NeeHao FrOm TaiWan

Cambodia Outreach Pics

2007-04-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

More Pics from Outreach

2007-04-11T15:28:00.000-07:00

Outreach has ended... The real mission starts now!

2007-03-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Chom Reap Sue (Greetings),

Wow, I can't believe its over. It felt like just yesterday I was asking God whether I should do this mission trip or not. And now the time has come and I thank God for all the wonderful memories He's given to me. The other day during my devotional time I was going over this verse "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but loose his soul". This question has become more of a reality as the time of my departure approaches. You know, I have experienced many things during these 6 months, and I have come to see and know how BIG my God is. How there is nothing I want more than to serve Him for the rest of my life, and that the best decision I could have ever made was to commit my life into His hands. I have two weeks left before heading home, and the closer the time comes... the more I have a deep yearning to come closer to the Lord. I cannot live Christianity the same. I cannot live my relationship with Yesu (Chinese word for Jesus) the same and I wouldn't want it any other way.

When you come to the Lord it means you are committed for life or till death, whichever comes first. Even though Taiwan and Cambodia are considered 'free countries', there are still places that have never heard the gospel and places where persecution is very real. I was in villages where Christians could be counted with your fingers. Churches where the young people have to sneak to attend services. Where if you are known to become a follower of Yesu.. you are banned from the community and made to sleep in a tent in the rice fields. Yet, no matter the circumstances and difficulties they passed through, they would speak of the Lord with such deep passion and love.

In Cambodia... We saw pastors with nothing but the clothes on their back. I struggled trying to reason why God would allow them to go through such hardship when the bible talks about the Lord providing for our every need. Many times I would go to sleep crying because to me serving the Lord meant that we never had to worry about our necessities; but the problem wasn't about Yusu's faithfulness, for He is always faithful. The problem was in my expectation of Him. I had placed God in a mold, thinking He should do this or that as if he was some kind of genie, and I was wrong. He never promised we would not suffer. And though His ways are not always easier, it is always better. The response I got from the pastors and missionaries was that it was a blessing, a privilege to go through it all for Yesu.

We spent every week in different orphanages. In Cambodia when a mom dies in giving birth.. the child is considered a curse, the result is the death of innocent children. All of the kids in the orphanages we went to either both parents died or they were rescued from being killed. Something I loved about these places was how they taught the children. They are told that even though their father is gone, that they have an even greater father in heaven. You would hear them many times describing God as Daddy. Even though many of the kids are mocked in school because they are orphans they love God with all they have.

Every morning we would wake up to not only the sounds of pigs, roosters, dogs, but also of Buddhist temple chants. They say the louder and longer they chant the more the gods will hear them and help their sick loved ones. At one village we were asked not to pray with our eyes closed, because there were incidents of rocks flying for the unsuspecting person.We would go with the local pastor to the near villages, gather the people, (often whole villages of 100 or more) and bring the good news as well as basic first aid for those in need. Most of those who responded to Yesu's call were children. It is harder for the older to come to know the Lord because to them Christianity is a "Foreigners religion".

There were many times I had to explain that the God in the western world is also the same God in Asia and everywhere in the world. I have to admit this was the first time in my life that I was challenged with the reality of Yesu's testimony. To believe that a God became a man, how it is only through Yesu that we have life, How Satan deceived man... terms that in the western world there is usually no need for explanation, here they heard it for the first time. Here they weighed every word. Many would start chanting to their gods for protection from our words. I felt like Paul when he went preaching to the cities proclaiming that there is only one true God. At times we even used the "Unknown God" as a basis of explaining that there is but one God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.... hahahha... let me tell you... I have come to believe wholeheartedly in Yesu's testimony. You know how it said in Romans 1:16 that "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for all those who believe..". Well I felt that power that Paul talked about when we proclaimed the gospel.

Yet, in spite of the victories we had. The group struggled with many things, two of them was our health and with unity. Ever since the school started I knew it was going to be a time of molding. But it reached its climax in outreach. The true nature of a stone emerges when it is put in the fire. There were times I just wanted to run away and hide from everyone. I was able to see what I was truly made of and what was hidden in my heart. Things like pride, envy, and selfishness became as bright as day. I felt like a glass jar being smashed by ten truck wheels. Loving my neighbor seemed impossible to reach. Yet, it was during those times that I saw God as visible as the sun. I learned what it meant to yearn for Yesu's love/forgiveness. The Lord was faithful as always. Not one of us had to go to the hospital, each morning we had enough strength to do all we had to do with joy and gratitude. And in the end we received true love for each other.

