I will be soon redoing my budget and looking at the funds that have come in to better prepare for this year. I understand better how the money gets paid out here and am finding extra expenses(of course!). The main reason for the update is a reminder that if you want a receipt for tax deductible gift please continue to send it made out to YWAM St Croix. If you do not care about a receipt than you can place it in my name (long story short, i receive a check from YWAM for the amount the collected and then I pay them back my room and board, funny I know). I now have a bank account here on the island so I will be able to cash my own checks. We are still offering a direct withdrawal from your account if thats easier.
On a less business like note , I sure got sunburned on my fun trip to the beach the other day! It took a whole day to set in but my back really turned red and was painful (thankfully I dont sleep on it!). A security officer at the store today came up to me to warn me of the 'hot sun' here. I told him once I get burned a few times it will turn into tan and I will be all right. I can't avoid working outside, especially now that prep for the leadership conference is underway (thats next week). All for now, thanks for all your prayers as I continue to adjust and find my place in ministry. Alissa
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday
Well my hair is still frizzy, not quite sure what to do. But if that's my biggest problem than I guess I am doing okay! Im not sure if I updated you on the historical tour that was given on base on Sunday but it was powerful and Ill have to update again another day if I haven't.
Intercession/prayer time was last night and that was really good to focus in on the heart of God for the people here and really feel the affect that slavery has taken on it's people. Yesterday a prominent judge was found dead (suspicion is murder) as well as a witness to a high profile case. His two sons had recently attended a YWAM summer outreach and were baptized so we are praying for their loss and their family, as well as for justice in the matter. Also we heard that a 7 year old boy on the island committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. As you can see there is a lot of reasons for us to pray continuously for the people and children of St Croix and to seek out opportunities to help in any way we can.
We have been working pretty hard getting things ready for district conference next week. Lots of cleaning, organizing etc.... Its helping me to see the grounds more. I ventured off (permitted of course) to check out the shopping center across the street (oh yes, Kmart is over there too!). I did buy a cell phone (feel free to ask me for my number, Im not about to post it on the net) partly because the staff here use it to call each other. I also opened a bank account. The way things are run is that YWAM writes me a check for the amount of support that came in, and then I turn around and write them a check for my monthly fees (that cover housing, food, laundry etc). Silly but I guess if you don't want a receipt its easier to send it straight to me now. I met some nice people but overall i just get a sense that a lot of the natives are 'tired', maybe weary is a better word. So many opportunities to reach out. There is a clothing store Id like to check out as it seems more cultural and not as 'americanized' as the rest of the areas. Although in Kmart I noticed they were playing a lot of gospel music. And Yes,things can be more expensive here. Not necessarily unmanageable but it makes me gulp and be thankful that I brought along some extra things.
I am getting to know more of the staff here, especially the ones I will be working with (Luke, TJ, V, and Ligia) and we all get along really well. We finally have children on the grounds as the West family arrived (two boys under 7 and one girl). Jeremy will be leading the Equip part come May 10th but they both will also be attending the leadership conference next week. It gets dusty fairly quickly so more of our cleaning is in vain but its nice to see that they value what they've been given and want to make the most of it.
We look forward to meeting the rest of the regional leaders....
Intercession/prayer time was last night and that was really good to focus in on the heart of God for the people here and really feel the affect that slavery has taken on it's people. Yesterday a prominent judge was found dead (suspicion is murder) as well as a witness to a high profile case. His two sons had recently attended a YWAM summer outreach and were baptized so we are praying for their loss and their family, as well as for justice in the matter. Also we heard that a 7 year old boy on the island committed suicide because he was being bullied at school. As you can see there is a lot of reasons for us to pray continuously for the people and children of St Croix and to seek out opportunities to help in any way we can.
We have been working pretty hard getting things ready for district conference next week. Lots of cleaning, organizing etc.... Its helping me to see the grounds more. I ventured off (permitted of course) to check out the shopping center across the street (oh yes, Kmart is over there too!). I did buy a cell phone (feel free to ask me for my number, Im not about to post it on the net) partly because the staff here use it to call each other. I also opened a bank account. The way things are run is that YWAM writes me a check for the amount of support that came in, and then I turn around and write them a check for my monthly fees (that cover housing, food, laundry etc). Silly but I guess if you don't want a receipt its easier to send it straight to me now. I met some nice people but overall i just get a sense that a lot of the natives are 'tired', maybe weary is a better word. So many opportunities to reach out. There is a clothing store Id like to check out as it seems more cultural and not as 'americanized' as the rest of the areas. Although in Kmart I noticed they were playing a lot of gospel music. And Yes,things can be more expensive here. Not necessarily unmanageable but it makes me gulp and be thankful that I brought along some extra things.
