Adventures on Waya Island

Our adventure began at 6 am when we left the PTC Base and headed to the Post Office where we would meet up with the Awsome Adventures Tour Bus. The bus would take us to Denarau Marina where we would be catching a cruise boat to the outer islands.(Yasawa Islands) We made sure all our luggage got from the bus to the boat and some of the girls went and got the last of real food as they know it for 12 days! The cruise boat ride was about 2 hours and very nice from the sundeck. I took many pictures of the individual resort islands we made stops at for the tourists. WOW pristine waters and beautiful white sand beaches great vacation stops for sure. When we made it to Waya Island we all loaded onto a small fishing boat with all our luggage in the bow! The water was right at the edge of the boat and we had a 15 minute ride into the village. (exciting to say the least) There were 2 young Fijian boys (dads boat) riding with us and I think all the white faces scared the youngest because he began to cry (Sciri gave him her Coke and all was well) We arrived at the shore and unloaded into the water it was fantastic! Louisa and Lissi where there to greet us with fresh coconuts to drink and enjoy the fresh meat, so very good. The men of the village unloaded all our baggage and set us up in the Pastors house. (from the Methodist Church, they moved out into a Bure (traditional Fijian house) and let us take over ther home. Pastors wife had a 2 week old baby, incredible hospitality!) We all rested and got settled in for the rest of the day. We slept community style in the living area putting our beds away each day. (Dazza & Jan, Mark & Stephanie+Joshua, Keisha,Grace & Christie all had rooms the rest of us were together, great experience) Sunday morning we all went to church at the Methodist Church. It was "Bula Vou" the begining of a new month when each of the cell groups (similar to our home groups) gets up and sings in front of the congregation and then an offering is taken after each one. (there where 6 different groups) There are many traditions kept in this church, standing to sing(acapela mind you, no instruments)many announcements, the main sermon, communion (come forward to be given)and more that just did not translate for me. The service is from 10 am till 1 pm and in Fijian. I loved the singing but was lost during the rest and just read my bible. Some of us had trouble staying awake the whole time but all was well.When we returned from church for lunch we were told that we would be in charge of the Womens Ministry meeting from 3pm -4pm that afternoon. Semper Gumbie has been a great motto on this trip!(always flexible is translation for those of you that didn't get it)We had an excellent time with the women. Our theme was Proverbs 31:25 "she is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future." I shared times in my life when God clothed me with dignity as a single mom and my journey with Tyson when I trusted in God and did not fear the outcome. Our diet has been a bit over starched! (casava, taro, potatoes, white dough fried,boiled,baked and any other way you can think of) and our guts are screaming! Curry and Dahl(which I actually like) are also staples. Monday we began house visits 2x2. We met many new people and began some great relationships.Tuesday we would be hiking to Natawa, a village on the other side of the mountain from Yalombi where we are staying. (15 minutes Fijian time 1 1/2 hours American time!) We would also be teaching here and so we spent Monday afternoon preparing for that. We were up early and left at about 6:30 am and made it to Natawa at 8 am. What a hike straight up the mountain then along the ridge and back down the other side! When we arrived we had tea and biscuits(cookies to my american friends)on our hosts veranda. At 9am the conch shell was blown calling the village together. The men would be helping with the buiding of a new house for the Pastor and the women would be teaching on a closer relationship with God (Sal did Father Heart and Jan taught on our own quiet times and what they could look like).We had lunch as a community (roti and curry begining to be a staple) and then visited with some of the women. More teaching in the afternoon (I taught the 8R's of freedom and walking them out in our daily lives and Keisha followed with her testimony that completely follows all I just taught, God is so amazing at putting it all together!) We all met back on the veranda for tea before we left for a little rest. Suddenly Landoa is up and telling us "time to go it is going to rain." Now if you had hiked the cliff we hiked there you would understand that rain and the path do not mix. You go from hiking to sliding! So off we went and some went ahead at a little bit faster of a pace (not my option of course, I am slow and steady wins the race! LOL)Well, the rain started and it was beautiful to see when we reached the ridge and looked back at the sky but at the same time dangerous for us hiking in. Jan and I are somewhat in the rear middle (if that makes any sense) and we are praying for John behind us who has some back and knee problems not even thinking of the young ones ahead. As we were desending we all came to a stop when Sal got her foot stuck in a root and then her body slid down the path! (the sound effects were definately not good ones.) Things went both fast and slow from there (I know it sounds odd but thats just how it went!) Dazza splinted Sals leg, Keisha fainted, the rain got heavier, Kim and Grace went ahead for help from the village, the Rugby players came to carry Sal off the mountain, we all followed going ever so carefully and John had a couple Tarzan moments off the side of the trail but we got him back on track and everyone off the mountain as the rain subsided. (doesn't it always work that way?) All the same it was an incredibly adventureous day! When we all got back to the house Sal had the nurse checking her, dinner was being prepared so Ladua, Bill, Dazza, Jan and I all went for an evening swim in the ocean! So relaxing after that day. Jan and I got out and headed to the shower room to help each other wash our hair and have our bucket shower. Joe was an angel that night and gave Jan and I both foot massages. I slept so well that night. Unfortunately Sal was being sent back to Lautoka for x-rays and to see what could be done. Wednesday Sal, Dennison and Sciri left for the mainland. We heard that evening that Sal had a vertical break in the tibia and would be flying back to Australia for surgery, pins and casting.


