Blogger: Preston
Wow. I can't believe that we begin our journey home tomorrow!! It has been such a wild ride, and this past weekend was fantastic! Working with S-lady as she speaks the language, drives through town like a local, and loves on those that Dad has placed before her has been a blast! I wish all of you at home could come and be a part of the work that He is doing through her.
Being at the camp with the CP kids this weekend was heartbreaking and encouraging and a lot of fun! We were basically providing a retreat for the mothers (and grandmothers) who normally work 24/7 to meet the needs of these kids who need so much all the time. Two nights we had a "disco," and it was so cool to see one of the lovely grandmothers get up and dance and shout and have fun while I helped her grandson to move to the music. They rarely get time to spend on themselves, and this weekend they had many hours to pamper and talk and make crafts, assured that their kids were in capable hands. Please ask that the relationships between the mothers and workers would continue to grow and that the seeds being planted would grow into fruit-bearing branches.
I have been staying with a wonderful local family while we stay in S-lady's city. It is a new experience for me--I have never stayed overnight in a local's home. It has been a lot of fun, though, because they have a teenage son that has good English. I can't wait for dinner tonight; I think we are having some kind of stuffed peppers! :)
As we wind down our trip, I ask that you continue to lift us up in the following ways: 1. traveling to the Southern City and then to the US the next day,
2. the intensive work that is continuing in our target city for the rest of the summer (that K-man is leading) 3. all of our friends, local and American, that we have met for the first time or reunited with on this trip. Thank you as always for your support!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
With Sister S-lady
Blogger: Emily
So...basically I just wrote a reeeeally long blog and the computer just erased it! Yay! So, here we go again! We have been having a really great time in SK with our sister S-lady, and we will be so sad to leave her! It is so encouraging to see her work in the field! She has such a a big heart for these people, and I am so glad that she is here, even though we miss her at home. Our stay at the CP camp was very interesting, but it was a good experience. The children had such sweet spirits, and it was very difficult to see them with so much struggle and pain, but it was worth it to see the smiles on their faces and to see the glow from the mothers and grandmothers. It was so nice to relieve them from the stress of caring for these kids daily. Their spirits seemed very uplifted and I really hope that we were able to plant some seeds in their lives. After the camp, we've been able to explore SK with our new friends, Hacker and Giggles. They are some awesome young believers and it has been really great to spend time with them. It is so encouraging to fellowship with local believers, and it is so encouraging to see the labor of these workers is yielding much fruit. We will see you all soon!
-Monkeytail
So...basically I just wrote a reeeeally long blog and the computer just erased it! Yay! So, here we go again! We have been having a really great time in SK with our sister S-lady, and we will be so sad to leave her! It is so encouraging to see her work in the field! She has such a a big heart for these people, and I am so glad that she is here, even though we miss her at home. Our stay at the CP camp was very interesting, but it was a good experience. The children had such sweet spirits, and it was very difficult to see them with so much struggle and pain, but it was worth it to see the smiles on their faces and to see the glow from the mothers and grandmothers. It was so nice to relieve them from the stress of caring for these kids daily. Their spirits seemed very uplifted and I really hope that we were able to plant some seeds in their lives. After the camp, we've been able to explore SK with our new friends, Hacker and Giggles. They are some awesome young believers and it has been really great to spend time with them. It is so encouraging to fellowship with local believers, and it is so encouraging to see the labor of these workers is yielding much fruit. We will see you all soon!
-Monkeytail
Monday, June 21, 2010
Blogger: Preston
We arrived in a wet, rainy, "cold" (by SC standards, not CA standards) capital city late last night. After a time of debriefing today our team was able to do some touring of the beautiful "New City" here. The buildings that have all sprung up over the past decade or two certainly are stunning architecturally, but as they are raised into the sky, they also serve as a massive reminder of the rise of materialism here, especially in this proud new city. The work of men receives much praise here--work that is beautiful, but work that does not bring glory to the name of the Creator. Please Ask that the idol of materialism will be cast down and that the focus of this city will shift further upward, above the skyscrapers and monuments, to the One that gave us the ability to build all that we do.
