October '13 Update - Serving in the midst of Brokenness

Our little niece Teresia who we look after when their family comes to town

A little daytrip to Port Denarau with friends

Celebrating Fiji Day with our church small group at the beach for a picnic

Maba's sister's newborn who was named after us "Isimeli Abadines"

Pumpkin carving party with church friends

Pumpkins!!

So fun

Tea and pastries

Pumpkin cookies and halwa

Me and maba's beautifully lit pumpkins :)

Maba teaching EE in our church

Maba teaching an EE clinic on another island 

2 past local interns helping serve and train during the clinic

Maba and his team doing OJT in the park 

Deuteronomy 30:20

“And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.”

As I put together this month’s update, I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of 2013! And I feel like it was just a moment ago I was writing last month’s update to all of you. October was full of great ministry opportunities ad introducing fun festive traditions to our family and friends here! I hope this month’s update will put a smile on your face and a heart full of encouragement.

I finished reading “Broken-Down House” by Paul Tripp this month. It opened my eyes to see things in different ways regarding living in this broken world and serving on the mission field. The author describes this world as a broken-down house where sin has ravaged the house God created. But He is a divine Builder who is implementing a plan of redemption to make His house new again and use us as His tools (the hammers, saws, and screwdrivers) to be an active part of the restoration of this “house”. God calls us to live productively in this broken world. Maba and I see brokenness all around us each and every day, and it is our prayer that we continue to bring truth and freedom to those around us (through the Gospel and discipleship). In this book, Paul Tripp also encourages us to long for heaven and to be excited that this is not our final destination! I was so challenged by that and so encouraged that there will be a day when I am not impatient or homesick or financially unstable or overwhelmed, etc. but where we will be in the presence of our Savior for all eternity!

Ministry Events:

·      Maba and I have really bonded with those in our church small group. We often open our home for the young people to come and fellowship and we enjoy organizing events to hang out. October 10^th was Fiji Day and we had a great picnic on the beach! This group has become family to us and we are so blessed by their support for our mission work.

·      Since it was October I was determined to do something that reminded me of being home in the States. Maba and I went to the market and bought fresh pumpkins (pumpkins are in the market everyday as they’re eaten here like squash). We made pumpkin puree and our own pumpkin pie spice (made of cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and nutmeg) and baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin bread!!! I was so happy and felt super proud of our homemade fall treats!

·      This month Maba took a trip to another island to run an EE clinic training with a fellow EE worker, Matia. Traveling there was a trek for him – 6 hour bus ride, 3 hour boat ride, and another 4 hour bus ride! He was gone for 8 whole days, which is the longest we’d been apart since getting married! The training was held in a town-area church and since the participants came from far-off villages they all camped out in church for the week. The members of the hosting church provided all the meals, which was a huge help. They were able to do outreach visits in town, the hospital, and a local settlement. The clinic consisted of 15 people from 5 different churches. One young man named Malo testified that the training came at the perfect time because many in his church had the desire to witness but did not know how and he had the burden to help meet this need in his church. Now he is equipped and excited to use the EE Gospel presentation as part of their outreach ministry. Also, 2 young men from Suva who had attended a youth camp I ran in 2011 traveled to the island to help Maba with the training! It’s so amazing to see more fruit of this ministry and see young people passionate about evangelism. They plan to stay in that area for several months to help Matia follow-up with the different churches.

·      While Maba was away for a week, I kept myself busy. Rusila came from Nadi to stay with me for a few and keep me company. It was so nice to have some quality time with her. I was so encouraged to hear how God is using her in her local area to invest spiritually in young people and expand the EE Fiji ministry. We spent the evenings sharing from the Word and praying together. She also shared how staying with me for several days allowed her to pause and rest and be renewed spiritually. We also invited some friends over to have a worship night. Friday evening one of my girlfriends came over to check on me and brought me pizza and ice cream, such a treat! And Sunday one family in our small group had me over for lunch. I praise God for sending people to look after me while Maba was away! During that week I also had some special sweet quiet times with the Lord and lots of “me” time which I took full advantage of! Hehe

·      I taught a Hope for Kids refresher course with the Sunday School department in our church. I was able to help the teachers better understand the Hope for Kids materials, clarify questions, and create a ministry plan for the rest of the year. It was a great time of fellowship where I also heard wonderful testimonies about children who are excited about learning how to share the Gospel to their friends and who never want to miss Sunday School!

