Final Update of the Year

Hey all! This will be my last ministry update of the year (can you believe it!?). In the last couple months, we’ve had some pretty exciting events and visitors so I will do my best to share with you both what we’ve done and what God has taught me in and through it. I feel like every month I go to the “next level” both with trusting the Lord and seeing Him work; so, again, it’s always pretty cool for me to look at what God has done in such a short amount of time.

First of all, back around Mother’s Day, my teammate Eunice had her best friend Lydia come for a couple weeks to visit. Lydia “works” as a singing evangelist who travels around the world sharing the love of Jesus with her heavenly voice (seriously, she has the best voice I’ve heard in a long time. It’s angelic.). Just before coming to visit us here in Kinmen, Taiwan, she had spent a few weeks in India ministering to some churches there. She was a breath of fresh air to both our team and the community we work in. She’s so passionate. So lovely. So much fun.

A dear Christian man we met at the Xiao Jingmen concert.

Besides her singing in the Mother’s Day service and church talent show, Lydia held a concert at one of Peter’s schools in Xiao Jingmen. I want to cry just thinking about it~ she shared the Gospel and made all the kids/attendees feel so special. The principal of this tiny elementary school, having attended at the same school when he was a student, beamed as he shared with us that “nothing this special has ever happened [there].” Every single student and teacher was so excited to have such an “amazing event” on their little island (Jingmen consists of two islands: Da (Big) Jingmen, which is where I live and teach; and Xiao (Small) Jingmen, which is where only Peter teaches). Those kids LOVED having that many foreigners give them love and attention. Thank you Lydia Abbott!

Me and the band

Around the same time that Lydia headed back out to the States, Rebekah G’s brother, his girlfriend, and his two college roommates came to visit us. Three of them have a praise band called “Before the Story,” and came to share their music with the community. They also came alongside us TESOL teachers- teaching a few classes with us and motivating everyone to finish up these last few weeks strong.

Jingchung concert

Together, Before the Story and our team put on a concert at the center of Jingchung city. We were able to reach the local community with the love of Jesus and message of the Gospel. Dude that was so much fun. I took a step back in the midst of all the activity, and thought about how blessed I am to live and work with these people. God has truly been way too good to me. I almost tear up just typing this...these people are all awesome. Truly family. (Haha this is a slightly emotional entry...)

Nightwalk attendees

Also with the “Before the Story” band, my team got to be a part of the Bring Me Hope “Nightwalk.” Bring Me Hope (www.bringmehope.org) is a China-based organization that works to brighten the lives of orphans in China who would otherwise never know what ice-cream tastes like or what it feels like to play in a blowup kiddie pool. They do summer camps free for kids to have fun and enjoy “family life” for a short time. The “Nightwalk” (actually during the morning because of the time difference from America) raised funds so that more children will be able to attend this summer. We walked a 5k (haha extremely difficult right!?) on a trail that allowed us to see Xiamen, China for a portion of it. The walk ended at a Jingchung monument where “Before the Story” finished up the event with an outdoor concert. I’m not sure exactly how much money we raised, but we 26 people showed up to the event, and everyone had a great time. That was another one of those moments when I was like “No way! I live here...with these people!? God you’re too good to me.” Sighhhh I love my life. ;)

My goofy teammates after a karate demonstration.
(From left: Johnny, Peter, and Bethany H.)

The next weekend, Bhall and I went to Guangfu (Hualian county; East coast of mainland Taiwan) to help out with village ministry. We have friends in the area that minister to the aboriginal people living in the surrounding mountain villages by driving out almost every week and spending time with the kids. I was able to help out with The Shoebox Project: an event they’ve held in Guangfu for several months now. In the times before, children are given shoes and toys, taught praise songs, and taught the Gospel message. But because the time I went was the last time of the year, the children were given wordless bracelets and taught how to share the Gospel with their friends and family. I had so much fun~ we spent a lot of time just hanging out with the kids and playing with them; having great conversations with the kids as they were outgoing and starving for love.

After the village ministries, we hung out for a little while at “Faith, Hope, Love”- a home for boys in Hualian who are either delinquents themselves or have delinquent parents. That visit was the most fun I had in a long time. The boys are all really talented musically so I sat down and jammed out with guitars and piano for a good while. My heart went out to one of the 17 year olds, Justin (I gave him that English name), and his 14 year old buddy, Jack. They hung around me basically the entire time and teased me to no end. I felt like I was home again with my crazy little brothers goofing off, and they were happy to get some “big sister” time. Next year, Lord willing, I want to spend a lot of more time at Faith, Hope, Love and get to know more of the boys at the home. Be praying about that if you could: I would love to spend more time helping out with this Hualian ministry, but travelling’s a bit expensive, so it’s a trust lesson provision-wise.