After they left that morning we continued with visitations and Kids Club in the afternoons. There is so much that happen in our visitations I can't wait to share with you but to much to put down here. Suffice it to say we serve an AWSOME GOD! The plan is to catch a boat this evening for Namara Island and go to the village of Yamata for a crusade. We will be preaching, teaching and praying.Jan is not doing so well and is in bed with fever and diareah.(we are keeping our eye on her and much prayer for her healing) We were all on the beach ready to go and waiting for our boat (and waiting and waiting) a few phone calls later and Ledua informed us that it was cancelled! There are many strange things happening here on the island. Jan is going to have to go back to Lautoka in the morning. She is very dehydrated and still has diaoreah. The enemy has not wanted us to minister in the places we have been going, many other forms of attack have hit our team and the pastors compound is very opressing. There is more here than meets the eye! Later that night we received a call and the schools teachers were all going to Lautoka on Friday for testing and the one teacher that was staying back was not feeling well and was asking if we would be interested in teaching about God to the 1st through 7th grade classes? What an opportunity! Of course we said yes and off we went with skits, the 10 commandments and the wordless book as our tools. What a great day, we spent the morning teaching and singing praises, went home for lunch and returned for an hour in the afternoon. That night fishermen from Nalwaki( a village we will be visiting next week)brought us some octopus and other fresh fish for our dinner. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the octopus(i only ate the inside meat, I could not get the tenticle part to go down hehe!)Saturday we got to have a day off and did some return visits to villagers homes.

Week 2 in the Islands

Sunday another long Methodist service at the church in Yalombi. Ledua did translate the passage the Pastor was speaking on Zechariah 8:16, so I followed along somewhat and read the scriptures.(I tried to apply this to what I knew was going on in the village)Monday we did more visitation through the village and we have been so warmly welcomed everywhere. The people are so kind and generous.We have also continued with kids club. Dan and Jarryl (our new names for them for some reason we have all picked up on this and find it very funny) will be coming back to Yalombi today. While in Lautoka she got intravenous fluids and antibiotics and is doing much better . We are looking forward to their return and have missed them. You really do become a close family over time and circumstances. Tuesday a group of us headed out early in the morning by boat to Naluwaki for a youth camp. We are going to do the Sin Chair skit and give our testimonies.When we arrived it was my turn to be sick...The team prayed for me and I felt better so Keisha and I went out in the village for some visitation until noon. I almost made it but my intestines where not happy with the situation so we headed back to the pastors house where we would be staying the night. Soon others were returning and they decided to walk over the hill (7 minute Fijian time and 30 minute our time LOL) to the Octopus Resort after we had lunch.


What a spread they put out for us! There was raw clams in lemon juice, fried fish, baked fish,fish head soup and cassava.Some very good lemon juice also. I split my small piece of fish with Christie and tried some of the clams and juice. Not long after ingesting my food it was all ready to come back out. Christie and I stayed back from the hike to Octopus, not feeling well. We both slept hard until the others returned. Then we were off to the church for a special service. The service went from 7pm till 10:30 pm, we went back to Pastors house to rest and Christie and I were out for the night. Ledua came and got everyone else for the dinner prepared by the villagers and they had some skits and lots of laughter. Bill had said we would sleep in and be ready to go around 8am. In the morning around 7 Ledua is calling us all saying the boat is ready lets go! We went out quickly and had some tea with the Pastor and thanked him for his hospitality then back in the boat. The boat trip went all the way around the island so we got to see Natawa from the sea and then arrived in Yalombi in time for lunch. Christie and I were feeling a little better now. This was going to be the last Kids Club and they would be making the bracelets that share the gospel through their color. Gold for the kingdom, dark/black for sin, red for the blood of Christ, clean/white for believing and having faith and then green for our growing in the knowledge of the Lord. I prepared everything and then rested more. We were all getting packed up as well so we could take off the next afternoon. Thursday afternoon and the Chief and villagers all came out to say good bye to us and gave us shell necklaces. We were all invited back and had some very nice relationships started. All the luggage was put in the bow of the boat again and we began loading. Out we went to meet the big ship at 3:00 we got to the meeting point and waited. At 4:15 the ship finally showed up, we had been kidding around singing the theme song from Gilligan's Island (especially a 3 hour tour!) and seeing which character each of us was. Lots of fun waiting on the open sea in a small fishing boat!!! LOL Getting on the ship was so nice. We all felt some sort of relief. We would be going back to Lautoka for the next 10 days to continue visitations and Kids Club.

