2012

Time to count the blessings of 2011, learn from the scars, and prepare to walk out dreams in 2012. Thank you God for your faithfulness....

Christmas Challenge

Angel: "For nothing will be impossible with God."

Mary: "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her."

Challenging sermon this morning- the faith of Mary and the willingness to be used by God even though she would suffer shame and discomfort and a lot of unknowns (a single, unwed teen, more than likely disowned by her family)....

Makes me think about what my challenges are, and am I willing to give them all up? Am I willing to trust in a larger picture? Do I trust when I hear clearly the next step but do not see the final destination? If there is no guarantee of freedom from pain or suffering?

I am so glad that this sermon was not just a 'Christmas' message but that it applied the hope we have Christ- what will we do with it? Such a joyous time and I am so thankful for this season to reflect on God's sacrifice for us and also His call , so personal to each of us, to a close relationship with Himself.

Blessings as you enter into this Christmas week!~

Toilet Paper strikes again

I recently placed a post, while I was in Mongolia, about every nation across the world runs the risk of running out of toilet paper. Im now in Brisbane Australia, and the dilemma has hit again :) Thankfully refilled today so the risk is at a minimal.... hahaha

Arrived in brisbane

Thank you for all your prayers. After the initial delay and reschedule, my flight went off without any problems and my bag arrived safely to Brisbane also. Is good to reconnect and see a lot of new faces on the base! The DTS just left on outreach to Vanuatu for one month. We also were hosting a Fijian Youth Outreach that will be leaving tomorrow. Thankful for all their hard work and support. Base should be quiet this week and holidays start Friday. Thank you again for your prayers and have a wonderful holiday season! Blessings, Alissa

Waiting

Waiting at the airport for over seven hours, some of the 'joys' of the missionary life!! ~Alissa

Gift from YWAM base

This is a wonderful hand made gift made by a YWAM staff (cut out). It includes Manasa and my name ,as well as Youth with a Mission, written in traditional Mongolian script on one side and the individuals on the horses represent Manasa and I. Such a beautiful expression of their culture.

Airport

There was some fog and 'bad weather' that cancelled most flights going out of Ulan Bator.... It was a frustrating day of waiting in the airport only to have to return back. Also dealing with Air China was not helpful and was thankful that Emirates airline was much more helpful, rebooking the entire flight for the same flights, a couple days later for just 80 US dollars. Praying that the weather clears up as today was still foggy, snowy and low visibility.... Alissa

Pics

It was Ingkushe's fourth birthday so we celebrated her birthday as well as my farewell. So fun! Living in community can have it's positive such as wonderful food and fellowships, and of course lots of laughs. Because I was leaving some of the leaders started singing the chorus of some Mongolian love songs about 'don't go, come back' aimed at Manasa. Another common thing is to put out plates of candy.... Mongolians love their hard candies!

Goodbye dinner

A few pictures from the wonderful 'Goodbye' lunch prepared by the YWAM staff with traditional "hushuur" ( a mixture of cooked potatoes, vegetables, and meat in a fried dough). It was a blessing. We were joined by an outreach team that is here for one week .

Time in Mongolia

My time in Mongolia is running down. I tried to fly out yesterday only to face an entire day of delays due to 'bad weather' (just looked a little gloomy to me). Korean Air cancelled their flights right away (i guess they are a bit more cautious) and mine got rescheduled until 10pm. Finally they could get me to Bejing, 2 days to get to singapore with overnight and no ticket from singapore to brisbane. I didnt want to get stuck, and staying overnight along was a bit scary so we came back to our guest house and I called Emirates airlines directly who graciously rescheduled my entire ticket for three days from now- the same flights, layovers etc for only 80 american dollars change fee. I feel God answers those prayers to take care of me... I will be flying out on Tuesday afternoon.
- Please pray for good weather
-Please pray for finances for my next couple days in the capitol Ulan Bator (a Korean church runs a 'guest house' ministry so the rooms are fair price -25 dollars anight-but with 2 of us needing rooms the price adds up....)

So thankful the base in Darhan is so supportive and has been prayer warriors for us. Also thankful for Manasa who can speak the Mongolian language and is always taking good care of me. I know God must have a reason for a couple more days here in Mongolia.

Thank you for your prayers!! Alissa

Great need for more missions outreach

Nation of Mongolia as of a few years ago
Population: over 2 600 000
Christian 0.03 %
Muslim 4.0%
Buddhist 26.0%
Animist 50.0%
Other 20.0%

Mongolia has become more open to christian churches in the past years however international missionaries still have to be very careful as they can be asked to leave the country (as one Korean YWAM family did a few years ago). There is no preaching on the streets etc so outreach is through relationship building and mercy ministries. Even the Mongolian staff have to be careful to keep specific records of money etc in case asked by the government. We need more willing to pioneer this frontier!

Toilet paper

No matter the country, we all run the risk of running out of toilet paper....

