Christmas All Over, Again

Christmas in Singapore is going to be amazing.  I’ve already gotten a small taste of the culture and was able to give them a dose of mine. 

I was told before arriving, Singapore will be much busier than the previous ports.  Singapore has many local contacts that are like family to the ship.  GBA Ships has been to Singapore 30+ times and has a strong relationship with the people, and the Dulous was decommissioned here (former GBA Ship) a couple of years ago.  The last few days have been spent working hard in the galley preparing the food for on-board events and the crew.  I find this is a never ending challenge, everyone needs to eat sometimes more than once too.  The compliments I get for my hard work are very inspiring.    Plus…

Grilling 120 steaks at once, that's a real man's grill

Work in the galley has been exciting, though working long hours I’m enjoying getting to know my shift better.  We recently lost 2 steppers (10 week program) and gained 2 more steppers.  The 2 that left were English speakers and communicated very well; the 2 new steppers are from South Korea and speak very little English.  This is going to be a struggle so please pray in regards to communication and building relationships within my shift.  Also pray for N. Korea as they have a new dictator since the death of their former leader, (Dec 19).  I’ve developed a new passion for Koreans leaning some of their language and developing a relationship with the ones in the catering department. 

Church Day in Singapore I spoke with others from the ship to a local youth group

The first few nights in Singapore, Logos Hope hosted a performance, “International Night”.  This is where the crew shows off their passions and cultural diversity.  I was able to perform swing dance on stage with 6 other couples from all over the world.  (It’s amazing to see how much an impact America has on the rest of the world, swing dance is only 1 way.)  The finale was amazing too.  All performers danced to the beat of an African choir and sang their cool song.  The whole crowd was on the feet and dancing.  What an amazing day and way to start my time in Singapore. 

American Swing dancers hangin out after the show

Prayer and Praise

Hebrews 6, That I am and will remain anchored in God’s steadfast love, compassion, mercy, and grace.

Lamentations 3, The Lord’s love never ceases, therefore we can put all our hope in Him.

                I’ve been having an amazing time in missions with the Logos Hope.  God is really challenging and teaching me these first few months.  He always continues to amaze. 

                Working with the crew has proven to be very challenging.  Challenges brought through culture and communications mainly but also relationally with Him too.  It’s kind of like the cross Kasey uses for the youth (FBCM youth leader). 

 You see how the arrows point.  The two arrows running horizontally are a representation of our relationships here on Earth, and the other how we connect with God vertically.  With culture there is always a conflict with over 40 different nationalities represented.  It seems every time you open your mouth you offend someone.  Next, communications, this seems to be a problem no matter how well you know the culture.  I know this something I saw a major problem with in some areas of my life back home.

                With these challenges I’ve come to find the only way through these challenges is through the many juicy fruits’ of Spirit, Galations 5:22.  If we want to continue to have a vital relationship with God we need to stay in step with the Spirit.  Just praying for others and myself to have God rain these fruits down on us and have them represented in our actions has been very satisfying. God's love is relentless. 

                I’ve seen so many answers to prayer too.  It’s been a great blessing to see God at work!  

PRAYER UPDATE: PORT KLANG

          God has been so faithful in answering my prayers.  I’m thankful for all He is doing.  I had another great ministry day.  There was a group of four of us that went to a local church for our ministry day with the kids. 

            We had to be extremely flexible!  When we arrived we were told by the captain of the brigade, that we would be teaching the boys and girls together.  Before arrival we were told we would be working in separate groups, male & female.  Last second we combined the two plans to form a great lesson for the boys and girls.  They were a wonderful bunch of munchkins.  We played several fun games, did a drama, and I gave the lesson.  Everything went smoothly as this was my first event as leader.  Being a leader is tough because everything falls on your shoulders. 

PRAYER REQUEST:

·         I will lead another ministry day soon. Pray that I’ll be able to demonstrate a good example of a humble servant.  I’ll be leading those that have been on-board for awhile know.  Pray that we’ll all get along and our ministry day will go smoothly. 

·         I’ve been praying for challenges in my life as I know through adversity you grow the most.  I’ve also been praying for stronger communication skills as I felt weaker than most in this area.  I’ve been challenged in many ways since joining the ship; specifically.

o   Workplace – communications (leader doesn’t understand much English)

o   Roommates – tight room amongst 4 men can be a little dirty. Pray for good attitudes too. 

o   PST Penang – (this is the group I arrived to the ship with), Pray that I’ll be able to continue to develop strong friendships within this group.  I’ve been leading a prayer meeting every Sunday night.

o   Crew – Pray for humility, joy, and servitude for the rest of the crew.

·         Pray for strength, perseverance, joy, passion, love, friendships, and humility

Praises:

·         Praise God I’ve been able to lead and have great ministry opportunities.  Many days on-board we’re able to wander down to the book-fair and share the love of Christ with the nationals that are constantly visiting. 