·      This month I was really excited to be involved in dance ministry at church. I choreographed a worship dance that we will be performing next month. I have hosted a few dance practices at our home with some of the young girls and it’s going to be beautiful when we’ve put it all together!

·      Maba invited his cousin, Soni and his son Junior to stay with us a few nights when they came to the mainland from Yasawa Island village. It’s not often they travel to the mainland; they came to do a month’s worth of food and household shopping. Maba cooked his special chicken curry and lamb stew for them. They mostly eat fish and other seafood out on the island so Soni said, “Eating chicken and lamb is Christmas to us!” We were so happy to bless them in this way and give them a restful place to sleep. Maba was happy to catch up with his relatives and share all that has been happening in ministry.

·      Last weekend was a long, holiday weekend. Maba and I were asked to speak at the young adult ministry. We challenged them on walking confidently in their identity in Christ versus spiritual identity amnesia. One young man who usually doesn’t come around participated in one of the night’s activities and we were so encouraged to see him get involved. Also, Maba and I hosted a Pumpkin party at our place. Friends from church came and we introduced them to pumpkin carving. They had a blast! It was fun to celebrate Fall traditions with them here in Fiji. We served pumpkin treats and homemade spiced apple cider!

Other side notes and fun facts

·      One of my best friends, Sally, came to visit for 2 weeks from Vanuatu. We were able to see her and her daughter Jen a few times! It was so fun spending some time with them.

·      We celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights. It was really cool to see so many fireworks going off not only on 1 night but for like a week! And we ate lots of Indian sweets and curry from our neighbors!

·      Cyclone season has started so the weather is rainy, very hot, and extremely humid

·      Rugby League World Cup is currently going on and the Fiji Team has made it to the quarter-finals

·      We found broccoli at the supermarket! It’s a rare find and usually really expensive. But we decided to treat ourselves for once and made used it in our beef stirfry J

Prayer Needs

o   Confirmation for Australian tourist visas and planning our trip

o   EE follow-up and trainings

o   Upcoming youth rallies where Maba and I will be speaking on dating/relationships

o   Support-raising for personal and ministry expenses

Thank you for supporting this ministry and teaming up with us to reach out in these islands! We are so blessed to work alongside you to preach Christ and demonstrate grace to those in need! Your prayers are greatly appreciated! Please share with anyone you know will also be encouraged!

Ways to Support:

Online - www.eeworks.org
*Click on "Support" then "Online Giving"
*Type "Sarah Maba 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 Maba 6124" (all checks tax deductible)
Mail to: Evangelism Explosion International
P.O. Box 23820 Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33307-3820

Abounding in His Grace,

SARAH & MABA

September '13 Update - By His GRACE Alone

Mentoring and Fellowship with another newlywed couple Ranjini and Vashneel

H4K Graduation in a local Sunday school class

Blessing from a mission supporter at a wonderful resort

Maba speaking in a village to a young adult ministry

Follow-up with Pacific Intern in his home

Meeting up with recent intern and IFW in Suva to encourage and fellowship

Family Reunion

We love this little Akeneta!

Maba playing rugby and ministering to his club team

Young adults fellowship in church

Speaking on godly character to the young people

2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound

in every good work.”

