Prayer Letter

Viia le Atua (Praise God)! Blessings from the beautiful island of Upolu in Western Samoa! Im so excited to be able to touch base with you again and give praises to God for getting me here safely and providing for each step I've taken. I'd also like to include you on what is currently happening as we students plan our 'outreach' phase starting the end of June. First of all thanks to God for what He's done, what He is doing, and what He plans to do the next few months. As David says in 2 Chronicles 29 "Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our Father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours , O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." As I begin to tell you about our preparations for an outreach to Hong Kong I want to introduce you to my fellow students, our 'team'. As I do I request that you pray for each individual. I also am so excited about what God is doing through our base, the YWAM base of Samoa, and am offering you the opportunity to hear from God and be a part of what He is doing. Please consider and pray about if God may be prompting you to support one of the students in need. Many are struggling to finish paying their lecture fees and are discouraged about asking God for more, 3000 american dollars, for the outreach to Hong Kong. In the past, if one cannot pay the fees, they stay in Samoa and do outreaches to the local churches and schools. My heart is for the islanders, from Samoa and Fiji, to share in this opportunity to see a glimpse of the outside world and experience what it means to serve another culture. It's also a great witness to have Fijians and Samoans serving side by side. Many Samoans come from large families and so funds are limited. One man can work a full day of eight hours and only earn 20 talas (10 dollars) for the whole day. What a blessing that with those wages God provides food from their land! All that to say I am encouraged by their recent saying : " God is able so if we are available than anything is possible." May they believe that, and may God help us with our unbelief as He takes care of us and prepares us for the outreach phase. My team: Nuu - from Samoa. Grew up in a Catholic Samoan church and still attends on Sundays with his family. He is only 16 years old and already feels a calling to minister to people. During the past three weeks we have already seen him admit to pride and begin to gain confidence in his public speaking abilities. Ameto- from Samoa. His family lives over one hour away but comes to visit him every Sunday. His older sisters are in Australia and New Zealand and he longs to follow in their steps by visiting other countries. How awesome is God? When Ameto came to the base he was not a christian. He understand that the Bible was important but after hearing one of our leader's testimony, he admitted he had never understand that God was calling him to a personal relationship where he could pray directly to God, and that the reason he could do this was because Jesus came to cancel all of his bad things/attitudes. PRAISE GOD! He loves to laugh, dance, sing and play the guitar. Vinepa- from Samoa. Comes from a very large family. She is only 16 years old also and has become everyone's little sister. She is learning english so quickly and has been moved to tears a couple of occasions this last week as she recognizes areas that God wants to heal in her family. She is postponing finishing her high school because her desire is to know Jesus more. Solopoi- from Samoa, the town of Apia. Is 18 years old and formally was known as one of Apia's 'street kids'. After getting in trouble with the law he met Pafelio, the base leader, and committed to serving God last year on the base. He left and went back to his old ways until he had enough. He is a true example of a broken man before God and has such a heart to reach those who are homeless or the many street kids. He also loves to dance, and every time he preaches you can hear how humble God has made him as he rejoices in what God has done for him. I started with those four because they are the ones considered 'native' who are learning english and excited about serving the Samoan people but also about doing missions work across the world. We have many laughs over learning the Samoans way. One of their favorite sayings is "God will use my broken english to heal broken hearts". AMEN!! Can you see all that God has done so far?? Thats why Im excited to ask you to pray for each one and if possible, help financially support their decisions to leave their old life and open doors to God's way. The other students include: Akuila- 23 years old from Fiji. He has shared over the last week that he was raised by his grandparents and until just this past month did not realize how much unforgiveness he has towards his parents. His parents currently live in Samoa so he has an opportunity to reconnect and set a new standard for their relationship. He has been an inspiration to me in his honesty and desire to fight through where God wants Him to be. Akuila is gifted in dance and choreography and also as an artist . Leti- 32 years old from Fiji. Leti's husband, Silosi , did his DTS last year and is currently one of our leaders. Leti has had to leave her family and her career to follow God and she is seeing the blessings despite the hard times. We call her 'mammi' and she brings much wisdom to the group. Praise God that her outreach fees are taken care of already from support from her church. The last two are myself, and Jenn the other American. We both worked and saved before coming to our DTS and have experienced such generous support from our friends, coworkers, and churches. We currently are not in need of financial support BUT we are always in need of prayers for our protection and for God to be speaking to us. So now I simply ask that you lift up these students in your prayers. Please allow a few days to see if God leads you to give anything financially, either to the group as a whole or to an individual. I am confident that God wants each one of you to participate in the lives of these people that He is building up- even if its across the world. If you do feel led to give support, please send a check or money order to my parents as they will transfer the money directly to YWAM, to the care of whichever individual you prefer. Please make out the checks to Pat Kennedy (its not tax deductible since it is considered a school cost -due to visa requirements) Pat Kennedy 2798 130th Drive Belmond, IA 50421 Many blessings from Samoa! I will be praying and fasting the next couple weeks (dont worry- only fasting for one day at a time) as I expect God to speak directly to each of you.