Manasa

Feeling very blessed today to spend time with Manasa and experience his world. There are so many opportunities to minister in this area and teaching english has been a big open door. Thankful for God leading us together and praying about what the future holds! We both will continue with our base commitments  (him here in Mongolia and myself in Brisbane Australia) and are expecting God to open doors for us in the near future to be together again. ~

Friendship Club

Enjoying conversation, singing and a short english sunday school lesson for Mongolian teenagers wishing to improve their english. It is run by Myrna, a Filipino lady who is an english as second language school teacher for ninth graders. The girls were eager to sing and we had lots of giggles.

Walking

Scene from after church today. We turned the corner to three cows running through the streets with a traditionally dressed man and woman following closely behind. I am still a bit spooked by the wandering cows due to their size (and their horns) so always quickly pull Manasa in front of me....just in case! hahaha . There are some dogs that also roam the street but so far they have all been friendly. They typically do belong to a family however they run around the streets and are often just barely missed on the streets by the taxis.

Ger tent for church

Our church is in a traditional 'Ger' tent. Ive included a description from Wikipedia to describe it. Sometimes my clothes smell a bit like charcoal after our service. Im always warm and we take off our coats when come in (but keep on our boots). Traditionally people sit in a circle around the inside. Also it is used as a house with division enough for just a bed, a sitting area and near the stove is the kitchen . For church however we seat the chairs behind the stove facing a podium. We have lights, projector and microphone so electricity is used in the tent also. The 'ger' is the mongolian word for Yurt, however there are a few differences as seen in the description:

"The structure comprises a crown or compression wheel (tüýnük) usually steam bent, supported by roof ribs which are bent down at the end where they meet the lattice wall (again steam bent). The top of the wall is prevented from spreading by means of a tension band which opposes the force of the roof ribs. The structure is usually covered by layers of fabric and sheeps-wool felt for insulation and weatherproofing. The similar Mongolic nomadic structure the ger is often wrongly referred to by westerners as a yurt but differs in that the heavier roof wheel (toono) is supported on posts and the roof ribs are straight rather than bending down at the wall junction. The wall lattice is of a ger is constructed of straight pieces as opposed to the the yurt's curved lattice."

Pot Pies?

Making a dish similar to pot pies- some of them had chicken and corn (no sauce) while the other had a milk/cheese mixture. Both had pie crust on top to make little 'pie'- like appetizers. Was fun cooking with the kids and have become found of Oroongo (spelling is probably not correct) who lives downstairs and comes up every other day or so. Her english is very good and she enjoys practicing. She is also learning German and hopes to visit Germany for a week long exchange program next year. She also plays piano well and competed this weekend. There have been reports of some drunk men in our building, with rumors of them kidnapping a young girl, so Oroongo and the other girls always leave together, or with Manasa to stay safe. Unfortunately children's innocence leaves too quickly in any nation. Over all Mongolia has been a very safe place to go and many women live alone in apartments. The next pictures are of some of the other children showing me their dance (they are in their black and white dance outfits). The dance was not a traditional Mongolian dance but rather what seemed a 'pop' song. We've had lots of laughs singing and dancing together. Friday night we prayed for one of the girls who has a reoccuring ear problem that doctors are unable to explain. We are praying that God uses this time to heal her and in that testify to her family of the TRUE God

pizza pic

Pizza night

Pizza Night! Manasa , Boonoo and I ordered pizza last night. I was surprised by the 'selection' of pizzas including tuna pizza, Kimche (Korean), eggplant etc... We ordered the meat pizza and I was surprised that there was little to no pizza sauce on the pizza, instead a couple of 'ketchup' packets were included. Not quite the same taste but it was fine! Also love that coke products can be found anywhere with Korean, Russian or Mongolian translations.

Skyping

Thankful that mongolia has regular internet system as I was able to 'skype' with my parents the other day and check email regularly. One friend Evonia, even has 'magic jack' phone system from the USA that connects through her internet here. It carries a Boston phone number so her family in America is able to call a local number, yet through the internet, reach Evonia here in Mongolia. If I had regular internet connection in Brisbane I would certainly consider that option as it's easy to contact Americans through their cell phones. They also use cell phones and texting here in Mongolia. Their television carries a few english stations including BBC, the Cartoon Network and one Australian channel . The rest are either from Russia or Mongolia. Yesterday there was a Korean program about learning Mongolian.... Wow! Not too many seem to speak English fluently however the children have the choice of Japanese, English and German in school.

Truly a mongolian

It is still around -20 degrees in Mongolia and when you have to face the cold you quickly adapt to the warmest options, thus the big winter coats (layers!) , mittens and hats. They have taxis that run continuously and are about one dollar a passenger to get half way across town. These 'taxis' are simply individual runs with their own cars so if one would want to make some extra gas money they could just pick up passengers on the side of the road. There are some 'vans' that act more like a regular bus system but I have yet to see anything more convenient that the 'taxis'. The driving still amazes me as it is not uncommon to pass two or three cars within inches. The Mongolians live a difficult life when you look at how they have to face the elements everyday. The kids seem to make the most of it as they have created a skating rink within a block of our apartment and spend time there during breaks at school. On the lower level of most apartment complexes are individually owned 'stores' that carry common bathroom and kitchen needs, very helpful in cold weather.

