Graduation

The ladies..... (participants and YWAM staff)

Last night we had our DTS Equip Leadership Training graduation dinner with Caribbean food and great fellowship. Here are a few pictures, more to come. Its inspiring to hear of each other's future plans as we all part ways...

The men (participants and YWAM Staff)


Silly Kathy , my Equip leader Jeremy,and myself

Outreach week

The boys TJ, Kyle and Josh taking a quick rest.....or maybe impatiently waiting for the next move.

Well we have just been handed our final exam- we have the entire week to finish it and it's open book so I am not too concerned about it! This week was our outreach week and it was fantastic. I am amazed at how much each one of us was able to hear from the Lord. Its incredible to be in a large group and to have people receive the same message. We also had numerous times while we were in smaller groups, that members of the different groups would get something similar that validated what the other had. One morning we wrote out all the things God was saying- images, words, verses etc... and during the next two days all of them except for two had been seen or done. (examples include Red door, Joy-child, ruins etc) We also hosted a half day for kids in the community where they got to swim and have fun. We did a pizza night for some of the local basketball guys last night. We also did quite a bit of evangelism in Fredricksted and also a town called Mon Bijou.

The theme of being stones in rebuilding the ruins came up numerous times. One that I was involved in that was particularly exciting was following a vision that one of us had about an old lady in a mansion on a hill. Here in St Croix there is a 'castle' on a hill owned by a countessa from Bulgaria. It seems she now is moving into her more permanent place in Long Island but that was a series of hints, leads, seeking out (literally going into restaurants and asking for info on her) and a lot of intercession for her , hearing Gods heart for her. Will we ever make contact? Who knows.... I think the point is that God is actively seeking her out and wants to overflow her with the love of God,that he hears her disappointments and cares about an intimate relationship with her. For the group this was so moving. It was also incredible (and a bit unnerving) to hear directly from God and to see fruit and pieces of the puzzle come together. We are waiting on our next step. I was feeling the word pink at the beginning of the week so this whole week Ive been looking for a pink mansion or house, thinking maybe there was another old lady who needs prayer. Then I found out that this Contessa (Nadia Farber) has a PINK MANSION in Long Island.... Its been crazy and I don't think any of us in the group has been on a 'chase' like that before... Its nice feeling like we aren't in the drivers seat-God is!
Another highlight has been visiting Neil at the bakery that he owns in Fredricksted. A while ago another team that was here helped him open his business, painting etc. We felt to stop in a pray for him and he was so excited cause he just changed the name of his place to Bread of Life and moving in a direction to be passionate about pursuing God and his values. He is also going through a tough time in his family so we prayed for him. God also was preparing his coworkers heart as he has been involved with a lady named 'Mrs Padilla' (she is the older lady in the next picture talking to one of the local homeless guys) who is interested in donating her property to be made into a shelter/food pantry/bible study area.

This guy, Leroy (or LAM-white hat next picture)...is heading it and has a vision for it. We went there and prayed for the building and met Mrs Padilla- we may have opportunity to partner with them. Again it was a series of 'God things' and we walked away excited (by the way - the bakery has a bright red door- one of the visions earlier this week).
We ended this week with a Skype (video phone on the computer) session with Darlene Cunningham, founder of Youth with a Mission. She encouraged us to press in and repeatedly spoke on increasing the measure of our faith. Her sharing was so rich I'm sure we will all take time to go back into it and dive into the scriptures she used. Last week I was able to volunteer with a local group (women's coalition) preparing for their annual race and was honored to meet so many ladies from the community. I hope to continue to do one time volunteer things like that again. I will try to update my blog more often as there is so much packed into one week to share. Unfortunately that also means less time to be able to connect on the internet! One more week of Equip - here I come!

Poor Camera

This is what I see out my window
I do not know what kind of bird this is but he has come to visit the last couple of days.....
Those were my last two pictures on my camera....

Poor camera.... as of right now it refuses to turn on (yes, Ive changed the batteries a couple of times).... "Dear Jesus, Please bless me with a camera so I can keep my loved ones updated on what I am seeing and doing... and because I like photography. AMEN"

This was another full week of teaching including looking at Crisis examples, how to lead a small group, outreach tips etc..... We had Jeff Wilke (main speaker) from the Montana YWAM base here as well as Kim Hunt (more pastoral support). Both were so full of stories and inspiration and we truly felt blessed by them. Jeremy also spoke on a few topics and with only two weeks left of leadership training we are drinking in all the info we can. This coming week is our 'outreach' week and as we've been praying God is giving some clear directions and messages that seem to be not just for our immediate team but for ongoing ministry on the island. One of the main outreaches next week will probably be inviting the local boys in for a basketball night and treating them to pizza (with testimony time). I am reading a book called 'Repenting of Religion' by Greg Boyd as one of my book reviews and while the general themes and some great examples are good, I don't agree with his open theism. I'm already getting sentimental at the thought of my beloved new friends going back to their home bases. The best way to learn is from each other.