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Tuesday April 24

Saturday, April 21

Didnt make it into town on Wed- too busy! Things are still great. They still haven't let me do my own laundry because everytime I walk over and start the water someone is right beside me taking over :)
We have more people on base now, a team from New Zealand, about four families athat are doing a family ministry with their chilren for five weeks. They did a couple of seminars for us students but normally we dont see them often. They do seem to be having a harder time adjusting to the culture and food than me and Jenn. I mean, they dont even like the cocoa rice which is a treat to us!! Right now two of our leaders, Atu and Sio are at a conference in australia and so the team is really pulling together well to keep everything running. Sometimes its hard to remember I am a student and I need to let the base staff take care of things.

Our last work duty I discovered a whole new section of our small plantation that had pineapple!! So they cut me one and I had fresh pineapple, yum. That was after I watched the boys chase after the mouse with their machetes, and of course the mouse had to run my way, causing me to scream, and then of course get made fun of for about fifteen minutes! I still have a hard time trusting those machetes swinging through the air. They do the job well but I can just picture my little toe missing one day.
This weeks' speaker was incredible- a man from Samoa who is now living in Hawaii. He has such a gift and has met with me one on one a few times. He wrote for each student, before he met us, a 'letter' from God with reminders and also a bible verse for each of us. My bible verse is Romans 8:14-18:
"...because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba,Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. " Many encouraging and edifying words spoken this week. We also had a bonfire yesterday and were asked to write a list of what satan stole from us (whether through our own choices or others) and place it in the fire, asking God to give us what we are lacking. It was a lot of leaving the 'old life'... especially for two that comes from the streets.
We start street evangelism next week which will be interesting for sure. We will go in teams, with at least one Samoan in the bunch to translate if needed

We have a new dog on the base. Its a stray dog and of course the boys have such tender hearts they keep feeding him so he's stayed. Right now he goes by the name 'gangsta' (I know, i know...) I met with a Samoan family in town last week and one of the boys was asking me if I knew famous people like Tom Cruise, Beyonce. When I said no he said 'why not?'. I explained how big America is (not like Apia where you know most of the families) and also explained the concept of security guards. Ha! Bless his heart.
Okay one more story- so Thursday was NOT my day. I was sitting in class, whichis an open fale, when a lizard pooped right on my skirt! He must have been climbing on the roof branches. AND THEN... later that night when I was talking to Pine, the speaker, and my leader Malakai in the guest fale, a bird pooped on me! What was going on??? I guess I was a target! Really though, id rather that than the lizard running up my leg again. Or that mouse... sometimes I wonder if they get in the fale at night when we are sleeping.

I guess i have two other updates-
I got sick this week for the first time (only one day). Its humbling because there is NO privacy so I constantly have people saying 'alissa - you okay?' while I am trying to sleep..... Its nice because some prayed over me but Im used to shutting myself in my house with the cell phone off until I feel better. Three people went down to the next village to get me crackers and sprite. God is teaching me to see their hearts and not complain. Praise God for his healing.
The other update- we are starting to see tht some of the students are having some trouble raising funds. God totally blew us away this week and we started praying and two days later had 500 tala (250american dollars)... we know God will be faithful to provide but some are starting to get anxious. Im thankful that my fees are paid off right now ... praise God. Thanks for all your encouraging emails and thoughts! Im sure more stories next time! (I think we get to visit the prison in another four weeks or so)