Relationship building

Lots of fellwship opportunties. \here a few of the girls in Yvonnias building came over for some tea and to practice english. \lots of laughs

Water damage

While picking me up in the capital, Manasa received a call that his apartment was flooding and causing damage to the apartment below him, which is a Mongolia pastor, his American wife and four kids. They broke into the apartment to find one of the hot water pipes had rusted through. God often causes 'distractions' to missionaries when they are making progress on the field!

Roomate in Mongolia

I am staying with a Brazilian missionary , Yvonnia, in her apartment. The apartments here are very much 'Russian' influenced with blocks of apartments. They also burn their trash in an inside oven, and often have electricity and plumbing issues. She is only the second other non-Mongolian on the  YWAM base and I admire her love for children and her persistance in learning the language....

Arriving in Mongolia

Mongolia is hitting -20 degrees almost everyday so the first and most important present i received after stepping off the plane was a pair of boots, scarf and gloves.

Safely in Mongolia

Arrived safely in Mongolia, and my bag is in one piece and on time also ! Cannot complain about any of the airlines. I was hit with major stomach flu the nightbefore I was to fly out and had my parents pray over me. I was still throwing up at 5am but got in the car at 10am and headed to the airport. Im sure Satan was attacking as I head back into the missions field....so thankful that the prayer warriors around the world were praying for me as my stomach stayed settled throughout the flights. I can now catch up on some jetlag. Listened to a Joye Meyer podcast on the plane and she said when you make a COMMITMENT for Christ, a decision or change than you can EXPECT to face the storm- but never alone- always in Gods hands. Another thing to be thankful for - being met with a pair of boots, mittens and a scarf as it is -17 degrees celcius here in Ulan Bator. Beautiful snowy mountains (im told they are more stunning in the summer) and some crazy 'cut you off' drivers! Our taxi driver even got out of the car to argue with a truck driver! So far every Mongolian Ive met has been very gracious and nice~ looking forward to more learning opportunities and appreciate your prayers for continued health and safety!

Half way to Mongolia

Flu the night before flying back to the missions field-- devil's schemes are becoming predictable! Im 2 flights into a 4 flight trip to Mongolia.... " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Fun Facts about Mongolia

Temperatures have long cold winter and short warm summers. Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital in the world, averaging minus 30°C in January. The warmest month, July, averages plus 25°C.

The main religion in the country is Tibetan Buddhism, which is enjoying a strong revival since the end of Soviet domination in 1990. Other religions are freely practiced. Churches of numerous Christian denominations can be found in both the capital and the countryside. The minority Kazakh
population in the far west is largely Muslim.

Over 90% of the Mongolian population speaks the Kalkh dialect of the Mongolian language.


Info from http://www.landex.mn/docs/Info_Mongolia.pdf

New Blog Features

NEW BLOG FEATURES

I've tried to update my blog a bit as I leave the country much more motivated to update this blog regularly (well okay, at least weekly)!

One new feature I've added at the top is the option to entire your email address so you receive notification of new blog notes~

I also am trying to ease the fundraising process and have created a "paypal" donation button so that supporters can use their credit cards to support my housing, food, travel expenses etc....

Maybe more changes to come!

Thankfulness and Preparation

Preparing to head back to the missions field has made me so aware at how complicated living in this 'western' world can be- banking, insurances, credit cards etc... Lots more to 'keep in order' compared to other parts of the world. Makes me entirely grateful to have experienced the best of ALL worlds!

New prayer request:
I spoke with hospital that performed my surgery back in August and they had not yet heard from the travel insurance. Thankfully a wonderful lady named Vicki flagged this file as her project and took it upon herself to followup directly with the travel insurance, helping them track down the records (received 2 months ago) and pushing for quick process (should be just another 2 weeks). While I don't enjoy the idea of leaving the country with a potential 7000 dollar bill in my name, I trust those who are working the process. My prayer request is that the entire claim would be accepted with minimal cost to myself. I am thankful as my home church, Belmond Evangelical Free Church, has offered to help cover part of that bill.

Still to do- rearranging, prioritizing and packing (now sorted into piles of 'must haves', 'really want', and 'can do without'....) and of course some more family time!

Blessings to everyone as we head into 'Thanksgiving week' here in the USA

evangelizing!

Good quote...a good reminder!

It is possible for the most obscure person in a church, with a heart right toward God, to exercise as much power for the evangelization of the world, as it is for those who stand in the most prominent positions.
- John R. Mott

Packing- Looking towards return to Missions field

Writing a few thank you notes today to those have donated financially. I am still praying for continuing support and even monthly supporters to come on board and keep me serving in Island Breeze Brisbane, spreading the gospel throughout the lands ~
Yesterday I started to pack the suitecase, hoping to have room for some extra warm clothes (my stop in Mongolia for 2 weeks will be winter weather but my return to Brisbane will be SUMMER ~ woohoo)...  Ive attached a picture as I was pleasantly surprised to see that i have room for a few extra sweaters and dont feel pressure to leave anything important behind! (I have not weight it yet- I should be allowed 23 kg -50lbs).... learning the tools to travel light but still be comfortable!
The next few days are countdown and looking at last minute banking, toiletries etc.....

