Sunday, June 28, 2009
Last Week--June 21-27
It was an emotional week last week. The week before was a tough one as far as patience and spirituality goes. This one was spiritual and emotional.
Taira and I have gotten to the point where the kids come to us with their problems, their concerns. They trust us and listen. They want to help out wherever & whenever they can. They love us and when it's time for us to leave for the day, they don't want to. The kids are our babies no matter how old they are. I've become very protective of the kids and love them dearly. I hate to see them go home to houses that aren't ideal situations. God's given Taira and me incomprehensible strength to get through the days.
Kids are opening up and telling us things that are pretty heart-wrenching and concerning. I know ya'll don't know them, but God does. Please keep the kids as a whole in prayer.
***
This week a Catholic group from Penn. came as well as a group from Missouri. The majority of the Missouri group came to kid's club. They had a schedule which was cool but the kids weren't used to it. I think what really got the kids and the group getting together and having fun was Thursday when we had a water fight. Water balloons and pitchers of water were thrown by Taira and me. We got them good! It was so much fun. Taira and I came away soaked to the bone, having to go to the apartments and change our clothes. I was so happy, though. When I hear the kids shriek with laughter and them hanging on me and begging for me to throw water on them, it makes me happy. I love to see them smile. It makes my day and reminds me why I'm here doing what I'm doing.
We made tie-dye shirts on Wednesday and had pretty cool lessons. We were blessed with one of those felt boards where you can stick the characters and objects on there. It was pretty sweet and the kids had a blast with them. Other than that, the group built a few relationships with some of the kids and hopefully they had as much fun as the kids seemed to have. The next post will be pictures so keep a look-out!
This week another Catholic group is here from Pittsburgh. Should be fun but the only struggle is gonna be the mornings. We have to travel at least 30 minutes to get to our host church. That means the missionaries have to be at AO at 6am every morning. Pray for us.
Ciao!
Taira and I have gotten to the point where the kids come to us with their problems, their concerns. They trust us and listen. They want to help out wherever & whenever they can. They love us and when it's time for us to leave for the day, they don't want to. The kids are our babies no matter how old they are. I've become very protective of the kids and love them dearly. I hate to see them go home to houses that aren't ideal situations. God's given Taira and me incomprehensible strength to get through the days.
Kids are opening up and telling us things that are pretty heart-wrenching and concerning. I know ya'll don't know them, but God does. Please keep the kids as a whole in prayer.
***
This week a Catholic group from Penn. came as well as a group from Missouri. The majority of the Missouri group came to kid's club. They had a schedule which was cool but the kids weren't used to it. I think what really got the kids and the group getting together and having fun was Thursday when we had a water fight. Water balloons and pitchers of water were thrown by Taira and me. We got them good! It was so much fun. Taira and I came away soaked to the bone, having to go to the apartments and change our clothes. I was so happy, though. When I hear the kids shriek with laughter and them hanging on me and begging for me to throw water on them, it makes me happy. I love to see them smile. It makes my day and reminds me why I'm here doing what I'm doing.
We made tie-dye shirts on Wednesday and had pretty cool lessons. We were blessed with one of those felt boards where you can stick the characters and objects on there. It was pretty sweet and the kids had a blast with them. Other than that, the group built a few relationships with some of the kids and hopefully they had as much fun as the kids seemed to have. The next post will be pictures so keep a look-out!
This week another Catholic group is here from Pittsburgh. Should be fun but the only struggle is gonna be the mornings. We have to travel at least 30 minutes to get to our host church. That means the missionaries have to be at AO at 6am every morning. Pray for us.
Ciao!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Heart
This week was a tough week for me.
I was feeling fuller of God and He was talking to me and laid some things on my heart. He showed me things I need to work on and things I needed to voice. This week, though, man, it was tough!
If it's okay, I'd like to take a post and dedicate it strictly to what has been going on spiritually. Too often, I get involved in what's been going on with the ministry and what God's doing there. I'm neglecting sharing what God's doing with me. Maybe what I write will help one of you folks who reads this. Maybe you'll feel encouraged. Maybe you'll feel like you're not alone. If you feel you do agree with me, I pray the Holy Spirit will speak to you so that we can carry on and learn something new God has for us.
I didn't work with this group at all. Taira and I (along with Jason and David) were given the reins for kid's club. By God's grace and mercy, everything went smoothly. Even though I didn't work with the group, I was annoyed with them. Every night we all got together and talked about what we did and such. Every night all I heard was what the human did and not what God did. There wasn't anything said like "God did this" or "God did that". It frustrated me completely because it's never us who does anything. All our abilities and strength and opportunities are given to us by God. We shouldn't be taking credit for anything! So to hear that every night got to me. A few things happened tonight that I was spiritually angry about and I vented to Betsy and Taira and them in full.