I am getting to know more of the staff here, especially the ones I will be working with (Luke, TJ, V, and Ligia) and we all get along really well. We finally have children on the grounds as the West family arrived (two boys under 7 and one girl). Jeremy will be leading the Equip part come May 10th but they both will also be attending the leadership conference next week. It gets dusty fairly quickly so more of our cleaning is in vain but its nice to see that they value what they've been given and want to make the most of it.
We look forward to meeting the rest of the regional leaders....
Saturday, April 25, 2009
St Croix journey
Have been in St Croix for two days and am finding it very different from the Pacific culture. Everything seems very 'western'. Driving around the vegetation and building seem similar to Samoa except then I find out that the best place to buy fruit is the grocery store and no open market. No one uses the bus system but you can get most places for 2.50. The 'cruzians' have their own accent and dialect that will take some getting used to. I'm impressed with the base, the staff are few but there seems to be great teamwork. I found out that the Ironman triathalon is being held here in a week, around the same time our people are coming in for a district conference. Here is a quick overview of my actual trip here (no one warned me of a nine passenger plane being a part of the package!).
My friend Greg dropped me off at OHare early in the morning and was glad to find out my bags should go straight through to St Croix. First flight was very short to Atlanta. There was a little girl with her mom sitting behind me and I overhead they were also making the connecting flight to Puerto Rice. I thought 'how fun' only to realize twenty minutes later that the young girl was a sing at the top of your lungs kinda gal. Fortunatly they were in the front of the next plane. I sat down on my four hour flight to Puerto Rice, next to an elderly lady who was a native of P Rico. I asked if she had been on holiday and she said her husband had passed. I had not even fastened my seatbelt when she started talking about how we all die but its important to know where we are going. She was Catholic and we had a good conversation on the afterlife. God wasn't even going to give me a few minutes to settle in before an opportunity to share His love was in my face ! Bought the cheese and fruit tray (for 6 bucks!) because my meals were all off. Finally decided to use the bathroom (dont usual partake in the 'plane bathroom' experience) and just my luck, the seatbelt sign comes on when its my turn. Turbulance and potties don't mix. I just had to laugh. The ride over the ocean was beautiful. The plane was low enough to see the different shades and islands along the way. I wouldn't even be able to say the water was blue because it's closer to green (maybe a teal, no not even, so hard to put into words). I checked into my next flight right away after arriving in Puerto Rice and was glad because they had me on an earlier flight. They made sure my bags would be on this one, called my base director, grabbed a snack and had a few minutes before they loaded. I talked to two men. The second was a supervisor for the department of homeland security in St Croix so he had a lot of information to give me and was able to answer most of my questions. There is crime here and occasionally we can even hear gun shots (we are tucked away down the street from a major shopping area). He suggested snorkeling and diving and 'must dos' while I am here and also encouraged me to visit St Johns. He (not so politely) laughed at my shock at seeing the plane. I felt like a true missionary, risking life and limb to get to my remote island. Ha! Apparently the small plane route is common. When the lady (who turned out to be from here) plugged her ears I knew I would be in for a ride. It was plenty noisy and quite bumpy but again the view was spectacular. My island has mountains on it and a few beaches. They seem rockier than Samoa (although Ive only been to one). The downtown area has a 'historical' feel to it and can't wait to spend more time there. Some of the Ywamers were there to meet me so I said goodbye to my now close friends from the plane ride and headed 'home'. The base is a former plantation (the city is actually doing a historical tour here on Sunday) and has a pool and a basketball court (the local boys come almost every day for bball). I live in a trailer. It is small :) But i feel blessed with running water, hot water, electricity, a kitchen area AND a living room area. Who could ask for more? Right now I am sharing the space with three other short term missions workers (ladies) but I have my own room (hmmm about the size of a large closet). No worries because all I own fits into two bags so there was room for everything. Ill try to upload some pictures. Last night we went to the pier in Frederiksted and saw a couple sea turtles . The water is so incredibly clear. There were some guys fishing and they didn't have poles, only big spools of string. We could hear jazz music coming off the ocean front. Another place to come back to. Today, Saturday we tried to sleep in (I keep waking up at 630 , maybe its cause of the rooster we have on base!) It started to rain so ran around closing windows so we wouldn't soak our 'trash trailer'. Ha its all said in love. We left for the beach around 1030 and headed back towards Frederiksted (we live close to Christiansted downtown). It takes about twenty minutes or so. The beach was nice, clear water again, very few people. I walked down the beach quite aways until a 'preserve' and the beach was even better there (are some rocks for the first thirty feet). It did rain but God blessed us and the rain staid near the pier and missed us. Our taxi driver named Guadalupe came back for us at three (not usual for taxi drivers) and we all just paid 2.50. I didn't get burned (although I did have sport block sunscreen on....smart). Came back and took a shower to get the salt and sand off. Tomorrow will go to church with the rest of the group. Am getting to know some of the staff Ill be working with, a couple of them will be my staff for Equip (leadership) and then will be my fellow staff when i start working with DTS. Ill be working in the kitchen and housekeeping in a week for the conference time and my days with be PACKED. With little staff we often will have to multitask and there is a lot to be done. Enough for now ! Im liking being back in the warm weather (I have a fan in my room for sanity purposes cause no air conditioning). Miss friends and family back home!