Back to Lautoka

We are all staying at the Cathey Hotel near to town and PTC. We had the first 2 days off and just rested from the island adventure. Sunday we went to Pastor Ravioli's Church (that's how I remember but it is not right) where we have been doing visitations. That evening we were to do the service at Ladua and Vika's church at Prayer Mountain. What a sweet time with the Lord and so refreshing and renewing.We planned to have worship and prayer every morning from 8 to 9 before stating our days.Monday and Tuesday we all went on visitation(those that were not sick that is)Wednesday I stayed back with Christie so we could prepare for the craft for Kids Club and get some rest as well.After Kids Club Jan, Darryl, Christie and I walked up to Ledua and Vika's for fellowship and dinner. I was impressed with the great food Vika had prepared for us since they too are missionaries and dependent on support for there needs. It is amazing to see Gods faithfulness all around us. We were quite full after eating and had some great conversation and entertainment by Jeremiah(their 1 year old little boy what a joy!) We had an ice cream social next at Marou House( PTC's pre-school and one of the locations for our kids club) The staff had a wonderful good bye send off for us with many yummy treats! Thursday our last day and I was in a battle to finish strong. I thought I would only do one activity until I went to worship and the Lord spoke so clearly to me to finish strong! So we all went to visitation for a final good bye and then our last Kids Club. Exhausted, but I knew I had done all that God had asked of me and it felt good. Friday morning we all were packed and in the lobby at 9:30 to go to the TokaToka Resort across the street from the airport for our final 2 days and rest and recuperate.(signs are we might have Typhoid running through the group) More to come once we hit Kona. I praise God for His continued FAITHFULNESS in my life and our entire team.

MORE SUGAR FEST WEEK

After the fun of the carnival my body said it had had enough. With the change of diet and especially lack of my Juice Plus (my next shipment did not make it to me before we left for Fiji ouch!) I had the flu! I have not been sick in over 10 years so this was a difficult thing for me. I slept most of Wednesday and then off and on on Thursday. Friday I couldn't stand being in bed any longer and got up and had a frigid shower which woke me right up, had some toast and was able to go to the college and be in the Cross skit and give my testimony to about 15 mixed Fiji/Christians and Indian/Hindus. What a joy it was! I was able to pray with 3 Hindu girls and plant seeds of Jesus love for them. Back to the base for some rest and dinner. That night we were given 3 days off! wow. Most went out on their own that night, Jan, Kim and I made cookies and popcorn and set up the big screen and projector with Marks help and had our own movie night. Saturday night Christie was invited to an Indian Hindu Wedding and asked Kim,Tres and I along. She met them on house visits down by Nadi. So after we finally found the place in the dark I really enjoyed it. We went in and met the groom and gave a small gift, met the sisters and mom and aunt quite a family thing. This was the 3rd day of the wedding and I am not to sure of the customs but grabbed a quick video for you all to experience.

SUGAR FESTIVAL WEEK

SUGAR FESTIVAL WEEK

This week started off with a day off at the beach. We joined with PTC staff and their DTS and went to a great beach for some relaxing, volleyball, cards and nice walks on the beach.We all slept well that night. I think the highlight or one of them anyway was our bus ride and the guys from the DTS singing I am putting a video clip in to share with you.


Tuesday was time to once again get back to ministry. Jan and Dazza have been doing a great job of leading our team and keeping it all together. While we were in Ba last week another part of the team had been involved in a Crusade and doing home visits down near Nadi. We would continue doing that as well as Kids Club and the teaching at the College. The new addition was a class today by Mark on "friend raising" the class was good and let us know that it is biblical to ask for support as a missionary! We are not beggars but obedient followers of Christ. In the afternoon I went once again with Vicca to pray with a woman she had just met. Vicca has been wanting to start a prayer group of women to pray for their children and families. (reminded me of Moms in touch) WOW! is all I can say we were praying in the Spirit full on for over 2 hours. What a blessing for me. Again I am wondering if missions is for them or us? ( I am going to say for all of us, we just think we are coming to serve and end up doing and receiving..isn't God amazing?)
So home again for dinner and then on to the Sugar Festival Carnival. I went out with Dazza and Uncle John. When we arrived it was a surprise to see our Ba friends running a booth. We mentioned how we missed the tea and Pastor Benny said he would bring some the next day. We said "sota tale" see you later for good-bye won't do, and made our way through the carnival. I forgot my camera that night so went back to take these and a shot video. (you thought it was dangerous in the states?)

