Christina: Looking at the faces now, I don't know how we'll get through the rest of this week, much less today. Timmy has a fever, and all of us are worn out. It hasn't even been 3 hours since the beginning of today and yet we're all dead tired. These kids are all energetic and hard to keep under control. Our biggest prayer request for this week would just be for strength. For Timmy to get better and have enough energy to help the kids. Another really important prayer request would be for us to be able to connect with these kids. The Pastor's wife said that these kids are mostly from broken families. Some of these kids have alcoholic parents that are abusive. Some of these kids have poor families and they don't care for learning. Others are being raised by their grandparents so they're spoiled. To them church is a sort of refuge. The pastor's wife encourages them to learn and follow rules. She said that the greatest punishment that she can hand out is to ban them from coming. I think we were all pretty shocked by what she told us. While we're tired, they've been through way more.
Michael: We will get through it.
John: It feels a lot like a daycare and not a VBS. Most importantly we would like to pray for strength to get us through and patience to deal with the kids. Even though it's very difficult and hard for us, we have to understand that it's has been more difficult for them.
Angeline: They are like wild animals released from the zoo and ready to attack whoever is in their way. but we are prepared to make them like house pets ready to be petted by any new comers coming to visit! kekeke. just kidding. but yes, we do ask that you guys pray that we have patience, and strength to work with these children.
Love,
The team.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
God Listens
He really does listen to our prayers. Before the 2 hour assembly on the last day, we knelt outside and just prayed. We prayed that God would touch these kids' hearts through our skits, songs, and testimonies. At that moment, I could feel God's wind, and I know I wasn't the only one. We were all pretty tired, having stayed up till 3 the previous night in preparation. But somehow the wind seemed to give us strength and it was calming. It was our giving everything up to God to just answer our prayers. We prayed so much for these kids to just feel God's presence and see His love. God listened to our prayers.
During the assembly when the pastor did an alter call we saw a lot of the kids crying. A lot of kids also raised their hands hoping that we could pray for them. It was moving. Previously, I had thought that all I would be able to do was just know them. But the last day proved me wrong. God used all of us to just move these kids to tears. Similar to Michael, 10 out of 12 of my class raised their hands to accept Jesus in their lives. (One left early and the other didn't come). It was amazing.
But yet as we start the second week, I can't help but be worried for them. These kids won't have that much of a Christian influence once we leave. But I know that God listens. My worrying will do no good. All I can do is put them in God's hands. God will provide.
Christina
During the assembly when the pastor did an alter call we saw a lot of the kids crying. A lot of kids also raised their hands hoping that we could pray for them. It was moving. Previously, I had thought that all I would be able to do was just know them. But the last day proved me wrong. God used all of us to just move these kids to tears. Similar to Michael, 10 out of 12 of my class raised their hands to accept Jesus in their lives. (One left early and the other didn't come). It was amazing.
But yet as we start the second week, I can't help but be worried for them. These kids won't have that much of a Christian influence once we leave. But I know that God listens. My worrying will do no good. All I can do is put them in God's hands. God will provide.
Christina
全新的你
We learned an amazing Chinese song and we just wanted to share it with you guys!
你說陰天代表你的心情，
雨天更是你對生命的反應。
你說每天生活一樣平靜，
對於未來沒有一點信心。
親愛朋友，你是否曾經
曾經觀看滿天的星星，
期待有人能夠瞭解你心，
能夠愛你賜你力量更新。
耶穌能夠叫一切都更新，
耶穌能夠體會你的心情，
耶穌能夠改變你的曾經，
耶穌愛你耶穌疼你，
耶穌能造一個全新的你。
你說陰天代表你的心情，
雨天更是你對生命的反應。
你說每天生活一樣平靜，
對於未來沒有一點信心。
親愛朋友，你是否曾經
曾經觀看滿天的星星，
期待有人能夠瞭解你心，
能夠愛你賜你力量更新。
耶穌能夠叫一切都更新，
耶穌能夠體會你的心情，
耶穌能夠改變你的曾經，
耶穌愛你耶穌疼你，
耶穌能造一個全新的你。
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Michael and John Post
After a week at Pu Zi Middle School, we were sad to leave our amazing coworkers and even more amazing children. We realy learned a lot about ourselvse and about our God through working with the VGM group and kids. The coworkers taught us that anything can be accomplished when we work as a body in Christ. The charismatic children taught us that God's love can touch anyone, no matter what wounds or hardships they have suffered. It was a real eye-opening experience.
After a peaceful night of sleeping in airconditioned rooms with Harry Potter mattresses, we were pretty well rested. Or so we thought. Once we made our way to the first floor, we were confrontedf by a sea of energetic Taiwanese kids, all jumping and rnuning around. What will the rest of the day bring us?
John Day
Last week was amazing. Sorry we weren't able to update this blog. We've been getting up at 7am every day and sleeping at around 12-1am every day with only about 1 hour of free time each day. But let me tell you all about it.
