A recent survey by Mission Australia surveyed 45,000 young people. It found the number one concern for people up to 24 years of age is body image. More than their future, health, finances, or friends, their own image was their biggest dilemma.

Many people think that this is simply because of media, TV, magazines, and the influence it has on people today. However, the true cause of insecurity goes way back to Adam and Eve.

In the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they experienced an image problem. They tried to hide themselves with fig leaves. The reason for this is simple. Our image is tied to our identity.

Ever since then, people have been trying to replace their true identity (who I am) with surface image (how I look). But fig leaves didn’t help then, and they don’t help now.

The true solution for people today is not just more positive thinking or body improvements, though this may help. The answer is people need to discover their God given identity.

What’s your identity in? As you go about your day today, remember it is God that holds your true identity! At least in my case, I am glad it is that and not my looks

Brisbane is a city filled with young people. 98% of them don’t have a church. Can’t wait to be a part of something new that causes that percentage to change.

Having been to many major cities around the world, it is interesting to note that like people, every city has a personality of its own. Though major cities have people from many different nations, it’s amazing that a collective culture and shared set of values emerges.

Today’s churches should have the ability to connect with the heartbeat of their city. Like the early church in the New Testament, churches should stir something in the souls of the people of that city community.

One of our passions is to launch a church that has an ongoing vision for the city of Brisbane. Our hope is that we are a blessing to the city, with a love for the city and the people in it. Yes a church that is Bible based, and also a church that is relevant to the needs and hopes of the people it is reaching.

So, I thought I would have a little fun and do an online poll, so on the right hand side of the screen simple click on what you love most about Brisbane!

Also, here’s a little video of Brisbane if you need some inspiration!

[youtube width="300" height="200"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_QuWhbuGgA[/youtube]

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btw: went shopping today and little Houston fell asleep in my arms – too cute!

In case you haven’t yet seen it, check out our online church launch prospectus. It is in a really cool format that let’s you flick through it on the screen as if you had a physical copy. Worth it just for that! Also, if you click on the ‘fullscreen’ button it is easier to read.

http://issuu.com/lifeplace/docs/newchurchbrisbane

It has some information about Cindi and myself, heaps of great information about Brisbane, and some great photos.

Enjoy!

Let me know what ya think

I just got back from a great trip up to Seattle where I met with Pastor Judah Smith at The City Church. The train ride was 3 hours, and was surprisingly nostalgic for me. My time in the Pacific North West has been amazing, and as I looked out the little window in my carriage at the passing pine trees and misty lakes, I realised I have a lot of memories both in Portland and Seattle. With only 3 weeks left I obviously feel the emotions of leaving many people I love.

What came to mind most was how amazing God’s plan is for our lives. I never knew my time here would be as life changing as what it has been, but God knew. My thinking is always smaller than God’s thinking!

In my heart I thought of the next chapter that is about to unfold: Brisbane. Although our plan is big and our hopes high, I realised that God is about to do something more significant than I could imagine. I began to ask myself, I wonder what God has in store this time around?

How many lives will be changed?

How many people won to Jesus?

How many other church plants will come from us?

How will the city be forever changed?

What single mums will find support in the life our church?

How many troubled teens will discover their destiny?

How many business people will be empowered to make a kingdom difference?

How many children will learn about Jesus and the Bible for the first time?

Yes, I am a dreamer. But so is God! I feel the sense that God wants to do something new in Brisbane and in Australia.

On a funny note, as cheesy as this is, as the train was pulling out of Seattle I texted Cindi and told her I was listening to the “Sleepless in Seattle” soundtrack on my Ipod!

So what are you leaving behind during this season? And what are you looking to the future for?