BA TOWN, FIJI

So this week 4 of our team John (who we now refer to Uncle John) Mark (who left us early for prep on another teaching) Keisha and I (Sal joined us cause she missed Keisha and I so much hehe) were sent to a town north of Lautoka at a little higher elevation. (they said it never got cold in Fiji, I beg to differ)We would be helping to put up a structure for church services in a squatter neighborhood. When we arrived the house we were going to stay in had been previously occupied by squatters and was in need of some TLC. We were blessed to have along with us some of the staff from PTC and they helped set up house for our short stay.The staff left behind Maryann to help us prepare meals. It felt so much like a camping trip in the high country only with an outdoor toilet and shower! Joining us from Christian Fellowship Revival was Pastor Benny, Bill, Tyto and Pa (a sweet 16 year old girl to help with meals)
Our first night we had some prayer time together and then made a prayer walk through the house, around the house, up on the hill where the building site was and above that the top of the mountain that overlooked the village. We claimed every footstep for the Kingdom of God! That night is when I found out that it does get cold in Fiji! I bet it dropped into the 50's and the next day Keisha and I headed into town and hit the thrift store for a sweatshirt and then found some socks (what sweet sleep it was after that, most of the time anyway)
John and Mark were on construction and Keisha and I were on prayer and hospitality. We climbed the mountain behind the site and had our own little prayer meeting the first 2 days, then we ventured out into the neighborhood and invited people to fellowship with us on Friday nite and also our first service on Sunday morning . The people are so very friendly on this island. Above are pictures of our mealtimes, the worksite and the first communion in their new structure (we had cookies and soda from the little store across the street)
Our mealtimes stand out the most for me. The fellowship was so sweet and I will forever remember the phrase from Pastor Benny, "have one more cup of tea". This was the best lemon leaf tea ever.(picked straight from the tree out back!) So many children came to visit us. (our white skin sort of stands out) You new they where home from school when you heard Auntie, Auntie! They have no boundaries and would run right into our sleeping room so we kept the doors closed after 3pm! The guys moved right along with building even through some cultural and language differences. The biggest challenge was for the right tool or equipment. They had to build an " A" ladder to put the metal roof on. They went to 4 different supply stores for bolts and such and ended up purchasing a new drill for the Lautoka Base. (the one we brought had seen it's better days) In the end, our fellowship night and Sunday service both went very well. The body of Christ in this little village will grow and flourish as well as drawing many from the town of Ba into the presence of God that exists in that quiet and unshakable little mountain top.

BA TOWN, FIJI

Our First Week In Fiji

So we had a wonderful trip to Fiji. We left Kona at 8am on the 29th of June and went to Honolulu to catch the flight out to Fiji. We were able to stop at Christmas Island for refueling and got to look out the door and see the International Airport. Quite a sight it was! We landed in Nadi, Fiji around 7pm on the 1st of July and made our way through Immigration and Customs and the crew meeting us had a van waiting to take us to the base in Lautoka. The rain was coming down and it was quite humid. We have been blessed since with very good weather, somewhat hot and humid but nothing we cannot handle. Above is a picture of the base and my view of the sun rising in the morning during my quiet time. We were given a wonderful welcome banquet and some great entertainment you can see below:




Our first week of ministry has been such a blessing. We have 3 days of Kids Clubs, Hospital visiting, Mens group, a 3 day conference on prayer and we sent one of our men to talk about World View at a mens retreat and 3 others off to the mountains to do Plumbline at a church camp for boys and girls. I was blessed this week to go help with the Kids Clubs and have a video for you to watch below.


On Saturday night I got to celebrate my Birthday with little Jerimiah (Landoa and Vicca,s 1 year old son - the first birthday is a very special one here)We had an incredible dinner, cake and ice cream and some wonderful entertainment. We led this Sundays service at the Assembly of God Church and performed our skit which is quite powerful (no I don't have video for that one sorry!)
So today was our day off and Vicca came to me and asked if I could go pray for a sick woman with her, of course I could that is what I am here for so...was I ever blessed one of the best days I have had yet. I am looking forward to what God has prepared for me in the coming weeks. Again thanks for all the prayers I am feeling much better and have started sleeping better.