The other slightly-big-extremely-fun project I got to work on this last month was the Kinmen wedding reception for a missionary couple living here: Jarita & Samuel. Last January, they had an official ceremony with their family in Wisconsin, but they wanted to celebrate their marriage with their Taiwanese friends; as they met here in Taiwan so most of their mutual friends are on this side of the world. Anyways, they asked me and Johnny to put together a tiny dessert reception for after the ceremony. It was so much fun to pick out colors and draw up designs for the tables, pick out the background music playlist, and set up....(haha it made me look forward to the day when I get to do it for me. ;)

Goodbye dinner for our dear teacher friend, Sue. This is a 2-picture collage that ended up looking like an optical illusion.

That was the briefest skim of these last few months I could muster. Needless to say, the Lord’s been doing some really cool things both in my life and in the lives of all those I’m ministering to and with. I’m excited to see Him open doors and direct my heart and life. Lately, I’ve been learning sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and not suppressing His gentle knocking. It’s been a fresh, new challenge as of recently as I’ve had some new challenges in my personal life. But I’m leaning on His promise to never leave or forsake me and direct my every step. Jesus is so faithful.

I was telling a dear friend a few days ago that I feel a lot more “stable” at the end of this year than I did at the beginning. Slowly but surely, heart is learning to rely on, lean on, and depend upon CHRIST ALONE. It’s an exciting thing to see God actually changing my heart and I have a long way to go, but I can see the Holy Spirit chipping away my old self and replace ME with HIM. It’s a really beautiful thing. Sometimes it hurts, but it’s always worth it.

Can’t wait to come home. I’m so looking forward to seeing you all. <3

The April of Truth

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (Colossians 3:14)

 This last month has seemed like a blur. In many ways, I’ve felt like we’ve ministered, learned, and grown inside a tunnel. Have you ever had a month like this? Where everything’s still going great- things just seem a bit “blurry.” Haha, I don’t know how else to describe it, it’s an interesting feeling. I’m feeling like things are winding down for us here in Kinmen as far as the school year goes, but yet we still have two months. A man who’s lived here for several years calls this point “the moment of truth.” It’s not the end quite yet, but we’re close and you can virtually “feel the anticipation in the air.” Planning has begun for next year, but yet current projects are still in the works. It’s a interestingly fun place to be in. J

First of all, my first Easter in Kinmen was definitely unforgettable. One of my best friends from the university, Helen, got baptized!! Here in Kinmen (and Taiwan in general), a baptism means a lot more, and has a lot more challenges, than one back in the States. When she decided to be baptized, she dramatically demonstrated to the entire community and her family back in Taiwan that her back is now completely turned on the Daoism and Buddhism in which she was raised. It’s a huge deal. Helen’s currently a freshman and has been the only believer in Christ out of her family since when she first believed in high school. I admire this dear friend so much. Megan and I danced directly after her baptism ceremony this Casting Crowns song “Blessed Redeemer” which brought tears from many members in the audience and blessed me beyond anything to dance:

{I can’t believe God is allowing me to minister with my dream in His form and His timing! He’s too good to me!}

The following week, on the 14^th, our final Swing Dance went off the ground. As is the case with each of the subsequent fundraisers, it was great in its own special way. We were missing the majority of our team that weekend because of different obligations, trips, and the college students’ midterm exams. I was laughing throughout the entire set-up because, thus far, I haven’t ever been a part of every aspect of the execution of “the set-up plan.” So I learned how to actually do a lot of the things that I’ve been delegating away this whole time. This time around, our “crowd” consisted of mainly junior-highers, so you can imagine how much fun it was to try to get them to dance… lol it was nearly impossible. Nonetheless, they listened pretty well when we showed the info video and Johnny spoke. I was blessed in a different way this time to know that this message was getting across to the younger people in our community. Praise God.

In the following week, the amazing Rebekah Gilley returned to her “home-island” and I got the privilege of taking her around to her old schools- now the ones I teach at. It was a huge blessing to see all my teachers and students go crazy when they saw her (she taught in Kinmen for 7 years, so she’s been extremely loved and missed this last year by everyone). I have to say the biggest blessing, though, was the Tuesday when she had a deep conversation with Albert- one of the school soldiers at my Duo Nian school, and a good friend of mine. Through the Holy Spirit’s leading, and her ability to communicate in Chinese, he felt like he could be open and transparent with her and shared with her how he needed TRUTH in his life. A little later, I was able to talk to him as well, and oh! That conversation was such a blessing because he had been thinking about what he and Rebekah had been talking about before and was ready and anxious to hear the truth of the Gospel. He shared how, when he fulfilled his desires and did what he wanted, he just felt evil and even emptier inside. It makes me want to cry even typing this now. You know that story in Acts 16:25-33- where the jailer asks Paul and Silas, “What must I do to be saved?” That’s exactly how the situation felt. It was amazing to hear him desire the truth of Christ, at the cost of his comfort or family’s wishes. God is so cool. Please be praying for him, as he has yet to hear and understand the full plan of salvation (because of the language barrier/I haven’t seen him since), yet desires to know and follow “what it is that I believe in that makes me so happy.”

