Transitions

Hello everyone!

I can't believe it's already been five months that I've been in Australia! It's going by way too fast! This past month has been one of transitions. These involved transitions within school, as well as transitions of some amazing people out of the country.

At the beginning of the month, the interns and I continued helping at the school. We helped the teachers out in their classrooms, during lunch, and recess. In addition to this, we all had the opportunity to teach Scripture classes at the various schools.

We continued with youth group until the end of the term. The last night of the term was the 5th of July, which meant an American theme! We all wore red, white, and blue, and had American snacks, such as Loaded Baked Potato and Dill Pickle Pringles, Reeses, and Hersheys bars, as well as A&W Root Beer and Dr Pepper. We had American trivia, and at the end of the night we lit sparklers.

 About a week into July, the term ended, where we transitioned to holiday. During this break, Nate, the interns, and I went down to Sydney for a couple of nights. The second day, we went to the beautiful Blue Mountains. The next day, we did a little more exploring in Sydney, and then returned home to Newcastle.

After this, we made it a point to spend time with some of the people we work with. We had several game nights, as well as a couple times meeting up to play basketball. We had a fun bowling night before the break ended. This involved both the youth and young adult groups.

There were a few awesome people who had to go back to America during this time. The first was Katie, the Branhams daughter, who has been an integral part of the ministry here. She left to go to Bible College in the States. Less than a week later, the interns Mia and Bailey finished their time here and flew back to America. These were transitions I knew I'd have to face, but it's still hard. It's hard not having them here anymore, but I know that God has great things in all of their futures.

This week saw another transition. The transition into a new term a school. The first few days, Nate, Alex, and I helped out in the classrooms with the teachers. Today, Alex and I both taught another couple of Scripture classes. We are looking forward to youth group starting up next Friday night, and the continued relationships we get to build with people over the next month.

As I begin this last month in Australia(at least for the time being), I look back on all the awesome things God has taught me and the amazing people I've met here. I plan to finish strong here during this last month. I appreciate all your support and continued prayers! I love you all!

In Christ,

Timothy Poeschl

Time Flies!

Hello Everyone!

The interns!

It has been an eventful fourth month here in Australia! Time is flying way too fast! At the end of last month, four other interns arrived, and have helped out with the work here. It's been amazing getting to know these awesome people over the past month! I have had a great time showing the other interns the area and the work being done here.

Shortly after they arrived, we all took turns getting sick. I was sick for a few days, but bounced back! The medical care here is superb! Being sick on the mission field is not good, as there are many ministry activities that I miss because I'm sick. It is important to stay away from the kids while I am sick, to avoid passing it on to anyone though.

Fun at youth group!

This month, I played guitar for worship team again, which I always enjoy. I also gave the talk for youth group again. My talk was on the mistakes of David, and how he repented and was faithful to God. The week after that, I preached the sermon on Sunday morning. This was the first sermon I've given in a church setting. God was there to help me through it, taking away the nerves of speaking in front of people. I spoke on James 4:11-12. I also had the opportunity to give the communion meditations a few times this month.

Northlakes Church has amazing people!

Last week was Naidoc week at one of the Primary schools I work in. During this week, I learned about the history and many aspects of the aboriginal people. I was excited to learn about these things and feel like I am enriched as a person and as a missionary because of this.

There have also been reminders of the brevity of life, as well as the reality that life still goes on back in the United States. Earlier this week, I learned that a friend of mine had her second stroke in less than 18 months. Please pray for her recovery. Yesterday morning, I found out a former coworker passed away unexpectedly a few days ago. I ask for prayers for his family and friends who are mourning right now. It's times like this, when I can't control the situation, that I need to trust God. He knows what's going on.

Leading the talk at youth group

God is in control, even if things don't go the way we planned. Sometimes we think we know the best way, but then something happens that wasn't part of that plan. At first, it might seem like it is the worst thing ever, but then God shows us that He has a better plan. God has had to remind me of that. Instead of worrying about what the future holds or what God's plan for me is, I have learned to rest in the knowledge that His will is perfect.

Preaching on Sunday morning

In this next month, please pray for the missionaries here, as well as all the interns who are serving here. In a week, holiday starts, and so that will be a welcome rest for everyone here. Tonight, I am continuing a Bible study started by a missionary couple currently back in the US raising support. I am also excited about the opportunity to connect with more people here during the holiday! Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I love you all!