Incredibly Blessed

So as I write this I am fighting off I don't know what but definitely
feeling on the attacked side. We had a good morning hanging out and then went to the beach where something came over me and it felt so overwhelmingly oppressive! I went and sat alone and just poured my heart out to God. I could not control the tears streaming down my face and could not understand where this all was coming from. I would love prayer as we go out to the mission field for this may be the cause of the attack, keeping me ineffective and oppressed. I would also like to share the remaining teaching we have had here I stopped at week 5 so will continue with Week #6 our speaker was Dave Bryant and he spoke on Spiritual Warfare.(how appropriate in my state at this time haha) His wife, her sister and her sisters husband were with us as well. His wife Cheryl and sister Juanita are the granddaughters of A.A.Alan. (an evangelist in the 50's)Dave told of a great book by Merrill Unger called What demos(or fallen angels however you look at them) can do to saints. I am interested in reading this . I liked Dave because he started out with I don't do weird, but when weird is staring you in the face you have to deal with it, so we went to the bible and found out what Jesus did with weird(only it wasn't weird then, they found it quite normal for Jesus and the apostles to cast out demons and heal the sick! what are we missing today?) God has given us the power and authority through Jesus Christ to forcibly eject (ekballo) evil spirits from ourselves and others. John 14:12 Sometimes God must offend the mind to get to the heart! There needs to be a balance between supernatural (which God is and has made us with a spirit as well) and knowledge. We cannot do kingdom life being heavy on either side of this there must be a balance.
Week # 7 was Mark Anderson who talked about the Acts church and where the world is headed. The top down church is not what Jesus had in mind. We run church like a business when it couldn't be further from that. Mark has been teaching on Neighborhood Centers and they are growing up all over the world. People meet together in their homes, places of business or even dorms. Elders are just that, older men of wisdom and integrity for accountability, overseers and deacons are the younger to be servers of the groups. The apostles, teachers etc. are the body of Christ, we have all been gifted to do this and need to step out in faith and take turns preaching
his word." My house shall be a house of prayer" and this is where we should start along with a time of teaching, worship, communion and fellowship over a meal. This is the simple church to come. We must also live from the inside out, letting Holy Spirit (who is the third person of the trinity) lead and guide us. I love this quote from Paul Harvey "We have turned from being fishers of men, to keepers of the aquarium." On friday we heard from Dan & Basil about preparing a sermon and giving our testimony. There is power in our spoken testimony because it is ours and noone can take that away! We are to glorify God through what He has done in our personel lives and help others who can relate to our personal story. Week #8 was Fred Markert.
Fred told us we need to know the times so we know what we should be doing! There is a cycle to our history. We go from a Multi-Polar world to a Bi-Polar World to a Uni-Polar World. We are in a Uni-Polar world now but on the verge of Multi-Polar if things don't change. The Gospel is spread through a Uni-Polar World much easier than any other due to the freedoms of travel and safety for the most part. The traits of these great powers are 1) Economic 2) Military 3) Political 4) Cultural 5) Morality (this is the one they leave out in the universities but is what is missing or starts to fade in a society and bring it down) They must also be effective and effecient. When we are blessed we forget about God, so He shakes us and makes us to have revivalin all the nations. Global harvest is the purpose. C.S. Lewis put it this way : What if what is on Gods agenda is not our happiness but that we grow up!" & core things to be a Christian: 1)Repentance, both individually and corporately 2)Be baptized and live it out 3)Prayer as a lifestyle 4)Love God and your neighbor in a practical way 5)Give generously, without the thought of return 6)Break bread, share a meal, fellowship 7)Be witnesses of Jesus where you live and around the world, help others to do the same. One of Fred's quotes that stuck with me is " Don't imminitize the Eschaton" We cannot have perfection in a fallen world, get over it! We can overtake the darkness withHis light if we so let it shine to all! The bible is a story with a relational God not a systematic study. Focus on what we know, love God love others and go into all nations(people groups, not countries) Only 1% of the Christian body needs to go into full time ministry. Are we being wise stewards? All men are equally lost, but all men are not equally needy. Dr. Ralph Winter Week#9
we had another corporate week with Jaison Ma and Eric Fish, both involved in the student led simple church movement. Jaison spoke on intimacy with Christ and waiting on the Lord as well as how Holy Spirit is a person of the trinity just like Father and Son. Holy Spirit wants to be known and experienced. (I know this was right up there with weird but when you experience it you know it is real and it is of God!) The day God stops using you is the day you stop seeking Him! We must be diligent and consistent in our seeking His face. Are you content with the level of God in you? Then seek Him out daily, we must make room for Him in this busy (Being Under Satans Yoke)life we lead. There is a price to pay but if you seek Him you will find Him. He delights in His children and loves for us to come to Him. Repentance opens the door to intimacy with Christ.How I walk is dependant only on me relinquishing my rights and allowing Holy Spirit to lead and listening to the voice of the Father. Jesus never did anything the Father did not tell Him to do, we are to listen to that same voice. Week # 10 was with Gord Whyte and he spoke more on Holy Spirit and this is where I again received more healing and partook in things I did not believe in. It is very hard for me to believe that someone could be blown on and fall over, however when you are on the receiving end of that and feel Holy Spirits presence and healing deep in your soul it is so undeniable. WOW I pray that all will come to a relationship with and enter into the circle dance of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It has been quite a journey and I will never be the same! We are packing up now and cleaning so we can leave early Tuesday for Fiji.
On another note God has been so faithful and has been my Jehovah Rapha (healer) and Jehovah Jirah (provider) I came her after paying my $1000 deposit and upon arriving paid another $575
of the total owing of $8000. The rest the lord has provided through the body of Christ and I am forever thankful to Him and my loving brothers and sisters. I will be continuing this life of service and would appreciate full time support from any who felt led of God to do so. I would love to share what has happened in my own life and talk with others as well. Feel free to contact me if you are at all interested. May His face shine upon you all and may we all shine in His Glory.