Saturday

Wow the past few days have really flown by......Did I mention the Samoans are so beautiful?!? Ha! Today Im in town again, its a joke now on base that everytime we have the opportunity to leave the base I take it! (FREEDOM) I think after this Ill go the market (i like going even if not buying anything), then go to the sea wall (I hear its beautiful, on the ocean) and then another rugby game!! Pack it all in! Ive been playing volleyball everyday, trying to understand the game of rugby as I watch the boys play, and doing work duties after class. That usually includes pulling weeds, planting taro and pumpkin, moving plants, painting etc... Yesterday we joked because as we were planting we found two cell phones- Onasai, one of our leaders, was up in the coconut tree getting us some to drink and his phones had dropped :) Can I just say one thing that still makes me nervous is the boys using the machetes... okay maybe two boys in particular. I have to remember that they've been using them since they were kids.
I found a new kind of bug yesterday- it looks like a catapillar with pinchers and apparently, per the natives, I would have to go the hospital and 'no sleeping all day and all night'. Didn't sound good so Ill avoid them! The boys painted the girls bathroom the other day - um bright orange and blue. The Samoans like to use color.
We learned our first dance yesterday!! Im actually getting it even though it probably doesn't look as smooth as though that have been dancing for their life! Even Jenn, the other American, has some dance experience. Really guys- me?? Dancing?? Ha! Its one area where people have to be patient with me!

We have an incredible speaker that is in for next week. He is from Samoa, now living in Hawai and Ive heard excellent things about him- he already has a great sense of humor. I find that living here makes me laugh more and joke around more- thats the Samoan way. Yesterday Finn, one of the boys on staff from Samoa gave a brief sermon and it was such a blessing. About how sometimes we forget we are in a race, and that its just starting for us students. But the coolest part is that he did it all in english!! Six months ago when he came to YWAM he didn't speak any english. Its inspiring really...
I think today I will buy a little hand fan, its much needed. Whenever I come to town I get stared at, because Im white, and it used to bother me but now Im used to it-more opportunities to smile at people. I have to remember that I not only represent the YWAM base but also America while I am here. I feel very cared for though because every time Im here in town we run into one of the boys from the base and they end up spending the rest of the day with us and getting us back to the base safely.
Oh another bus story- for the first time, on my way home on Wedn, we were in a crowded bus. In America, typically, people just do their own thing. If anything they give up their seat for a lady, or elderly person. Here, if a man comes on the bus, he taps someone and out of respect they move over and sit on someone's lap. So you have complete strangers sitting on each other! Jenn had to sit on our fellow student's lap, Ameto, because of that - Poi and I were laughing at them. Finally Jenn came over and sat on my lap because it was abit less akward that on a guys lap. We were strongly warned by the boys not to sit on strangers laps (good old common sense) and that since we were 'palangis' they probably wouldn't make us. No one stands on the bus even though there is a bar they could use.
Today before I left they were getting the outside stones ready to cook chicken. To make money for the travel part of our school we do fundraising (especially for the Samoan students who often can't afford it). They then go into town and sell it, typically to the outside workers like construction workers.
I just need to take a minute to praise god for my health, again ! And also for running water! Im sure Im forgetting some stories but thats all for now folks... hopefully more on Wedn (that reminds me, I think I give my second sermonette on Wedn morning- thinking of doing it on Isaiah 50 where God questions why we doubt Him, is he not able??) ! Thanks for all your emails! alkennedy@excite.com

Wedn 11

Still the same day: One more thing:

Check on the YWAM webpage as they took everyone's picture yesterday and had us write up a description of ourselves. There are basically three types on base: the students, the Training staff (take care of class and students) , and the 'base staff' (take care of the land).