Although we have left our target city, there is still a team there consisting of K-man, two guys that joined last Sunday, and our dear local friend. The guys are all staying in one apartment, and they were visited this morning by some police that wanted to see their papers. In addition to a visa in one's passport, one must also have an immigration card on them at all times--immigration cards that were in one of the guy's bags that came back to the capital with us last night. Consequently the two guys didn't have these necessary cards, so they and K-man spent the day with the immigration police until just a few hours ago. Although things have all blown over now, and there is no need to be distressed about their situation, this experience is a good reminder that there are two forces at work in this world, and one will do anything to try to discourage us and get us off track. Please Ask for renewed focus among the the team in our target city, for continued wisdom for K-man as he leads this team, and for vigilance against slip-ups for all of the workers here, but especially for our team.
We will be doing some more touring tomorrow and hopefully meeting up with some old friends from trips past. Please Ask for safety as we go about having fun tomorrow and also for meaningful times with our friends if we are able to meet up with them. On Wednesday at 3:40pm we will head to the South! Ask for safety and ease of travel as well as fun with our old friends in the Southern city and time of encouragement with S-lady on Thursday and all this weekend into next week. Thank you as always for following our activity!
We arrived in a wet, rainy, "cold" (by SC standards, not CA standards) capital city late last night. After a time of debriefing today our team was able to do some touring of the beautiful "New City" here. The buildings that have all sprung up over the past decade or two certainly are stunning architecturally, but as they are raised into the sky, they also serve as a massive reminder of the rise of materialism here, especially in this proud new city. The work of men receives much praise here--work that is beautiful, but work that does not bring glory to the name of the Creator. Please Ask that the idol of materialism will be cast down and that the focus of this city will shift further upward, above the skyscrapers and monuments, to the One that gave us the ability to build all that we do.
Although we have left our target city, there is still a team there consisting of K-man, two guys that joined last Sunday, and our dear local friend. The guys are all staying in one apartment, and they were visited this morning by some police that wanted to see their papers. In addition to a visa in one's passport, one must also have an immigration card on them at all times--immigration cards that were in one of the guy's bags that came back to the capital with us last night. Consequently the two guys didn't have these necessary cards, so they and K-man spent the day with the immigration police until just a few hours ago. Although things have all blown over now, and there is no need to be distressed about their situation, this experience is a good reminder that there are two forces at work in this world, and one will do anything to try to discourage us and get us off track. Please Ask for renewed focus among the the team in our target city, for continued wisdom for K-man as he leads this team, and for vigilance against slip-ups for all of the workers here, but especially for our team.
We will be doing some more touring tomorrow and hopefully meeting up with some old friends from trips past. Please Ask for safety as we go about having fun tomorrow and also for meaningful times with our friends if we are able to meet up with them. On Wednesday at 3:40pm we will head to the South! Ask for safety and ease of travel as well as fun with our old friends in the Southern city and time of encouragement with S-lady on Thursday and all this weekend into next week. Thank you as always for following our activity!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Transitions
Blogger: Preston
Today at 6:20 we are boarding a train from our target city to the capital. This departure fills me with mixed feelings. I would love to stay here and continue to work in the English Center and build relationships with our students, but I am also excited about what lies ahead in our journey through this country...including a visit with our good friend S-lady!
We had another fantastic week last week that was capped off with another great weekend. We had many more students this week than the first week: so much so that we had to divide the group in half! We hope that the momentum will continue to build and by the end the summer N, G, and K-man have so many students they won't know what to do!
Please remember us as we do more traveling and as we spend a couple of days resting in the capital before we head back down South.
Today at 6:20 we are boarding a train from our target city to the capital. This departure fills me with mixed feelings. I would love to stay here and continue to work in the English Center and build relationships with our students, but I am also excited about what lies ahead in our journey through this country...including a visit with our good friend S-lady!
We had another fantastic week last week that was capped off with another great weekend. We had many more students this week than the first week: so much so that we had to divide the group in half! We hope that the momentum will continue to build and by the end the summer N, G, and K-man have so many students they won't know what to do!
Please remember us as we do more traveling and as we spend a couple of days resting in the capital before we head back down South.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
In the Rio
Blogger: Joye
Yesterday a couple of girls and I were walking in the Rio (a mall type place). I would guess that we were a little loud, because we usually are the loudest crowd of people. Well, these two girls heard us speaking English and came up to us and asked us where we were from. I told them, "America," and they asked if I would speak English with them. Of course I said said "YES!!" I remembered that I had a flyer for the English Center, so I gave them one. I was about to show them where it was when in the grocery store I saw N and G so I introduced them to each other! The girls were very interested and came with me to the English Eenter to take a placement test to be able to start classes. They are really open and sweet girls. Lift them up as well as the relationships they will have with G in the future. It's amazing to Him bring people to us when we aren't even looking for opportunities!