Pingtung Mountains

That next weekend, our team headed out to Kaohsiung, Taiwan to meet with all the other IBLP teachers for a time in the Word and fellowship. God spoke to me on so many levels….it was almost overwhelming how instantaneously and fully He spoke to me on the issues I needed clarification in. Where I needed conviction, He slapped me in the face; where I needed healing, he removed any trace of pain; where I needed His loving Presence, He reminded me that He is my Adonai. It was a beautifully bonding time for our team as we were able to laugh and pray together about the direction God’s sending each one us this next year, and what He’s going to do with us these last couple months we’re together. We also got to share our “Fearless in Faith Heroes” video that we made as a team.

{If we’re Facebook friends, you should be able to click through this link and enjoy our quirky sense of humor:} http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=340677369329855&set=t.1332086881&type=3&theater

And, lastly, what the Lord’s been showing me as of recently…

Well, it’s really amazing to me how depraved and selfish I am without Christ. I’ve watched at certain points this month as my attitudes and actions completely surrounded me, my plans, and my desires. It’s funny isn’t it? As I get closer to Jesus and the light of Truth, I notice how many more “spots” I have on my spirit, instead of realizing how much “holier” I am. Or even worse than that, as I draw closer to Him, to watch as I make mistakes and trip up even when I feel so close to Christ. Things I thought I was “way above” and “stronger than” seem now to be some of the strongest pulls on my life. The Enemy has no new tricks; and despite that fact, he still manages to win in the battle of my heart every now and again. On the Kaohsiung retreat, the Lord showed me these verses to put to rest any doubts that I had that the choices I had were coming from me and not Him.

Temple parade- droves of people with
incense sticks... :(

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. They, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Do not be deceived my beloved brethren.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures.    (James 1:12-18)

On top of that, the Lord has asked me two very heavy questions as of recently- questions that I thought were already settled in my mind. The first was painful even to hear: “Would you be willing to never live in your parents’ house again and not even be sure when you’re going to see them again?” I didn’t feel like God was specifically asking that of me in my life, He was just asking if I’d be willing. But, oh gosh, that was such a tough decision to come to. I sat outside under the stars and wept before the Lord for at least an hour and a half before I was willing to say “Yes Lord, if You ask that of me, I am Thine. Your perfect will be done.”

The second came a few days later: “Would you be willing to be financially insecure in your life for the sake of Me and the Gospel?” Now, I would think that this question would be super easy decision. I mean seriously, I’ve always told my mom that I wanted to live a difficult life for Christ. I want to feel like I’ve actually done something at the end of my life- something hard for Christ- that I’ve run the more difficult track instead of taking the easy way out. But, to be honest, I struggled with that question while at work off and on for a whole day. He asked me in the morning while I was at school, but I wasn’t able to come to a solid decision until that evening. It’s almost embarrassing to realize how much my financial security meant to me. Anyways, so I’m at this point of almost excited/expectant wondering at what the Lord’s going to do with this heart freshly dedicated to Him and His purposes for my life. God is awesome. J

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”      (James 1:2-4)

Cinco de Mayo Party

So ya, that’s my month of April. I’m so sorry I’m starting this habit of being a few weeks behind on my monthly updates. There’s just so much to write at the end of the month that sometimes it’s hard to compile my thoughts. God bless you all and keep in touch! <3

“Father, glorify Your name.” –Jesus   (John 12:28)

My God is Calm in the Storm

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I hope in Him!’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:22-26)

I praise God for His unfailing mercy and love towards me these last few weeks. This month, I got an especially good look at myself when I stand outside the shadow of the Cross; and I, once again, see how much of a hopeless case I am without Him. It’s seriously probably the most shameful and embarrassing thing ever. Our God amazes me!

My beloved Eunice. One of the best
big sisters in the Lord I've
ever known.

In the midst of March’s fresh set of miracles and overwhelming dosage of laughter, the Enemy came in for an attack on Christina’s spirit this month. He came in where I am most vulnerable: the mind. Through little whispered lies and slow-forming thought patterns he brought me to a point of complete self-reliance and comfort in my iniquity. Mind you, from the outside, my life was “on target”- the Enemy made sure of that. I don’t believe I would have battled so far down on his level if there was any blatant sin that stood between me and God. No, rather he decided to push me to the point of doubt.

Doubt that my God was able and willing to do what He said He would do.

Yet the battle was finished before it started. You see, even though I was punched around a few times, allowing Satan to get a few good “hits” on me because of my lack of diligence to seek God’s face; I had a Greater Power on my side. The sacrifice Jesus Christ made for me, the blood that He shed, became the only thing I could run to and rest in. Even though I initially chose my way and my will, anytime I surrendered back into the loving arms of Jesus, I knew I was SAFE.