My friend Greg dropped me off at OHare early in the morning and was glad to find out my bags should go straight through to St Croix. First flight was very short to Atlanta. There was a little girl with her mom sitting behind me and I overhead they were also making the connecting flight to Puerto Rice. I thought 'how fun' only to realize twenty minutes later that the young girl was a sing at the top of your lungs kinda gal. Fortunatly they were in the front of the next plane. I sat down on my four hour flight to Puerto Rice, next to an elderly lady who was a native of P Rico. I asked if she had been on holiday and she said her husband had passed. I had not even fastened my seatbelt when she started talking about how we all die but its important to know where we are going. She was Catholic and we had a good conversation on the afterlife. God wasn't even going to give me a few minutes to settle in before an opportunity to share His love was in my face ! Bought the cheese and fruit tray (for 6 bucks!) because my meals were all off. Finally decided to use the bathroom (dont usual partake in the 'plane bathroom' experience) and just my luck, the seatbelt sign comes on when its my turn. Turbulance and potties don't mix. I just had to laugh. The ride over the ocean was beautiful. The plane was low enough to see the different shades and islands along the way. I wouldn't even be able to say the water was blue because it's closer to green (maybe a teal, no not even, so hard to put into words). I checked into my next flight right away after arriving in Puerto Rice and was glad because they had me on an earlier flight. They made sure my bags would be on this one, called my base director, grabbed a snack and had a few minutes before they loaded. I talked to two men. The second was a supervisor for the department of homeland security in St Croix so he had a lot of information to give me and was able to answer most of my questions. There is crime here and occasionally we can even hear gun shots (we are tucked away down the street from a major shopping area). He suggested snorkeling and diving and 'must dos' while I am here and also encouraged me to visit St Johns. He (not so politely) laughed at my shock at seeing the plane. I felt like a true missionary, risking life and limb to get to my remote island. Ha! Apparently the small plane route is common. When the lady (who turned out to be from here) plugged her ears I knew I would be in for a ride. It was plenty noisy and quite bumpy but again the view was spectacular. My island has mountains on it and a few beaches. They seem rockier than Samoa (although Ive only been to one). The downtown area has a 'historical' feel to it and can't wait to spend more time there. Some of the Ywamers were there to meet me so I said goodbye to my now close friends from the plane ride and headed 'home'. The base is a former plantation (the city is actually doing a historical tour here on Sunday) and has a pool and a basketball court (the local boys come almost every day for bball). I live in a trailer. It is small :) But i feel blessed with running water, hot water, electricity, a kitchen area AND a living room area. Who could ask for more? Right now I am sharing the space with three other short term missions workers (ladies) but I have my own room (hmmm about the size of a large closet). No worries because all I own fits into two bags so there was room for everything. Ill try to upload some pictures. Last night we went to the pier in Frederiksted and saw a couple sea turtles . The water is so incredibly clear. There were some guys fishing and they didn't have poles, only big spools of string. We could hear jazz music coming off the ocean front. Another place to come back to. Today, Saturday we tried to sleep in (I keep waking up at 630 , maybe its cause of the rooster we have on base!) It started to rain so ran around closing windows so we wouldn't soak our 'trash trailer'. Ha its all said in love. We left for the beach around 1030 and headed back towards Frederiksted (we live close to Christiansted downtown). It takes about twenty minutes or so. The beach was nice, clear water again, very few people. I walked down the beach quite aways until a 'preserve' and the beach was even better there (are some rocks for the first thirty feet). It did rain but God blessed us and the rain staid near the pier and missed us. Our taxi driver named Guadalupe came back for us at three (not usual for taxi drivers) and we all just paid 2.50. I didn't get burned (although I did have sport block sunscreen on....smart). Came back and took a shower to get the salt and sand off. Tomorrow will go to church with the rest of the group. Am getting to know some of the staff Ill be working with, a couple of them will be my staff for Equip (leadership) and then will be my fellow staff when i start working with DTS. Ill be working in the kitchen and housekeeping in a week for the conference time and my days with be PACKED. With little staff we often will have to multitask and there is a lot to be done. Enough for now ! Im liking being back in the warm weather (I have a fan in my room for sanity purposes cause no air conditioning). Miss friends and family back home!
Monday, April 13, 2009
April Newsletter - Time for Change
Please let me know if you want to get my email updates.
