Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
August Update
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
Sunday, June 19, 2011
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 130th Drive
Belmond, IA 50421
email: skillet25@gmail.com
facebook: alkennedy@excite.com
twitter: Lisskennedy
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 130th Drive
Belmond, IA 50421
email: skillet25@gmail.com
facebook: alkennedy@excite.com
twitter: Lisskennedy
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
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."
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Combined lectures
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 ~
Thursday, March 3, 2011
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!
TRUST in finances
" Where He guides, He provides. Where He leads, He feeds"
Some teaching this week for our discipleship training school was about faith and finances. Having been stretched already it was excited to be able to testify to God's faithfulness. But its a constant challenge to depend solely on Him and not on my own works or methods for money , food and shelter. But faith requires sacrifice. God has been good to provide up to this point, so why should I doubt?
Am praying for the 1400 american dollars that will be owed to my health insurance the end of this month. Please pray with me!
Being stretched and blessed,
Alissa
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Fijian quote of the day
Watching one boy looking up at the bats flying around the trees. Me: "Dont be scared" Him: "Im not scared, I want to eat one". HAHAHA And he wasn't kidding. About half an hour later one friend was talking to some family that happened to be in the area and one old man, from the islands, grabbed a volleyball and threw it into the bush, trying to smash the bat to eat. HEHEHE and this is in Australia! Good laughs
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