This month I have been studying 2 Corinthians and it has been such a joy to read through God’s Word. I have also picked up again with memorizing scripture and the verse above truly encouraged me as one of my memory verses this month. God’s GRACE abounds to us! How amazing? Abound means to have in abundance or to be richly supplied with something. By God’s grace He promises to give us a large increase of spiritual and physical things. Our great God is ALL-SUFFICIENT! We are HIGHLY FAVORED and just like it says in Ephesians 2:10 He has prepared every good work for us to accomplish for His glory! During this past month Maba and I experienced God’s grace in new and miraculous ways. We also saw the body of Christ in our local community show their support for our mission work here in Fiji, which was such a blessing!

Ministry Events:

·      The children’s pastor in our church invited me to lead a Sunday school seminar about effective children’s ministry. It was a privilege to challenge the Sunday school teachers to impact the young ones in faith. I shared with them different aspects of ministering to children such as having vision and purpose, roles and responsibilities, preparation of lessons, and for all things Gospel-centered. It was a great time of fellowship and empowering the church workers!

·      God has been continuing to use Maba to reach out to his club rugby team. The team has observed Maba’s godly character, and they hold him in high regard. During their practices and games, Maba is always asked to share devotion and pray with the team.  One specific player, Sefanaia, approached Maba wanting to hear more. Maba was able to share the Gospel with Sefanaia who then prayed with Maba to receive Jesus. Shortly thereafter they both went to the hospital to pray over someone. Maba saw that Sefanaia had a special gift of healing through massaging people. They visited a man who recently had a stroke and could not move certain parts of his body. After Maba prayed and Sefanaia massaged him, the man was able to walk and move around! It was amazing! And the next day this man was discharged from the hospital and well enough to go home. Praise God!

·      New churches have also started to implement EE teaching weekly! It’s so great to see the church community understand the importance of witnessing and the need to equip their members.

·      Maba and I were able to catch up with Ranjini and Vashneel, the young Fijian-Indian couple whom we mentor and consider family. It was so wonderful to hear how they have been able to spend more quality time together at home and do special things together as a married couple. They have also been able to come out of the conflict within their families and focus on their own marriage and daily faith. They treated us at a local restaurant and contributed to our mission support! We were speechless and blessed! It’s such a beautiful thing to see the fruit of investing into God’s people and seeing how they know have the desire to be our financial partners in ministry!

·      One week Maba and I were able to attend a Sunday school graduation of children who finished learning Hope for Kids. It was awesome to see these kids know how to share the Gospel with all the hand actions! Maba and I passed out the certificates to each child who had the biggest smiles on their faces!

·      This month we took a road trip to Suva (5 hours east around the island) with a few stops on the way. We were blessed by one of our supporters with a 1-night stay at a resort(our first stop). It was so nice to have some time to ourselves to relax. Then we were able to visit one of the recent Interns, Josua, at his village and hear about how he has continued to be involved with mission work in the community. It was great to see where he lived and meet his relatives. We then attended youth night at his church where I shared my testimony and Maba preached. It was a unique opportunity to encourage the young people in this village who rarely receive strong teaching. We then continued on our way to meet up with another Intern, Dan, and a EE Fiji worker, Takape. It was fun to catch up with them at a café in the city and hear about all the happenings with their church and outreach ministries. We stayed a few nights in Suva with La and her family (as we always do). One evening we let the husbands go out for pizza and watch a big rugby game while La and I ate our heart out at a nice Chinese place. I cherished the girl time with La to share our hearts about marriage and ministry and daily life, I always miss her and hate that we are far apart. Maba and I had a great long weekend getaway!

·      For several weeks Maba and I have been able to speak and teach at youth group/young adult nights in church. We have been also able to work with the youth worship team introducing them to more songs, which they really enjoy. It’s been really fun for us to minister to the young people. We’ve been teaching on godly character – how’s it developed, maintained, and passed on through being influential.