One of my fun highlights from this week was Pier jumping. A bunch of us (lead by my director) went to Fredricksted pier one night and after watching a few of the boys jump in I was surprised by my own impulse to follow them. The water may be clear but we'd already spotted huge fish (maybe even longer than my arm but any fish longer than my hand gives me the hesitations), and also sea turtles. When we first stepped on the pier the natives were talking about the sharks they had caught off the end of the pier. So to the more logical person, pier jumping at night would not be an option. I did not have on the 'logical' hat that night and even without a swim suit I jumped in! The water was warmer than the outside air and it was so worth it. Just to say I have! And don't worry, I did not feel any nibbles on my toes (by the way, I was the FIRST one up the ladder).....

This weekend a group is going to Carambola beach/resort (there are tide pools there too) but unfortunately it does not look like I can join them. Ive already to committed to helping out with the local Women Coalitions' 25th Annual Race that runs on Sunday (prep time is on Saturday during the beach outing). What a bummer!!! I know God will have me be in the 'best' spot but sun and fellowship sure sounded nice.... Meeting new people will be fun though! I might be able to update a bit more this week (outreach week). You can be praying for my school leader's daughter, Eden, as she has been running a fever, ear infections and some nasty bug bites (she is only 1.5 years old)....

End of May

(Director Viola on a Fredricksted beach)
This is my reflections from the past week of teachings and just God teaching.... Im learning the importance of a teachable spirit. I'd rather work with someone with little experience yet a teachable spirit than someone with all the experience but no motivation for change.
-Four steps to leadership (found in Jesus example with the disciples): Directing (telling what to do and assess -as one adult to another adult ), Coaching (explaining the why), Supporting (physically absent but still in charge-as seen in sending disciples out two by two and then debriefing), Delegating (give full authority)
-Your self control to speak the right thing at the right time needs to be guarded by rest
- A great leader will simplify things
- Are we taking our bubbles onto the missionary field to avoid discomforts (ipods, laptops etc)
- Peter had two conversions. The first was to Jesus. The second was a cultural awareness (acts 9 and 10)
- Leadership is presence (the importance of delegation)
- It takes character to choose the right choice. It takes self awareness to realize it's cost.
- Immaturity is being a victim to your personality type.
- Preaching, teaching are both introverting professions


Here is my prayer/financial update letter:
Greetings from YWAM St Croix,
I am now halfway through my Equip Leadership training and loving every minute of it. Sarah Lanier was our speaker this week and did a fantastic job of teaching us different communication styles, personality styles, culture outlines etc..... I am beginning to see a better vision of my time here on St Croix base and have been busy getting ready for Kings Kids this summer (we have a two week summer camp with locals called Jericho Kids and then two weeks overnight camp with Kings Kids including hosting 60kids from Puerto Rico).
After some lengthy team brainstorming Ive been asked to join the administration side of the base to help support the base director's wife. I will be considering this in prayer and would appreciate your prayers also. This also brings up the need to purchase a laptop computer so I am placing that on my financial needs list....
I am also seeing a need to have my own vehicle as getting around the island is not easy. I can take a taxi to Christiansted and Fredricksted (for 2.50 each way) however any location that is not on this route runs quite high. I hope to be able to look into this so that I can better connect with the community and do some volunteering as well as connecting with the variety of churches on the island (I should be able to find an 'island car' for around 2000$).
Please be praying for God to bless in each of these areas, give continued discernment as well as financial provisions for each of these things. If you feel you can contribute financially please let me know.
Thank you for your support! ~Alissa

Saturday

In Fredricksted. Funny how God brings up things that Im learning. I had a friend email with some heartaches over church leadership and I was able to share what Ive been learning about Servant Leadership etc.... When you spend the day at the beach and see how intricate God's creation, I can't help but wonder why we make things so difficult. Why can't we see the 'big picture' at all times? ..... Not really looking for answers, just talking out loud...

Classroom Time

How can I possibly be behind in reading when it's only my second week of class!!This was another week packed full of rich lessons. Jeremy and Molly West were the speakers and each time we dig a little deeper. This is our classroom, held in the 'Great room' here on YWAM ST Croix base. Im in the blue shirt on the left in the front row. Probably the ONLY time I sat in the front row...HA. YWAM St Croix will be hosting the outreach phase of Kings Kids from Puerto Rico in August so we have had some meetings about preparations for that. More news to come (when I don't have to rush and make dinner for thirty people)....

On a personal note....