Tribute to Jerry Tamanisau

Written by a friend in memory of Jerry Tamanisau

RIP Ciku (brother)!!!

If tears could build a stairway,

and memories a lane,

I'd walkright up to heaven

and bring you home again.

**

Not how did he die?

But how did he live?

Not what did he gain,

But what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth

Of this man as a man, regardless of birth

Not, what was his station?

But had he a heart?

How did he play his God given part?

Was he at hand with a word of good cheer?

To bring back a smile or banish a fear?

Not what was his church or what was his creed?

But had he befriended those really in need?

Not how did the formal obituary run?

But how many grieved when his life's work was done?

**

Gone yet not forgotten,

Although we are apart,

Your spirit lives within me,

Forever in my heart.

**

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

**

Death leaves a heartache

No one can heal;

Love leaves a memory

No one can steal

**

Gone is the face we loved so dear,

Silent is the voice we loved to hear;

Too far away for sight or speech,

But not too far for thought to reach.

Sweet to remember him who once was here,

And who, though absent, is just as dear.

**

What would I give to clasp his hand,

His happy face to see,

To hear his voice, and see his smile

That meant so much to me.

 

Jerry! You are a great friend, a brother, an encourager! You will never be forgotten.. "everyone knows Jerry! everyone knows Jerry" Rest in peace and see you home!!!!

Prayers for the family of a fellow warrior in Christ

Asking for prayer support for the Tamanisau family, and Island Breeze. This week Island Breeze lost a faithful member of it's team, Jerry Tamanisau. Jerry had been serving with Youth with a Mission for over ten years, using his talents of playing musical instruments, his love for youth, his soccer and rugby abilities, and his ability to dance to spread the gospel of Christ throughout the nations. I had the honor to serve with him at Island Breeze until this past January when he was married and stayed in his home country Fiji with his new wife Amanda (from America). He was diagnosed in June with an aggressive stomach cancer that had spread to his liver and other organs. We all mourn not only the loss of a ministry partner but also a faithful friend and example of generosity and faithfulness to God's call. I've copied a portion of his wife, Amanda's , words to us because she is inspiring in her response to the circumstances around her. Please continue to pray for Amanda as she is expecting Jerry's child in May. May we all be inspired to live the life we've been given to the fullest, not in Jerry's honor, but as he would say , "To Give Glory to God".... Amen

From Amanda:
"About a month before Jerry got to the worst, we were talking… I was asking him what are some of the main things he thought God was teaching us through all this… he said it was all about THE CALL… he was determined that when he got through all this, he was going to be that much more dedicated & committed to pursuing the true Call of God on his life – why he started missions in the first place...  In January, when we were given Psalm 90 about numbering our days to gain a heart of wisdom, we had NO idea how spot on that would be for our lives in 2011…

 

One of the saddest things I have seen as I travel around the world is a wasted life – whether it is wasted because people don't know what to do & wander through life aimlessly,unsure of God's hand-crafted plan for their lives,OR whether it is wasted because they focus on selfish & temporary pursuits rather than count the cost, focus on ETERNITY, & let God be the Lord over every area… one thing I would like to challenge all of Jerry's friends & family that the best way you can honour his life is to take that scripture to heart, lay down your lives & fully pursue the call of God RIGHT NOW…don't put it off… "waste" your life for Him in whatever sphere He takes you into & create impact for His glory."

Jerry in heaven

Just found out that our brother Jerry has left this earth to worship in the heavens.... We will greatly greatly miss him.
Here is a copy of what I wrote on his facebook wall as tribute:

Taking comfort in prophesies spoken over you a year and half ago:
Jerry
"The day will come when watchmen will shout from the hill country of Ephraim, 'come let us go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord our God'." Jeremiah 31:6
(You are the one to call to worship even to non-Christians)

Jerry
"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord " You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing"… I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will be secure." Psalms 10:9-11
(Validating that He is hearing the cry of your heart and the consistency of your walk.)

Amen Bro- God has always had the cry of your heart, and now we can be jealous of your perfect heavenly worship ~ You are irreplaceable.... praying for the Tamanisau family

Please pray for Jerry

Sending a request to please be praying for my Fijian brother Jerry Tamanisau. He has faithfully served with YWAM for over ten years and I was blessed to spend last year serving with him in Community Center with Island Breeze Brisbane. He returned to Fiji, married Amanda (an American) last January and has recently been diagnosed with cancer in the stomach. It has progressed quickly and he now needs a liver transplant, has lost weight and is unable to walk etc. As we are praying for healing and miracles we are also keeping Amanda in our prayers as she cares for him in his family's home.
After having been through some frustrations with my own body, I can sympathize all too much and feel the agony that they must be going through. I praise God for my own health and well being and continue to pray for those who suffer from long term pain or illness. Our God is a god creator, and a God who can heal. Sometimes this is through our medical knowledge, technology and doctors...but other times its through that special touch of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says God needs only to send His word and healing can spread throughout the land
""He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalms 107:20

I leave you with one of the verses that has been an encouragement to me:
 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken." (Psalm 34:19)

Thank you!