·      We have a special opportunity to go to Australia and speak at 2 youth conferences in Melbourne about our mission work! A theology professor who spoke during the Pacific Internship has invited us. We have launched Maba’s tourist visa and now wait for the results. It’s after Christmas and through all of January. It will be Maba’s first time to Australia, so we’re really excited! Please be praying for all the preparation and fundraising. We hosted a Curry Nite fundraiser at our home this past Saturday and it was a great success! We had so much help from families in church so that we didn’t have too many expenses for the event. And the young people from our small group were there to help serve all the food and tea and clean up! We couldn’t have done it without our small group that’s for sure! It was $5 a plate, which included chicken curry, puri (fried, flaky flat bread), rice, pumpkin curry, tomato chutney, and halwa (semolina dessert). We also served with tea with pastries for extra donations. We ran short of everything quickly! We had so many people turn up and we raised more than we were expecting! It was a really fun night! We were so moved by all the support from our church, EE family, family friends from the church Maba grew up in, close friends, and Maba’s relatives!

Other side notes:

·      Maba’s sister gave birth to a healthy baby boy which was named after us, “Isimeli Abadines Daniel Racumu”. Since part of our names are included we call him “yaca” (pronounced “ya-tha”). It’s like we are his godparents. Having a “yaca” in Fiji culture is really special and means you play a special role in the child’s life and always help to look after them!

·      Lots of babysitting! This past month we loved looking after Maba’s nieces and nephews. We love them to pieces!

·      We were excited to find a place that host Zumba aerobics classes every afternoon! It’s been really fun to go and just sweat it out!

·      Lately Maba and I have really enjoyed trying new recipes when we cook such as baked bread-crumbed and rubbed garlic/sage pork loin chops and potato wedges with olive oil and Italian herbs.

Prayer Needs

o   Revival and growth in the youth/young adult ministries in church

o   EE follow-up and trainings

o   Preparation for Australia mission trip

o   Support-raising for personal and ministry expenses

Thank you for wanting to be a part of what God is doing here in the Pacific! We are so blessed to serve together with you in reaching many for Christ and helping the body of Christ to rise up and strengthen their faith. Your prayer and on-going support push us forward as we live for Him alone! We hope you have been greatly encouraged by this month’s update. Please share with anyone you know will also be encouraged!

Ways to Support:

Online - www.eeworks.org
*Click on "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

Abounding in His Grace,

SARAH & MABA

In His Strength, NOT Ours

Pacific Interns 2013

Family Reunion!

Meke dance at youth rally in Vanuatu

Traveling together :)

Maba teaching during the EE clinic

Community project painting a village church

Cascades waterfalls - sightseeing in Port Vila

H4K OJT in Pango village

Nabila village weekend

July/August 2013

Ministry Update

“The task before us is never as great as the power behind” – Anonymous

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

During the past 2 months God has shown Himself strong on our behalf over and over again. As He gives us opportunities to serve and lead, we continue to be lifted up in faith, stretched in ministry, and stand in awe of God’s power and grace over our daily lives. I’m currently reading “Because He Loves Me” by Elyse Fitzpatrick and it has encouraged me in so many ways. For example, the author writes that God’s work is always redemptive and He has done all He has done so that our lives would overflow with loving praise for His glorious grace! How amazing is our God?! Even when we are anxious about responsibilities on the mission field or come across a difficult situation, we praise God that He is greater than anything we ever face in life! And we've recently received some mission support that has helped us greatly. There’s a lot to share so stay tuned and be blessed!

PACIFIC INTERNSHIP

For 6 weeks, 27 individuals were in Fiji at the EE Training Centre. They came from 10 different nations (USA, Mexico, England, Romania, Khazakstan, Australia, China, India, Fiji, and Vanuatu). Maba and I were part of the leadership team to organize the internship and serve the group. The interns were seeking God’s unique calling for their lives. The internship consisted of teaching sessions to help the individuals discover their strengths, passions, and further understand their role in God’s Kingdom. The group also carried out community projects and EE trainings. It was a blessing to pour into these interns and share our testimonies of being in full-time ministry. We were also able to share about the culture, lifestyle, and religious background in Fiji, provide some basic language lessons, and teach cultural dances. We saw God move in many ways. Many of them received direction and confirmation from the Lord regarding their next steps in pursuing God’s will for their lives.