A bit more insight into some of the things God is bringing up this week involves some addressing of my time in Samoa and some abuse of power held by a few of the leaders. 'Spiritual abuse' is a tricky subject and while I won't go into detail, God has been faithful to point out a few of the battle wounds that remain, including not having a voice. My heart is again breaking for those who were hurt during these times and I have a written a few letters asking forgiveness for not having done more to prevent the breaking down and abusive ways the islanders (and Jenn and I) were treated. I acknowledge that I carry a guilt, or responsibility, that is not mine to carry and this is something I will be working on. I am praying that the distorted example of the Body of Christ will be replaced with truth in the lives of those who exited those times. I cannot plead the excuse of culture or ignorance. Being also under the same leadership does not excuse me from not standing up for them further, or sooner. My leaders here absolutely have a heart for seeing YWAM St Croix be a place for healing, and growing and I know I am in fertile soil for this. I am practicing trusting leadership again, although at times difficult. The bottom line is that my trust rests not in man, but rather in God working through men. I know this will continue to be a journey and God has been very directly speaking and I pray He continues to do so....

Day in Christiansted

Some island artwork
Marti, volunteer with YWAM from Montana base, and myself on our little outing to Christiansted

There was a march/rally for the youth against violence held in Christiansted today, Saturday. We happened to be in town. There also was a cruise ship in Fredricksted so the place was busy busy! The top is a photo of a local high school group singing (where is the love) and the bottom is another picture of the rally

Words of Wisdom for First week of training

Ive finished up the first week of 'Equip',my leadership training course. I am blown away at how many deep personal issues have come up and am so thankful to God that He has left us with a Holy Spirit that counsels , convicts, and speaks on our behalf. Ive been told that this is a time of preparation for something 'larger' and am excited, despite the messyness of growing. The following are just some of the words of wisdom from this week. Ill write a few more personal notes on the next blog.
-Being a disciple is a lack of identity in self
- "Its easy to be a servant until you start being treated like one"
-All good leaders know how to follow-not all followers are leaders.
- Live a redeemed life, instead of trying to redeem it
- It is not sin that humbles us most, but grace (andrew murray)
- Six roots in your life: family, significant relationships, culture, generation, life events and authority
- 70% of churched youth believe there are no absolute truths
- Leaders are the tip of the spear of people
-Structure is good, it builds security
- If you know where you started and where you are going, you can then know where you are at present
-good coaching is ongoing (instruct.demonstrate, release, evaluate.instrust, release)

This week also included a time of intercession and renouncing past slavery. We had Mark, our director , and Sharon, an Equip staff, repent and ask for forgiveness from each other (Mark is white and Sharon is from St Lucia). It was an emotional time for all of us and we pray a break in the spiritual strongholds around this area.
On Friday we discussed the area of purity as well as a strong focus on accountability as leaders. For the purity portion we broke out in one half the room men, and the other half women and called out the descriptive words used in Song of Songs towards each other (beloved etc...) It was fun but powerful at the same time. Each new day brings exciting revelation and many areas of direct application. To even begin to write them all down would take me forever!

Dani and I took a quick trip down to Christiansted to walk around, see the shops. It really wasn't very busy , maybe because its Mother's Day weekend. Most of the town isn't really moving until 10am. We got dropped off near the Fort and it's a nice little town. Open market is on Saturdays. Most people were friendly and helpful. Top picture is just me being silly. My heart did go out to a few of the people, mainly men, who seemed to homeless, or just managing. One man was even just sitting on the step, rocking and sucking his thumb. There were some beautiful pieces of artwork including pictures and ceramics. It was a nice treat to end the week. Yesterday was my last 5am morning day and then it was work day, cleaning mainly. Most of us took a dip in the pool around 3pm when our day was done. Went to the grocery store last night and then watched a few movies (yes, two movies, what a way to veg out!). I received a 'welcome' package to the Equip training and most of the students are coming in today. I think last I heard 14 people were signed up. Ive opted to stay living in the trailer instead of moving over to the cabins. Here are a few more pictures from our time in Christiansted....



Notice the beach in the background, Protestant Cay. Its a small island that you take a quick ferry to (in fact it almost looks like you could swim it).

Thursday

One more day of conference! Today the conference members are attending a day of site seeing at a nearby island. I heard there was some nervousness about the ferry ride there but hopefully all went well. Its been unusually rainy this week but hopefully they were still able to enjoy their time. I finished reading the book 'Leadership Paradox' which gave excellent principles for anyone in Christian Leadership (really in any leadership position). I also had a good talk with Jeremy, the man leading my 'equip' leadership training. He has asked me to be a part of the track that is geared towards those who are going to lead DTS or a base, it includes one extra night of classtime and extra reading. I'm up for the challenge and can definitely see that part of God calling me here is to use the time to sharpen my ministry skills and tackle those personal issues that need growing/healing etc.... Ive sprayed my room for cockroaches after another exciting episode including a cockroach. Only this time my fellow staff , Luke, stepped in to try and save the day. Unfortunately the cockroach took up house in my underwear drawer -AKWARD! So the spraying took place yesterday and I haven't seen any since then. I guess the 'trailer' is known for them. I also saw a lizard in the living room today.... i may be closing my door more regularly from here on out. I'm looking forward to my leadership training starting Sunday night! Here is one more picture from St Croix, near Fredricksted.

