serve - nathanael hardaker

6th December 2010 by MORE

When I went to GAC in 2008, I was encouraged to go and "make a difference" (that was theme that year). I was totally keen to do just that and I went home all enthusiastic. But there weren't many opportunities.

All the old people at our church used to always talk about how the young people are the future of the church. But there wasn't really anything at our church that was appealing to young people or that would help them grow in God.

So I spoke to my Corps Officer, Karen Smith and to my family. We agreed that we needed to start a program specifically for young people and so, we began to brainstorm.

We agreed to start a regular youth event and came up with the name "Revive". The dream was to respond to the absence of God in young peoples lives in the Foster/Tuncurry and surrounding areas. I wanted to see the area revived.

Our very first "Revive" took place in March 2009. We now meet every third Sunday of the month. We sing worship songs, play games, guests share testimonies and preach the word and we have a hang out time together.

I have started a worship team and have noticed a really great sense of fellowship and community developing amongst the young people who come.

I've learned a lot. I've learned that if you want stuff to happen you have to lead by example and just step up.

I've also learned that when you're planning stuff you have to be really good with your time and you have to be quite organised as this has a big effect on the quality of the experience people have when they come to "Revive".

I've also learned that if you want to be a good leader you need to make your relationship with God a real priority and constantly refresh yourself in your relationship with God.

Comments

Aaron

December 06, 2010 at 10:22pm

Hey nathanael thats really awesome! ive heard heaps of great things about revive and what God's doing at Foster/Tuncurry

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Darcy

December 17, 2010 at 8:24pm

Hey Nate. Just wanted to say what a great job you guys do organising Revive every month. I'm excited for what God's is gonna do thru you and Revive next year.

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Christine Maratin

January 05, 2011 at 4:14pm

How nice it was to stumble across this web page and read your article Nathanael. I knew your surname and noted the family resemblance! As I read further it confirmed that you were from Forster. Your testimony and vision brought joy to my heart today. My husband and I were Officers at Forster/Tuncurry when your Dad came to know Jesus, we were a part of watching your Dad and Mum's relationship develop and then had the privilege of marrying them. What a blessing to know that God is faithful to his promises and that now you are loving and wanting to serve Him with all your heart. With this messsage comes a prayer that God will continue to inspire, use and encourage you as you seek to honour Him and do His Will. Thanks for the blessing today! ps I just shared this story with one of my employees Cameron McLaren and then he told me he's good mates with you ... cool heh !
Chris Martin

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Glendon Jones

January 16, 2011 at 11:04pm

after the first Revive for 2011 i'd say it's gonna be a God Inspired, Blessed year. has been fantastic so far & can't wait for what's to come!!!

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