Julie Andrews’ line in Sound of Music: “Tomorrow’s a fresh day with no mistakes in it” became my catchphrase for the month. I love that so much. Think about it: God hands us a completely brand-new day tomorrow and allows us to do whatever we want in it. How crazy. How merciful. What love!

And to think He chooses to walk with us step-by-step, giving us constant opportunity to know and love Him more. We walk together as dear friends- the creature and the Creator- a relationship only possible by the victory of Jesus’ death at Calvary. As I type this, I’m shaking my head at disbelief that He would choose me. He did it on purpose you know. He picked me out; He picked you out. Dude, let’s live our lives in light of that!

“Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us…that the purpose of God according to the election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls. So then, it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 8:33-34; 9:11; 16)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! (See Galatians 5:1) The struggles and confusion I battled with this month drew me closer and closer to the Cross, and an acute realization that I need it so desperately. Once that freedom was “realized” and decided upon in my heart, I couldn’t stay in the mud of myself any longer…I needed to move on the FREEDOM Christ granted His beloved. Therefore, even though I made war this month in my heart and mind, I experienced great freedom and joy on the “other side.” And by God’s grace, I will choose to commit to walk in that freedom.

{Ahhhhhh, I love seeing in writing what God’s been showing me. It’s seriously so much fun to write these blog entries- I almost feel like I’m sharing God and I’s “little secrets” with you all, and I get a little bit giddy doing it…} 

There’s SO much more I want to share and write about, but I don’t have enough time right now. So here are some random thoughts/highlights/plans/reports that I think you might want to hear:

~ I’m coming back to Taiwan next year! Through the Lord’s leading and my parents’ counsel, I see God directing me back this way. Kinmen is so dear to my heart and I love my team so I’m extremely excited! ~ The only thing holding me back from unquestionably coming back here was my parent’s desire to work in ministry in Haiti. God may be opening some doors in that respect and I would LOVE to be a part of that. ~ I just found out that one of my really good friends from the States, Caris, has been accepted into this TESOL program. She probably won’t be stationed with me, but I’m so happy she’s going to be on the TESOL team. ~ Eunice, Johnny, and Bethany W. from my team have all decided to come back to Kinmen for another year as well!! My good friend Rebekah from the Yuli team in Taiwan has also decided to stay on and I’m totally elated about that… ~ We had another Swing Dance Fundraiser here in Jingmen on March 24^th. Our demographic this time was mainly university students; in my mind, that made it so much more fun and interesting. Those uni students make everything great and I love them so much. People from other TESOL teams came out to visit us and help out so I was totally blessed that entire weekend. ~ As of recently, Johnny and I have been feeling like the Lord wants us to keep these fundraisers Jesus/ministry focused. We had some opportunities this last month to plug in with the Taiwanese government, but we’ve decided against it for now because we want this ministry to build people up in the Kingdom of God- not just be a charity event. ~ I found out that I may not be able to come back to the States on furlough until mid-/late July. Sad face. Also, please be praying that my parents/sister will have the opportunity to come out to visit me this year. I want them to meet my current team so bad, but it’s slightly expensive. Lol. Lord’s will be done. ~ Lastly, please pray that I will commit to discipline myself! For goodness’ sake, it’s ridiculous the goals that I’ve put off and rescheduled already this semester. Mainly being my desire to read through the Gospel of John in Chinese before I go home for the summer….I need to get on it and work harder! Haha, so yes, I could use your prayers very muchly so!

This is Rebekah and I's relationship epitomized
 in all its glory. ;)

Thank you all again for your prayers and encouragement and notes and letters and awesomeness!! My eyes are burning as I think of each one of you saints who have been my support through prayer and words of affirmation this last year- thank you so much! I literally owe you the world. Prayer does so much more than you realize. <3

“Since mine eyes were fixed on Jesus,

I've lost sight of all beside—

So enchained my spirit's vision,

Looking at the Crucified.

  All for Jesus! All for Jesus!

  Looking at the Crucified.

  All for Jesus! All for Jesus!

  Looking at the Crucified.

“Oh, what wonder! how amazing!

Jesus, glorious King of kings,

Deigns to call me His beloved,

Lets me rest beneath His wings.

  All for Jesus! All for Jesus!

  Resting now beneath His wings.

  All for Jesus! All for Jesus!

  Resting now beneath His wings.”

   (All For Jesus; Mary Dagworthy James)

My February

Time has sped up like crazy. I feel like I'm on the downhill stretch of the year and I don't know what to do about it to keep up. Everything about life right now feels "fast" and I’m constantly reminded that every day I have here in Kinmen holds, not only purpose, but a sense of urgency. In my recent studies through 1st Corinthians and the Gospels, the Lord's been connecting some amazing concepts in my heart and mind- so many things are starting to make sense that never were completely clear. With the "connections" my heart has made, my life has obtained a sense of urgency like never before.

"But of the day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, or the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" (Mark 13:32-37)

Some of my good friends from the Pingtung and Chiayi teams.