Coming back from devotions, I had some convictions though. Luke 6:41 came into my head when I walked into my apartment. There are things that bug me about other people but I should be evaluating my own heart. When I'm perfect THEN and ONLY THEN should I start pointing fingers. And even then I shouldn't because the only One who is perfect is God and through grace and mercy and abounding love, does He not point fingers. Instead, He picks us up when we do wrong, brushes us off, and puts us back on track.
To rid myself of this hectic, troublesome week, I sang in the shower. God bless Betsy for putting up with my constant singing. I sing probably every time I'm in the shower and she does nothing about it. Usually, at home, my dad will bang on the door and I laugh and start singing in a quiet whisper. But Betsy. Dude, I can sing like at the top of my lungs and she wouldn't mind. I've done it. (I sang "Memory" when I thought no one was in the apartment. I'm pretty sure she heard every note...)
Anyway. So I sang "Heart of Worship" over and over again. Those lyrics really stood out to me tonight. We were rushed to practice tonight and it was definitely thrown together at the last minute. I got on stage and as I began singing, I just gave it to God. And as I'm sitting here writing, a thought popped into my head. When we sing to God, it doesn't have to be perfect. It doesn't even have to be in key (though those who are listening would appreciate it). When your heart is in the right place and you really don't care what anyone thinks but God, that's when true worship becomes a part of you.
Truthfully, I didn't sing what others would consider my "best", meaning it was a little off with the music and such. But, truthfully, tonight was the best worship I've ever had. I think because I was imperfect God was able to shine. I wasn't singing to impress anyone. I closed my eyes and sang to God. It was beautiful and after I sat down I didn't care what others thought. I had done my job. I had worshipped the Lord and I was content with that. I wasn't upset with how my singing was. I was upset about something else, which if any AO staffers want to know, just ask.
After I sang in the shower, some verses came to me and were swimming around in my mind. I'll write it out because I think it's so awesome.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the
gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and
surrender my body to the flames, but have not love,
I am nothing.
And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 13
"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, Jesus". It's all about Jesus. Everything we do, say, think is all about Jesus. Am I setting a good example? Am I being a righteous leader? Am I going out with the love of Christ and love for my brothers and sisters in Christ each day I serve? If I serve and have no love, everything I do is for nothing.
I was convicted because this week I didn't fully love the group. I was wrapped up in what was not there instead of what was there. God was there. Someone said in our AO devotions tonight that God works even when we have a bad attitude. He still brings honor and glory through His Name. Even if I don't think God can work because of someone's attitude...well, maybe that someone is me. God can and He does work and it's only my stupid, foolish, tunnel thinking that makes me assume otherwise.
Basically what I learned this week was: don't underestimate the power of Christ. I can't control how people respond and I can't make them respond how I want them to respond. No, that's God's job. I am only supposed to be a tool, not the carpenter.
So with that, I bid you all a lovely weekend.
Cleaning starts tomorrow and then Saturday is our own to spend however we wish. Nichole and a bunch of us are thinking hiking. We'll see. I'll tell you one thing, I will hug a tree if we go. It's been so long since I have...
Ciao!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What God is Doing Here
Praise: I have my own internet access =) Though I only had to borrow Taira's laptop for a day, it's nice to be able to sit in my room whenever I want and write til my heart's content.
This week has become a challenge. The reasons are as such:
#1: It's the first week Taira and I are embarking on doing Kid's Club by ourselves. We've enlisted the help of two AO summer missionaries: David and Jason to help us out. So far they've been great and the kids seem to enjoy them (almost as much, if not more, as the college team). By the end of the week, I believe the kids will adore the boys. All they want is to be loved and the guys are loving on them so we'll see how it goes. I'm worried about a few of the kids. The way they interact around others makes you wonder how their home lives are. It breaks my heart to have to see them leave, knowing full well their home situation may not be the best. The few hours I have with them are very precious because in that amount of time, Taira and I must set a loving and safe environment. They should be willing to come to us with anything and tell us. I think so far, God has worked with us in order to establish that sort of environment.
There are a few kids who are new and we're trying to figure out their situations. Keep the kids in your prayers.