Publish Post

Mahalo (Thank you hawaian style) I will share more from Fiji soon. Love to all.

OFF TO FIJI

Yes I know the missionary life is a tough one but someone has to go to the islands as well as the other countries and God has found favor with my team to send us to Fiji. We are preparing and doing much cultural study on the people of the island. It seems a very hospitable culture and family oriented. There are a few Fijians on the Kona base and a couple who have just returned that are sharing with us and helping us to be prepared and not offend right off the bat! We are learning the do's and don'ts of island life and the importance of our unity as a team. There will be much interaction between the children and us and that leads to relationship with the rest of the family. The Fijians respect the wisdom of the elders and the preciousness of the young. In between are the young adults who work to train up the young and learn from the wise. What a concept! I was going to share the last couple weeks but will wait till I have more time. Until next time, May you be covered with the dust of your Rabbi..........

OFF TO FIJI

Transformation Process

So I apologize for not updating sooner. However we are on quite
a rigorous schedule! Monday thru Friday we start the day with
breakfast at 6:15 - 7:30 Mondays corporate worship for an hour in Ohana (family) Court from 8 am to 9 am and then on to class until lunch at 12:00. Wed. I have my one on one with our small group leader at lunch time. Monday and Wed. we have outreach prep from 1 pm till 2:30 and Tues. and Fri. we have small groups. From 3pm till 5pm every day we have our work duties.( I am getting to garden in tropical weather which is so very different from what I am used to! Learning a lot.) After that we have dinner from 5pm till 6:30 and we are free to do our class reading, work on our journals and our 2 book reports that will be due during this 5 months. Wow I am tired just going over it all. On top of that our class meets in the pre-school area which is at the bottom of this somewhat steep hill and our room is at the top! God has a sense of humor for sure..I had said I wanted to lose weight while I was on this Journey and He is making it all quite possible in His quirky little ways!
So the corporate worship is incredible. I am enjoying it tremendously. Our classes have been intense as well. We have speakers each week with specific topics and I will give you a little taste of each one:
Week #1 was Brian Brennt on The Character of God. Brian made class so much fun and confirmed that the Christian life can be fun and should be! God is LOVE.
The word tells us to pursue love, put on love, increase and abound in love, be sincere in love, unified in love and fervent in love as Jesus is fervent in love for us! God wants us to replicate His character on earth. There is only one problem, satan does too. We went through some of the Names of Jesus as well. I love this kind of study. There is so much meaning.
Week #2 was Doug Richardson on Hearing Gods Voice Doug showed from the beggining of class by knowing all our names and entering into relationship with
us that hearing Gods voice is all about loving other people. It's NOT ABOUT ME!
The Imagio Deo of God the Father, Son, Holy Spirit in relationship with me in the center of their love. Doug touched on a couple points I would love to share.
1) Don't believe everything you think!
2)The difference between "doing" and "being"
We are made to "be" not "do"
We must put ourselves at stake if we want to know God. We must live out LOUD!
The nature of the Kingdom is not to end evil but to overtake it, by hearing His voice and being obedient to His calling.
Week #3 we had Kristen (a man) and Cindy (incredible worship leader) from New Zealand - Corporate Week - we met in Ohana Court everyday.
They talked about how God will shake all of the things in our lives until He remains! The things that shake us can be our best friend, but others may think we are crazy. Matt. 22:14 all are called few are chosen ( Gods response to how we position our hearts, our desperation for Him, our hunger to be filled with Him.
Kristen told us we need to have better times in private with God than we do in public, to find that secret place and spend significant time with Him only then will He give revelation because His desire is relationship with His people!
Week #4 Dr. Bruce Thompkins -Plumb Line
This was a video series and very intense. Amos 7:7 talks of Gods plumb line and how we are all out of line with God. How we can swing to either rejection (unbelief) or rebellion (pride) or both. Thats where I was swinging back and forth between the two and not even aware of it. We had a day of ministry time for each of us in our small groups and it was there that I was delivered from so much pain from my past I had no idea was buried in there. I feel such a peace and am learning the love of God through these wonderful people He has put into our Crossroads class. I also have new eyes for so many of my friends back home and my dear sweet family. So exhausting physically and emotionally but well worth it! Praise God for His love and care.
Week #5 just ended and was done by Don Stephens (no not the guy in the book)
Don spoke on Biblical World View.
God created everything for His glory and wants that glory to shine through His people to other people until the evil in this world is overcome by the light of His glory. His glory is revealed in so much, music, nature, movie moments even. The seeds we sow we will reap. Truth produces life and lies produce death. However if we add truth to to death it can begin to grow! Praise God. Go to all the nations and bring the kingdom to them. We don't want to take over the world just influence it in the 7 spheres (education, family, media, church, govt., commerce & science, arts & entertainment) and as we do this we are planting seeds of truth that will over grow the weeds of the lies of the enemy. The church is the body (His people) visible and relative, the kingdom is the Kings territory ( all creation)
invisible and absolute.
I will post more in a week or so. Keep up your prayers God is doing a work.
Love to all in Jesus name!

