Still on the Go....and needing Rest

Picking up the Fiji team at the airport - their first time on a plane and overseas!


Me teaching in one of the sessions and the youth so ready to learn


Morning Devotion - awesome time of worship and surrender to the Lord


visiting a village in the interior & learning and being humbled so much!


hanging out with some very cool Solomon Islanders!


Going out on OJT - house to house sharing the Gospel :)


Kids Outreach in an interior village


Lovely ladies at the beach enjoying a beautiful Saturday!


Me, La, and Ninny doing some souvenir shopping and sightseeing in Honiara


Me & this precious little girl at church! Adorable!


Fiji Team! Woo hoo! All decked out in bula wear :)


Solomon Island youth doing a traditional dance - loved it!


Performing a Fiji Meke at Island Night fundraising dinner (Calvary Temple AOG in Honiara)


The whole group! One big happy family!


Newspaper article on the youth program! Group picture of the interns in the Solomon Island Star! How cool?!


Closing Night Banquet, a super special evening for the interns & night of celebration for EE Solomon Islands


Graduation Night/Closing Ceremony - Martin receiving his certificate, yay!


hanging out at the airport with these great young men of God before heading back to Fiji :)



Ready to fly home! Loved being able to send these ladies on an overseas adventure!

Hello everyone! Here’s a look at what’s been going on since I last updated you all. Enjoy reading about how God is continuing to work through this ministry He has called me into!

On July 26th I was so excited to greet the Fiji team at the airport – my roommate La (EE Staff), a close girlfriend Ninny, and Wilson (EE Staff) who is like a brother to me. The EE National Coordinator and I briefed the team about the culture, spiritual background of the Solomon Islanders, and the approach needed to work with these young people. In order to run this course, EE Solomon Islands distributed fundraising letters to seek financial sponsors, as there was no money to begin with. Many people such as EE board members, ministry partners, and the Fijian community stepped up to plant a seed financially into this course. By the end of the 2 weeks they had raised over $20,000 SBD, which was a big deal for them(equals about $2,5000 USD). We praise God for His faithfulness and provision for all our needs for those two weeks.
In attendance were forty interns representing fifteen churches and nine denominations. The interns consisted of ten girls and thirty boys. The interns came from different areas and islands of the Solomon Islands: Guadalcanal, Honiara, Malaita, & the Western Province. It was such a blessing to disciple and build up these youth from this nation. The focus of this course was to open doors for EE in local churches, clearly define the purpose and vision of EE as a tool to build the Kingdom, and help the interns identify God’s calling on their lives. We also had the desire for these young people to rise above their culture and break down stereotypes and barriers in order for grow effectively in their fatih. We created close bonds with them and cherished each experience while we were there. The Solomon Islands is very rich in its culture with different traditions and way of life. Women are expected to do everything and they are looked down on, so it was very important to me to use those 2 weeks to encourage these young girls to rise above their cultural boundaries and be confident in their true identity in Christ. The 2 weeks course was a new and uplifting atmosphere for them as we were able to pour so much into them spiritually and touching different topics of their personal lives that otherwise are viewed as taboo or too personal. They had never experienced something like this youth camp before. The teaching sessions were a wonderful time of building their spiritual foundations. They were life changing for these young people. We hosted an evening rally where many people from local churches and the community of Honiara attended. It was a great way to open the door for the ministry of EE. We also held the first ever Youth EE Clinic in the Solomon Islands where 242 people came to know the Lord as a result of our house-to-house and town OJTs! Amen!
And what I love about Solomon Islanders is that they are true worshippers. They are truly gifted musically. Every song had an island touch to it, which just brought a smile to my face! I learned so much from them about worship. Solomon Islanders also have beautiful, big hearts. I was so moved by their readiness to learn and serve. Also, Our team had the amazing support and help of the EE team and board members, Fijian community, and local churches. I so admired the unity and presence of EE Solomon Islands. And the national newspaper, The Solomon Star, did many articles about the program we conducted. They were so moved by what we were doing among young people. Even after our team returned to Fiji, we heard they were still writing articles about the course and the results! It was an incredible opportunity to promote EE and inform the nation of what God is doing through this ministry among young people. God is so good! It was bittersweet to leave and say goodbye. But I am so excited for these young people who are so eager to move forward in faith and ministry!

Thank You Notes from some of the Youth:
Lindy Akao (girl in her early 20’s) said, “I thank God for a gifted teacher like you, Sarah. You have been like a spiritual mother to us these past 2 weeks and now I have the boldness to stand and share my testimony to others!”

Alick Jeremiah (guy in his late 20’s) said, “We truly felt God’s presence during the 2 weeks and I have been lifted up in different ways in my faith. I have been so encouraged through your testimonies.”

Elizabeth Opet (girl in her early 20’s) said, “Sarah you have challenged me so much as a young woman. You have something that every young woman in this nation lacks, and I believe that when you go back we will take with us everything you imparted to us. I want to encourage other young girls. Please share with others what you have taught us!”