·         I’ve been having a great time on-board in Malaysia

·         I’ve made many new friends amongst the crew and nationals

I MADE IT TO THE SHIP, THE LOGOS HOPE SHIP

God is good all the time!  I’m so thrilled that I headed the call to do missions overseas.  The decision to commit my life to missions was difficult at first but I knew I was called.  Because we’re all called it just a matter of, what capacity? and where?

My first year was spent doing training in the classrooms with Wycliffe, JAARS, OM and Logos Hope.  Now I’ve finally made it to the point when I’m actually doing my ministry.  I love it but realize the classroom is always there; the classroom of life is always in session. 

The first few weeks of ministry are very key to starting many good relationships with people, but what many and myself didn’t think of as how our ministrys’ didn’t start when we got to the missions field but actually with the instant you accept Christ as your Savior, or maybe even further back when you first were born.  Even though I didn’t realize I was going into ministry I was still impacting people and making impressions on people good and bad and those impressions follow you and stick with those individuals you spent time with. 

            Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.”  

Meaning God knew where we would go what we would do and was using all those encounters for His purpose. 

           

I know ministry is relationships whether it be with an unbeliever or believer you can still have ministry.  I think God for the situation He has placed me in and I’m taking advantage of getting to know all the cool people God has put me in contact with.  

Go Conference

Recap of go conference

This story will summarize the last two action packed weeks starting from the last weekend in Charlotte to the end in Penang, Malaysia.  There was so much excitement I hope you’re ready for a fun ride on my journey to Malaysia.

            From the get go Sunday was packed with 2 Commissioning Services, a Send-Off Party, and flight out of town.  Thank you all who came out to support my ministry.  During my last weekend in Charlotte a friend, Raphael Winter, titled and filmed “The Greatest Weekend Ever”.  The video includes many interviews from friends and family, action scenes, and so much more.  This will probably be coming to you soon via you tube for your viewing pleasure.  The whole weekend was jammed full of exciting new experiences with my friends and family members. 

            After the send-off party I grabbed my bags and headed to the airport.  I believe my parents struggled to see me go but I was so excited, I could wait.  I’m still pumping adrenaline as I learn to embrace every moment and learn a great deal from these new experiences that I’m encountering with basically every breath.  I arrived in Holland after a long couple of flights without rest.

            1^st day, I arrived early about 6am their time and decided I’d avoid the jetlag by not sleeping.  It worked too! =)  Right after arriving at the conference I immediately embraced the culture by playing with the kiddos on the playground before running off with some others to the pitch for a good futbol match in the rain.  This quickly turned into a mud wrestling match as we began to get to know each other.  Drenched in water and mud and without sleep or a change of clothes I began to truly feel out my 1^st cross-cultural experience, (luggage lost in transition).

            It’s difficult to recap everything but to highlight a few things roommates, scenerios, and more.

            It all started with my roommates!  I had a wonderful group of guys, (no snorers).  We seemed to mesh very well together.  Later in the conference we found out why… we all took a personality survey.  We all scored high in the same category, “Harmonizer”, which basically meant we were all people pleasers.  We were all from different parts of the world too, Austria, Hungary, Germany, Tia Won, and the Netherlands.  This just goes to show how God works. 

He has continually blessed me over these past few years and will continue to so, if…

James 4:7,8, Submit yourself to God and resist the devil and will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

            “OM Opoly”, was done with our fellowship group, (group made of the same sex and nationality).  In the groups we ran around with a group of 9 guys amongst 300 other OMers.  The groups ran around doing events, examples, and demonstration of a Biblical story with all members of group included.  We did the last supper as I broke a banana representing the breaking of the bread and kidnapping a hostage and holding them ransom, another group had to was our feet.  They had several different stations set up to work through, spiritual, emotional, action, and many more that allowed us to bond together while having a good time. 

            Mission Possible was a great interactive scenario that prepares us for travel through immigration, customs, and security.  This scenario was done with our discovery groups, (group of people doing the same ministry as you).  The first step was receiving our visas to do our missions work; then tickets, customs, immigration, and lastly doing some relational missions work.  We had to diplomatically explain why we were traveling without giving away that our trip was for missions.  This allowed us to be prepared and to think ahead of questions that may be asked in the future when traveling. 

          I am now safely in Penang, Malaysia after 30 hours of travel and little sleep. 

Please pray for spiritual guidance, openness, and a servant’s heart

Praise, I was able to strengthen my love for prayer and reading Bible scripture.