Community Living

So this is the view from our front lanai (balcony) and these are my roomates I will be living in community with for the next 5 months. We are a unique group.Grace is our youngest at 23, she has a contagious laugh and just fills you with a happiness looking at her.Grace comes from Virginia,USA. Susan is one of the 3 older women in the room and has such a nurturing spirit about her that makes you quite comfortable in sharing anything.(She knows what I am talking about hehehe)Susan hails from the great state of Washington, USA.Next is me and most of you know me I hope.I am from California, USA. Christie is one of 2 Aussie's in our room. She comes from Perth and has a gentle and quiet spirit about her, but I am guessing there is much more there waiting to come out! Keisha is a precious prayer warrior coming from the state of Kentucky, USA. She has been at IHOP for the last couple years and her competitive side is showing now as we start playing UNO! hehehe. Kim is the other older woman to join myself and Susan. She comes all the way from the other side of the big island in Hilo. She is Korean born and has such a child like spirit. So very sweet and innocent. She also has her car with her! WhooWhoo! Last but certainly not least would be our warrior preacher Sally, from Melbourne. The other Aussie in the house. Love to listen to them speak. She is a strong presence for the Lord and looking forward to seeing how He uses her. So here we are 7 women, one large sleeping area, a community room we share with another 6 women and one bathroom with A shower and 2 stalls!
Incredibly life has been so smooth these past weeks. We all get along very well and have learned to give and take quite well. The consideration level grows more everyday..God is so very good!
More to come.

Traveling

So I thought traveling would be pretty cool and it was with a few minor glitches. I thought my flight would leave at 9:20 from Manila but we left at 10:30 so....I was at the airport at 6:00 to get everything checked in! If you can believe this I was through all of it by 6:30 and waiting for my flight. Our flight was quicker than the flight there only 11 hours so I left Manila at 10:30pm on the 8th and got into San Fran at 7:30pm on the 8th(I got to live the day again only in an airport!can you say groundhog day..hehehe) I had to wait for the flight to Kona in the am at 9:00. The flight was over booked and very risky for stand by. God is so good! They had one empty seat and it was in first class! Wow! I felt so spoiled and very out of place.
So I arrived at the airport in Kona and was just amazed and in some kind of culture shock I believe, little huts as terminals (hehehe ) the other airports were so big and this one so laid back and small.
I collected my bags and found a taxi to the campus. Another God thing here, I asked how much cause I only had 33.00 American dollars and the rest in Philippine pesos. The driver said that was about right so on we went.I kept watching the meter go up and when it passed my 33.00 amount I thought God how am I going to pay for this, silly question I know....So I get out and tell the driver (who as we talked on the drive told me he is Filipino and knew the places I had been but was from another province)I only have 33.00 dollars and he said " oh I can take the pesos I will use them on my vacation! "Thank you LORD!
At this point I think I have basically been up for 2 days traveling and catching a cat nap here and there! I must have looked like a new student because the most wonderful young man walked by and asked if I needed some help. Again thank you LORD. I said I was a CROSSROADS Student and looking for Bob Hopkins. He took my bags and said follow me everyone is at lunch (to me it is around 11:00 pm Filipino time)I followed and we found Bob in a round about way. I had some salad one of the students offered me and then Bob took me to our room, which happens to be a new building and all the way at the top of the campus.(I am going to get in shape if nothing else!)
We walk in and I am introduced to 6 other women I will be living in community with for the next 5 months, 3 of those with one bathroom and who knows on outreach. Their response " your not Filipino!" I guess since I was coming from the Philippines they thought I was Filipino! We had a meeting around 3 and then dinner and opening night, the Holy Spirit's presence was so powerful and I was washed over with such a peace that after (I think I am close to 3 days now without much sleep) sleep came and all was well. Remember the heat from the Philippines? Well I slept with a light blanket and it was so wonderful!!! Sorry no pictures but soon I will post some.
I am still praying for support and trusting God for His provision. May you feel the peace of His presence in your life.

