the church/body of believers) could get there. We also spent time sharing with God what was holding each of them back and declaring to move past fear and in obedience.

This truely is an amazing city. I saw many friends and met many new ones. I even caught up with an old friend from high school who is now living there. I saw some of the most beautiful malls as well as some of the most detestable slums. God is definitely moving there, but there is much work to be done both in the church and where the knowledge of God is nonexistent. It's so exciting to think about the largest Is*lam*ic nation the world on the verge of revival and transformation by God and His Holy Spirit.

I thank you all for your prayers and giving. The pastors and people of J-city are blessed because of you. On behalf of them, I thank you.

In Him,
Joshua

josh leaves for south east asia

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:56:00 +0000

Tomorrow I fly to j-city in south east asia for a week of teaching. As you know, this is a follow up seminar to the one we did back in March. It is a great opportunity to go back and visit those we ministered to and see how they are going. The vision of BELT is to see people groups transformed by the Word of God. The method is to equip, and see God empower, church and community leaders through & with the Word of God. Many pastors in j-city have churches in the slum and desperately are hungry for biblical training. After talking for some time with one Pastor, back in March, we are priveleged to ride the coat-tails of a group of believers who have been praying for over 20 years to see transformation come to j-city. I consider it a joy and great opportunity to go and help equip them. I can only share what I have learned from God and His Word and have applied in my own life. Revelation will come from the Holy Spirit and His annointing of my teachings.

I go in great expectancy of God to move and bring revelation.

Your prayers are needed and appreciated.

1. Pray for discernment from the Lord and Holy Spirit during my teaching and as I spend time with Him in preparation.

2. Pray that the hearts of the participants would be soft and open to hear from God as it relates to world view, Discipling nations, education, family, church and the other spheres of society.

3. Pray for good health and safety not only for myself, but also for Sarah and Noah as I am away. Over the past year as YWAM Perth has sent many teams to this city, there has been a battle over sickness that has come with it. Take authority and bind the enemy’s actions in the area of safety and health.

4. Pray for the translators who carry a large responsibility that is often wearisome. They too need to be led by God and the Holy Spirit to get God’s heart for the teaching and the right words to use.

I look forward to being able to share with you all God has done in this great city of the world.

Happy Thanksgiving! If you would like any more specific information in this outreach please email us directly.

For His Kingdom and His Glory,

Joshua

to Tanzania in February

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:12:00 +0000

When most people think of Africa, they are actually thinking of Tanzania! It is the poster child of Africa. We will be leading the team to Tanzania. The focus of this outreach is two-fold: 1) To expose and mobilize YWAM in East Africa to join BELT & SIL in reaching the DRC with discipleship and biblical training over the next few years. 2) To give training to pastors in Tanzania who do not have access to biblical training (This will be in a region near Dar Es Salam that is 98% Muslim).

We will be in Tanzania from the beginning of Feburary until March 15th. On this trip we will continue to partner with Wycliffe/SIL from the DRC as well as YWAM in Kilimanjaro and Arusha. We hope this trip will inspire others to join us when first BELT Seminar is done in Kiliba, DRC in July 2009. We hope to take a short trip to Kiliba, DRC as well. The opportunity to run a BSN in East Africa is also a close reality in the near future.

Prayer & Finances
These outreaches are a huge blessing to the nations we go. There is a constant need for prayer and financial partnership. If you feel you would like to give, please contact us immediately. The $7,000 AUD needed for our family to go to Tanzania are due December 4th, 2008.

noah is six months old!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:23:00 +0000

being challenged... growing daily

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:32:00 +0000

YWAM Perth Staff retreat was a good time with friends and God! Josh enjoyed celebrating his birthday and playing afternoon games of Rugby. Sarah got in a good long game of soccer and Noah enjoyed making people smile and laugh with his cuteness!

Each day we had a long morning teaching session. The words were challenging and really good reminders for us. Some of thoughts that we were challenged with...

