A long time ago, when Jimmie Lu was still planning her trip to Mexico, I mentioned that we may be going to Fiji on a mission trip. Well, we ARE going........in about 3 weeks! There is a mission school there, and we are going to help them update classes and inside and outside of buildings, and also help build a new building. There are many more things to do than that also. There will be a dental clinic set up, and we may do some programs for/with them...I guess I should say meetings, with some talking and some singing, etc. The school is trying to get accredited to add a 9th grade, so we will help with updating and patching and fixing also. The great thing about it is that we had a donor who paid 2/3 of the cost for our whole family to go, and we managed to raise the rest! I am so thrilled that my kids get to be a part of this experience! I've heard mission trips can be life-changing experiences, and that's what I would like for my children. I want them to learn compassion and love for everyone, and be willing to do even menial work if that is what's needed! I even told them that they may be asked to clean toilets, but if that's what's needed, then they should be just as happy to do that as anything else, because they are helping where it's needed! I want them to know beforehand that we are not going there to play and have a neat vacation. We are going to help others when and where needed, even if it's something we don't enjoy doing! Jesus was willing to do servant's tasks if that was what needed to be done, and he was able to reach many by His loving actions. Anyway, I would like to ask for prayers that we are able to help the people there, that they are able to get the accreditation, and that our family will learn to be more like Jesus by this experience! Thankyou sooo much!
Deena~ This sounds like a wonderful opportunity/experience for you and your family. I pray God's blessings on you as you prepare for your trip, travelling safety, and a life-changing experience for all of you! Keep us posted,
Deena, It sounds so neat and I am sure the kids will enjoy it and remember it for the rest of there lifes. It's wonderful you all get to go as family. :lol:
How wonderful! 8) (Don't forget your sunglasses!) I pray you will have a safe and blessed trip! Blessings,
Thankyou for your prayers! I wanted to share something that helped confirm that God was leading us to go. Before we moved into this house 3 years ago, the homeowners association was in a legal "thing" with the builders, because they used wrong materials, etc., which was causing problems with some of the houses. It had been going on for awhile, and the owners of this house before us said they had hoped it would be settled before they had to move, but it wasn't until last Spring/Summer that it settled, so we ended up getting a check for an amount to fix the problem. Our house really isn't having much of a problem, but we were going to get stuff done anyway. There was a company that was doing about everyone's house. They knew the problem and how to fix it. Well, we kept calling them, and not getting through or they said they'd call but didn't. We were quite frustrated, and finally had to give up when Fall and Winter set in. During the winter and early spring we found out about this FIji trip, and prayed about whether we should go. We both felt convicted that we should go, then we had to figure out where to get the money! We got a donation from someone, as I said, for about 2/3 of the cost for all 5 of us to go! What a blessing that was! Then we were trying to figure out how to get the rest when we both felt impressed that we should use the money we got for the house, and God would provide later to fix the house. So we are steeping out in faith and using that money for our trip. The picture of why this company was able to help so many of our neighbors, and never get around to us became clear! I think that's so cool! I trust completely that God will fin a way for us to get our house fixed! God always finds a way, when there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way!!! (paraphrase of a song) It's so awesome to see God move in such a clear way on our behalf, so I know He has some great things planned for the people in Fiji! I'll be happy, even if I just clean toilets while I'm there! :lol: :wink: Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers!
Deena~ That is an awesome testimony of God's provision! Does it "just happen to be" the same amount, too?! I love that song!
Heidi, I should have added that to the story too, I forgot. I was almost the exact amount! What a coincidence, huh? NOT!!! God works in great ways!
I love it when someone says "what a coincidence" and we, Christians, know there's no such thing as coincidence. God is always working, even when (sometimes) we're too dumb to see it. But, when we come around, it's an awesome experience!
You know, I heard a story once about a man who had story after story about "answered prayer". Someone told him it was "coincidence". He replied, "Maybe so, but it sure is coincidental that coincidences seem to happen all the more when I pray....."
Jackie, That's a good story, and how true! If we only knew....I know we'd be surprised at how many times God works in our lives and we don't even realize it!
Hi Deena! What a great testimony for the Lord...how exciting! You and your family will be in my prayers also.
Thanks for your prayers everyone! We are leaving on this trip to Fiji TOMORROW! WOW! We're all very excited, and want to help the people there as much as possible! We are taking a few things along for them, but there are some real restrictions on luggage weight, so we can only do a little of what we would like to! Please pray the next couple weeks that God will reach the hearts of the people, and that we will be His messengers and act how and do what He wants us to do! I'll letcha know when we get back!
Deena, even though I doubt you will see this message before you leave, we're praying for a safe trip and one that is blessed in so many ways by God and that you will all be used for His Glory! Brenda
