Okay, well here it goes. I received a txt today from a certain special friend (don’t get any ideas there!). It reads, “Hey man - how you going? Was wondering if I could have a really quick chat with you in person tonight if you are not too busy? If not then its ok.”

Didn’t really know what to think. Quick chat - in person. Something important, and something obviously pressing, but quick? Slightly confused. I did entertain a few thoughts. “Nick, I don’t like you anymore and don’t want to be your friend.” (haha jokes - but it does fit the category of important, pressing and quick).

Okay - without beating around the bush, this tribute goes to close buddy and awesome friend - Ricky Tran.

Well, turns out that during worship team pre-service rehearsals last week, we were sound checking and Ricky (in charge of PA that day) had asked if I could pull slightly away from the mic as it could create feedback (bad, loud sounds with speakers). Me, being my task driven self, with no help being in choleric mode, pulled away from the mic without much communcation like a nod or even a thumbs up to indicate it was all good from my end.

Anyone, would have reacted and could have taken personal offense to that. But instead Ricky came to my house to apologise if he was of personal offence to me. It had obviously been on his mind for a few days too. Wow, what character! And, wow how insensitive am I! I actually should be the one to apologise. Convicting lesson learnt!

I know Ricky doesn’t like public affirmation, but I just want to shout aloud for such a great example of godliness. This truly reminds me of a scripture in Ephesians 4:3 - “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Not some effort, not half the effort, but every effort to keep unity.

Thanks for always being a living example of this bro! You teach me heaps! Truly appreciate your friendship, and treasure you heaps.

Baby Tiger is now about 12 weeks old.

Ok. This is now my latest favorite song written and sung by my high school friend. Oh, so anointed! Yes, this is a plug for Citipointe’s new album Devoted. Very nice!

We farewelled our Voltage year 12s at last nights graduation dinner. The night was hosted by Justin who cooked up an absolute feast! And was filled with lots and lots of laughter reminiscing on the year.

I am personally so amazed at the work of God through people’s lives this year. As each person shared from their most memorable moment, I couldn’t help but to sit back and thank God for His goodness to us - for bringing the lost and the broken hearted to His house restoring the ultimate relationship that could be had - our relationship with our Creator.

Thank you VS for showing me what it means to follow Christ in a genuine way. Thank you for your encouragement through your life example. Thank you for your desire and love for the Lord.

I’ve been a part of many life groups in my life, but I have never expereinced such genuine hearts and life changing testimonies. Definately in the books for top life altering experiences - VS life group.

For all of IGVO most of us will be ending a chapter of our lives whether it be graduating to another year or moving onto another life group next year. The new season is ahead of us. For some it will be moving onto Powerhouse, or others it might be from Ignite to Voltage - but regardless I beleive that God will do a new work within us, refining us and stirring us for greater things.

Lets continue in flowing together in unity, being ready to catch the wave of God. Love you all.

Acts 4:12 - When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Wow. I love this scripture - the inspiration of our sermon series Unschooled. I’m sure that we have all felt unqualified or inadequate in different areas of our lives. That fact that we have can be healthy because it gives greater room for God to move in our lives, but by no means does God want us to be stuck from experiencing His power because of it.

God doesn’t use us based upon our abilities but our availability. Let’s take the example of Peter and John and step out to serve the Lord with courage. It might be the salvation of a friend or family member, or even the healing of someone you know that might be on the other side of your decision to say yes Lord.

I would like to encourage everyone registered for our church seminar this weekend, A Priesthood Church, to ready and prepare not only to encounter God, but to respond to His Word by “yes Lord, I’m available to be used by You”. Looking forward to spending time in the Word together with the bestest people in the earth!

I love holidays. Not only because I don’t get to see the (lovely) high school kids I teach as much, but because I get to spend a little more time with ones closer to home - IGVO.

Rare opportunity to have some high schoolers at our church’s tuesday corporate prayer meeting. Usually in the school term our students are unable to come out during the week - thats why holidays are the best!

Definitely the highlight of the night was the call and challenge for those to rise up to be a mentor and shepherd of God’s flock. It was really exciting to see different ones respond in faith to want to grow to be a shepherd by the end of the year.

As we were praying, I believe that God was depositing something deep within our hearts - a desire to see lost found and a greater love for people. After we finished praying, I saw a couple of red eyes and wipes to the face. It wasn’t like the type of prayers you pray for your studies, your job, your future. But it was a heartfelt faith-filled prayer that surrendered heart and soul to the cause of the kingdom. A prayer that definitely reached heaven. I’m inspired by such faith and sincerity - may I live like this.