Yesu has done a great work in me and I know its only the beginning. I know that the closer I come to the Lord, the more I will come to know myself and the great plans He has for me.

Thank You to all for your prayer support, it was the backbone that kept us under the protection and guidance of Yesu. You were not only part of hundreds coming to Christ, but for the wonderful work God did in me. May the Lord bless you abundantly.

Love Always,
Sharies

Our trip to the Village of the people Tayas

2006-12-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

We came to this church for a retreat to prayer, but ended up ministering in their church. It took 4hours up the mountains.. it was very cold that weekend, but the people were so hospitable and humble. We always had more than enough.
This is a small town, but it is called the village of the Tayas, they are one of the native Tribes of Taiwan.

Last Blog Till FEBRUARY : )

2006-12-02T03:58:00.000-08:00

Tzama Yung (Whatz UP),

Wow soo This will probably be my last blog before leaving for outreach. So much has happened in the past month. Ooh.. and Happy LATE THANKSGIVING!!! to everyone. Taiwan doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, but in the base we had a mini banquet with: turkey, mashed potatoes, chicken... all good stuff. I did miss my Pumpkin Pie.. hmmm.... with ice cream... and whipped cream... (relishing memory). But yes it was really nice.

We are leaving on the 24th (yeah i know.. BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!). They don't celebrate Christmas like in the states. Some people put up lights, others don't.. its not a biggie here. We head to South Taiwan for the first month. Working with the churches, and then we leave to Cambodia January 24th: where we will be working mostly in orphanages. The preparation has been a pretty heavy load... okay well... maybe not that hard... just very challenging. WE have to learn 7skits, 5dances...(mind that none of this is on my favorite list of things to do!!!!). YWAM works closely with the churches here in Taiwan and in Cambodia, so our schedule will be jam packed.. heading from event to event. They say that we might be doing close to 15 different ministries per day.. kids, youth, adults. I'm really excited. Everything that we have learned we will be putting it to practice. Ive been waiting for this moment since I came here.

Theres two weeks left of teaching. I'm just amazed at how much I'm learning through them. Three weeks ago we went through a class on the ¨Plumb line of God¨. Our lives should be conformed with the measuring line of Gods(straight). We learned about the different stumbling blocks that we might have in our lives as a result of the people that have hurt us in the past. It was INCREDIBLE!!... That whole week God was bringing out issues that I never knew were there. Internal surgery occurred!!.. On the last day of the teaching they had us sit in a circle and tell our story, our past hurts, our misconceptions about GOD... The Lord did a big work in me!! We started at 10am and finished at 11pm that night. All I could say afterwards was THANK YOU LORD, because through all my doubts and failures the Lord was truly there... always loving on me.

We went over the question ¨What does it mean to give up your life, to carry the cross, and to follow me (Jesus)¨. Ever since the beginning of Jesus ministry He always let His disciples know what the cost would be of following Him. And it wasn't all pretty, but He also spoke of the rewards that would come as a result of it. It truly made me analyze my life and what I think is important. If Jesus came to me today and said drop all your things, drop the plans that YOU have and follow me ... would I do it. Would I sacrifice my friends, my family... my ¨I¨. That night I made a big decision as to how I want to live my life. Will it be easy, I don't know, all I know is that my life will be harder if its not in the hands of the one who created it. If the Lord leads me to be long-term missionary here or to go back home I'm not sure yet, but I do know that where the Lord tells me to go I'm willing to follow Him with all I have.

I had a question asked, "How is the group dynamic doing?". In the beginning months it was really hard; Cause we are all so different in culture and personalities. hahaha, My sarcasm wasn't appreciated too much here. I had to learn to watch not only my words, but my expressions. Asians look a lot on your expressions, sometimes more than the actual words... yesss there were many tears during the first two months. But, thankfully the group has bonded a great deal, the Love of Christ is mending the differences. The Lord showed me many areas that I had to fix in regards to relationships and friendships. This has been a good training ground. Its cool cause now I have contacts if I ever want to go to Germany, or Hong Kong or Africa... good perks :).

I also wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the needs that the Pastors in Cambodia have brought up to us. There is a very high deficit of water happening in the country. There is no clean water, and the only water comes from the wells that they dig for themselves. Pastor Sinai is asking if anybody wants to donate $150 US dollars to build a well in their community. Also if you want to support a Pastors family its only $50/month. We are starting to collect clothes and support from the churches here. They will be blessed with any support/supplies that can be donated. If you have any other questions you can write the director of our base: Sose Fepulea'i at contact@ywamtaoyuan.com.

~THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOU SUPPORT AND PRAYERS this was impossible without YOU~

WELL... I LOVE YOU ALL and I MISS YOU SOOOOO MUCHHHHH

I WILL SEE YOU IN FEBRUARY!!!!!!!!!... : )

PS. I wont be able to email or call from December 20th to February 24th. (kind of scary as I write it)

Prayer Points:

1. Finances: Our staff still don't have the required amount for Outreach
2. Unity within group
3. Health to our bodies
4. Protection for group
5. The peoples hearts may be ready to hear the Gospel
6. Gods power be manifested
7. Direction for all students: Where and what to do after DTS

Dinner out, Family time, Ministries

2006-11-23T23:03:00.000-08:00

This is a typical dessert.. as you can see there is an egg yoke in the mix.... Very interesting indeed!

Our group went out to a Chinese buffet restaurant. Not as the buffets im used to.. but they had great biscuits.

This was during Family time. All the missionaries and students and staff went out to the local park and had some fun games...

We had our first evangelistic event, We did drama, and dances.

This play we are doing is called smiley face... I look kind of serious right???

This is the traditional samoan dance. Awesome how the men do their role... they scream, and hit their chests...

We were playing a game at the boys center.This is us taking pictures outside their classroom hall. We bring a program for two hours, includes: music, games, nugget.

There is more than 300 boys in this center. Our class has 40-50 students.

This is the girls center.

This is me giving my testimony to the girls... brought a greater openness with the girls

2006-11-04T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone...

Many have asked for the address .... sooo here it is:

Youth With A Mission
P.O. Box 149
Taoyuan City, 33099
Taiwan (R.O.C.)

My Birthday Pictures

2006-10-31T23:34:00.000-08:00

Get Your Own! View Slideshow

Woohooo?? HaS iT bEEn BuSy!!

2006-10-24T01:50:00.000-07:00

Zao an (Goodmorning),

Well to continue from my last blog. Im on my fourth week here in Taiwan. Life at the base is almost a bit like the one at home (except the waking up at !!!!5!!!). It was a challenge waking up so early, pero gracias a Dios q' me estoy acostumbrando. We also have chores that have to be done weekly (and its not some simple one floor two bathroom house... its more like three floors,- mini houses- with rooms and living rooms-, and 6 bathrooms); Not only that, but everything picks up dust so fast!!! We can sweep the floor once and the next day it be full of dust(black dust)and dirt-NO EXAGGERATION!!. Every student also gets a night to cook and wash dishes (no Goya, no seasoning... imgine how it turns out!!).

We are in class everyday for 2hours. Its not a lot by our standards, but the amount of information and revelation you get is enough to wear your brain out. I had someone ask 'Am I getting any sleep now', well... like I had shared previously God is doing crazy things in me. He is challenging my faith, my standards, my character, my being. Every week we have a teaching on aspects of the Christian walk. And though I recieve food... solid food from my church, its been different. I see how God is putting light, life, and perspective to all the knowledge that Ive previously had. So sometimes my mind is running so fast that it takes time for me to fall asleep. (I am trully blessed to come from a church where the revelation is up to date with what the Spirit of God is doing around the world.) I can say that I have been taught well by my Pastors.

Ever since the first week of class, God has been dealing intensely with my life. To be honest I had no idea how the school was going to be like. I thought that all the classes were going to be about missions, what you can do and stretegic planning... But oh was I in for a surprise. The phrase to 'Know God and Make him known' was not a class topic, it was the form of life they live by. They focus on my spiritual man, on the issues of the heart, of our view of God. If there is one thing ive learned in these past weeks is how to seek His face, and to wait for Him to respond. The ultimate purpose is to see/hear/feel God as real as the person next to us. This has been better than I ever expected. Im coming to know the Lord soooo deeply, and so personal. Im becoming more aware of his voice; I mean I used to pray all the time 'Lord make my ears sensitive' 'Lord help me to hear you'... and to have it actually happening is AWESOME!!!

My relationship with Jesus is so different now. Many of you know my past (Especially after that friday with mask off!), so for many years the main focus of my life was the struggle to become pure and clean; I always prayed, 'When am I gonna get to move on'... and now .. Im seeing God changing the course of his teachings to me. Now im at another stage in my life; It's like God had timed it perfectly . Everything that im learning now, I can grasp at a whole new level. I feel like someone has turned the light bulb of UNDERSTANDING in my head to ON !!!