... Is the vision of our ministry more of a focus over intimacy with God?
... Do I allow human reasoning to take over instead of just acting on God's word?
... Are there anything that are preventing God from moving through me?
... Do I tend to get frustrated with God's process in the context of vision? Is it robing me of gratitude, causing disapointment, and robbing me of fire for the Lord?
... In regards to humility, am I "Smiley and Defiant"
... So I see myself with sober judgement and have a contrite heart?
... If I am going to grab my inheritance, there are things about me that need to die, what things am I hanging on to and what things need to 'die'?
... Am I audacious in my faith? (1 Kings 18)

These are just a few things that God challenged us with this past week. We are happy to share more in-depth for those of you who may be interested.

Praise the Lord that he is always teaching us, may we continue to have soft teachable hearts so we can continue to grow into His likeness and know Him even more!

thanking God for his provision of a vehicle

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Thanks be to God for giving us favor with a used car dealership! Get this... the dealer drove it to our apartment for us to check it out! Who does that?! It was like God brought it right to our doorstep. There are a few minor fixings that the car needs, but the dealer came down in price so we could afford to get them fixed! Could it get any better?! Yes, it has air conditioning (a real blessing in hot aussie summers) and a large trunk to fit Noah's pram. =) Thanks to all of you who have given and prayed to this happen. We really appreciate it.

Confidence in Despair

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:20:00 +0000

This past Friday the YWAM Regional Director of Australia, SE Asia & Pacific, Tom Hallas, spoke at YWAM Perth’s Friday Night Meeting (FNM). FNM is our weekly worship service open to the public. I would like to share with you the message Tom brought to us.

The so labeled “Word Wide Economic Crisis”, the upcoming USA Presidential and Federal Elections, Terrorism… It all seems to point to a season of despair and uncertainty. What has brought us to this point? Irresponsibility? The government? Or was it greed, selfishness, corruption, ignorance and even stupidity? It’s a time of uncertainty, as the “experts” say, and even despair. It is a great opportunity for the church to care and stand with confidence.

Exodus 34:6-7 (NASU) reads:
“Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness and truth; who keeps loving-kindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.’ “

This came just after Moses asked God to show him all his glory. It is God’s accurate opinion of Himself, the Truth of Who He is, and becomes the lens through which we view the world and all circumstances. God is saying seven things about Himself, He is:
1. Compassionate
2. Gracious
3. Longsuffering (slow to anger, patient)
4. Merciful (Loving-kindness)
5. Good (NKJV)
6. Truth
7. Forgiving
Other translations also use the words love and faithfulness. Is God’s opinion of Himself to be reasonably accurate? God has nothing to hide. This is where confidence and comfort are found. As you look at your personal history, ask yourself this question, “Do I affirm the character of God in my life or do I have questions? Do I misrepresent His character?”

How do you respond when life gets hard or uncertain? Do you give into emotions or do you let this statement of God be the guiding arrow in your life? Do you view these despairing circumstances through this lens – the accurate description of God’s nature and character – or view God through the lens of your circumstances?

Many people have questions about the last part of Exodus 34:7 where it says God “will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." It could sound like God carries an unfair grudge. However, this word “visiting” is the Hebrew word “paqad” and carries the meaning “to visit or oversee with friendly or hostile intent.” In fact the world “guilty” is a word added by the translators for better reading and is not even in the original text. Letting context guide the interpretation, then we can see that in the context of God describing Himself as compassionate, good, merciful, etc that this could indicate something else than a vindictive God (which goes against His character). Fathers who misrepresent God will bear the consequences of transgression, but God will visit those children to watch over them with love, compassion, and kindness. Remember, God desires that none be lost (Ezekiel 18:32) and all come to the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9)! In fact, Ezekiel 18 clears up any misunderstanding of who bears the judgment of sin – and it is the sinner and not the children.

Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.” His name is personal. We can call on the name of the Lord and find security in Him. King David used this lens of God (Exodus 34:6, 7) by running into the name of the Lord (Psalm 103:8) and rehearsing his understanding of God (Psalm 3) in times of trouble. He viewed his dire circumstances through the lens of who God is and says He is.

I encourage you to do the same. God’s testimony of Himself in Exodus 34:6, 7 completes the description of the strong tower into which we can run during these days of uncertainty. One of the current DTS students gave this testimony about the revelation he got from God during this same teaching in his training school, “These qualities are the best news I have ever heard. It is exactly what I was looking for to hear in my life!”