I feel like this mission trip is unlike any other - we spend every waking second either teaching and interacting with the kids or preparing for the next day. Not gonna lie, it was pretty tiring. Usually I read or go on the computer before I go to bed, but these last few days I've been too tired to keep my eyes open. However despite all the work,it was most definitely worth it becase we were prepared like no other. In every second of camp, we knew what we needed to do and how to do it.
Yet the most amazing thing about camp wasn't the teaching or preparation.
On Saturday, we held a two hour assembly for all of the kids so that they could learn about the gospel and God's love. The Taiwanese coworkers had a few skits, and a very touching song called "Path of Grace." Through the power of three amazingly powerful testimonies, skits, and song, the whole room was brought to tears. 68 children attended VGM camp, and almost all of them were brought to Christ. This miracle was not because of our hard work or preparation the night before the assembly, but rather because before the assembly, we knelt on the ground and pleaded God to soften the hearts of everyone in that room and for his prescence to be undoubtably felt. We prayed for a while, oblivious to everything else in the world, feeling only a strong wind in our faces and God's love in our hearts. We prayed. And God answered.
Of my small group of 11 children, 10 of them and one of their friends were brought to Christ on Saturday. I am sure all the other missionaries had similar results. Basically, God has provided. However, now these kids' new lives have just begun. Pray for the kids, that each one who accepted Christ can start anew and grow closer and closer to God with every step they take.
-Michael
After a peaceful night of sleeping in airconditioned rooms with Harry Potter mattresses, we were pretty well rested. Or so we thought. Once we made our way to the first floor, we were confrontedf by a sea of energetic Taiwanese kids, all jumping and rnuning around. What will the rest of the day bring us?
John Day
Last week was amazing. Sorry we weren't able to update this blog. We've been getting up at 7am every day and sleeping at around 12-1am every day with only about 1 hour of free time each day. But let me tell you all about it.
I feel like this mission trip is unlike any other - we spend every waking second either teaching and interacting with the kids or preparing for the next day. Not gonna lie, it was pretty tiring. Usually I read or go on the computer before I go to bed, but these last few days I've been too tired to keep my eyes open. However despite all the work,it was most definitely worth it becase we were prepared like no other. In every second of camp, we knew what we needed to do and how to do it.
Yet the most amazing thing about camp wasn't the teaching or preparation.
On Saturday, we held a two hour assembly for all of the kids so that they could learn about the gospel and God's love. The Taiwanese coworkers had a few skits, and a very touching song called "Path of Grace." Through the power of three amazingly powerful testimonies, skits, and song, the whole room was brought to tears. 68 children attended VGM camp, and almost all of them were brought to Christ. This miracle was not because of our hard work or preparation the night before the assembly, but rather because before the assembly, we knelt on the ground and pleaded God to soften the hearts of everyone in that room and for his prescence to be undoubtably felt. We prayed for a while, oblivious to everything else in the world, feeling only a strong wind in our faces and God's love in our hearts. We prayed. And God answered.
Of my small group of 11 children, 10 of them and one of their friends were brought to Christ on Saturday. I am sure all the other missionaries had similar results. Basically, God has provided. However, now these kids' new lives have just begun. Pray for the kids, that each one who accepted Christ can start anew and grow closer and closer to God with every step they take.
-Michael
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Hey back home
(Tiffany's) Quote of the Day: It's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years.
It's been a while since we've updated, sorry. We've been pretty busy these days preparing and fellowshipping with the Taiwanese coworkers. Today is the last day of the camp. For me personally, I didn't get to really spread God's Word. (Tiffany didn't either) My teaching group mentioned church to this one girl but other than that we didn't really get a chance to evangelize personally but the important thing was that we showed them our love. It's hard to realize that we came for a missions trip and yet we didn't get a chance to lead a kid to Christ. The most important thing is that we showed them love. They really loved us; they thought the guys were handsome and the girls were cute/pretty. But what we did was plant a seed for somebody else to grow. At least they will have had a Christian influence on them for a short while and that already means a lot.
Tiffany says: It was very moving.
Sorry guys this is out of chronological order, we had the post written but didn't publish it.
-Christina Ho
It's been a while since we've updated, sorry. We've been pretty busy these days preparing and fellowshipping with the Taiwanese coworkers. Today is the last day of the camp. For me personally, I didn't get to really spread God's Word. (Tiffany didn't either) My teaching group mentioned church to this one girl but other than that we didn't really get a chance to evangelize personally but the important thing was that we showed them our love. It's hard to realize that we came for a missions trip and yet we didn't get a chance to lead a kid to Christ. The most important thing is that we showed them love. They really loved us; they thought the guys were handsome and the girls were cute/pretty. But what we did was plant a seed for somebody else to grow. At least they will have had a Christian influence on them for a short while and that already means a lot.