We have also started ministry in different sites. The first place was the Girls center. OH how my heart broke the first time we went there. This center has two levels... One is an orphanage of kids abandoned and the other is case sensitive, ranging from abuse- to girls being smuggled from china for prostitution purposes. I could just see the need for love in their eyes. We do a whole program (worship, games, testimony)... HOW OPEN they were to receive the GOspel!!!! ...

The other day we went evangelizing and I was so suprised of how little the people knew of Christ. Many have heard of Christians... but never about who Jesus really is. Its been such a challenge sharing my faith here. The importance of tradition has been so engraved in their minds, that everything else is brushed off as unimportant. This is definitely not like any mission trip ive ever been to... they have a hard time accepting the concept of living by faith and that there is only ONE TRUE GOD. The language barrier has also been soooo difficult. I often have a hard time communicating with even the translators. This was really discouraging in the beginning, cause im used to starting conversations, flowing with questions, and getting to the point fast... ohhhh... buttt what a change... Im trully learning what patience and intercession is, especially when in most cases this is all I can do.

OKAY... so I know this has been a long blog. hahaha : ). BUT I HAVE SOOO MUCH TO SAY!!!! well... I love you all and I hope I answered some of the questions you had. Till next time.. keep to the race and to the calling- Which is to know God more and more each day!!!

I Miss you all and I love you so much

More Photos

2006-10-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

This is Tayuan from top of mountain.

We went out to eat one night... the soup was very HOtT!!! Im learning how to eat with chopsticks.

This was during our pride and humility lecture.. a very humbling day.

This was our intitation banquet, they presented us to the staff and they prayed and commisioned us. It was a beautiful night.

Photos of My Taiwan HomE

2006-10-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

ARrival To TaiwAn

2006-10-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

Blessings to all,

Well i finally made it!! Thank you all for praying for me during this time. There is so much I would like to share. Lets start with my flight trip; I got in the airplane being forwarned of the need for sleep, earplugs, and a good book. I could not find anywhere in the airport earplugs... and out of all the people in the plane, it had to be one guy who snored like a truck. I ended up sitting by a lovely elderly chinese couple. Although i could not understand them and they could not understand me... they somehow took me under their wings and treated me like their daughter. Now, I dont really get scared of flying, but knowing i would be over the pacific for quite a while, made me nervous when the emergency instructions were only in Chinese.

They actually had really good food (beef stew for dinner and pankakes for breakfast). The seats were quite comfortable...and... Marita now i know why you took so many walks around during your flight. I did the mistake of only getting up three times during the whole ride; by the end of the trip my feet had swollen to a whole extra size. It was not a pretty sight!!

I was a bit nervous of arriving at the airport. I heard so many stories of people trying to take your bags, vendors getting in your face and such... so i was dreading as the plane landed. Yet, it was quite a breeze. I didn't have one person come up to me to offer to take my bag. After passing through the main gate, I was met with happy grimms, and a sign that read YWAM: WELCOME TO TAIWAN!!!

I got to the base at 11:30pm. I was ready to take another snooze; I was surprised that my body didn't feel exhausted in the days that followed. It was wonderful driving through the streets of Taoyuan. It reminded me of a mini New York City, with all the bright lights, tall buildings, and lots of life. People here in Taiwan work very long hours; Sometimes till 12midnight. We got to the YWAM facilities, went up what felt at the moment like 100 stairs and into our room. My roommates Emily (taiwanese), Adele (South African), PoYu and Rain(Hong Kong) and me got to know each other pretty fast. I automatically found the differences in personalities... (hahhaa).

That first night I didnt sleep much. I was still in shock that I was in TAIWAN!!!! It was incredible waking up in a country accross the world, knowing that I am following the call of God. Its an amazing, thrilling, and exhilirating feeling. This is what living for God is all about. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Please keep watch for more updates. Im sorry for the lateness of this letter, but they have us so busy. I actually get homework : ( and they have us reading like three books. But, in the next update ill explain the awesome stuff God is doing in me. Ive never been challenged in my character like I have been here. It's awesome.

I Love you all and I miss you so much. Thank you for the letters and emails. They have been such an encouragement.

LiVing iT oUT,
Shary

Some prayer requests :
1. Unity for our group (differences in cultures can clash a lot)
2. Boldness to speak the word of God without fear, and with wisdom
3. For wisdom to understand the teachings (they are very intense)