Blogger: Preston
A similar thing happened to me earlier the same day! Joye and I were walking down the street, speaking English (obviously), and I stopped, as I often do, to take a picture. A young guy, maybe 16, stopped, looked at me, and said, "What are you doing?" From there we had a great conversation in English, and even invited him back to our apartment for some juice! Although he is going to a family wedding this week, he said he would probably enroll in the English Club later in the summer! We saw him again in a shopping center today, and he was very excited to see us. I was very encouraged by our interaction, after Asking for more guys to interact with. It is very easy to build relationships here; if someone just hears English on the street they come running! Praise Dad for these awesome opportunities that are so obviously his ordination!
Yesterday a couple of girls and I were walking in the Rio (a mall type place). I would guess that we were a little loud, because we usually are the loudest crowd of people. Well, these two girls heard us speaking English and came up to us and asked us where we were from. I told them, "America," and they asked if I would speak English with them. Of course I said said "YES!!" I remembered that I had a flyer for the English Center, so I gave them one. I was about to show them where it was when in the grocery store I saw N and G so I introduced them to each other! The girls were very interested and came with me to the English Eenter to take a placement test to be able to start classes. They are really open and sweet girls. Lift them up as well as the relationships they will have with G in the future. It's amazing to Him bring people to us when we aren't even looking for opportunities!
Blogger: Preston
A similar thing happened to me earlier the same day! Joye and I were walking down the street, speaking English (obviously), and I stopped, as I often do, to take a picture. A young guy, maybe 16, stopped, looked at me, and said, "What are you doing?" From there we had a great conversation in English, and even invited him back to our apartment for some juice! Although he is going to a family wedding this week, he said he would probably enroll in the English Club later in the summer! We saw him again in a shopping center today, and he was very excited to see us. I was very encouraged by our interaction, after Asking for more guys to interact with. It is very easy to build relationships here; if someone just hears English on the street they come running! Praise Dad for these awesome opportunities that are so obviously his ordination!
Women of CA
Blogger: Joye
This is such an amazing country. The people here are very sweet and some are open. With the English Club I have gotten to chance to know many great people. There are four girls that we had lunch with the other day. They are all very open and want to share their culture and life with us and also learn the same about us. Lift these four girls up and ask for their eyes to be open to His light. Also, there is another girl who has asked me to spend time with her. Ask Dad for boldness and for Him to speak through me. Lift up all of the relationships that have started and will start. Ask for hearts to be open and eyes to see.
The other night G was discussing marriage with us. She explained to us that 80% of women in this country are abused by their husbands. This statistic hit me very hard. There are so many women who feel there is nothing they can do. One of her friends wants to go to another country, because there are just no good men here. Lift up these women. Ask for guidance for them and that Our Father will place great bothers in these men's lives to be a light for them. Also, yesterday I did a club about wedding ceremonies. I discussed American cermonies and the traditions. During this club women told me that guys steal a woman and marry her at times. This doesn't happen as much anymore, but it still happens in the South. When they were discussing this they did not show any reppulsion about this idea. Lift up the women of this nation, that they will have hope. Our Father is mighty and He is able to do great things.
There is so much hopelessness; as I look around each day it burdens my heart for the people of this city and country. Lay them at the Father's feet. Ask for His great light to shine through the hopelessness. Lift up these people and their hearts. I love them and look forward to seeing what mighty things He will do.
This is such an amazing country. The people here are very sweet and some are open. With the English Club I have gotten to chance to know many great people. There are four girls that we had lunch with the other day. They are all very open and want to share their culture and life with us and also learn the same about us. Lift these four girls up and ask for their eyes to be open to His light. Also, there is another girl who has asked me to spend time with her. Ask Dad for boldness and for Him to speak through me. Lift up all of the relationships that have started and will start. Ask for hearts to be open and eyes to see.