In the last couple of years, as I have leaned into God to learn more about His nature and character, I have made the decision to see Him first, and then my circumstances. I do not let circumstances dictate how I feel or respond. Is this always easy? Heavens no! I still am tempted to react and let my emotions lead me and this often leads to despair and frustration. But as I choose to use this truth of God to be my lens, I find peace and confidence and safety in the name of the One whom I serve. It’s brought amazing freedom in my life, no matter how dire the circumstances are. He is the One in whom I have confidence.

Ask yourself, “Am I going to be loyal to God’s character in these days?” or “Am I going to misrepresent Him?”

As believers, being a Christian also means thinking Christianly. We can view and think about the economic crisis, terrorism, and even politics Christianly. We can apply this way of thinking to every sphere of society (Education, Family, Communication, Religion, Government, Economics, and The Arts) and view each through the lens of who God is. We can look at the question of who to vote for through this lens. We must begin with the correct view of who God is. He has told us this and, in Christ Jesus, He has shown us.

He is the Lord, the Lord your God, gracious, loving, faithful, slow to anger, merciful, and ever forgiving. He is the strong tower into which the righteous run and are safe.

Beloved, have confidence during these days in Him.

-Joshua

Answered Prayers!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:02:00 +0000

Thank you for your prayers. We are happy to share what God has been doing...

1. The BSN is off to a great start. Both Sarah and Josh have taught so far. Joshua taught on "the Pursuit of Truth" and Sarah taught on "Literary Context". The students are on fire for learning the Bible and have already gotten much revelation about how important it is to find the single intended meaning of the scripture and how things make much more sense when the context is studied.

2. We have our new visas! Praise the Lord that he has provided with no problems at all, our visas until November of 2010. Yes, we have felt we will stay in Perth at least until then (maybe longer?), and the granting of our visas have proven that possible. Josh is on a student vias, as he is taking on a course called, The Basic Leadership Training School (BLS) for the next two years. Sarah & Noah are dependents on his visa. Josh will write a little of what he has been learning this past month in the course.

3. We feel we have just about enough for a used trustworthy vehicle. Thank you to those of you who have given, blessings on you! Please still pray for a few more hundred dollars and also for the us to find the right vehicle. We have done a lot of searching and test driven quite a few, but not found something that we trust yet.

4. As mentioned in previous postings, Sarah has decided to join Media. Thank you for your prayers for a smooth transition. This week brought real break-through in communication with leaders and clarity about what the transition should look like. It's underway! This new role will have it's challenges, please pray specifically for unity in the department and to see vision realized.

5. Finances, we have not had any new monthly partnerships, but we can tell you that the US dollar is doing extremely well here in Australia. -Which is working in our favor. The cost of living in Perth is extremely high due to Perth being the most isolated city in the world. Thank you for your prayers for our finaces. We continue to ask for God to bring aboard more financial partnerships. Thank you again to those of you who have faithfully given. BLESS YOU!

P.U.S.H

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:54:00 +0000

Pray Until Something Happens!

That's our motto! We need REALLY NEED your prayers. We realize it's easy to say "sure I'll pray for you" and then be too busy to follow through. We have been there, but God has really challenged us over the years to committ to prayer! We are asking you, our prayer partners to please remember to pray for us. Numerous times we see in the Bible ferverent, wholhearted, crying out to God! We ask for you to intercede on our behalf before the Father for the following...

1. Praise God for discernment for Sarah regarding taking on the Media position.

2. We have not seen much movement in our finances. We understand it's a tough time in the economic status in the US. We trust that God will continue to provide for our every need through generous, faith filled giving. Please pray for us to see a monthly increase for Noah, money towards upcoming outreaches, VISA health check & insurance fees and for a used vehicle.

3. We are still in need of a vehicle. Join us in praising God for the money that we have been given (thank you!), but we still need another $500. Please P.U.S.H with us in prayer so we can see breakthrough in this area. Pray for favor with used car dealers and for the right vehicle to suit our family's needs to come along!

4. Spiritual Warefare. We are really feeling the 'heat' these days. The Bible is quite clear that we are in a spiritual battle and we feel it! Please pray for us to be rooted in prayer, the word, and for us to 'wear our armor each day'. Pray for our health, and bind up the enemy in prayer over our health.

5. Pray for Josh as he teaches this week in the BSN. He teaches on "The Importance of Knowing Truth" for 2 hours. Please pray for clarity in organizing his thoughts and for it to be motivational for the students.

