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
*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
-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
Mail to: Evangelism Explosion International
P.O. Box 23820 Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33307-3820
Blessed beyond measure,
Sarah & Maba