Saturday, January 5, 2013

New Experiences


















November/December Update

Happy New Year Everyone!

Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

This verse is our latest memory verse and I hope it encourages you this week. 2013 has just begun, and my prayer is that I will meditate on this verse and truly live it out. During a recent quiet time, God challenged me in different ways. I realize more and more how much I need His wisdom to direct my days. I crave a greater understanding of the power and grace in the hope of the Gospel so that I will continue to rearrange and shape my life in ways that bring glory to the Lord and prompt a life of sacrifice. God reminded me that the Holy Spirit dwells in me….BUT – are my actions, thoughts, and deeds being driven by the Spirit?? That is something we all need to be constantly asking ourselves as we live out each day in faith.

Maba and I have been here for 2 months, and we have enjoyed every minute! For me it has been a time of rest and being refilled as well as catching up with family, friends, and supporters. For Maba on the other hand it has been a trip of a lifetime as everything is new and different. It’s been wonderful to slow down from being on the field and experience being here in the Sates together as a married couple. We are so blessed by the love and support from all of you. And we thank God for my family who has surrounded us with such care and their provision. Everyone has embraced Maba and has been encouraged by our story and the work we do in the Pacific. It’s been fun to show Maba where I grew up, went to school, and attended church and to introduce Maba to all the special and important people in my life that he’s only heard about or seen pictures of. It was very special for Maba to see Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and attend a service as it is the place where EE came out from and where I developed my faith and passion for missions. Maba has also experienced different personal and family traditions, which I hold dear to my heart. He was brave in cold weather when we traveled to NYC and Atlanta! And he rode his first rollercoaster and free-fall ride at Disney, which he had a blast on! When we took him to Sea World, he really liked the penguins, manatees, and killer whales J

The holidays were unique for Maba. Thanksgiving was full-on and all American. For Christmas, it was his first time seeing a real Christmas tree with presents underneath. He was a like a little kid opening all his presents! And he was a trooper attending all the festivities we participated in! New Year’s he saw what a big celebration it is for most people with the crowds, noise, and fireworks.

Maba’s first impressions of the U.S.
“Wow it’s such a big place with so many places to go and too many places to eat. People love food here.”
“I-95, Turnpike, I-75…..definitely intense and scary at first.”
“New York City is mind-blowing”
“I love Mexican food and sushi!”

Regarding our support-raising, it has been both challenging and rewarding. We continue to see God’s faithfulness and provision. We have really enjoyed meeting up with many of you and other supporters in the local area as well as in Orlando, Tampa, and Georgia. Our Open House last month was a great time of fellowship! Maba has learned so much and has now experienced for himself what I usually do when I come to the U.S. once a year to raise mission funds. I am so glad we can now share in this aspect of missionary work together. We have also had many opportunities to reach out to young people and church communities. We praise God for leading us to the right places and times to encourage someone where they’re at and offer insight and prayer. We have shared in schools, church small groups, sang Fijian songs during church services, and we look forward to the other events we have set up while we are still here. On Christmas Eve Maba was asked to speak at a small Filipino church my family is involved with. He spoke on Hebrews 1:1-3 with the topic “Who is that Baby?” I was so proud to see him in boldness and faith share what the Lord had laid upon his heart. Everyone was so blessed by the word he brought that evening!

Currently we are 67% to our monthly mission support goal. Amen for that! Thank you so much for continuing to partner with us through prayer and giving. You are reaching out in mighty ways for His glory! Please continue to keep this ministry and us in your prayers. We have about a month and a half before we head back to Fiji. We are going to cherish the time we have left here and take this time to truly seek the Lord’s direction and prepare our hearts and minds for what’s ahead.

I have attached our recent ministry brochure which most of you may already have. Please feel free to pass it along to anyone you believe would be encouraged by it or  whom would be interested to support this ministry!

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
-OR-
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


Blessed beyond measure,
Sarah & Maba