Alissa Kennedy
YWAM St. Croix
4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820
New updates!!! I will be departing for St. Croix, US Virgin Islands on the 23rd of April. Yes, my time to serve at the YWAM base in St. Croix has finally arrived! I will be flying out of Chicago to Atlanta, from Atlanta to San Juan (Puerto Rico), and then finally to my island of St. Croix. Recently I felt God confirm that I should attend the leadership training being held in St. Croix starting May 10th. After setting my departure date, and buying my travel tickets, I still felt uneasy about the timing due to the fact that my grandfather was ill in the nursing home. I hated the thought of leaving family behind during that time, but trusted that God knew what He was doing. On March 22nd, my grandfather passed away. I was actually at my home church in Belmond that day and had just mentioned to a few people how my ‘ideal’ was to be able to have a month of time with my family to grieve, and help with anything they needed. God’s timing was more than I could ask for. Knowing that grandpa was ready to go does not ease the pain of missing him (and grandma also who passed last September). Please pray for the transition of my parents, in grieving the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy and all that comes along with the next few months.
Currently, I am trying to ‘cover all my bases’ and take care of last minute preparations like travel insurance (the US Virgin Islands appears to be a dead zone) and last minute dental appointments. The leadership training (Equip running from May 10-June 20) covers some rich topics that aim to prepare me to help with the Discipleship Training program in St. Croix. Topics include interpersonal and relational skills, public speaking, character building, outreach preparation and debriefing. I look forward to learning more about the island of St. Croix, it’s history and the people who are currently active in ministry.
Please consider becoming a regular prayer partner if you have not already. I will be sending updates via email and occasionally by mail. A huge thank you goes out to those of you who have already pledged or given financially. I am still short on funds but trust that God will continue to provide as the needs arise. Should you have questions about your past pledge, or a future one, please email me or (if before April 23rd) or call me. .If you would like to send a donation please send to the address listed (if you would like to pay another way please let me know). A reminder: please make out the check to YWAM St. Croix (not my name). A new update is that the YWAM St. Croix base is now able to do a direct withdrawal from an account instead of sending checks by mail. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and your blessings , not only to me but also to the ministry in St. Croix. God bless !
Reaching me:A couple ways to reach me are still by email (alkennedy@excite.com or skillet25@gmail.com), the address at the top of this letter (uses regular US postal stamps), or you can get updates on my blog (alissa-2007.blogspot.com). I have looked into cell phone options but don’t have the finances right now (am glad this may be an option!).
Fun Facts Some common fruits found in St. Croix include avacado, banana, breadfruit (which I have been missing from the Pacific), carambola (starfruit),mango, papaya etc. Some of the fruits that I am not familiar with, but looking forward to trying, include sea grapes (similar to our grapes but found by the sea), tamarind (used in beverage and candy-looks like a brown pea pod), and soursop (I believe I tried something similar in Samoa- inner part is a sweet jell-like pulp often used in drinks).
Alissa Kennedy
YWAM St. Croix
4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00820
New updates!!! I will be departing for St. Croix, US Virgin Islands on the 23rd of April. Yes, my time to serve at the YWAM base in St. Croix has finally arrived! I will be flying out of Chicago to Atlanta, from Atlanta to San Juan (Puerto Rico), and then finally to my island of St. Croix. Recently I felt God confirm that I should attend the leadership training being held in St. Croix starting May 10th. After setting my departure date, and buying my travel tickets, I still felt uneasy about the timing due to the fact that my grandfather was ill in the nursing home. I hated the thought of leaving family behind during that time, but trusted that God knew what He was doing. On March 22nd, my grandfather passed away. I was actually at my home church in Belmond that day and had just mentioned to a few people how my ‘ideal’ was to be able to have a month of time with my family to grieve, and help with anything they needed. God’s timing was more than I could ask for. Knowing that grandpa was ready to go does not ease the pain of missing him (and grandma also who passed last September). Please pray for the transition of my parents, in grieving the loss of my Grandma and Grandpa Kennedy and all that comes along with the next few months.
Currently, I am trying to ‘cover all my bases’ and take care of last minute preparations like travel insurance (the US Virgin Islands appears to be a dead zone) and last minute dental appointments. The leadership training (Equip running from May 10-June 20) covers some rich topics that aim to prepare me to help with the Discipleship Training program in St. Croix. Topics include interpersonal and relational skills, public speaking, character building, outreach preparation and debriefing. I look forward to learning more about the island of St. Croix, it’s history and the people who are currently active in ministry.
Please consider becoming a regular prayer partner if you have not already. I will be sending updates via email and occasionally by mail. A huge thank you goes out to those of you who have already pledged or given financially. I am still short on funds but trust that God will continue to provide as the needs arise. Should you have questions about your past pledge, or a future one, please email me or (if before April 23rd) or call me. .If you would like to send a donation please send to the address listed (if you would like to pay another way please let me know). A reminder: please make out the check to YWAM St. Croix (not my name). A new update is that the YWAM St. Croix base is now able to do a direct withdrawal from an account instead of sending checks by mail. Thank you so much for your ongoing support and your blessings , not only to me but also to the ministry in St. Croix. God bless !