In Christ,

Timothy Poeschl

Communion meditation

Why am I here?

Taking Time to Pose for a Picture!

Hello everyone!

Brekkie Club with Mr. Harrison!

I've officially been in Australia for three months now, and I've found there is so much to love about this place. I wish you could all be here! I know I've said it before, but the people are so friendly! This is all good, but why am I here?

I asked myself this question recently, as I was feeling like there was such a monumental task ahead, and I felt as though I wasn't making a difference. I felt like maybe I wasn't cut out for this type of work. 

It's almost winter here and so the days are much shorter and the temperatures are dropping, especially at night. At school, I help out with brekkie(breakfast) club, help out in the class rooms, and supervise games. At church, I help with youth group, sometimes leading games or giving the talk, I also help with set up on Sunday mornings, and lead communion every few Sundays. I help out with game nights on Monday evenings and try to spend time with people throughout the week.

Leading Communion

But in all of this, I wondered if all I was doing was really making a difference. Then it happened. Yesterday, one of the students saw me setting up games and yelled, "Mr. Tim! Are games open today?" I told them they were, to which they replied, "Yay! I like you very much Mr. Tim!" I suddenly remembered back to when I first got here and started leading games. This same student used to run through everyone's games and throw the pieces everywhere. They didn't like me very much at the time either, as I would attempt to stop them and report their behavior to their teacher. Now, they are playing games with other children and if they are sad, they run to me for help. 

Helping in Class

Later on, after lunch, the school librarian asked me about what it was that I do and what organization I'm affiliated with. After telling her, she explained that she went to a Baptist church in town. She then told me how much she and the other teachers appreciate the help in classes. 

After hearing these things, I am confident that the work I'm doing here is making a difference. But it's not really me doing it. It's God doing it through me. He qualifies the unqualified. I praise God that He brought these two people into my day yesterday to help me remember that. Because sometimes, we can feel like failures. But remember that we might not be seeing the whole picture. God knows what's going on and He's in control. Let Him do His mighty work in you!

In Christ,

Timothy Poeschl

Supervising Games

James 1:2-3 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Playing Guitar for Worship

Two Months In!

Hi everyone! I miss you all so much and wish you were here with me! I have officially been in Australia for two months now, and it has just completely flown by. In fact, I think it's going a little too fast!

Right now, the schools are on holiday here for Easter, as well as ANZAC Day. For those of you reading this in the United States, ANZAC Day is most similar to our Memorial Day.

During this holiday, I have still continued to work with Northlakes Christian Church. The Easter service went very well with a great time of worship from the phenomenal worship team, and a powerful message from Pastor Rob. The whole crew worked hard to make the service a success.

I am also using this time to work on the last bit of schoolwork for this semester. I have a couple of large papers to finish, so the holiday has really been a blessing!

Next week, when the holiday is over, everything will kick back into full swing. I will be preparing to begin teaching Scripture classes, as well as Children's Church. I will also continue helping with the classes at the local primary school and helping with young adult game nights(pictured).

Many people have asked if I like it here in Australia. I can honestly say that I do! It is surprisingly similar to back home. The differences that do exist are quite subtle and are easy to adjust to. The people here are my favorite part. They are amazing!

Well, right now, I'm going to get back to my schoolwork! I love you all!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Welcome to Oz!

Welcome to Australia! Those of us from America have often heard it referred to as the "land down under." When I hear that, it sounds dark and mysterious. Like something hidden away. Now, I had seen television, movies, and social media showing that this was not the case. But what is it like to be here?

Well, I may have only been here for about a week, but I have noticed a few things. The first thing is that the people here do not ride around on kangaroos(lol), they don't run around throwing boomerangs all over the place, and they aren't all "Crocodile Dundee." They are people. People just like you and me. They enjoy some of the same music and movies that we do, and are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I've ever met. The temperatures outside may be warm, but not as warm as the hearts of the people I've met here.


 I am looking forward to spending the next six months here! I am excited to learn all about Aussie culture and immerse myself in their way of living life. I know that God called me here for a purpose, and I will live everyday learning what that purpose is. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I thank God for calling me here, and I thank everyone who supported me! Please keep praying and praising God for all He is doing and will do!


Australia is awesome, and so is Vegemite!;)

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18