Birthday-Welcome -Going away Party

So we had the party of all parties! Sonny's Birthday, the BAS Team arrived from India and saying good-bye to me. What a great night of friends, food and fellowship. Some of the women from 12th street were there as well as Irene and her family from the Lotus Foundation. What a talented group they are from BAS singing and playing. We also played a great game however my team did not win. I will be packing and getting ready to go to Kona now. The party was on Monday and Tuesday I am taking lumpia and Turon to the women's bible study on 12th street for another goodbye. Meeting new people is great , it is saying goodbye that hurts. Let these pictures speak for themselves. Needless to say I did shed some tears. What a blessing these women have been to my life!

Pictures from Easter

Team arrives and Easter Sunday

The BAS (Birth Attendant School) Team arrived late Friday night from India and Tanzania, 12 of them with 7 more to follow in a week. What an amazing group of people. I have enjoyed getting to know them and hear of what they have been experiencing in India and in Tanzania. We all rose at 4am to get down to the beach for CRC's Sonrise Service for Easter Sunday. Half of us went in the van and the other half got a jeepney down to the bridge near the gate of the Freeport Zone (the old Navy Base) and Sonny went and picked them up after dropping us.
Wonderful time of worship and word. When we got back Leslie and Sonny surprised the team with an Easter egg hunt! What fun, Buddy even got in on the egg hunt.

A BIG day at The Project Life Center

The high speed machines were delivered today, Wed. March 31st 2010. What an exciting time for the Livelihood Ministry. The guys were there to learn how they are put together and 3 of the main sewers were there to start training. There will be about 10 trained to start with. They will also be training some for accounting and marketing. It was so nice to sit and have lunch with them after a long morning and hear them discuss ideas they have for marketing certain areas of business. This is how you can help people help themselves! This is such a great project.

Last but definitely not least was the celebration of our graduates and saying good bye to Gay-Ann. We had 6 graduates from the sponsorship ministry. One from college, Johnry who has been studying midwifery and plans to open his own clinic. Two students from High School, Anthony and Robert who are both very intelligent and hard working. One student moving into high school, Rusty he is very likable and two kinder graduates, JenJen and Jalyn. I was honored to be able to present the graduates with a small gift for their accomplishments and pray over them for their future.
The festivities then moved on to saying good bye to Gay Ann who has been here from the start on 12th street. Many spoke and shared their gratefulness to her for sharing God's love with them and showing them they were Gods children too
and that they should feel no shame and are worthy of the Fathers love! Many tears were shed as individuals shared their stories and thanked her personally.
It would not be a celebration without food! So next we had panceta and lumpia(my favorite again!)and lots of sweet tea. The youth offered to clean up and close the center so that Leslie and I could join Sonny. His family had just arrived to visit for a few days and were eager to meet Leslie. Well this brings us up to date here and I will continue to post my experiences here in the Philippines. In closing "May you be covered by the dust of our rabbi"

Then on Friday afternoon we went to Castillejos, Zambales for the opening of the Zambales Speech Center for Children with Clefts. What an extraordinary experience that was! There are many differences in our cultures and this was definitely one of them. The Mayor of the area and the Baranguy Captain were both in attendance as well as Irene, representing the Lotus Foundation and Henrich Treutner, a German sponsor with Lotus Foundation.
We enjoyed the presentation and also toured the small facility. It was a good day all in all and the children closed with a song " I am but a small voice".