Daniel Toito’ona (youth pastor, EE Staff, co-leader for Interns Course) said, “Our nation will never be the same after you and the team being here the past 2 weeks. I am so blessed by your life of giving and passion for God in doing His Work.”

THANK YOU for doing your part to give to missions. THANK YOU for your desire to partner with this ministry. THANK YOU for your heart to see people around the world challenged in their faith such as this recent trip to the Solomon Islands. Through YOUR support and prayers we are touching the Pacific with God’s love and grace! Please keep these young people and this nation in your prayers!

Me da lako vakatikitiki ka tiko ka tiko wawa e mata ni Kalou
(Within serving the Lord, He calls us to have times of rest)
Since returning to Fiji, God has really tugged at my heart to pause and rest. Being away from July 9 – August 9, I was constantly on the go. My body and spirit was lacking rest in different ways. I came back to Fiji burnt out in every way and needing to be refilled and renewed. God reminded me of the harm of busyness without finding time to stop. And He showed me that when I’m just trying to fill up my days and weeks too much, I will not be able to fully enjoy all that I’m doing in ministry and appreciate the gifts and blessings of serving in ministry. So the past few weeks I have been intentional about resting and just spending quiet, intimate time with the Lord which has been rejuvenating for my body, mind, and soul.

Please be praying for me as I pick myself up again, prepare for upcoming ministry events (Local Church Conference this week and Fiji Youth EE Interns Course next month). And I am sooooooo looking forward to coming home in October for a few months to rest and be with family and friends and of course prepare for what’s next in ministry as I continue support raising.

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

Be Blessed,
Sarah

On the MOVE....Toso, Toso! (July Update)

Some of the Solomon Island Team members with the senior pastor (EE board member) who was so moved to tears by our fundraising presentation


spending time with Maba and his little niece and nephew on the 4th of July before heading to the movies! :)


closing ceremony feast with the Aussies! yum


VP of EE Oceania - Langdon, myself, and my Fiji family - Sally, baby Jen, Eta, and Serai


small home in a village in Vanuatu


teaching a Hope for Kids workshop


OJT with the kids and passing out Gospel books, they're so happy!


Night of the rally where I shared the Gospel and all these kids prayed to receive Christ!


local fish and cassava chips with coconut drink! livin' it up!


i seriously LOVE wandering in open markets like this!


exploring a village up in the bush


Pastor Rusi (EE Nat'l Coordinator) & his wife Sai at the church they are helping in the bush. These kids don't attend school and barely have anything.


visiting the American War Memorial....in the early 1940's the US and Japan had several naval battles. Under this star is laid to rest a fallen unknown American soldier.


I had this amazing view from church on Sunday! How cool is that?!

Greetings from the Solomon Islands!
This month I have definitely been on the move. Everywhere I go I experience how God continuously sustains me and prepares me for what’s next. It’s a blessing to be part of what He is doing in the Pacific! Now let me take you on a journey from the time I last updated you all. Please bear with me in this long update. There’s just so much to share! Once you start reading, I truly hope you read on to the end! It’s worth it I promise! Feel free to share this blog with others!

June 26
The youth coming to the Solomon Islands and I conducted fundraising presentations in 2 churches in Nadi. It was a great opportunity to challenge the people about missions and the importance of giving. We shared testimonies and performed dance items. The church members were so encouraged. During our 2nd presentation, the pastor (EE Fiji board member) had tears in his eyes as we did our presentation because he was so moved. We knew God’s presence was with us. We raised $700 FJD that Sunday! Praise the Lord!

June 27-July 2
I traveled back to my flat to spend 5 days doing laundry, repacking, and catching up with my friends and church family. It was a great time to just rest and be refreshed. On July 2nd, one of the Solomon Island team members was hosting a fundraising dinner. But on July 3rd I was supposed to be in Nadi (4 hours away) in the early morning to preach the sermon at a church. So Maba went above and beyond to be there for me so I could do both and not travel late at night by myself! That Saturday morning he traveled 6 hours by bus, spent the afternoon with me, attended the dinner with me to support our friend, then accompanied me down to Nadi for another 4 hour bus ride late at night so I could be present on Sunday morning! Whew! It meant a lot to our friend that we were present at his dinner as I am his mentor and Maba is his very close friend. That night he raised more than half of his airfare! Maba didn’t get home til 4am, and he woke up early on Sunday to hear me speak! He is so good to me!

July 3
Sunday morning I felt brand new and ready to preach. The weather was very rainy and I became discouraged because not many people were at the church when Maba and I arrived. But Maba was very encouraging and told me, “Sarah it doesn’t matter the number. The people who come will be the people God meant to be here to listen to your message. So just speak from your heart what God has given you to say.” As the service started more people arrived. It was the first time I was given the whole sermon time to speak. Usually I am just asked to share my testimony and talk about missions in churches. As I spoke I knew God was moving in the midst, and at one point the pastor had tears running down his face. And at the end of the service, the church took up a love offering to give to my ministry. I was so blessed to be part of their service!