Reaching me:A couple ways to reach me are still by email (alkennedy@excite.com or skillet25@gmail.com), the address at the top of this letter (uses regular US postal stamps), or you can get updates on my blog (alissa-2007.blogspot.com). I have looked into cell phone options but don’t have the finances right now (am glad this may be an option!).
Fun Facts Some common fruits found in St. Croix include avacado, banana, breadfruit (which I have been missing from the Pacific), carambola (starfruit),mango, papaya etc. Some of the fruits that I am not familiar with, but looking forward to trying, include sea grapes (similar to our grapes but found by the sea), tamarind (used in beverage and candy-looks like a brown pea pod), and soursop (I believe I tried something similar in Samoa- inner part is a sweet jell-like pulp often used in drinks).
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 9 update
PRAYER REQUEST:
Dental bill over 2000 dollars~ Aie!! I like to say "unexpected and unnecessary". Although with only two weeks left before I leave for St Croix its only natural to expect the devil to try and frustrate or discourage... so I won't. Ill simply have faith that God will provide the means for it... Right before leaving for my YWAM trip to Samoa two years ago I was in a car crash that caused multiple last minute headaches but , as He is faithful to do, God restored everything in His timing and it did not delay my departure. So the main prayer request right now is for finances but also for protection (now that I think of it!!)...
Also still needing to find a health insurance provider that will cover me in the US Virgin Islands...Right now I am spending a few days in Belmond (partly for the dental issues, partly for Easter break). Ill try and be more faithful at posting on this blog (although I'm sure more interesting notes will be taken once I actually land in St Croix!)
Dental bill over 2000 dollars~ Aie!! I like to say "unexpected and unnecessary". Although with only two weeks left before I leave for St Croix its only natural to expect the devil to try and frustrate or discourage... so I won't. Ill simply have faith that God will provide the means for it... Right before leaving for my YWAM trip to Samoa two years ago I was in a car crash that caused multiple last minute headaches but , as He is faithful to do, God restored everything in His timing and it did not delay my departure. So the main prayer request right now is for finances but also for protection (now that I think of it!!)...
Also still needing to find a health insurance provider that will cover me in the US Virgin Islands...Right now I am spending a few days in Belmond (partly for the dental issues, partly for Easter break). Ill try and be more faithful at posting on this blog (although I'm sure more interesting notes will be taken once I actually land in St Croix!)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Official YWAM ST CROIX
My update for the day. As many of you know Ive been accepted as part of the team for YWAM ST Croix. My grandpa passed away on the 22nd, the same day I presented my missionary updates at my home church. My 'ideal' was to have some time with immediate family after grandpa's passing but felt in my heart God was calling me to commit to the Leadership training (Equip) offered in St Croix starting in May. I bought my ticket for the 23rd of April, and am glad I trusted God's timing as He knew when He would take grandpa. I have two more weeks left and am fine tuning last minute details such as trying to find health insurance and cell phone options. Health insurance is dilema as typical 'travel insurance' doesn't cover St Croix as it is part of the US (a territory) however my normal monthly insurance won't cover St Croix as it is not an official state.....hmmmm a dead zone? Ill do more investigating but prayers would be helpful. I hope to make it to Belmond and home church for Easter weekend then start doing some last minute goodbyes.
Thanks for the prayers, and more regular blog updates to come!
Thanks for the prayers, and more regular blog updates to come!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
January 2009 missionary update
Here is my January update letter, sent out to supporters:
Holiday greetings!
The new year is here and as we make goals, or maybe even resolutions, I wanted to update you on my missionary journey. I currently have a commitment of donations for just over half of my required amount (my goal is 600$/month). I am so thankful for this support; however my departure date has been pushed past January....hopefully only until the end of February. I am trusting God’s timing but also I continue to look forward to buying my plane ticket and making last minute plans to join the on-going work in St. Croix.
During the past couple of months, I can’t help but fight an urgency to be back on the missionary field. God is teaching me lessons in the meantime (as He is faithful to do). When my disappointment in the delay starts, I am reminded of Isaiah. I do want to be available for God, to answer His call, as in Ezekial when He seeks someone to stand in the gap (Ezekial 22:30). I often think "What about the lives I could be touching....pick me.....I need to not waste time and get down there!" . Although it is true that God calls us to serve, Isaiah 59:16 sums up God’s control of His kingdom: " Then His own arm brought salvation to Him.’ And this was AFTER He declared that there was not one person available to intervene for Him. The Holy Spirit doesn’t ‘need’ me and my spiritual gifts in St. Croix to fulfill His purposes there. These are His people and He is caring for them through His own wisdom, power, and timing. It reminds me to be grateful, and honored, to be called to experience more of what He is doing across the world. In the meantime, I continue to learn the ongoing lesson of seeing God in what appears to be the ‘mundane’. Opportunities to interact with people come up every day, whether a relative, neighbor or someone through work (in my case at a Christian bookstore which hasn’t become boring). So, in the meantime while I prepare to head to a new missionary field, I trust God to use me equally, if not more, right where I am.