Newsletter Part 2 Finances

FINANCES

Praise report: a local church in Australia paid for my plane ticket home in July, praise the Lord!

My past financial needs for housing and food were at 200 dollars a month, however Island Breeze has made a change requesting 400 a month which leaves me with an extra 200 dollars a month to fundraise. I have just barely been making my monthly needs with the dues being at 200 dollars. I am asking you to pray about becoming a financial supporter either with a once a year donation, or a monthly donation (tax deduction available). This past year was challenging with travel expenses (outreaches) as well as other ministry expenses. Due to the fact that our YWAM base is primarily made up of staff from the Pacific nations, their ability to pay monthly dues is limited. This leaves other needs (such as paper for the office, food for hosting community outreaches, train/bus fares or gas money for outreaches to the community), on us as staff. For instance, on a weekly basis I may donate money to pay for transportation for our staff to chaperone a local youth night, buy socks for the bare feet of our Pacific islanders experiencing the cold for the first time, as well as paying for myself to get to church on Sunday and not to mention the regular toiletries and vegetables for the week (our base depends on donations from two local food banks to support our low budget- we thank God for their generosity but often are not able to get fresh fruit or vegetables from this source). All these add up quickly and God has always provided faithfully but I feel this is a season to strengthen my financial support team. I've learned this year that speaking out in faith those dreams, visions, and desires that God grants on our hearts is part of the process of receiving the blessing, so I must admit that my ideal is to be receiving over 500 dollars a month of financial support, to best equip myself and the Island Breeze Brisbane ministry team.

Could you be someone that can make a small (or large) sacrifice and join me as I continue to reach out to the nations with the gospel, discipleship and redeeming our cultures?

Current medical bills: I currently have a bill of over 17 000 dollars pending with my travelers' insurance. I'm asking that you intercede in prayer with me for the majority of that bill to be covered by insurance. I hesitate to leave the country without my medical bills resolved and am trusting God for a response in the next 2 weeks.

Return to the ministry: I am planning on purchasing a return ticket by next week with an expected price of 2000 dollars. Therefore, I'm also trusting God for the provision of those funds.

Update: since writing this letter I have purchased a ticket to Brisbane, leaving on the 21^st of November, with a 2 week stop in Mongolia, for the bargain price of 1650 dollars~ praises!

Please contact me if you have further questions, encouragements or prayer requests~

Newsletter Part 1 Challenging Seasons

Instead of complaining at his lot, a contented man is thankful that his condition and circumstances are no worse than they are. Instead of greedily desiring something more than the supply of his present need, he rejoices that God still cares for him. Such a one is "content" with such as he has (Heb. 13:5). —Arthur W. Pink

Challenging seasons

"Never will I leave you nor forsake you"~God

We all have the challenging seasons, each person's story equally challenging in our trust of God and relying on His faithfulness to get us through. My year has not gone as planned due to medical issues. I was positioned to attend a YWAM school in New Zealand (Principles of Redeeming Cultures) in September but had to cancel due to an unexpected return to the USA. I had been suffering from dysentary since my outreach to Vanuatu, losing weight and energy. During that time of hospital visits etc I also developed a side pain which was revealed to be a tumor/cyst on my ovary. After the followup visit to the doctor in Australia was postponed and rescheduled for over a month away, I made the decision to head home to get quicker care in my home town in Iowa. (I had been sick since April and returned to the States the end of July). There is nothing better than being cared for and encouraged by family. I had surgery that ended up removing the ovary, as well as discovering endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Praise God for no signs of cancer. As one can imagine it did stir up some emotions, and I am thankful that God was faithful in providing reminders of His protection of even my future children. I will continue to experience some pain and discomfort but have been cleared for travel. It's been my goal to make the most of the unexpected leave from ministry and pray God uses this time with family and rest to prepare me for the next season. Thank you for those of you who have been keeping me in your prayers. We know God is the ultimate healer and He has been faithful, in His timing (obviously not mine , ha!)

A nutshell

This time away from ministry has allowed me to continue casting dreams and visions for the future of Island Breeze Brisbane and also my role in spreading the gospel to the nations. I also have a heart for being involved in the pioneering of new ministries and new YWAM bases across the nations. Here is a reminder of my role in Gods Kingdom:

-- Discipleship ~ I have a heart for helping new Christians, or disillusioned Christians, have a passion to follow God with abandon. Keys to this are accountability, serving, the disciplines of reading the Scriptures/fasting /prayer, training and times of healing/counseling.

--Teaching ~ I was privileged to be challenged in this area in April and found this to be a new gift that I want to continue pursuing. I enjoy facilitating the learning about the Bible, about our relationship with God and the nature of God. Specifically I feel there is an ongoing need to continue educating about and practicing sharing the gospel, creating individual testimonies, and revealing how God is speaking.

-- Facilitating ~ One of the most rewarding roles I have at Island Breeze has been to position our staff into the community through coordinating of events and creating opportunities to minister. Sometimes this involves the logistics of visas and grants, other times simply being the communicator between church leaders and our available staff.

