Life’s Unpredictability

posted by Navigators on April 22nd, 2024 in Blog | Prayer

By Luke Midena, Canberra Labouring Community

There have been many ups and downs to start the year, but God is clearly working in the midst of it all. Let me share about two events impacting the student ministry at the ANU.

In February, Levi, who runs the ANU ministry, was involved in a bicycle accident. While riding through an underpass, he hit a stick which sent him airborne, resulting in a severe injury to his spine. Following a month of rest, Levi underwent a successful surgery in late March. The road to recovery began with two weeks of rest, followed by a month of intensive rehabilitation. His pain is manageable at the moment. Doctors are unsure how much strength, coordination, and sensation will return in the coming months, but are pleased with his recovery so far.

This is one of those, ‘God, what are you doing?!’ moments! Yet through it all, Levi and Lindsey have expressed a deep sense of security in God’s goodness and faithfulness, and shared that God has given them ‘an unshakeable peace and the ability to rest in His character’.

This reminds me of how I felt when Kate was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. I felt a similar otherworldly peace in God’s love, which miraculously carried us through.

The Bible, too, tells us that there are moments when God envelops us in perfect peace, granting a profound awareness of his unwavering love and support despite the challenges before us. Take, for instance, the remarkable example of Stephen. Despite being surrounded by an enraged mob about to hurl stones at him, Stephen enjoyed an overwhelming sense of calm and assurance. ‘Full of the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God’ (Acts 7:55).

Should we be surprised that God sometimes provides a profound sense of peace and confidence in him? Praise God for the way, in this instance, he has filled Levi and Lindsey with peace in his loving faithfulness. Real-life events like this can sometimes provide a more profound witness to the gospel’s power to save than any organised event, and this witness is one of the things Levi and Lindsay have asked for prayer for. Pray that their students, neighbours, friends and family would be astounded by the tangible presence of God’s grace, actively at work in their lives.

Of course, please pray for God’s healing hand upon Levi, and that He would bring him to full recovery. Pray also for their children, as they adjust to this new reality.

As Levi and Lindsey take a temporary step back from their ministry roles, I have taken on more of the ANU ministry on top of my other commitments – I’m feeling quite stretched! But we’ve already seen key students taking the initiative to organise and lead a discipleship training group which is so encouraging. I would appreciate your prayers for discernment to prioritise God’s will, and capacity to do whatever he asks.

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Secondly, some exciting news to share: I was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church just last month. This has significant benefits for our university ministry, allowing me to step into a formal chaplain role. Pray that this would provide greater stability to our ministry, open doors for collaboration on the campus, and strengthen our partnerships with churches in our community as we labour together to advance God’s kingdom. It may even mean we get access to a room or two during the cold Canberra winters!

Thank you for your support and prayers during this season.

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