#2. Since the groups started coming, I've been having physical pain. Practically everywhere in my body has had some sort of ache. Right now, my knees feel as though they're going to bust out of their sockets. The tops of my feet hurt as well as my shoulders. I was crying out to God and was a little frustrated a few nights ago. I cried out to Him and asked Him why I was in such pain if I was doing His work. Shouldn't He be protecting me from this? Yesterday and today I realized it wasn't so. Instead of complaining, I need to be rejoicing. I stumbled upon 1 Peter 4:16 last night and this has been my creed for today and will be for the rest of my life. Read it. It's pretty sweet and puts a lot of things in perspective. I'm rejoicing in my pain because I know God is using me. I wouldn't have opposition if I wasn't in the shadow of God's will for my life. It's because of this, that I'm in pain. To which I say what Paul said, "Rejoice! Again I say Rejoice!" But keep me in your prayers, if you would, that God would continue to use me and heal me so I can properly serve Him.
I think that's it. Other than trying to make time to stay filled with the Holy Spirit by daily Bible readings and prayer, I think we missionaries are doing a good job. We're allowing God to use us. I don't think I'd have it any other way. Though the work may seem daunting and exhausting, God is using us.
Ciao!
This week has become a challenge. The reasons are as such:
#1: It's the first week Taira and I are embarking on doing Kid's Club by ourselves. We've enlisted the help of two AO summer missionaries: David and Jason to help us out. So far they've been great and the kids seem to enjoy them (almost as much, if not more, as the college team). By the end of the week, I believe the kids will adore the boys. All they want is to be loved and the guys are loving on them so we'll see how it goes. I'm worried about a few of the kids. The way they interact around others makes you wonder how their home lives are. It breaks my heart to have to see them leave, knowing full well their home situation may not be the best. The few hours I have with them are very precious because in that amount of time, Taira and I must set a loving and safe environment. They should be willing to come to us with anything and tell us. I think so far, God has worked with us in order to establish that sort of environment.
There are a few kids who are new and we're trying to figure out their situations. Keep the kids in your prayers.
#2. Since the groups started coming, I've been having physical pain. Practically everywhere in my body has had some sort of ache. Right now, my knees feel as though they're going to bust out of their sockets. The tops of my feet hurt as well as my shoulders. I was crying out to God and was a little frustrated a few nights ago. I cried out to Him and asked Him why I was in such pain if I was doing His work. Shouldn't He be protecting me from this? Yesterday and today I realized it wasn't so. Instead of complaining, I need to be rejoicing. I stumbled upon 1 Peter 4:16 last night and this has been my creed for today and will be for the rest of my life. Read it. It's pretty sweet and puts a lot of things in perspective. I'm rejoicing in my pain because I know God is using me. I wouldn't have opposition if I wasn't in the shadow of God's will for my life. It's because of this, that I'm in pain. To which I say what Paul said, "Rejoice! Again I say Rejoice!" But keep me in your prayers, if you would, that God would continue to use me and heal me so I can properly serve Him.
I think that's it. Other than trying to make time to stay filled with the Holy Spirit by daily Bible readings and prayer, I think we missionaries are doing a good job. We're allowing God to use us. I don't think I'd have it any other way. Though the work may seem daunting and exhausting, God is using us.
Ciao!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Another week, another update--Quick Overview of Week 4
June 6th, 2009 (journal entry)
Because my Internet is unavailable, I will record my days in this. Then, I will transfer these thoughts to my online blog (here). Even if it's late, at least it's shared.
With one week down and another coming upon us, I'm quickly seeing how much I need the Word of God daily. Your spirit tires quickly when you're being used by God. It's like being filled at night, emptying in the day, then being filled again in the evening. A vicious cycle, but one I'm happy to be in.
The first batch of churches were so great. I got to work with some women named Mrs. Doris, Pat, Elizabeth, Melissa and her five children. They blessed us so much and really helped kick Kid's Club into gear. The week flew by and too soon, they had to leave on Thursday. During the week, 25 kids came to Bible club and four of those accepted Christ into their hearts. It was awesome and was a confirmation that I'm supposed to be doing what I'm doing here. My prayer is that it continues to grow and we have even more kids come and learn about Jesus.
This next batch has a lot of college kids, which I'm very happy about. I'm looking forward to what God's gonna do. My prayer is Romans 15:5-6, that we'll be unified in one heart and mind in order to serve Jesus efficiently and bring praise to His Name.
I'm ready for this week to get started!
Because my Internet is unavailable, I will record my days in this. Then, I will transfer these thoughts to my online blog (here). Even if it's late, at least it's shared.
With one week down and another coming upon us, I'm quickly seeing how much I need the Word of God daily. Your spirit tires quickly when you're being used by God. It's like being filled at night, emptying in the day, then being filled again in the evening. A vicious cycle, but one I'm happy to be in.