Maba and I especially enjoyed times of leading worship and devotion. I’d like to share with you what we spoke on and hope it encourages you. Maba spoke on Psalm 40:1-3 about waiting patiently for the Lord and trusting God to lift us up from whatever pit, mud, and mire we may be facing in our lives, whether a physical, cultural, financial, mental, or emotional distraction, that is hindering us from carrying out His will for us. Maba encouraged them to declare that God is our Deliverer and Counselor! During my session I spoke on Ephesians 2:10 and 4:1-13. I encouraged the group to declare that we all are a unique masterpiece of God who has gone before us in all things! I challenged them to always pursue peace and unity in the body of Christ where God is over all (Sovereign and in supreme authority), through all (by Jesus we are all saved), and in all (the Holy Spirit dwells in us). We each have our gifts of grace for individual and corporate purposes in His Kingdom.

During the internship the team traveled to Vanuatu. It was such a blessing to do missions overseas with my husband for the 2^nd time. This year we worked in Pango village. It’s such a blessing to also serve with the EE Vanuatu team, they are like family to us! During the adult EE training, 9 churches were represented by 29 trainees where 174 heard the Gospel and 98 prayed to receive Christ. During the Hope for Kids workshop, 11 churches were represented by 26 trainees. One afternoon we conducted an OJT at the local primary school where 65 students heard the Gospel and 27 prayed to receive Christ. We also hosted a youth rally in the village where over 100 people attended. Maba led the event and the Pacific interns team performed a Fiji traditional dance called a “meke”. It was a great night of fellowship with the local Nivans. Also during that week I got to spend time with one of my best friends Sally! I cherished those moments since we only see each other once or twice a year. Since we are older than Sally, in Fijian culture her little daughter Jen calls me “NaLevu” (big mom) and calls Maba “TaLevu” (big dad)! Hehe We had a great time catching up! Maba and I also stumbled upon a Filipino restaurant! I was ecstatic to find it! I had Maba try a traditional fried pork dish with garlic rice and a dessert called halo-halo. It made me feel like I was at home or in the Philippines with family!

Another part of the internship is to have the team spend time in a local village to immerse themselves in the culture/lifestyle. We hosted a youth rally where the interns led the program with worship, testimonies, and special items. There were 8 local youth groups present, and they were all very encouraged by all the interns shared. One morning we did a community project by painting an Assembly of God church in the village. The senior pastor and church members were so blessed. Sunday service was encouraging as we observed the villagers with so much joy in their faith despite lacking in other areas of life.

We prepared the interns to run an EE clinic by teaching them how to present the dramas, demonstrations, and teaching sessions. It was amazing to see these young people step up and embrace their roles. They particularly enjoyed the OJT outings as they saw God move within many different situations and among many different kinds of people. During that week Maba and I invited the whole team to our place. It was fun to have them visit our home and give them an idea of how we live outside the EE centre.

For 4 weeks of the internship, our dear friend from Florida joined our leadership team. Amberly was an intern from last year and is one of our amazing financial supporters! I was so grateful to have a girlfriend from home around for a bit. She brought “home” to us in different ways. Maba and I learned so much from her about intentionally listening to others and praying specifically for God’s people. She has great wisdom with a beautiful Shepherd’s heart for the children of God. She provided so much encouragement to us.

During the last week of the internship the group did something special and memorable together. We washed each other’s feet on the veranda serving one another and praying for each other. It was a powerful time of fellowship! It was the first time Maba and I had done that and it was extremely humbling.

We gave the interns an opportunity to share their heart to encourage and affirm one another by writing letters. Maba and I were so blessed by what some of the interns expressed to us. For example:

Joy (Youth Worker in Australia) – “I praise God for the way you are able to influence so many young people. I love the way you and Maba serve Jesus together!”

Faith (recent OneHope Intern in England) – “Seeing how you have stepped out in faith for missions encourages me to be able to do the same and observing your God-centered marriage is something I truly admire!”