6. VISAS. We are applying for a two year student VISA. Josh will be taking a course while he is on staff called, The Basic Leadership School. We started this course a year ago, but due to visas and planning, we post-poned it until we were officially under the student visa. We have health checks for this visa this week. Our current visa is up in a week. Please pray for a smooth process in submitting all paperwork, favor with the Australian government and for finances to cover the school and health checks.

media, media, media

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:14:00 +0000

After four grueling months of discerning and praying through the invitation to help lead the media department, I have finally reached a decision! Yup, that's right, I have decided to no longer be official staff of the BSN and BELT. I will still teach on the BSN on occasion and be involved with BELT outreaches (with Josh), but the majority of my time will be spend co-leading the media department here at YWAM Perth. It's a big change, but a great fit. The media department supports all ministries and training schools within YWAM Perth. From web, to print, to video, Media is equip to develop pieces in all forms of 'media'. I will be helping cast vision, oversee creative direction on projects, teach, and take on a few projects from time to time.

What about Noah?! Great question! I will only be working in Media about 14 hours each week, and it's the 'family' style of YWAM Perth that allows for the kids to be around. From time to time Noah will come along with and other time's he'll be at home with Daddy. Pray for us as we find this balance! If you have any other questions about this new role please let us know, we are happy to answer any questions. Be sure to check out the YWAM Perth Website for a flavor of the 'creative' style of YWAM Perth (see links on the right below).

BSN is underway!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:52:00 +0000

Sunday officially marked the beginning of the Bible School for the Nations. This year we have 11 students. The overall word for the school this year comes from Daniel 11:32. See the image below for a visual. It's our hope that this year paradims are shifted, new revelation comes and that each student falls deeper in love with thee incredible God who is so worthy of glory! They are excited to learn the word better so they can better communicate it to others, whahoooo!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Current Prayer Requests

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:49:00 +0000

Upon our return back to Perth we have many prayer needs. Thank you for being our support and lifting us up before the Lord, we need it! If you need any further details about anything mentioned below just let us know and we are happy to share.

1. Finances. We are still about $640 short of our monthly budget and we desire to see money come in for our trip to Uganda in October.

2. Car. We are trusting God for money to get a used car. Please pray for this to happen soon. We are currently borrowing a car (that isn't always working) until the end of this month. Pray for favor to find something reliable and affordable. If you would like to contribute to this we would be so blessed!

3. Noah. He's still a bit off in his days and nights due to jet lag. Please pray for him to start sleeping longer hours at night again.

4. Sarah's ministry position. Sarah is praying about taking a new role with YWAM Perth. She hopes to make a decision asap. Please pray for her to see clearly where God is leading her and to use wisdom as she discerns what is best. She will only be 'working' part time, as she is the primary care taker of Noah. We are glad that which ever position she chooses there is a great amount of flexabilty to meet Noah's needs.

5. Josh's ministry position. Josh has been asked to take on additional leadership roles within the BSN & BELT. This has implications of staying here with YWAM Perth longer, which is a big decision. Please pray for wisdom in hearing God's voice and following his leading.

6. Visas. Our visa's are up in October. Yup, that's right, just a month to go and we need to re-apply. We have limited options and need to make a decision within the next few days. Please pray for finances and wisdom to apply for the correct type.

7. BSN. The Bible School for the Nations starts next month. Pray for more students. We are hoping for 10 students. Pray also for a fruitful staff retreat at the end of this month - we'll be planning and seeking God's direction for the school and some BELT ministry things as well.

8. Family. It's hard for us and for our families with us being so far from home. Please pray for peace for all of us and for good, consistent communication through web cams and phone calls.

From one side of the world to the other...

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:55:00 +0000

Noah meets his Grandpas (see photo to the left)!!!!

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and visits during our time in the US. Our travels went really well, and Noah was a great little bundle. - Clearly the Lord was helping him! It was such a blessing to be able to come home and see most of you. Thank you to those of you who have re-committed to partnering with us during this next year, we certainly appreciate it!

We will continue to keep you posted on how we are doing and new prayer requests will be out shortly. Meanwhile, pray for our adjustment back here... to get over jet lag quickly & to stay healthy.