-- Redeeming Cultures ~ Island Breeze stands apart from other YWAMs due to our heart to seek God's fingerprints in our culture and encourage the expression of the beauty that God has given us, often through worship. This also involves breaking down barriers and other influences that have affected our cultures in the negative. This continues to be a passion of mine no matter the ethnicity.

Dreaming

I've learned this year that speaking out in faith those dreams, visions, and desires that God grants on our hearts is part of the process of receiving the blessing

Praying and writing up a financial support letter as I am seeing the end in sight, returning to australia in one month. I am hoping to have a good sense of tickets by this weekend.
Feeling better, one day at a time, and currently experiementing with different vitamines including Vitamine B for energies. Praise God for progress!

wise

Wise friend reminded me : "Every day might not be a good day but there is good in every day "

CULTURE

Kia mau ki to Maoritanga..It's a Maori proverb and it means hold fast to your culture

August Update

Medical update !  Saw a great doctor today in Belmond, very thorough. I will need to have surgery. The "complex" cyst that is on my ovary has grown even since I was in Brisbane so they are doing bloodwork again to make sure no cancer cells. That comes back in two days, if its concerning than Ill have surgery the next day. If not, than ill have surgery within the next couple of weeks. Im going to call and see if I can postpone my ticket back to Brisbane (even if I have surgery on Monday, it would be less than a week recovery before my ticket back on the 20th). There is also a 30-40% chance that they will have to remove the ovary, but they wont know until they are in surgery (this would be a month recovery). Taking it one day at a time! Feel thankful that God answered my prayer, my prayers were for some direction and answers... and I did get that!

A comforting verse for me this week: The Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the wya you went until you reached this place. Deut 1:31

So prayer requests: discernment in travel plans/decision making, finances to cover medical bills, and also the actual surgery and recovery.
A praise report: church in Australia has offered to pay the ticket home that I bought last month -praise God!

Thanks for all your support, am thankful for each of you!  ~Alissa

July Update

Just a quick update, with another one hopefully next week. For those who have not heard I have returned to the USA (parents home in Iowa) for brief bit of rest following a health struggle (dysentery after outreach to the Pacific). They also found a cyst on my ovary and I have an appointment here in the USA this Wednesday to get further advice ( I am scheduled to fly back to Australia on Aug 20th). Will be having to make decisions about finances, return to Australia, and the school I was scheduled to take in September in New Zealand. Please join me in praying for discernment. Hopefully my next update will have GOOD news! God remains faithful always and am thankful to be able to trust Him. Thank you for your prayers.  ~Alissa

Pic from Vanuatu

Rugby boys and I

Pictures from Teaching at Survivor DTS in Aore, Vanuatu (beautiful!)

Newsletter Part 3

 

AORE SURVIVOR DTS

Clarifying some teaching Burning our 'Barriers' to hearing God

For two weeks during this time I left the Island Breeze crew to teach on the island of Aore. I flew onto the island of Santo and took a motorboat to the next island Aore. The YWAM base is right on the water, with no roads and no electricity. I welcomed the well water bathing but preferred to avoid the rats under my bed! I experienced translation as my teaching was translated into French and Bislama. I spoke on 'Hearing the Voice of God' and truly saw the Holy Spirit go before me, preparing the students by speaking to them in their quiet times. One student from Vanuatu was a new Christian and on my second day of teaching started to cry during intercessions, saying he had heard God for the first time (The message? Not to worry about his family back in his village because God will watch over them while he is faithful to do his DTS).

A key barrier to hearing God that we addressed was unforgiveness. I know we only started the process of digging deep and I am thankful I was speaking on the second of twelve weeks of teaching. We also were challenged to explore new ways of worship, even making up new worship songs. There was a time of discussing our cultural differences and I also lead a team unity building time with the staff. God was also speaking to me during this time- showing me a symbol of His presence by showing a moth/butterfly during those times.

A funny story I shared with my class on the first day of teaching is that upon arriving on the island, the night time darkened everything and I searched through my bag for my torch (flashlight). I clearly remembered throwing it into my duffel bag and prayed that God would show me where to find it.I heard God nudge me to check my makeup bag. My thoughts? "That doesn't make sense, I remember throwing it in the duffel bag. Why would it be in there?" As I continued rummaging through my duffel bag I heard God clearly say " Here you are teaching on 'Hearing the voice of God' and yet you ignore me- why did you bother asking me?" I chuckled as I pulled out my make-up bag, only to find my torch! Ha! What a good reminder that hearing from God requires action. He can speak all He wants but He desires a relationship, where we respond to what He is saying.

The second week I was able to relax ( after squeezing nine teaching sessions into four days)...and spent some time on the beach and listened to the next speaker teach on the character of God. I enjoyed getting to know the staff and students from New Caledonia (French speaking), Vanuatu and China. I did get sick half way through that week but recovered quickly. However, by the time I returned to my rugby boys in Port Vila, I had lost weight and had stomach pain every time I ate. Once back in Brisbane I've been hoping to get back into a healthy eating habit but have been struggling to keep any food down. I am working with a local doctor and recently had some blood tests come back fine (Praise God!). Please continue to pray that God heals me and gives me strength. I love the island of Vanuatu and learning Bislama (like a pigeon English) and have prayed that God would allow me to return again next year. Teaching taught me some further passions and opened some new avenues of ministry.