The first batch of churches were so great. I got to work with some women named Mrs. Doris, Pat, Elizabeth, Melissa and her five children. They blessed us so much and really helped kick Kid's Club into gear. The week flew by and too soon, they had to leave on Thursday. During the week, 25 kids came to Bible club and four of those accepted Christ into their hearts. It was awesome and was a confirmation that I'm supposed to be doing what I'm doing here. My prayer is that it continues to grow and we have even more kids come and learn about Jesus.
This next batch has a lot of college kids, which I'm very happy about. I'm looking forward to what God's gonna do. My prayer is Romans 15:5-6, that we'll be unified in one heart and mind in order to serve Jesus efficiently and bring praise to His Name.
I'm ready for this week to get started!
6-9-09
Got back from devotions! It was such a great time of fellowship. The missionaries are reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. We are also reading Ephesians. Some questions came up about predestination and who has been chosen by God. (That was fun...) We had some people's beliefs and, most importantly, Scripture shared which was pretty sweet. I love hearing about what other people believe and seeing if it matches with mine. If it doesn't match with mine, most of the time I'll try and mentally back up what they say with Scripture. If there's no Scripture backing, no dice...
Now that my journal writings have been caught up, allow me to regale to you, faithful readers, of what God has done through this past week. As I've already stated, last week was college kid week. It was so great to be around people my own age. Five or so came with Taira and me to Kid's Club. At first, I think they were a little uncertain as to how to act around the kids. There were so many; about 14 came on Monday. By Thursday, there were like 20 kids. The group just took about a few hours to get used to the hussle and bustle that's kid's club. By the end of Monday, everyone was pretty comfortable. The guys were such a blessing. We have a few adolescent boys who faithfully attend. I was so happy there were three guys, one being a guitarist so he could entertain the kids through song. The kids need a positive male while at kid's club. The boys want to rough house. Taira and I don't rough house. I have three brothers and know how they act, but that's totally different. No, we need male role models. We're working on getting Jason and David to help out...Anyway, two of the 20 accepted Jesus on Thursday when the steps to salvation were given.
Other than that, when Thursday roled around, I was very sad to see the groups go. They were one of the largest but one of the best groups I think we'll work with. Everyone was so willing to help and so fun to be around. I'm gonna miss my group.
This week we only have 28 people. Very small group and they've been here before so they pretty much know AO's deal. It should be an easy week, but let's see what God gives us.
Oh, be on the lookout for some pictures. Some of us went to the lake on Saturday. Also, Nichole, Michelle and I tie-dyed some t-shirts. We're going through a hippie phase. Hiking and talking to Grandmother Willow is in order during the summer. Okay, maybe Grandmother Willow will just be me. We'll see =)
I'll update every week. Keep reading!
Ciao!
Got back from devotions! It was such a great time of fellowship. The missionaries are reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. We are also reading Ephesians. Some questions came up about predestination and who has been chosen by God. (That was fun...) We had some people's beliefs and, most importantly, Scripture shared which was pretty sweet. I love hearing about what other people believe and seeing if it matches with mine. If it doesn't match with mine, most of the time I'll try and mentally back up what they say with Scripture. If there's no Scripture backing, no dice...
Now that my journal writings have been caught up, allow me to regale to you, faithful readers, of what God has done through this past week. As I've already stated, last week was college kid week. It was so great to be around people my own age. Five or so came with Taira and me to Kid's Club. At first, I think they were a little uncertain as to how to act around the kids. There were so many; about 14 came on Monday. By Thursday, there were like 20 kids. The group just took about a few hours to get used to the hussle and bustle that's kid's club. By the end of Monday, everyone was pretty comfortable. The guys were such a blessing. We have a few adolescent boys who faithfully attend. I was so happy there were three guys, one being a guitarist so he could entertain the kids through song. The kids need a positive male while at kid's club. The boys want to rough house. Taira and I don't rough house. I have three brothers and know how they act, but that's totally different. No, we need male role models. We're working on getting Jason and David to help out...Anyway, two of the 20 accepted Jesus on Thursday when the steps to salvation were given.
Other than that, when Thursday roled around, I was very sad to see the groups go. They were one of the largest but one of the best groups I think we'll work with. Everyone was so willing to help and so fun to be around. I'm gonna miss my group.
This week we only have 28 people. Very small group and they've been here before so they pretty much know AO's deal. It should be an easy week, but let's see what God gives us.
Oh, be on the lookout for some pictures. Some of us went to the lake on Saturday. Also, Nichole, Michelle and I tie-dyed some t-shirts. We're going through a hippie phase. Hiking and talking to Grandmother Willow is in order during the summer. Okay, maybe Grandmother Willow will just be me. We'll see =)
I'll update every week. Keep reading!
Ciao!
Friday, June 5, 2009
1st Week Success--Photo Album
The beginning of Kid's Club, Potter's House construction and the last day at the lake
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