Thursday, May 26, 2011

Special Occasions = Special Outings















Celebrating the journey so far together! 21 months in fact. Maba and I took a day-trip to Mala Mala Island for some fun in the sun of food, kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming! Good times! I praise God for this special person He's brought into my life who is always ready to serve, listen, comfort, and brighten my day! Each day is a wonderful adventure of learning and growing with each other. And I'm excited for all that God has in store for our future!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Turn the World Upside Down!



















May 2011
Supporter Update

Another month has rolled by. And I’m a month away from my 25th birthday! I praise God for His faithfulness and provision so far this year. And I look forward to what He’s going to do next!

The highlight event of this month was the South Pacific Youth Mission Conference held May 2-6 in Suva, Fiji’s capital. Thousands of youth gathered at the Suva arena from different nations: Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, & New Zealand. It was a very eventful week. The conference was a wonderful time for me to reconnect and catch up with youth from all over Fiji that I have worked with, discipled, and trained in EE. It was such a blessing to see them again and hear about how God is continuing to use them! My heart jumps for joy when I see the fruit of this ministry!

During the opening ceremony there was a national roll call and flag bearing ceremony. I was given the honor of marching in with the Fiji delegates to represent the Asian cultures present in Fiji (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino). I dressed up in a traditional Fijian outfit and proudly walked into the arena. I was so blessed to take part in that special ceremony!

The theme of the conference was “Turn the World Upside Down for Christ”. The day time was filled with sessions by different speakers from Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, USA, Australia, and Fiji. The speakers challenged the youth to know their identity in Christ, be filled with the Spirit and walk out in boldness, and understand/recognize the spiritual needs of people. I was so encouraged and inspired by the sessions. The speakers from the Philippines are missionaries for OneHope, Ty and Cina Silva. They came up to me at the end of the conference saying they had been wanting to meet me since seeing me up on stage. They said they had kept hearing about me in the Philippines and when they had visited Florida for OneHope events since I have done EE work in the Philippines and am involved with Hope for Kids. It was such a pleasure to meet and chat with them!

The evening rallies were filled with cultural performances, praise & worship, speaker, and fellowship. It was so awesome to worship with youth from all over the South Pacific! And I had so much fun being part of the performing arts team. I love embracing Fijian culture through costumes, dances, and dramas! I received many compliments from the speakers and youth about how well I perform the Fijian dances just like a local. Most of my friends told me that most eyes were on me as I was the only non-Fijian performing with the team haha All the preparation for the conference was not in vain!

On the last day of the conference there was a mission challenge that consisted of a drama depicting the history of missions in Fiji and several missionaries sharing their story and challenging the youth. I had the privilege of being one of these missionaries. I love when I am able to speak about the power of the Gospel and how I have seen God work while being on the mission field. And I really enjoy getting to spark something in youth to be movers and shakers for the His Kingdom. I was so humbled when many of the youth came up to me after my testimony wanting to shake my hand saying how they were so grateful for all I shared and inspired to raise their faith to another level and figure out their role in missions.

The few weeks after the conference I was able to spend some quality time with my roommates and friends from church. And I have also dedicated time to planning the next fundraiser for the Fiji Youth EE trip to the Solomon Islands at the end of July. Since EE staff from the Solomon Islands had attended the conference, I was able to meet with them and further organize our trip to Honiara. We were all so excited to plan out the trip. So now we have to work hard to raise our airfare and other expenses. In a few weeks I’ll be at the EE Centre conducting a staff-training workshop for the Hope for Kids ministry for 13 field workers from several different nations. I look forward to teaching the staff and being around EE family.

There’s lots to look forward to! And I’m continuing to lay it all at His feet. Please be praying for the following things:

*Preparation and fundraising for the Solomon Islands Trip
*Hope for Kids Workshop
*My walk with the Lord will continue to grow
*My personal/ministry support funds (below what it should be)

Please check out http://sabadines.blogspot.com for pictures from the South Pacific Youth Mission Conference!

I thank God for each and everyone of you that has lifted up this ministry in prayer and financial support. Thank you for extending your hands and hearts to the Fiji Islands. I could not do what I do without all your support. I am still in need of financial support as I am below my budget goal. If you are led to additionally give to this ministry, sign up to be a monthly donor, or renew your monthly support please see info below.

Ways to Support:
Online - www.eeworks.org
*Click on "Ways to Support" then "Online Giving"
*Type "Sarah Abadines 6124" in the box provided
*Type in amount and complete the given instructions
*If support is to be monthly – please indicate

Make checks out to Evangelism Explosion International and on memo line write "Sarah Abadines 6124" (all checks tax deductible)
Mail to:
Evangelism Explosion International
P.O. Box 23820
Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33307-3820


May God bless you abundantly!
Sarah