Newsletter Part 2

 

During my time in Brisbane, I continue to build up the Missions Resource centre. We recently hosted Iain Muir (one of the top three leaders of Youth with a Mission) and ran a Missions Evening event at a local church which went well and I pray starts a trend of hosting conferences/events. We are planning an 'international dinner' next month involving food, dress, education and intercession. We also continue to focus on coordinating outreaches, and developing further education about local church ministries, and other missionary organizations. I still am able to participate in the local youth group and taught them a worship dance from the Caribbean that they took on outreach. We continue to support the local food bank and other community needs. I often fill in spots that don't have a present staff (example: helping some boys from Fiji apply for their Australian visas in Vanuatu, applying for a Volunteer Grant from the Australian government etc). We continue a 'rebuilding season' here at Island Breeze and continue to 'pray in 'new, committed and passionate staff (a prayer request!).

**Goal for the rest of the year: improve my communication with supporters!

**Goal for next three months: plugging in with local body of Christ

**Goal for the rest of this month: rest and healing

Vanuatu outreach

The trip to the Pacific island of Vanuatu (same island as last year) was in two phases- the first involved me helping out with the Discipleship Training Schools outreach (Rugby and missions focus) while the second was a teaching experience on the island of Aore at Survivor YWAM base .

The Rugby DTS (stationed in Port Vila, Efate main island) focused on two rugby tournaments, practicing with local teams, hosting a rugby clinic and training local rugby players. I was honored to be time keeper at the rugby tournament as it made me pay attention to the game, and learn some

new rules. Island Breeze was also blessed to present the national Vanuatu rugby team with a new set of jerseys from Kooga (a brand name similar to Adidas that we regularly collaborate with). They also helped to build a roof to cover a new church site and a toilet stall for this church also. They were invited to some churches and Christian events to dance their traditional Fijian dances and fellowship. We were spoiled by staying in a home that including television and internet! Instead of staying at the YWAM base, this allowed us to further interact with neighbors and students from USB (local university).

Newsletter Page 1

 

Alissa's Missionary Updates June 2011

I always tend to end with a financial update and future plans but this time I have decided to start with it! I was scheduled to visit the Cook Islands in July for two weeks but just this week have decided to postpone that trip due to illness. I feel God will use this time for other things instead and am planning on attending the Island Breeze national leaders conference in Perth for one week during that time. "Principles of Redeeming Cultures" school is running in New Zealand in September and is a requirement as I represent Island Breeze. I am beginning fundraising and asking for financial support as the class fee is 3500 dollars for three months of lecture and outreach, not counting the airfare from Brisbane to Tauranga, NZ. Please consider praying about sponsoring me for this school. The website for this school can be viewed at : http://ywam.org.nz/ywam-nz/principles-of-redeeming-cultures/.

Something new! I have decided to try my hand at "Tweeting". My twitter name is Lisskennedy. On the internet there is an application called " Twitter" where you can "follow" your friends, and write regular updates and thoughts. My intent is to keep closer contact with my family, friends, and supporters as SO much happens during my day that can't fit into a prayer update letter....For example this week I wondered how Fijians always know which tree leaves make fabulous tea! Or why does a Nivan (from Vanuatu) say " Stret one time" (meaning 'Im good' or 'okay') ....what about two times? And my new Australian word: 'Fair dinkum' meaning "oh true?" "wow really" . I also regularly use facebook as a means to update pictures, status, prayer requests etc...

Road trips get tiring Sharing testimony in church Fundraising night with youth

My contact details for support remain the same!

(direct deposit to my Australian acct is also available but not tax deductible)

Alissa Kennedy

c/o Belmond Evangelical Free Church

2796 130^th Drive

Belmond, IA 50421

email: skillet25@gmail.com

facebook: alkennedy@excite.com

twitter: Lisskennedy

blog: alissalynnkennedy@blogspot.com

Newsletter Page 1

 

Alissa's Missionary Updates June 2011

I always tend to end with a financial update and future plans but this time I have decided to start with it! I was scheduled to visit the Cook Islands in July for two weeks but just this week have decided to postpone that trip due to illness. I feel God will use this time for other things instead and am planning on attending the Island Breeze national leaders conference in Perth for one week during that time. "Principles of Redeeming Cultures" school is running in New Zealand in September and is a requirement as I represent Island Breeze. I am beginning fundraising and asking for financial support as the class fee is 3500 dollars for three months of lecture and outreach, not counting the airfare from Brisbane to Tauranga, NZ. Please consider praying about sponsoring me for this school. The website for this school can be viewed at : http://ywam.org.nz/ywam-nz/principles-of-redeeming-cultures/.