I’ve decided to include a few ‘fun facts’ to get all of us a bit more acquainted with the island of St. Croix and will include this section in each update letter.
- No US passport is required to travel to and from St. Croix as it is a United States territory
- St. Croix is 1100 miles southeast of Miami, in the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix is the largest island of the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix has a Kmart, McDonald’s, and most importantly a Wendy’s!
- Wish me luck as I adjust to driving on the left side of the road
As I continue to seek God’s next step for me, I ask that you reflect on how God is working in your life, and the people He is placing along your path. Please also remember me, both in your prayers and financially, as I strive to meet my monthly financial goal and prepare myself for another transition.
Some of you have asked for some further information about sending your monthly donations. If you prefer to make one donation for the year, instead of remembering a monthly pledge, please feel free as I will then break it down into 12 months. Please follow these instructions if you would like to receive a tax deductible receipt for your monthly support. Make the checks out to "YWAM St. Croix" (not my name) and in a letter or in the note section please indicate my name. The checks will be processed through the YWAM account and accredited to me. I will be notified of your gift as soon as a check is received. Every three months I will be sending out a receipt for those financial gifts. These checks can be sent directly to the accounting department at:
YWAM St. Croix
#4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, VI 00820
This will also be my address so if you wish to simply include it in a letter addressed to me, I will route the payment for you.
I am very interested in hearing your personal stories of what God has been doing in your life, prayer requests and even stories of your travels to the Carribean. Please feel free to keep in contact either by mail (100 Hollywood Ave, Waterloo IA 50701) or by email (skillet25@gmail.com or alkennedy@excite.com ).
May your New Year be filled with blessings and drawing closer to God!
Holiday greetings!
The new year is here and as we make goals, or maybe even resolutions, I wanted to update you on my missionary journey. I currently have a commitment of donations for just over half of my required amount (my goal is 600$/month). I am so thankful for this support; however my departure date has been pushed past January....hopefully only until the end of February. I am trusting God’s timing but also I continue to look forward to buying my plane ticket and making last minute plans to join the on-going work in St. Croix.
During the past couple of months, I can’t help but fight an urgency to be back on the missionary field. God is teaching me lessons in the meantime (as He is faithful to do). When my disappointment in the delay starts, I am reminded of Isaiah. I do want to be available for God, to answer His call, as in Ezekial when He seeks someone to stand in the gap (Ezekial 22:30). I often think "What about the lives I could be touching....pick me.....I need to not waste time and get down there!" . Although it is true that God calls us to serve, Isaiah 59:16 sums up God’s control of His kingdom: " Then His own arm brought salvation to Him.’ And this was AFTER He declared that there was not one person available to intervene for Him. The Holy Spirit doesn’t ‘need’ me and my spiritual gifts in St. Croix to fulfill His purposes there. These are His people and He is caring for them through His own wisdom, power, and timing. It reminds me to be grateful, and honored, to be called to experience more of what He is doing across the world. In the meantime, I continue to learn the ongoing lesson of seeing God in what appears to be the ‘mundane’. Opportunities to interact with people come up every day, whether a relative, neighbor or someone through work (in my case at a Christian bookstore which hasn’t become boring). So, in the meantime while I prepare to head to a new missionary field, I trust God to use me equally, if not more, right where I am.
I’ve decided to include a few ‘fun facts’ to get all of us a bit more acquainted with the island of St. Croix and will include this section in each update letter.
- No US passport is required to travel to and from St. Croix as it is a United States territory
- St. Croix is 1100 miles southeast of Miami, in the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix is the largest island of the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix has a Kmart, McDonald’s, and most importantly a Wendy’s!
- Wish me luck as I adjust to driving on the left side of the road
As I continue to seek God’s next step for me, I ask that you reflect on how God is working in your life, and the people He is placing along your path. Please also remember me, both in your prayers and financially, as I strive to meet my monthly financial goal and prepare myself for another transition.
Some of you have asked for some further information about sending your monthly donations. If you prefer to make one donation for the year, instead of remembering a monthly pledge, please feel free as I will then break it down into 12 months. Please follow these instructions if you would like to receive a tax deductible receipt for your monthly support. Make the checks out to "YWAM St. Croix" (not my name) and in a letter or in the note section please indicate my name. The checks will be processed through the YWAM account and accredited to me. I will be notified of your gift as soon as a check is received. Every three months I will be sending out a receipt for those financial gifts. These checks can be sent directly to the accounting department at:
YWAM St. Croix
#4030 Diamond Ruby
Christiansted, VI 00820
This will also be my address so if you wish to simply include it in a letter addressed to me, I will route the payment for you.