Attack of the killer cockroach

Okay so maybe I exaggerate a bit. The cockroaches here cant kill but they are big! So last night was my long day of serving but everything went really well and God gave me super duper energies. After an awesome worship time with everyone here for the conference (from all over, Jamaica, st Lucia, Trinidad, Turks and caicos, puerto rico, Haiti, Dominica, Dominican republic.... the YWAMs from all over), I entered my bedroom and saw the biggest cockroach I've ever seen. I calmly went to get a paper towel to get rid of it and that's where the trouble began. It had disappeared. Keep in mind my room is very small and narrow and it seemed unacceptable to think that I could sleep in the same room with it and not wake up to it on my face in the middle of the night. For the next twenty minutes Dani and tore my room apart amidst of few screams and FINALLY managed to chase it out of my room where we could more easily get to it. I squeezed a bit of free time in today to rest and run to Kmart. There are three horses now grazing in the field next door, I hadn't noticed them before. They stand right by the fence to try and get the shade from our trees. I've met quite a few interesting people this week and had conversations about the advantages and disadvantages of cross cultural ministries, different types of counseling practices, new visions for reaching the youth etc. One of the main themes seems to be addressing a 'loss of identity', especially in our younger generations. A few more days left of the conference so will be using the opportunities to try to talk to as many people as possible. Tomorrow is housekeeping in the morning and preparing supper tomorrow (and of course anything else in between)
Quote for the day: If at first you can't succeed, swallow all evidence that you tried

Review of Historical Tour on our Diamond Ruby plantation

The YWAM St. Croix base began in September 1986 with a focus on Coffee house ministry, and towards facilitating short term teams to the island. In early 1989, YWAM purchased it’s present home; the historically beautiful Diamond Ruby plantation with it’s sugar mill and 300 year old Danish great house. We hosted a historical tour given by the historians here on the island (called a rumble) and were suprised at the amount of people who attended. In the background is our 'chimney'.





This is Maurice.He spoke at our historical tour of the YWAM Base and he grew up on the property, both his mother and grandfather were workers for the previous owner. He had some tales to tell of how during hurricanes the villagers would tie themselves together and make their way over to the 'Great House' (we still call it that today) to spend time in the basement. He was able to add insight into the way the water well worked as well as what he had heard about the steam engine that was supposedly in use. He was never allowed in the 'great house' and it was a wonderful opportunity for Mark, our director, to 'WELCOME' him into the Great House and to let him know he was welcome here anytime. The effects of slavery are still felt today. It lead into Mark updating about what goes on the base now with YWAM emphasizing sending people out to show God's love. We had a time to mingle afterwards and the previous owner and daughter were able to share some 'ghost' stories, again allowing us to assure them that God now owns the property and angels watch our gates ( a former tale included a giant cat guarding the gate as well as the previous owner coming back as a warewolf. Maurice believes this was to keep the workers in during the day and out in the evenings).




Maurice, the previous owner (after Maurice was here- he was owner during the time a fire damaged a part the Great House and they had to rebuild) and Mark (YWAM Director) as well as the historical tour guide.

The sun, the hot hot sun

Another work day here. Yesterday was a bit grueling for me. I guess I need to adjust to two things- the warm weather (already Ligia keeps telling me to drink lots of water), and being on my feet working all day. I did a lot of cleaning, dusting (it blows around a lot right now, its extra dry. They mow and all you see is a little man on the mower with a bandanna over his mouth engulfed in a cloud of dust). I also tried my hand at raking and while that wasnt hard, they put the leaves in a large garbage holder with a small ramp leading up to it. Guess who fell, screaming, with a wheelbarrow. Needless to say they came up with a new routine that does not include a small ramp. I was nervous about it but figured I might as well try it! No harm done.  Today was a bit better. Did a lot of cleaning getting the cabins ready for guests, lots of laundry, made tags for welcome baskets etc (not including lunch and dinner clean up). Tomorrow will be an even tougher day as its called 'work day'. Apparently up until now we have been doing 'conference prep'. I can't even imagine what 'work' will look like if what I have been doing isn't it! I almost cuddled with a lizard. They really are more skittish than the ones in Samoa. It was gone before my mind computed what it really was. I guess tomorrow there is somesort of 'jump' festival that includes men dressed up walking on stilts (a native practice). I don't know if anyone is going but I sure hope so cause that sounds like a once in a life experience (actually I think they have them four times a year here so I guess there may be another day).  Im off as I am tired from my day and may need to veg out a bit. Till the next time!

budget

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