Naomi (Hope for Kids worker in India) – “Sarah you are like a sister to me and Maba you are an amazing person with a patient heart.”

David (EE volunteer in Florida) – “You both are always serving in ways that exemplify Christ in all you do. Maba you’re strong and courageous yet have a gentle and caring spirit, and Sarah you are a godly, virtuous woman who fully trusts the Lord.”

The blog website is: http://pacificinternship2013.blogspot.com - Here you can read about the interns sharing their experiences and testimonies from the 6 weeks!

Since the internship ended and everyone has gone back to their homes, we have taken time to rest and recover physically and spiritually. Maba and I have been craving the Word and spending lots of time in prayer as seek direction from the Lord for our future. It has been so nice to be at home again doing things we love like cooking together, taking long walks, and spending time with our nieces and nephews. We’ve also jumped back into local church ministry which has been wonderful.

What’s NEXT?

Our ministry goals for the rest of 2013 include the following:

o   Follow-up churches that have been trained in Island EE and Hope for Kids as well as ministry contacts from OJTs.

o   Follow-up locals who recently attended the Pacific Internship

o   Continue involvement with our local church

o   Strengthen our ministry team of local IFWs and young people volunteers

o   Serve the national EE ministry in any way we can

We are so blessed by your prayers and support! Thank you for being part of our ministry team and helping reach both those who are lost and seeking a Savior and those who are pursuing God’s call in their lives. We are having an eternal impact in Fiji and globally. May we continue to serve the Lord together wherever He has placed us! To Him be all glory, honor, and praise.

Ways to Support:

Online - www.eeworks.org
*Click on "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

June 2013 Ministry Update

Children witnessed to during Hope for Kids OJT

Church members who graduated in the EE semester

EE Field Worker Graduation Ceremony 

Myself, Maba, Lavenia, Metui, and baby Akeneta during the birthday party

Beach picnic with Maba's family eating lots of fresh fish!

Maba preaching in the village Methodist church to mostly relatives

Visiting the preschool students in the village and teaching them fun things

Maba and I wearing kalavata for church, what a gorgeous view!

Traveling around the island

Sharing to the youth during Wednesday evening

Psalm 115:1 “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

This month of June has been truly wonderful in so many ways! I’ve experienced new things about the Fiji culture and have embraced my responsibilities on the mission field to a greater level! Also, Maba and I celebrated our ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY and took time to reflect on God’s goodness and faithfulness this past year. This Saturday – June 29^th – marks FOUR YEARS of serving in Fiji full time as a missionary with Evangelism Explosion International! I was also able to apply for an “exemption status” to continue reside in Fiji since I’m married to a Fiji citizen which means I will no longer have to apply anymore for work permits (my current one expires this August) which used to be so tedious and costly! So many things to give God all the glory! I hope you will be greatly encouraged by this ministry update.

Major Events:

·      HOPE FOR KIDS WORKSHOP AND IFW GRADUATION

The EE International Field Workers that I trained in May were able to practice teaching and leading during a local workshop. I was able to sit back and see them shine! They were children’s leaders from 5 different churches who were very blessed by the training. Our group was also able to share to 15 children one afternoon where 9 of them prayed to receive Jesus Christ! The EE workers did an amazing job, and I was so proud of how far they had come since first arriving in Fiji for their staff-training course. Maba and I were able to host the Hope for Kids workers in our home for a time of reflection and fellowship, which was a blessing and privilege. They shared testimonies of how they had grown personally and spiritually and in leadership. We also attended the graduation of the 38 field workers. They finished their course and were ready to go back to their nations as full-time staff for EE International.

·      MINISTRY NETWORKING

Maba and I were invited one evening to attend a gathering of local church pastors and leaders and their wives. It was a great time of fellowship and a big feast, which gave us the opportunity to share about our mission work with EE and promote the ministry to them. It was also good to catch up with ministry contacts who support us in our ministry. We praise God for events that bring His people together from different church backgrounds and denominations!