My dreams and desires have begun to go through transformation in this last month as well. As I wrote before, my heart ached in Thailand at the spiritual depravity and oppression of the Enemy in the lives of the people in that country. Because of the spiritual hold He has in the lives of the people, much more evil is accepted and allowed than would be allowed in other parts of the world. Take for instance, the sex trafficking issue. Thailand is the capital of the world for sex tourism, with millions of women and children trapped in slavery- having no way of escape and living in horrifying conditions. I’ve been seeking the Lord as of recently about what I can do to fight this major issue. Christine Cain’s words from the Passion 2012 conference constantly rings in my ears: “Not on my watch!” I want to be able to look back on my life and know I did something about this…not just sat back comfortably in my educational pursuits and dreams of a comfortable, classic little American life. Things I’ve always wanted and dreamed about since I was a little girl seem so frivolous in comparison to being a part of the saving of millions of little girls in Thailand (and all over the world), who are being raped repeatedly every day. What wouldn’t I do if these were my little sisters!? I don’t want to excuse this issue as a statistic and continue onward with my life. Jesus wouldn’t. I won’t.

BREATHTAKING beach in South Taiwan.

Therefore, I’ve been praying about the Lord sending me out to that part of the world sometime in the future. I’m not sure how or when or by what means, but I’m confident, the Lord will guide me step-by-step and I’m confident that He will show me His plans in His perfect timing. It’s a scary thought, but I want to GO while I can because I’m free to really do anything at this point in my life. It’s just me and Jesus…please be praying that my next step is clear and my mind doesn’t get clouded with my own desires…as the Enemy hates who I am and what I stand for daily. I’m not sure what my future holds, but I’m so thankful that the Holy Spirit is always there to direct me step-by-step. My heart has always been for PEOPLE and their relationships with the Lord, so I’m confident wherever the Lord sends me I will enjoy and “flourish in.”

Making our outdoor banner for
the fundraiser.

So what have I been doing as of recently in light of all this? Well, my team pulled off a Swing Dance Fundraiser in the community…raising money for Destiny Rescue (the organization we met missionaries from in Thailand), and, more importantly, making people aware of this global crisis. About 60 people showed up to this event that my team pulled off in a six-day time span. Personally, I was completely blown away as I watch an insane amount of miracles unfold throughout the week to allow it to unfold so smoothly. It made me so thankful to be on this island “for such a time as this.” God literally is so cool. So so cool.

As we continue to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading, my team is planning two more fundraisers in Jingchung, Jingmen, and another in Hualian, Taiwan for the months of March and April. Lord willing, these opportunities will open up and we will be able to reach the people of Taiwan with the message of this cause. Please be praying that the Lord’s will is done and that all of this will be focused on the glory of His name alone. We’re praying for direction in this area as the Lord may be “expanding our borders” to reach more people with the message of this cause, and inevitably, the Gospel.

“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,” and it would obey you. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat”? But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink”? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.”’” (Luke 17:5-10)

Chinese New Year 2012

Well, this last month and a half has probably been one of the busiest time in my service here in Southeast Asia. God is so good and has constantly brought me back to Him and who He is in my life. More than ever before, I have been constantly reminded how much I need Him and how I can do absolutely nothing without His Sovereign power and direction every moment of every day.

I can’t stress enough that your prayers WORK…my parents are always sharing with me how so many people share with them how they are praying for me and the ministry. I am 100% positive that without your prayers, much (if not all) of the chances I’ve had to share Jesus and His love with the people around me wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you all so very much.

Anyways, I’m going to try to recap my travels and adventures from my first Chinese New Year vacation. Hopefully this will be a blessing and encouragement for you to read what God’s been doing in my life and in the ministry on this side of the world. I divided this (extremely lengthy and long overdue) blog post trip-by-trip so it’s easier to read by section if you’d like. Enjoy!


Some of the cutest boys alive

BO CUN TRIP
Starting with my trip over New Year’s (like the January 1^st, “Western New Year’s” kind…) with Bo Cun’s 6^th grade class: Each one of my six grade classes plan a class trip that they go on together as sort of a memorable marking point before all the students head out to Junior High the next year. The class I chose to go with is quite possibly one of my favorite 6^th grade classes as a whole. The students are so sweet and I love my principal and co-teacher from that school. J

We spent the 4-day trip travelling (virtually) all over the West side of Taiwan; from Taichung to Nantou to Kaohsiung- and everywhere in between. I saw some breathtaking mountain peaks, and of course the pretty spectacular Sun Moon Lake. For New Year’s Eve, I left my class for the evening and spent some time with dear friends from another IBLP TESOL team in Nantou and then took the HSR (High Speed Rail) back the next morning to catch up with my class.