Wed, April 11

I think it is the 11th.... Ive lost track. I didn't get a chance to write last Saturday because in the morning we helped clean a church, and then I got to watch my first live rugby game: Fiji vs Samoa which of course was great cause half the staff here is from Fiji. Such a rough game, rougher than football I hate to say. Every morning I am still blown away by God's beauty here. Samoa is truly blessed with both beautiful people and beautiful land. I took a walk up the road from our base and we have a nice view of the ocean in the distance. Two other things that happen EVERY DAY is that I stop to be amazed at the stars , and also the sound of rain coming through the trees before it hits us. Its rained everyday here but it only rains for about ten minutes then its done- nothing like a long rainy day in the Midwest. We have two new students from Samoa: Nuu and Ameto. We are still praying for the African students to arrive next week. I got my first sunburn on Sat- its now turning to a tan but I must remember I am a 'palangi' (white one) and need to take it easy in the sun.
Every morning we get bread and butter for breakfast, rice for lunch and then a big supper. Its expected that there will be stomach sickness outbreaks but I haven't gotten it yet!! Yea!! That's the life here :) Different ideas of hygiene and nutrition but I'm reminding myself that God has called me here to be trained and serve, not to change the Samoan way. I love coming into town, Apia, on my days off. They have an open market with fruits, vegetables and Samoan items. We always run into people from the base too. The buses are terribly different- colorful and small. If full people just sit on each other's lap. Last time I was in town Aquila, from Fiji, insisted we take a taxi cause it was too full and last time a large lady sat on his lap :) Ive seen the boys climb the coconut trees often and they keep insisting I must drink the coconut milk to stay hydrated. Ive been taking plenty of pictures but unsure yet how to download them since I use a public computer and an Internet cafe in town. I'm having fun with the language and the Samoans are eager to teach. We eat Taro every week, equivalent to potato back home. Everyone's favorite is still the cocoa rice- rice, coconut and cocoa.
I love each and every person on base staff, our DTS leaders, and the students. One lady, Antunia, is from Samoa and in her forties, she acts like a bit of a mom- sometimes a bit creepy- like she'll come up and watch me sleep in the middle of the night to make sure I'm not cold :) She also tends to do my laundry when I'm not looking so I come back to the fale and my underwear and bras are laid out for all the boys to see :) Every night she tucks in my mosquito net for me :) Did i tell you about the time the lizard ran up my leg during class (which is an open fale) -during prayer none the less. Hmmm still not my favorite but I don't scream anymore!

Can't believe its snowing there in the Midwest! The heat is incredible here with humidity but as long as I'm not actually outside in the sun the whole day I'm good.I shared my first sermonette yesterday morning and it went well- spoke about the spirits coming back to the empty house (Matthew 12:44-45) and how we are more vulnerable to the devils attacks, so in colossians 3 the verses that outline what to rid off and then what to cover yourself with (to make the house full with no room). Challenging but great. Part of the Samoan way is last minute meetings, cancellations and changes :) Makes us more laid back.

Its so exciting to be a in christian community that has passion behind being here. I have six months to NOT worry about dating relationships because no relationships here while at the DTS. No wonder the Samoans are in such great shape. They get up early, work outside, walk everywhere, and we always play either volleyball or rugby, everyday. We had a great speak the first part of the week- Henrick , district leader for the Pacific Islands, from YWAM.

Prayers requests: Health for the whole base, transition of base director, money for food for the staff and students, unity (specifically Samoan vs Fiji vs us 'palangis'- its just natural), and our time in contact with the people in town.
God is good.... (the Samoans reply: ALL THE TIME, BIG TIME, OOAHHH).

Wed

Talofa
I am still here safely in Samoa!! Things are warm and the weather is good. We went on a school outing on Saturday to the ocean. There was a fresh water pool and I got over my fear and jumped in with the fish ! I even saw an eel. I also went into the ocean, we played volleyball etc.... good times. Rugby was huge last weekend with Samoa and Fiji playing each other (half of our base staff are from Fiji). Rugby is so much faster pace that american football (take a look if you get the chance). We are having a bit of problem with running water in the showers so if you think of it you can pray the pipes get fixed. Our class time has been great and the African students should be arriving sometime next week. There will be some transition the next couple weeks as Pafelio, base director will no longer be staying in Samoa but will live in New Zealand where family is. Our staff gave testimonies last night and it was encouraging to see how God is working in their lives including learning english. We students also gave our testimonies to each other and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by GENUINE children of God searching to know God more and make Him 100% of their life. Since being here Ive seen many dances, some from Samoa and some from Fiji. The guys really know how to move! Samoa is getting ready for the Pacific Island equivalent to the Olympics, it will be during August when we will do outreach phase. Im praying God grants be grace to learn the Samoan language. Here is a list of our DTS staff leaders if you'd like to keep them in your prayers as they minister to us: Malaki, Sova, Onasai, La, Silosi, Atu. The students so far are: Jenn from American, Poi from Samoa, Junior from Fiji, Venaipa, a new guy that we dont remember the name yet from Samoa, Leti from Fiji, and myself ! Couple more on the way, praise God.
Ive been reading in Matthew 9 :36 about what compassion Jesus had towards His people and am praying God develops the same thing in me during this time of focusing on Who God is and how I will choose to live my life for Him.