We love you!

Home to the US

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:46:00 +0000

Our God is amazing. He has moved and we are able to come home. Hallelujah. We thank God for providing a way. Please continue to pray for finances to help cover our trip. We trust he will continue to provide.

Our Tentative Schedule:
Depart Perth Sunday, July 27 via Tokyo, Seattle and arrive in Minneapolis
Madison, WI: Tuesday, July 29 - Tuesday, August 5th
Owatonna, MN: Wednesday, August 6th - Thursday, August 21st
San Francisco, CA: Thursday, August 21 - Tuesday, August 26th
Depart San Francisco Tuesday, August 26th and arrive in Perth, via Tokyo, on Thursday, August 28th

While we are home we will primarily be doing the following:
1. Introducing Noah to our families!
2. Meeting with as many of you as possible
3. Visiting our partnering Churches
4. Continue to share the vision of the ministry we are involved in (Including our BELT Ministry projects in the Congo and Nepal as well as the greater vision of YWAM Perth as a whole that we are involved in).
5. Continue to Fundraise to meet our budget as well as plan for upcoming outreaches
6. Josh will also be working with his father in Owatonna, as a means to fund this great trip home.

Answers to your Prayers!!! Thank you!!!!
1. Josh's teaching is going well this week in the Discipleship Training School. The students are challenged on having a Godly/Biblical wordlview as well as understanding attributes of God's Nature and Character.

2. We have been blessed by many offers to use baby items while we are home! Thank you to all of you who have offerred. We have a car seat, and pack-n-plays for Noah to sleep in each location he's going to! Wow! We also have been given a car to borrow! This is a major blessing! Praise the Lord!

3. We are having much success in scheduling meeting with Church family as well as individual partners! Yeah!

Please see "current prayer requests" and continue to lift us up as we prepare to come home. Thank you!

Bless you all - We look forward to seeing you very soon!

Serving alongside you,
Joshua, Sarah & Noah

Current Prayer Points

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:14:00 +0000

1. Pray for us as we travel for the first time as a family. This includes favor with the airlines, making our connections, and that Noah will be calm, healthy and able to sleep, feed, and that jet lag will not affect him! Pray that Mama and Daddy will be patient, calm and not stressed.

2. Pray for discernment and clarity as we plan our time in the states. Pray also for wisdom and peace for our families as we juggle our time between them.

3. For rest and good health before we leave.

4. For Joshua as he will be teaching all this week in the Discipleship Training School (DTS) on the Nature & Character of God. So far the students are very challenged. Pray for revelation and a solid time of application on Friday.

5. God's continued financial provision for this trip

6. Please be praying for our staff. Currently 3 out of the 5 familes we work with has all had a baby in the last two months! Pray for strength and wisdom for all of us as we transition into parenthood and ministry! We are also trusting for more students to join the BSN in October. Pray for people to respond to the call God is laying on their hearts (more info to come later).

Please give a PUSH in Prayer!

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:55:00 +0000

PUSH stands for Pray Until Something Happens!!!!! We are asking all of you to please pray today for us regarding coming home to see family and raise up more partnerships. We need favor with the travel agent/airlines and we also need to see more money come in. Family has been generous in giving, but it is not enough! Josh has been offerred the opportunity to work with his Father for two weeks to pay for the ticket. As much as Josh enjoys working with his Father, we would love to see more gifted money come in so we can enjoy a 'non working'(in a sense)vacation and partnership raising time. Please PUSH in prayer for us over the next 12 or so hours. We will be sure to keep you posted. Thank you!

Thrusday Night City Evangelism

noreply@blogger.com (JOSHUA & SARAH SEYKORA) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:14:00 +0000

Tonight kicks off the next quarter of reaching out to the people of Perth! Josh will be leading a team of people in the downtown area of Perth during the evenings. This team will be literally following the Holy Spirit as he leads and guides us to reach out to the people. Pray for divine appointments and great conversations, and wisdom for Josh's leadership. Time and time again this time is a fruitful one and we pray that this quarter is just that, fruitful. Pray for boldness in the new YWAM Perth students... for many of them this is the first time they have gone out and talked to strangers. We love seeing this city transformed, one person at a time! Pray for Perth, the most isolated city in the world! We need more of Jesus here!