Something new! I have decided to try my hand at "Tweeting". My twitter name is Lisskennedy. On the internet there is an application called " Twitter" where you can "follow" your friends, and write regular updates and thoughts. My intent is to keep closer contact with my family, friends, and supporters as SO much happens during my day that can't fit into a prayer update letter....For example this week I wondered how Fijians always know which tree leaves make fabulous tea! Or why does a Nivan (from Vanuatu) say " Stret one time" (meaning 'Im good' or 'okay') ....what about two times? And my new Australian word: 'Fair dinkum' meaning "oh true?" "wow really" . I also regularly use facebook as a means to update pictures, status, prayer requests etc...

Road trips get tiring Sharing testimony in church Fundraising night with youth

My contact details for support remain the same!

(direct deposit to my Australian acct is also available but not tax deductible)

Alissa Kennedy

c/o Belmond Evangelical Free Church

2796 130^th Drive

Belmond, IA 50421

email: skillet25@gmail.com

facebook: alkennedy@excite.com

twitter: Lisskennedy

blog: alissalynnkennedy@blogspot.com

Unconditional love...Wish I were a Supernatural Diety

Words of wisdom from long term missionary:

"Unconditional love must carry with it conditions. Unconditional love given unconditionally produces burnout and spoils the receiver."

Combined lectures

We combined lectures with the students from mitchelton, another brisbane ywam base. Here are some pictures from our time...

Testifying

Be prepared in season and out.....

 

Recently we ministered at a local church (Church of Christ Ann Street) and were blessed with the diversity of their congregation. The students from DTS lead worship, shared testimonies and danced. I also was able to share a testimony about how the bible doesn't say we choose to make a decision in faith, but it says we choose to LIVE in faith... a good reminder ~

Newsletter Feb 2011

A new year at Island Breeze

Dear supporters and families.

I am writing to update you about some new opportunities, honors and challenges ahead for this year. As I'm returning to Island Breeze Brisbane, I've been asked to step into leadership position. I'm very honored by this request but I do release the weight of it as our base continues to move forward in our 'rebuilding' season. We are praying in new and inspired staff to help facilitate all the visions we have for this year including outreach to the Aborigine community, starting our missions resource centre, training students in our Discipleship Training Program, increasing our rugby sports ministry and continuing to minister to the local community.

After having shared my personal vision of 'discipling and creating opportunities to use spiritual giftings, for those native to the Pacific', my directors Waqa and Jade have asked me to head up the 'Missions Resource Centre'. This centre has been inactive for over one year and so there is a lot of regrouping to be done. Our targets are to facilitate outreaches, both locally and in the Pacific, to create missions conferences and a missions library, and to coordinate with local churches to open doors to missions. Currently we have three team members and are excited about gathering information and contacts to see God move amongst Australia, the Pacific and across the world.

As I take on this new responsibility of leading the 'Missions Resource Centre', my time will also be spent mentoring and helping staff the Discipleship Training Program that beings this Sunday. Currently we have nine students and have a rugby/missions focus. I am also continuing to support the community contacts from last year (having moved out of community centre) including small groups, youth nights, and connecting outreach groups with the local needs. As you tell, my prayer is for God to show me how to wisely use my time and to stay focused on His call.

As my title changes, I will be traveling more this year. All of us in Island Breeze are now being encouraged to attend the 'Principles of Redeeming Cultures' school, run through YWAM. The one I am looking at taking begins in September in New Zealand and the cost is approximately 3000 american dollars. I have also been asked to help staff a DTS school in Vanuatu, where I spent some time last year, staffing and translating from English to French. Although I will be unable to staff the entire school, I hope to spend one month supporting the school and Tony, who is leading it. It will bring some challenges as it is a 'survivor' DTS and I will really experience 'island life'. The cost for airfare is about 500 dollars round trip. I also feel a goal with this new vision is to continue to learn about the Pacific Island culture. While I would love to spend my time solely on traveling to the different islands, this wouldn't be possible financially nor with my responsibilities at the base. I do however feel like the Cook Islands is on my list to visit this year, hopefully in July. The focus is not only to understand the culture but to gather contact information and learn about the base so we can easily coordinate outreaches.

 

Pictures: From a goodbye performance for the Raiqisos who are pioneering Island Breeze in Fiji; two pictures from our Tuesday Nite Live worship session

What I've been Up to!

What I've been up to!

Arriving into Brisbane in January, I was met with some tired boys on the base from helping Queensland recover for the flood. I joined in some of the cleanup and was so proud to see Island Breeze pouring into the community. One family had three autistic children and were prepared to climb into the roof of their two story house when the helicopters came to tell them the river was receding. Needless to say there was a lot of house cleanup, toys, and landscaping for us to help with. We were touched by their stories and also touched by the volunteers in the community. We were honored when a council member came to the base to officially thank us for our support of the community.

We have also been hosting some outreach teams. One team is a DTS from Vanuatu, composed mainly of Fijians. The second team is a performing arts DTS from Melbourne. We've been blessed by their outreach and love. We also held a joint worship with Sunshine Coast YWAM, performed in the community, and served a local Tongan pastor. We look forward to more opportunities ahead!