Tiffany says: It was very moving.
Sorry guys this is out of chronological order, we had the post written but didn't publish it.
-Christina Ho
Sunday, July 4, 2010
IM STICKYYYYYY ):
John says: Mangoes are yummy
Michael says: I just farted
Angeline says: Michael hurt my feelings
Victor says: HUH?
Timmy says: GIVE ME THE LAPTOP
Calvin says: SEVEN
Christina says: GRAH
Tiffany says: My stomach hurts
Rebecca says: Chitty Bang.
This is a short look into our amazing team :]
Hello Everybody!
This pretty much sums up what's going on right now.
It's the second day here in Taiwan, and we are all sweating profusely.
This morning we all woke up bright and early, had breakfast and got ready for church.
We went to a nice church, but unfortunately many of the members were older, therefore the program was in taiwanese, which was very fustrating, but luckily there was a Mandarin translator for us. The church was very small, and many people were visiting from various places whether it was from another camp, or just other places in taiwan in general. It was quite painful because there was no air conditioning, but it was also a blessing to see people from a rural place be so on fire for God.
They provided us lunch, and we had a wonderful time fellowshiping with the other brothers and sisters. We also had some fresh mangoes which were really really good.
I think some prayer requests would be just for strength. It's like really really humid here. And that's pretty much the biggest concern because it makes people grumpy and it's just really hard to focus on things other than the weather. The weather also makes it hard to do stuff without complaining. I guess another prayer request is for our fellowship with the Taiwanese coworkers. They are pretty understanding of our Chinese and we're starting to bond.
So really just thanks for reading this and for praying for us.
Love, the whole team (who are finally all together)
P.S. Happy 4th of July!
Michael says: I just farted
Angeline says: Michael hurt my feelings
Victor says: HUH?
Timmy says: GIVE ME THE LAPTOP
Calvin says: SEVEN
Christina says: GRAH
Tiffany says: My stomach hurts
Rebecca says: Chitty Bang.
This is a short look into our amazing team :]
Hello Everybody!
This pretty much sums up what's going on right now.
It's the second day here in Taiwan, and we are all sweating profusely.
This morning we all woke up bright and early, had breakfast and got ready for church.
We went to a nice church, but unfortunately many of the members were older, therefore the program was in taiwanese, which was very fustrating, but luckily there was a Mandarin translator for us. The church was very small, and many people were visiting from various places whether it was from another camp, or just other places in taiwan in general. It was quite painful because there was no air conditioning, but it was also a blessing to see people from a rural place be so on fire for God.
They provided us lunch, and we had a wonderful time fellowshiping with the other brothers and sisters. We also had some fresh mangoes which were really really good.
I think some prayer requests would be just for strength. It's like really really humid here. And that's pretty much the biggest concern because it makes people grumpy and it's just really hard to focus on things other than the weather. The weather also makes it hard to do stuff without complaining. I guess another prayer request is for our fellowship with the Taiwanese coworkers. They are pretty understanding of our Chinese and we're starting to bond.
So really just thanks for reading this and for praying for us.
Love, the whole team (who are finally all together)
P.S. Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 2, 2010
We're here!
Hey guys!
After about a 12 hour flight, we've arrived safely.
For a brief time the girls and guys have seperated. Before reaching the first school, The Kuo family went to visit relatives, and the girls went along with Christina to her uncle's house. They were very hospitable providing us with breakfast, and allowing the girls to shower. We don't know where Auntie Sheila, Calvin, Michael, & John went, but it is most likely they will arrive at the school before the rest of us. We are slowly adapting to the climate change, and the humidity, but it's not as bad as expected. We will be sure to update you all when we all come together at the school!
Thanks for all those who came out to the send off! It's a true blessing to have so many people care and love us. We appreciate all the support!
Love,
Angeline, Christina, Rebecca, & Tiffany
After about a 12 hour flight, we've arrived safely.
For a brief time the girls and guys have seperated. Before reaching the first school, The Kuo family went to visit relatives, and the girls went along with Christina to her uncle's house. They were very hospitable providing us with breakfast, and allowing the girls to shower. We don't know where Auntie Sheila, Calvin, Michael, & John went, but it is most likely they will arrive at the school before the rest of us. We are slowly adapting to the climate change, and the humidity, but it's not as bad as expected. We will be sure to update you all when we all come together at the school!
Thanks for all those who came out to the send off! It's a true blessing to have so many people care and love us. We appreciate all the support!
Love,
Angeline, Christina, Rebecca, & Tiffany
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Send-off
Hey all that are following this blog! We're having a send off today at 8:30PM at HOC5. If you guys could come to pray and worship with us we'd really appreciate it! :]
Location: 5th Home of Christ
10340 Bubb Road
Thank you for supporting us and God Bless!
Location: 5th Home of Christ
10340 Bubb Road
Thank you for supporting us and God Bless!
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