This trip, though tons of fun and full of adventure, was pretty hard for me though. It was the first time I was away from my Kinmen team and with Chinese-only speakers since I’ve been here in Taiwan. On top of feeling “homesick,” some of the parents from my class had a hard time with the idea of me not speaking Chinese conversationally yet. The first night, I just sat in my hotel room and cried before the Lord in utter frustration. I felt very alone and rejected and just wanted to go home.

Before I left for this weekend trip, my dad had told me to keep John 14-16 in mind- reminding me that I could not do ANYTHING on my own and I needed (need) the Lord to guide my every step. So, after talking to the Lord for a while and re-composing myself, I pulled out my Bible and read that passage over and over again. The Holy Spirit spoke to me that night. I re-realized all I am required as a daughter of the King is remain in His love. There is no other requirement for my personal walk with Jesus. As I keep my eyes focused on Him and diligently seek for His hand in my life, He will provide my every need and orchestrate my every step. He could even teach me Chinese if He wanted to. From that moment on, I committed my language proficiency to the Lord- I am going to work as hard as I can, and leave the results up to Him and His will and plan. In this area, and in all others: I only need to ask…ask like a child. Trust like a child. Enjoy life as a child. Isn’t our God so cool?

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you…As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love…You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (John 15:7, 9, 16)

THAILAND

Sunrise over the mountains

The next couple weeks after that weekend with my class, my team and I prepared for our King Car Visa renewal trip to Thailand. Lesson planning and packing pretty much consumed our time, especially the last couple days leading up to our departure. (This trip was completely paid for by the King Car Foundation we work for in Taiwan, which was such a huge blessing.) The group consisted of the teams from Kinmen, Yuli, Pingdong, and then a few members joined us from Nantou [All in all, SUCH a great group of people]. Tuesday-Saturday we taught English classes for the 1^st-12^th grades in Da Tong, Thailand. In our touring time, we got to see the Golden Triangle, White Temple, explore a pretty big day market in Chiang Rai, spend about an hour on the other side of the border in Myanmar, spend time at a convent school for Thai girls, play with a monkey, launch lanterns for Chinese New Year, and so much more memorable moments that I couldn’t even start to type out. (Just look through my bazillion Facebook pictures if you get the chance…ok?)

This trip was a super great opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and share the Gospel. On the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, I was able to talk about the Lord with the man I was sitting next to. We talked almost the whole flight. The man was a Buddhist, and believed very strongly in Buddhism’s “Middle Path,” yet was very interested in both sharing his beliefs and listening to mine. It was such a Divine appointment. Be praying for Mr. Vincent.

Also, because Chinese wasn’t the first language of the kids I worked with, my pride got to have a break from the beat-down it normally has and I was able to actually communicate outside of class for a change. ;) The kids were amazing- all the way up to my 9^th grade class. For the most part, I felt so welcomed and loved by each one of them and just plain had fun spending time with them.

Yet, spiritually, the warfare started off with a bang that week at the “Welcome Party” for us foreign teachers. Some of the girls from 4^th-9^th grade put together a performance with several dances…let’s just say the dancing was shocking and painful to watch. It hurt me so much to see such little girls dancing so sensually- I know I can speak for our entire TESOL team by saying our spirits were grieved and put on guard by such a performance. The Kinmen team met as a group the next night and brought the little girls, their families, and futures before the Lord.

Then, personally, I went on hyper-drive mode as far as seeking the Lord’s will for next year’s plans….I loved Thailand from the first moment we landed, being struck by the need of the people in the area in which we worked. Mid-week, we ran into some missionaries that literally worked in the middle of the fight against Thailand’s sex trafficking industry; I can’t tell you how much I wanted to go with them. In hearing the missionaries’ stories about the girls, and the different rescues they were currently running, my heart ached and I quietly pleaded with God to someday allow me to join in this battle.

So, needless to say, midweek in Da Tong, I was praying very hard for the Lord to give me direction and a heart for where He wanted me. I want to spend my life in ministry where there is NEED- a need for real rescue and salvation- a place screaming for light. I prayed and spent time in the Word for hours on end, seeking God for direction and praying that He would show Himself real in my life. It was only when my heart got to the point of being totally willing to go where and when the Lord sent me, that I began having peace again. Ministry ideas for this semester in Kinmen to help fight the more local sex trafficking industry started coming to mind and I set a few personal goals for the semester. It was so freeing to have the Lord show me how I was inside His will and then give me ways I can be “useful in the Master’s hand” this semester.

Some of my personal goals for Spring 2012 in Kinmen:

1)     Read through the Gospel of John in Chinese

2)     Read “Case for Christ” (Lee Strobel)

3)     Set aside a minimum of 10 minutes a day to study Chinese

4)     Make intimate time with Jesus priority- both in prayer and study

5)     Stay on top of monthly blog updates

{My team and I are in prayer about a few fundraisers and awareness projects to support ministries on the front lines of the fight against sex trafficking. We’re hoping to involve the entire island of Kinmen with each of these events. Please be praying that God’s will be done with every project. Our goal is to bring ultimate glory to the name of Jesus by protecting those who cannot protect themselves. I will keep you updated with how God guides.}

TAIPEI WINTER CAMPS

Finally, to finish up our New Year vacation, we worked this last week in a Taipei Winter camp with King Car. Our “camp team” consisted of our Kinmen group, plus Caitlin (from the Yuli team), and Kelsey (BWills’ younger sister). We had 60+ kids come from mainly the Taipei area for a 5-day camp that had us up at 7:30am and down usually around midnight. It was exhausting but SO well worth it.