·      1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TRIP TO THE YASAWA-I-RARA

We took a 9-day vacation to an outer island to celebrate our one-year anniversary. This area is where Maba’s mom is from and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been! It was a long journey to get there. It takes 10-12 hours by boat to reach this island! WHEW! We stayed with Maba’s Uncle and the family who live right on the beach. We ate lots of fresh seafood, went swimming everyday, and spent time in the village. I also really enjoyed visiting the village preschool every morning and teaching the little ones words in English and Sunday school songs. God also gave us opportunities to serve and reach out. One day we were guest speakers for their youth night, and Maba preached during the Sunday morning service at the Methodist church. It was such a testimony for everyone in that area (who are Maba’s relatives) to see how far God has taken Maba since he was a young boy. I learned so much during our time there about Maba’s family history and more about the Fijian culture. An amazing experience was having a beach picnic with all Maba’s cousins. The boys went free diving for fish then we cooked them on an open fire. The girls cooked the cassava then filled bowls with saltwater from the ocean and mixed it with lemon and chili to dip the fresh fish in as you eat! What a delicious meal it was!

·      EE SEMESTER GRADUATION

After 8 weeks of teaching in our local church, 17 church members finished the Adult EE training. They were able to have several opportunities to go out on OJT and share the Gospel in town. Some were nervous at first, but the Holy Spirit gave them courage and the words to say. They were so excited to learn an easy way of witnessing to others. Last week Tuesday we had a graduation ceremony for the to receive their EE certificates and the church prepared a special dinner for everyone. Those trained were so moved by all they had learned and there are pumped up to go out and witness as a way of life! I also taught some of the youth from our church small group a Fiji meke dance and we were able to perform it during the ceremony, which was great fun! Maba and I are so blessed by how God is using us in this church to equip others and disciple young people.

·      SUVA ROAD TRIP

We traveled to Suva for a few days to help my old roommate/close friend Lavenia and her husband throw a first birthday party for their daughter Akeneta. It was fun to help her plan and organize everything. Maba and I prepared decorations and assisted with errands and the food. We wanted to make sure this little baby girl had the best birthday party ever! It was a great celebration with over 150 people in attendance! And I was so blessed to be part of it as they are my family. We don't see them often so it meant alot to me to spend quality time with them.

·      BIRTHDAY WEEK

Birthdays are special and fun. It was always like that growing up in my family. And I was so blessed to be spoiled by my husband in different ways! Also, my family also sent me a package that also had some treats for Maba, my sister-in-law baked me a beautiful rainbow cake, and our church small group also threw me a little birthday gathering. Then on Sunday my real birthday, we arrived at the EE Centre where they celebrated with me again with a big chocolate cake! Wow – 27 feels great! God is so good!

·      PACIFIC INTERNSHIP

This week 27 individuals arrived in Fiji at the EE Training Centre. They come from 10 different nations and will be here for 6 weeks. Maba and I are part of the leadership team to be with the group. I’m so excited to serve in this way and fellowship with them! They are all here to seek God’s unique and specific calling for their lives. They a great bunch of young people with the heart and passion to grow in faith and be obedient to God’s will for them. We were blessed as some of the American and Australian interns brought us some goodies such as toiletries, household supplies, Christian books, and lots of chocolate!!!

You can follow our blog at http://pacificinternship2013.blogspot.com

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support! We are unable to do the work we do without them. God ceases to amaze us with opportunities to serve! People continue to be ministered to, people continue to receive Jesus, and people are partnering with us on the mission field. May we all glorify God in acting with grace and speaking in ways that are full of grace! God bless you all!

Prayer Needs

·      Pacific Interns seeking God’s call for their lives

·      Internship leaders (myself, Maba, Langdon, Training centre staff)

·      Trip to Vanuatu next week to hold EE trainings with an Australian mission team

·      Personal and ministry expenses

Ways to Support:

Online - www.eeworks.org
*Click on "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