Unending Blessings

January/February 2013

Ministry Update

Psalm 21:6

“Surely you have granted him UNENDING blessings and made him glad with the JOY of your presence.”

The verse above sums up our time in the USA. God continually demonstrated His faithfulness and poured out His blessings upon us. We have been refreshed and refilled by His Spirit. We rejoice in the Lord and in His presence and grace that surrounds us! Rejoice with us! Thank you to all of you who were part of our time in the States. It truly was special in so many ways! I saw Maba grow in amazing ways as a person, leader, husband, and missionary during his time in the US, which blessed me so much. And God taught me to serve and reach out in new ways. We praise God for speaking to us and refining us during the past 4 months!  

It’s been about 2 months since I last wrote you all. January and February were very busy months for us. We did a little more traveling, support-raising, and creating more memories together as newlyweds. And Maba had lots of new experiences!

Jan/Feb Highlights:

·      Orlando weekend with UCF friends – It meant so much to me for Maba to meet a special group of ladies that I hold near to my heart. And I was able to meet my dear friend’s husband and she got to meet Maba as we (unfortunately) both missed each other’s weddings in 2012. Maba also attended his first basketball games (College and NBA) which he loved!

·      Trip to Asheville, North Carolina – Maba and I spent quality time with our family friend Amy (she attended our wedding in Fiji) and her family. It was so great to experience of a change of pace, scenery, and weather! We really enjoyed hiking and seeing snow! (Maba was like a little kid playing in it!) We also visited the EE offices and had great fellowship with some of the staff.

·      Guest Speakers at a local Young Adult ministry – I was able to share about our ministry and our passions and Maba preached the Word. It was a wonderful time of fellowship! Many young people were moved and encouraged.

·      Blessings from the “CLAN” – Maba and I were wonderfully surprised by our Filipino family friends whom we share a strong bond with and we call ourselves the CLAN. They blessed us with all kinds of supplies we needed to bring back to Fiji such as toiletries, household materials, and everyday goods! We were so moved by the body of Christ that day!

·      Support-Raising – One Sunday we were able to sing and share during a local church service. We taught the worship team a Fiji song and we all sang it together. You could, without a doubt, sense the Holy Spirit in that place during that time of worship! We also shared our heart with the congregation and challenged them to declare the name of Jesus with any more delay or hesitation. We were so blessed by the encouragement and financial giving of some of the people who were moved invest in building God’s Kingdom.

·      Sharing the gift of Salvation – during a friend’s birthday party Maba had the opportunity to share the Gospel with a young guy from Haiti. It was amazing to see these 2 Islanders connect! And we just love how God opens doors for us to witness. After Maba shared, this young guy was speechless. He had been rocked to his core and told Maba that he will be thinking and taking to heart all Maba shared. Please be praying for Jay that his spiritual eyes and heart will be opened!

·      Replay – wedding reception – My parents threw us a newlywed party, and it was wonderful to celebrate with family and friends in the US! Maba and I were so blessed and had a lot of fun! It was a big, last hurrah before returning to Fiji.

·      New Experiences for Maba – BOWLING! He loved it! And going to a zoo (Miami Zoo), he was so in awe of all the different animals J Maba also observed how basketball is such a popular sport in the US. He’s a Miami Heat fan now! Haha He also now understands how prideful people get about the University they attended! GO UCF KNIGHTS! Maba now loves the games of Scrabble and JENGA (haha)

Packing to come to Fiji was an such an experience! We brought back 4 big luggages with us. Praise God everything came in one piece, nothing lost! Saying our “see you laters” and “thank you’s” was bittersweet, that’s for sure. During our flight we reflected on how God continues to lead us and answer our prayers. We understand more and more the love He has for us! And we see His hand upon us every step of the way although we are so unworthy and undeserving!

We arrived safely in Fiji Thursday Feb. 21st! We have unpacked and settled in a bit. Please pray for Maba as today (Friday Feb. 22), he flew to another island for a relative’s funeral. He will spend 5 days there, so pray for me as I’m home by myself and not used to be separated from him (haha).

Thank you for your continuing support! Many people were encouraged and challenged during our time in the US. We praise God for your hearts to give and reach out to those in need. Hand in hand, side by side we are all working together to bring the love of Jesus Christ and His gift of eternal life to those around us locally and internationally! We are so excited to get back on the field and see all that God has in store for the ministry!

Prayer Needs

·      Maba following-up with EE trained churches

·      Myself working with local Kids and Youth EE staff members

·      Catching up with young people that we mentor together

·      Continual support-raising

·      More opportunities to reach out (schools, kids clubs, etc.)

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

BE BLESSED,

SARAH & MABA