The other night G was discussing marriage with us. She explained to us that 80% of women in this country are abused by their husbands. This statistic hit me very hard. There are so many women who feel there is nothing they can do. One of her friends wants to go to another country, because there are just no good men here. Lift up these women. Ask for guidance for them and that Our Father will place great bothers in these men's lives to be a light for them. Also, yesterday I did a club about wedding ceremonies. I discussed American cermonies and the traditions. During this club women told me that guys steal a woman and marry her at times. This doesn't happen as much anymore, but it still happens in the South. When they were discussing this they did not show any reppulsion about this idea. Lift up the women of this nation, that they will have hope. Our Father is mighty and He is able to do great things.
There is so much hopelessness; as I look around each day it burdens my heart for the people of this city and country. Lay them at the Father's feet. Ask for His great light to shine through the hopelessness. Lift up these people and their hearts. I love them and look forward to seeing what mighty things He will do.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Stories
Blogger: Preston
What a weekend it has been! Our team has more than doubled this weekend! We have added a team of 5 from accross the U.S., the leader of which we have worked with before in this city. We were also visited this weekend by a friend that we'll call Rex--he, his wife, and new son have met many of you before. It was great to hear him bring a Word to us this morning!
We were also introduced to a Canadian Brother that has been doing business in this area for many years. He was very encouraged to encounter us and see the movement that is growing in this city. As all of us joined together this morning, he asked us to share how we came to be in this place. Hearing so many stories of Calling and Divine Appointments was awesome, and I know it was pleasing to the Father!
We have also added to our team a dear friend from the south who has worked with teams in this city for the past two years. As far the the first being last and the last being first, I think she will be the very first when we reach our eternal destination; she has such a servant's heart!
Our team also got to meet some dedicated locals last night. We had tea with an amazing couple, H & A, that have been working in this city for 10 years. Although it was refreshing to hear incredible stories of about how the Father has worked in their personal lives, working many miracles and answering many prayers, it was heartbreaking to hear about the division among much of the Bride in this city. Please Ask that the two new Planters in this city would continue to have a heart of unity as they reach out to a city that is known for its disunity.
English Clubs went very well this week. We capped off the week at a local park with all of our local friends--very refreshing (until I realized my face was sunburned, that is...:P). Please Ask that more young men would come to the club. Only one guy with understandable English has come, and we have spent a lot of time with him, but we wish we could have as many relationships built as the girls do. As we start a fresh week of English Clubs and a new group of locals comes in, please Ask that we can continue to build the old relationships and start new ones, too.
In closing, I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to one who had a lot to do with the planning of this trip, who is probably pretty jealous of all the shashlik I have eaten this week! :) I hope your birthday is great; I will eat an extra skewer for you!
What a weekend it has been! Our team has more than doubled this weekend! We have added a team of 5 from accross the U.S., the leader of which we have worked with before in this city. We were also visited this weekend by a friend that we'll call Rex--he, his wife, and new son have met many of you before. It was great to hear him bring a Word to us this morning!
We were also introduced to a Canadian Brother that has been doing business in this area for many years. He was very encouraged to encounter us and see the movement that is growing in this city. As all of us joined together this morning, he asked us to share how we came to be in this place. Hearing so many stories of Calling and Divine Appointments was awesome, and I know it was pleasing to the Father!
We have also added to our team a dear friend from the south who has worked with teams in this city for the past two years. As far the the first being last and the last being first, I think she will be the very first when we reach our eternal destination; she has such a servant's heart!
Our team also got to meet some dedicated locals last night. We had tea with an amazing couple, H & A, that have been working in this city for 10 years. Although it was refreshing to hear incredible stories of about how the Father has worked in their personal lives, working many miracles and answering many prayers, it was heartbreaking to hear about the division among much of the Bride in this city. Please Ask that the two new Planters in this city would continue to have a heart of unity as they reach out to a city that is known for its disunity.
English Clubs went very well this week. We capped off the week at a local park with all of our local friends--very refreshing (until I realized my face was sunburned, that is...:P). Please Ask that more young men would come to the club. Only one guy with understandable English has come, and we have spent a lot of time with him, but we wish we could have as many relationships built as the girls do. As we start a fresh week of English Clubs and a new group of locals comes in, please Ask that we can continue to build the old relationships and start new ones, too.
In closing, I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to one who had a lot to do with the planning of this trip, who is probably pretty jealous of all the shashlik I have eaten this week! :) I hope your birthday is great; I will eat an extra skewer for you!
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