I am very interested in hearing your personal stories of what God has been doing in your life, prayer requests and even stories of your travels to the Carribean. Please feel free to keep in contact either by mail (100 Hollywood Ave, Waterloo IA 50701) or by email (skillet25@gmail.com or alkennedy@excite.com ).
May your New Year be filled with blessings and drawing closer to God!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Slowly but surely
Support has been coming in slowly but surely and I am thankful to all those who have contributed! Also some have asked about one time donations. I am absolutly accepting those also as I have a plane ticket and health insurance to pay for before I leave, not included in the estimated base support.
This week I worked full time hours at my part time job but have enjoyed the change of pace in working at the Family Christian Store in Waterloo,Ia. Its fun hearing about people's ministry and help them choose christmas gifts.
Happy Thanksgiving (okay, so its a few weeks early.....)
This week I worked full time hours at my part time job but have enjoyed the change of pace in working at the Family Christian Store in Waterloo,Ia. Its fun hearing about people's ministry and help them choose christmas gifts.
Happy Thanksgiving (okay, so its a few weeks early.....)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Support Letter November
the following is my updated support letter that Ive sent out last week :
Greetings! It has been about one year since I returned from my missionary trip to Samoa withYouth with a Mission and I wanted to send an update letter. I have some much anticipated plans for the new year so I will also update you on my preparations to become part of the staff at the YWAM base in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
My time since returning to the United States has been spent with family and then work. I returned to the Chicago area and have been working two jobs (part time as a direct support personnel for adults with disabilities, and also part time as a nanny). Recently, the beginning of September, my Grandma Kennedy passed away after a few months of illness. On October 14th I moved back to Waterloo, Iowa to live with my grandfather and mom. I see Dad once a week, too, as he travels down for a few days every week. I am currently looking for a job to support myself the next few months.
Psalms 138:8 ""The LORD will work out His plans for my life—for Your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever...."
Having these unexpected transitions has not deterred me from my heart for missions. I have been in contact with the Youth with a Mission base in St Croix over the last four months and have officially been accepted on board as staff. I originally requested to help staff the DTS (discipleship training school). This is the same program that I finished during my time in Samoa. Wisely, the director requests that staff wanting to be involved in the DTS first spend 6-8 months serving generally on the base. Some of the areas of need include the day to day needs (kitchen, transportation, office work, cleaning, etc.). St Croix YWAM also has a huge heart for children and runs a children program called ‘Jericho Kids’. They work closely with a local organization that ministers to the homeless of St Croix. All these offer me many opportunities to serve and reach out to the people of St Croix.
I’ve included some highlights from the base but please feel free to browse their internet website if you would like further information at www.ywamstcroix.org
St Croix is the most populated island of the US Virgin Islands (there are 50 islands) and has been nicknamed "The Gem of the Caribbean". St Croix has a rich history, but also a tainted one that has struggled under the effects of slavery. This history includes sugar plantations that exploited slaves for their own greed, passing down the ramifications through the generations. The reason I bring this up is that the St Croix YWAM base (started a little over 20 years ago) holds to its mission of freedom, healing and restoration. Some of the strongholds that remain are hopelessness, shame, anger, abuse, abandonment, prejudice, depression etc.
2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Freedom stays close to the heart of the staff serving in St Croix as we want to spread the freedom found only in Christ. The story of our Jesus is not simply about salvation for the afterlife, but also for freedom and peace amidst our current struggles. We can have healing and joy in this life, too, and God never runs out of His abundant love .
Galations 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
*As I write this letter I am struck by God’s sense of humor as I have ‘Wheel of Fortune’ on in the background and a contestant has just won a trip to.....guess where!..... St Croix, Virgin Islands. What are the odds?
I would like to ask if you would participate in my life and the lives of the natives of St Croix as a financial or prayer supporter. If you are interested, I ask you to return the enclosed slip with your financial, or prayer support commitment. Please feel free to ask me further questions and I will continue to keep you up to date. The base is requesting that I raise a commitment of 600 dollars a month for two years. This money is to be used for my housing, electricity, food etc... I am not discouraged by this amount as I have seen God remain faithful throughout my life and ask that you prayerfully consider your part in this process. I cannot stress enough how having faithful prayer warriors will impact my journey and the people I encounter. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Thank you!
* The money donated is tax deductible. I will include instructions on sending the financial support directly to YWAM St Croix in my next letter.
John 21:15-16 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "You know I love You." "Then feed My lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "You know I love You." "Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said.
If you would like to be a prayer partner or financial supporter please email me at alkenndy@excite.com or send me an update at Alissa Kennedy, 100 Hollywood Ave, waterlooIA 50701. Also feel free to give me a call! God bless!
Greetings! It has been about one year since I returned from my missionary trip to Samoa withYouth with a Mission and I wanted to send an update letter. I have some much anticipated plans for the new year so I will also update you on my preparations to become part of the staff at the YWAM base in St Croix, US Virgin Islands.