New Ports of Call

Upcoming Ports - Logos Hope

Following is a list of the current and upcoming ports for the Logos Hope.  Please note: All ports and dates are subject to change. Ports and dates in orange italics are not confirmed yet. Port Arrival Date Penang, Malaysia August 18th, 2011 Port Klang, Malaysia September 28th, 2011 Kuching, Malaysia October 27th, 2011 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia November 17th, 2011 Singapore, Singapore December 16th, 2011 Cebu, Philippines January 13th, 2012 Manila, Philippines February 16th, 2012 Shipyard port, Philippines March 15th, 2012 Drydock and layup port, Philippines April 4th, 2012 Port, Philippines June 6th, 2012

Last week in the states, Wow!

I can’t wait to start, but it the same time having mixed emotions about leaving family and friends behind.  I know I’ve been called, now it’s my turn to respond to this calling.

Logos Hope is literally a melting-pot of culture.  People coming from every corner of the Earth; they say upwards of 40+ nationalities are represented on board the vessel.  Many people are so blessed by the ministry when the ship ports in their home town; that they see the vision and take it upon themselves to raise partnerships and join the ship ministry. I’m anxious to get there and meet all these different walks of lives and hear all their amazing stories of how God saved them!

A local Bible study I’ve been attending starts the meeting every week by asking, “What were your “High” “Lows” from the previous week”?  I always struggled with the “Lows” portion of the week; God has been so good it’s always a challenge to think of how things have been bad.  Every week from the beginning of the year I’ve been able to experience new challenges and excitement.  Meeting so many new people through speaking engagements, becoming actively involved in different ministries within the community, missions trips, volunteering with the AWESOME KIDS AT FBCM, and vacations.  God has been very good to me, and I can’t wait to see how God plans to use my ministry.

This last week I will not be saying goodbye but “CYA Later” to hundreds of people I’ve grown to know and love.  I praise God for every one of them and how they’ve blessed me.

World Changers

I’ve just arrived back home from an exciting youth missions trip.  We all grew together as a group, enjoyed serving others, and had so much fun & fellowship.  It was a great boost to ministry as I’m about to “Ship off”.

World Changers is hosted by the International Missions Board & allows 1000’s of kids to spend a week in the summer heat serving, by providing practical aid & a godly testimony to the community.  I worked on, “The Paint Chips Crew”, that had several young energetic young people.  The crews were divided amongst the churches in attendance. 

From laboring on the job-site, to knocking on doors, to hanging with the community kids, there were so many outreach opportunities.  Praise God for opening so many different doorways that week.  I would say the main ministry was to the kids at World Changers though.  They encountered a week of missions and were challenged, “ONE”, TO spend one summer in mission.  So this missions trip really opened a lot of their eyes to serving. 

I was thrown into a leadership type position.  Given there was a limited amount of adults.  I learned how to effectively give direction & delegate to others on the go; while remaining friendly & having a good time with everyone there.  Everyone on the crew had a blast through the lift in their spirits throughout the week.  From the time we got to the work site til cleanup time we all played, talked, & had plenty of fun, and oh yeah we worked a little bit too.

 GO PAINT CHIPS!!!

Worship was Awesome.  It was simply but amazing.  It was a one man show, but he made it work.  The last night I remember we had 300+ people planking (picture), dancing on stage, and having the best time worshiping. 

The van rides were great too!  I drove the cargo van, home to all the stinky clothes, haha, it wasn’t bad at all.  I appreciate the youth pastor giving me that responsibility.  It allowed me to be able to connect with a few of the youth that rode with me throughout the week.  

Missions in Cherokee

 Deep (a growing ministry in South Charlotte) left Charlotte Saturday morning to led a VBS in   small country church in the back woods of Cherokee Nation.  I experienced new friends how to be a leader and communicate. The Vacation Bible School in Cherokee, NC was a great experience. 

People always make the trip.  God had orchestrated the perfect group of people with the perfect group of skills to tackle this VBS.  We had our “ups” and “downs” throughout the trip, but it was a maturing process that allowed us to grow closer/stronger together. During the course of the trip I was able to build relationships with each of the volunteers that made the voyage,  not to mention the kids who were a great blessing to all of us as well. 

Even though the evil one attempted to flaw our plans.  We persevered through it all.  We overcame a flash flood (River rose multiple feet), 2 broken down cars (one radiator & one blown engine), and much more, but God was always there, Psalm 61:3, “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”  Communications is key, we had several meeting as a group that allowed everyone to share what was on their heart/mind, individual spoke cordially with one another, and worship was also constructed a mature fashion. 

We had 3 confirmed salvations.

This humbling experiencing gave me a since of pride to led, but at times found myself being instructed by those younger than I throughout the trip.  We each took an active role when it came to children at VBS; whether it was through spending time with them to, facilitating the lesson, to working around the church, to preparing a meal.  There were so many different avenues of logistics.  I know now why over half the missions field workers are in administration.   

This was an awesome week of ministry.  It pumped me up and made me ubber excited to hit the missions field, less than 5 weeks now =).