I worked with a middle level group- Team D: The Daring Dragons. Ironically, even though we had the manliest name and team chant, I was placed with several of the girliest girls in the entire camp. It was a blast, lol. Kelsey and I worked as co-teachers with our TA, Jenny, helping us all along. Our topic for the week was current world issues and what we can do as individuals to help. We danced the “Waka Waka” and Justin Beiber’s “Baby Baby” song almost daily for fun and did tons of skits, games, stories, and songs with the kids…basically just loving on them. Kelsey got to share the Gospel with the students as we studied Europe and the song “Amazing Grace” one morning. She was able to explain the concept of sin, grace, and the mercy of God. (Kelsey shared that during English class, get that: in class. It’s pretty wild the freedom we have in Taiwan as foreign teachers to share the Gospel with kids in our English classes.)

Midweek, (again, lol) the Lord knocked on my heart and set me in a tailspin because I was (still) so comfortable doing things my way. There was (is) a need for someone to go to help out another one of the TESOL teams for this next semester and the Kinmen girls were asked if anyone would be willing to go. When I first got the email, I laughed and thought how ridiculous it would be if God sent me somewhere else for the semester. Almost as soon as I mentally made my decision to say “no,” the Lord asked me why.

Why was I so unwilling to think that He could possibly take me out of my comfort zone yet again and bring me somewhere else? So for the second time this month, I prayed and sought counsel and sought the Lord about if He wanted me to move from Kinmen. And similar to my “prayer battle” in Thailand, as soon as I was willing to be obedient and pay attention to the Lord’s gentle leading, my peace returned and He reminded me of His heart for my life. A life that is continually plugged into Him, a life that only wants His will, and a life that will jump when He says “go.” Lord willing, I’m going to be staying in Kinmen this next semester and am going to try to actually wait and listen for His guidance.

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)

If it’s ok with you, I would like to end this update with a quick personal prayer- thanking Jesus for Who He is and what He’s doing:

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for my brothers and sisters in Christ all over this world. It just amazes me to see Your hand everywhere I go and I just want to tell you thank you. Thank you for the people I work with and for. Thank you for the children that I get to pour into daily. Thank you for the work You’re doing in my heart to make me the woman you want me to be. I pray that each one of us will never lose sight of YOU and Your marvelous mercy and love. You are so holy Jesus and I thank you that You are not finished with me yet and have great things in store for this next year. This time in Taiwan is dedicated to You. Greater things are still to come. I thank You and praise You. In Your holy name, Amen.

Reflections: Mary and Joseph

The following is a prayer and a few thoughts that I wrote out to the Lord while waiting to teach in one of my classes. The story of Jesus’ birth has never hit me in such an impactful way like it has in the last few weeks, and the Holy Spirit used the faith of Mary and Joseph to totally redirect my focus and emotions concerning the will of God for my life. This is straight from my prayer journal, and I want to share it with you.

“I want to leave a faith story behind me. [Check out Joshua 4:1-9] Sometimes I want so desperately to know what Your plan is for me, but I realize that I will never know faith until I have the chance to test it and grow in it. I want to be able to look back and say, “I trusted God with this situation and He did this.” I want to have a testimony in the end of His grace, goodness, and love.

Taipei with some of the "fam bam."

“Mary had no idea what was going to happen to her when she stepped by faith into the calling the angel had for her. She had no clue what was to happen to her. She just knew she was stopped in her tracks and re-directed another way. It could have meant death. It could have meant a life alone and rejected. But instead, You had a plan of LIFE; yes, hard work, but LIFE and GLORY.

“And Joseph! He must have felt as if he was pulled into a plan that was not his own. It must have been hard to think of this turn of events as God’s plan and not “Mary’s fault.” That man must’ve known his God. He must have had to think and CHOOSE to stand by his betrothed- the woman he chose to make him happy- no matter what. He had no clue what his future held. All he knew at that point was that his reputation would never be the same. He was willing to lay down who he was for God’s glory and out of obedience.

“God, You knew. Even this(!!!): Joseph never saw Your ultimate fulfillment of Your plan for Jesus. He must have constantly doubted as it seemed that Jesus just grew to be a good, well-respected man. He probably wondered if all that was even worth it. And Mary! She was obedient all her life to the hand and will of God and then her Son is CRUCIFIED as a low-class criminal. She must have felt like dirt….I know I would. How heartbreaking for a mother.