My time since returning to the United States has been spent with family and then work. I returned to the Chicago area and have been working two jobs (part time as a direct support personnel for adults with disabilities, and also part time as a nanny). Recently, the beginning of September, my Grandma Kennedy passed away after a few months of illness. On October 14th I moved back to Waterloo, Iowa to live with my grandfather and mom. I see Dad once a week, too, as he travels down for a few days every week. I am currently looking for a job to support myself the next few months.
Psalms 138:8 ""The LORD will work out His plans for my life—for Your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever...."
Having these unexpected transitions has not deterred me from my heart for missions. I have been in contact with the Youth with a Mission base in St Croix over the last four months and have officially been accepted on board as staff. I originally requested to help staff the DTS (discipleship training school). This is the same program that I finished during my time in Samoa. Wisely, the director requests that staff wanting to be involved in the DTS first spend 6-8 months serving generally on the base. Some of the areas of need include the day to day needs (kitchen, transportation, office work, cleaning, etc.). St Croix YWAM also has a huge heart for children and runs a children program called ‘Jericho Kids’. They work closely with a local organization that ministers to the homeless of St Croix. All these offer me many opportunities to serve and reach out to the people of St Croix.
I’ve included some highlights from the base but please feel free to browse their internet website if you would like further information at www.ywamstcroix.org
St Croix is the most populated island of the US Virgin Islands (there are 50 islands) and has been nicknamed "The Gem of the Caribbean". St Croix has a rich history, but also a tainted one that has struggled under the effects of slavery. This history includes sugar plantations that exploited slaves for their own greed, passing down the ramifications through the generations. The reason I bring this up is that the St Croix YWAM base (started a little over 20 years ago) holds to its mission of freedom, healing and restoration. Some of the strongholds that remain are hopelessness, shame, anger, abuse, abandonment, prejudice, depression etc.
2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Freedom stays close to the heart of the staff serving in St Croix as we want to spread the freedom found only in Christ. The story of our Jesus is not simply about salvation for the afterlife, but also for freedom and peace amidst our current struggles. We can have healing and joy in this life, too, and God never runs out of His abundant love .
Galations 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.
*As I write this letter I am struck by God’s sense of humor as I have ‘Wheel of Fortune’ on in the background and a contestant has just won a trip to.....guess where!..... St Croix, Virgin Islands. What are the odds?
I would like to ask if you would participate in my life and the lives of the natives of St Croix as a financial or prayer supporter. If you are interested, I ask you to return the enclosed slip with your financial, or prayer support commitment. Please feel free to ask me further questions and I will continue to keep you up to date. The base is requesting that I raise a commitment of 600 dollars a month for two years. This money is to be used for my housing, electricity, food etc... I am not discouraged by this amount as I have seen God remain faithful throughout my life and ask that you prayerfully consider your part in this process. I cannot stress enough how having faithful prayer warriors will impact my journey and the people I encounter. Thank you for being such an important part of my life.
James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
Thank you!
* The money donated is tax deductible. I will include instructions on sending the financial support directly to YWAM St Croix in my next letter.
John 21:15-16 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these? " "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "You know I love You." "Then feed My lambs," Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," Peter said, "You know I love You." "Then take care of My sheep," Jesus said.
If you would like to be a prayer partner or financial supporter please email me at alkenndy@excite.com or send me an update at Alissa Kennedy, 100 Hollywood Ave, waterlooIA 50701. Also feel free to give me a call! God bless!
Friday, August 1, 2008
" He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy" Job 8:21
Updates:
-Living in libertyville Il and working
- Grandma Kennedy recovering well; still in hospital with my mom helping grandpa
-broke off engagment to Junior
- researching possible missionary organizations in the Caribeean
SOOO if you hear of any exciting opportunities please let me know as I am praying God guides me to a place to serve!!
Updates:
-Living in libertyville Il and working
- Grandma Kennedy recovering well; still in hospital with my mom helping grandpa
-broke off engagment to Junior
- researching possible missionary organizations in the Caribeean
SOOO if you hear of any exciting opportunities please let me know as I am praying God guides me to a place to serve!!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS
So it's been forever since I blogged,I guess not traveling doesn't allow for as many unusual updates. I am now living in Libertyville, IL and working part time at Lambs Farm (a residential for adults with developmental disabilities) and also as a nanny/babysitter with the fabulous family I worked for before leaving for missions. It seems a good opportunity to catch up on some finances and explore future options. I wont be home for christmas (so sad!) but mom and dad might stop in next weekend for a few days.
Haven't heard much news from YWAM Samoa; alot of the staff have left. I believe there is a focus on a dance team that would do outreach to other countries.
right now is to be connected with a church nearby. I wouldnt mind going to a few different churches if necessary but want to make sure that I am serving somewhere.
Merry Christmas everyone.... remember Jesus is the reason to celebrate, all year round actually....
Here is a picture of the pond from the window of my apartment (before snow and after).
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