Heather Penman Mission Adventurer
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Tell us a bit about your faith journey - how you came to know Jesus, and how is he part of your life now?
I was brought up in a Christian home but was really insecure in myself... so had a bit of an emotional and slightly angry teenage journey but after going to youth group for ages I asked Jesus to be my friend when I was around 16. But then kinda went a little off the rails and doing what I wanted when I was about 19 & 20. God never left me though and He kept on my case till he made me realise that the only way I could successfully live my life was with Him! Man am I glad I found that out again! He is the reason I go to church, youth group, work, meet with people and go out of my comfort zone. He is the only reason that stuff ever gets done in my life : ) I couldn't do it by myself! I am sure I'm very essentially lazy without him so I'm glad He keeps me uncomfortable!
What's your favourite verse? and why?
It’s totally Matthew 28:20... paraphrased: ”I will be with you always.”
When I was 16 doing Carey Park Kids Camps I came across a little 'new Christians' booklet for the kids and I saw this verse. It’s so simple but it is totally the promise that Gods given us for all time - He'll never leave us if we ask Him to stay, no matter what our situation and circumstance : ) Tha’ts so totally cool!
What's your favourite way to worship?
I love to sing... even though it may hurt everyone else's ears (hehehe) but if God likes it then sweet as! Also I sometimes like to worship God through creating things for people. : ) He gave us all gifts so we should use them to spread the good news about Jesus!
Why is the Bible important to you?
It unlocks the truth about who God really is. You don't have to rely on others telling you about what He has done for us... you can just get in there and read it for yourself. For me, its an ever changing book! It challenges, teaches, encourages, strengthens, and motivates me at just the right time. He knows exactly what each reader needs no matter what culture or background they have come from - thats the amazing thing - it doesn't even matter what age you are; God still gets his word through. Its important to me also because that is how I first became a christian as a teenager. By reading the Bible and understanding that God still loved me despite everything, was totally cool!
What's your favourite place to read your Bible?
On my bed... ‘cause otherwise I get totally distracted : ) and when I've finished, my bed is nice and cozy for when I go to sleep : )
What are some things that you LOVE doing?
I LOVE playing the drums!!!! And 100% love swimming!!!! a lot! and cycling and any exercise really just as long as it doesn't get too serious : ) basically trying anything... I would love to go sky diving or bungy jumping.
What are some things that you HATE doing?
Changing baby's nappies hehehe so far I have quite successfully managed to avoid it : )
Eating mushrooms - although sometimes it’s ok.
And I definitely have an history of not cleaning my room : ) ... sorry to my sister : )
What Bible study resources do you use?
At parachute I picked up a class set of 'The word for you today' for our youth group ‘cause it’s really good and so relevant! and looks really cool in colour this year as well : )
What are you most looking forward to on the mission adventure?
Everything! : ) Meeting so many new people that are really wanting to know about God. ...and I can't wait to jump into that water! ... Unless there are sharks : )
Which 'Change Lives Today' challenge have you found the most challenging?
Challenge 4 totally! Because it hits the heart of wanting possessions. The stuff that I have got I really worked hard for and God wants us to put Him first. It’s not the 'stuff' He's worried so much about – it’s our attachment to it and how much we prize and value them in life. I found that the hardest... to try give up on my 'stuff' and sell it.
What would you like people who are following your trip to pray for?
For both me and Bridgette to not get sea sick! hehehe na but really it would be really great if people could pray that God would turn everything we do over there into so much more in their lives. God does all the work! We just plant the seeds - please pray that they will be open to God and that we'd be changed through this too : ) thanks heaps!
Are you nervous about anything on the trip?
Totally. But actually, speaking from experience ... being seasick can actually be quite hilarious... in an odd way... sometimes : )
I’m also a bit nervous about talking in front of people - but it'll be sweet as, nothing like a good old challenge every now and again :)
Anything else you want to tell people?
Just something you should all try... make people smile!
It’s really fun so you should totally try it! Smile at the nice people first just so you know it’s possible... hehehe get your confidence up ... then try and move onto some more challenging people - you'll be surprised at who you can get to smile :) it’s totally contagious and rewarding and you'll cheer them up as well as yourself : ) but don't be weird and cheesy though!!! hehehe. Have fun!
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Your Questions Answered
Q. If you had a time machine and could travel to any event in the Bible, where would you go and why?
I would go back to the time of Jesus ministry. To sit at His feet and get to know Him.
That it would be totally cool to see the first 7 days cause its completely crazy cool how much stuff God managed to create in such a short amount of time! On second thoughts, I actually don't think I could handle it... It would probably be too much for any of us to really take in! Mind boggling!
The other one I would go to is where Jesus was in that house and a paralysed guy was lowered through the roof down to Jesus. That would be amazing! Especially since the guy actually did get up! Jesus was totally into helping people... even if they vandalised a house... he made sure he had his priorities right - he didn't tell the guys off for ruining his clothes and hairdo with all the roof dust! he just stuck to preaching the good news and helping people :)
Q. Who is your favourite Bible character and how have they influenced a change in your life?
If I gotta choose someone other than Jesus... then it would probably be David... the guy who wrote most of the psalms... just cause he started as just a regular shepherd kid, & the youngest in his family (so a 'nobody' in those days) and God chose him. God can do amazing things even if you think you started out your li...fe as a 'nobody'! And even though David made some real dumb life choices (just like we do) David asked for forgiveness and still loved God... and God loved him through it all! We have an amazing God! :) Its helped me realise that God can use anyone... even me... to reach out to people that are struggling or don't know Jesus yet :)
Q. Heather, aside from your Bible, what’s one thing you couldn’t possibly leave home without when you go on your mission adventure to the south pacific?
yep Bridgette is gonna definitely need those earplugs hehehe... I'm thinking a barf bag for both of us might come in handy :)
But for me... My water bottle! That totally goes with me everywhere!!! and actually a camera is totally in the 'have to have' category