View from the Taipei IBLP Office.

“BUT, You were directing things outside of their heartbreak and confusion. Plans SO MUCH bigger than either of them could have imagined. They never saw the fulfillment of this glory and ultimate plan…but it happened anyways. Because this man and this woman were willing to do all and anything God asked of them- with no reservations- the plight of ALL MANKIND was (and is) forever changed.

“…Mary probably never saw the fulfillment of her obedience. Joseph definitely never did. Yet they obeyed.

“So…what am I willing to do? Am I willing to simply obey day-by-day; not asking questions because even Mary did not see the fulfillment of the promise? Abraham didn’t see the full impact of his obedience. Moses didn’t. Noah didn’t…ish. These people trusted and obeyed throughout their lives but never received the complete fulfillment of the promise made to them by the Lord. They had no idea their obedience would echo so high and far throughout generations and ages. Therefore, who am I to question You!? Who am I to “seek and find” Your plan and will instead of Your heart? That’s not right or fair. Shouldn’t I just follow and love? You always show me and give me exactly what I’ll need- never too early or too late. You reveal in Your perfect timing, and You don’t reveal in your perfect timing.

“Step by step I am led. You hold things back until your plan is ready to be carried out in my life. You reveal when Your plan is ready.

“Teach me Your ways, oh Lord. You are so good. Thank you. Amen.” (12/13/2011)

“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)

Ninteenth birthday dinner at Chili's
in Taipei.

Dear You,

Wow, there are so many people I would like to sit down with right now and share the following random things that have been on my heart. Sigh. I guess this "mass letter" to you all will have to suffice... So much to tell...not enough time.

Lol, this was Day 1 of being sick at school. I had to wear one
of these annoying things

First of all, thank you to all those who prayed for me throughout that sickness a couple weeks back. It turned out being an upper chest/throat viral infection that escalated to a way worse problem than it should have ever been. After day four of the progressively worsening fever and congestion, some dear friends took me into the Emergency Room where I was on IV for the duration of the day. 'Twas no fun, but knowing people were praying for me was enough to remind me that I was loved and helped me stay somewhat sane. Thank you: our God always answers prayer in His timing and according to His perfect will. :)

My beloved Jingmen family and our Thanksgiving feast.

The university Christmas event is happening next week! The plan is to have a "Christmas bazaar" for the first hour, then the Nativity story shared in drama form, the Gospel presented by our pastor, and then finishing the night up with caroling around the campus. I've taken responsibility to head it up and organize the details so please be praying for both diligence and flexibility for me. During this season, I tend to get so easily distracted with "busy work" that isn't the ultimate best use of my time and, not only that, I also tend to be quite the perfectionist. This combination definitely has the potential to keep me away from glorifying the Lord with the time I have.

Also, next week is the IBLP TESOL Christmas retreat in Taipei! It should be an awesome time of fun and fellowship with the other teams in Taiwan. Can't believe we're celebrating Christmas again already! I heard as you get older, the years go by faster and faster.....I think I'm actually starting to believe that now. C'est la vie, mais 生活是美好的。<-- Hope Google Translate hasn't failed me with that last part. ;)

Jake: One of my absolute favorites.

I don't quite know what I want to do with my life next year- whether to stay here in Jingmen, or go back to the States, or go somewhere else, or study, or not study, or intern somewhere, or not...etc. This is something I've thought about quite intensively the last couple weeks and I have decided to make no decision in this area for a while. Lol. It's really hard not to be swayed by those I love at home...or those I love here. I want my life to be guided by my Heavenly Father's leading, not by the desires of others or my own. This is something that would be awesome to get some prayer for. I feel urgency to come to some kind of conclusion in the near future; and I want to have God's perfect will and not get in the way.

On that note, its been a roller coaster of emotions as of recently as far as missing my family, friends, and the community back home. I think with Thanksgiving barely past and Christmas coming up, the desire to be home with my family during this season becomes sharper and more acute. I hate the fact that I'm missing my brothers and sisters growing up and I so desperately don't want to drop out of many people' lives. I know members of my team are dealing with the same thing so if you have the time and think of it, it would be a blessing to know that you're also praying for us in this area.

Adorable Debra. I love 1st Grade!

Lastly, I couldn't finish a prayer update without mentioning my conquering of the Mandarin obstacle. It's definitely a challenge because of the necessary investion of time and effort to show progress. When I hear about past Jingmen team members who have grasped this language within a year, I feel discouraged and inadequate and I know this is something that is going to require both the Lord's wisdom and His grace. Remember way back at the beginning of this letter, when I asked for you to pray for me for diligence and flexibility? Those character traits would be helpful here too... ;) 

I apologize for the random spattering of prayer requests and updates....pray all is well with you all and that you are blessed as you prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord.

Many blessings and much love,
Christina

I love these kids. The boy with the intense makeup is Green.
He had just finished his big dance performance...and for
that reason you can guess how much I love him<3