July 4-9
I spent this week in Nadi to prepare for my Vanuatu trip and catch up with ministry contacts. On July 4th I told Maba I needed to do something “American” since it was Independence Day. So we went to the movies to watch Transformers 3 and ate American food! It was good fun! The next day I met up with one of the EE Kids Workers whom I have mentored while being in Fiji. She had been experiencing different hardships, so I was able to encourage her to persevere. Then Maba and I were able to visit her new place and have a cup of tea, which meant so much to her. Fellowship is such an important part of Fijian culture. Maba is like a big brother to her, so I gave them time to catch up as Maba is fluent in Hindi.

July 9-19
For 10 days I was in Vanuatu where I joined an Australian youth EE team. I was able to do a variety of things in ministry that week: build up the local Kids EE Workers, run a Hope for Kids workshop, share experiences and encourage the young Aussies as they conducted a Youth EE Clinic.

At the beginning of the week Rod Story, EE VP for Global Development, introduced me to the Nivans (term for locals) as the “DAUGHTER OF THE PACIFIC” hehehe I liked the sound of that! One night during the week we hosted a rally at the church where hundreds of people came out. Towards the end we were able to break the crowd into small groups to share the Gospel. I had the opportunity to share to 15 children, and all of them prayed to receive Christ! One of the kids I shared to that night was Patrick who lived in the village. He told me that no one had ever shared that and he was so excited to have Jesus in his heart! The rest of that night he didn’t want to leave my side and for the rest of the week he would come around after school to say hi to me. Precious!

I was also able to spend lots of quality time with my Fijian best friend, Sally, who is now working in Vanuatu. She had a baby 4 months ago so I was able to meet the precious little one! Her mom and little sister were also there visiting from Fiji. They are my Fijian family, so I cherished the good times with them!

July 19 – present
On July 19th, I flew from Vanuatu to Honiara, Solomon Islands. The EE National Coordinator and his family are Fijian and come from the church I attend in Fiji. It was great to catch up with them! They have so many amazing stories of being here on the mission field. This is my first time in this country so I have been exploring the town, asking lots of questions, and absorbing it all in. It’s all so new and interesting! I didn’t know that Honiara was a battle site for the US and Japan during World War II. The past few days I have been sightseeing, shopping, trying local food, and preparing for the 2-week youth camp that starts next week. I can’t wait for the Fiji youth team to arrive. I know we are going to have such a wonderful time here learning and growing together as well as building up local young people in their faith and helping the local EE ministry!

Prayer Needs:
*Safe travel for the Fiji team arriving July 26
*Youth traveling to Honiara from different islands and provinces for the youth camp
*EE Solomon Island team gathering funds for the expenses of the youth camp
*Youth Camp from July 26 to August 9
*Health and Protection (from Malaria, harm, extreme heat, and unsafe areas)
*God to do great and mighty things while the team is in the Solomon Islands
*My family as my Grandma (my mom’s mom) passed away in the Philippines this past Wednesday. My mom and sister are flying out there for 2 weeks to be with the family.

Thank you so much for being on this adventure with me! There is so much going on in ministry right now. And I have so enjoyed being in different countries this month experiencing new cultures, languages, people, food, etc. I praise God for these opportunities to serve in the Pacific as a result of your giving. If you feel led to additionally give financially, renew your monthly support, or become a monthly supporter for this ministry - please see the information below. May God richly bless you!

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

Be Blessed,
Sarah

***PICTURES TO COME!!!!***

Blessings of Living out the Call

Me, Maba, and Kellie at Hard Rock Cafe


Me & Maba ready for my birthday dinner :)


Sai and Asena baked me a birthday cake!


The things inside my birthday package!


Ready to open my birthday package from my family


Celebrating Kellie's 23rd birthday at my flat - Fijian style


Me and some EE mission friends visiting another EE mission friend who just gave birth :)


Me, Kellie, and Haiveta (from Papua New Guinea) hanging out in Nadi town Celebrating Kellie's 23rd birthday at my flat - Fijian style


Myself with the EE Centre Kitchen Staff in their Bula wear


Me and Maba with the Fiji Flag


Myself with Rod Story, EE VP for Global Development, and 2 Indian EE Workers


Workshop Group Photo


Trainees playing games during the workshop at the EE Centre campus


Teaching a Hope for Kids Workshop with the team and local trainees

June ’11 Supporter Update

Bula bula bula! Hope the summer is treating each of you wonderfully! During this month God has really been teaching me to surrender my heart’s needs and desires to Him as well as confirming things in ministry and my personal life. I can’t believe this time 3 years ago was my first visit to Fiji on a short-term mission trip. And this time 2 years ago I became a full-time missionary for EE. WOW. I am so unworthy of this call, yet God continues to use me through this ministry to reach out to the nation of Fiji and beyond. Through that I am more blessed than I could ever imagine!

On May 26th I traveled 4 hours from my flat to the EE Centre to meet the 30 EE staff-in-training from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, India, Romania, & Jamaica. During the first 3 days of that following week I conducted a workshop for 14 of these individuals in order to equip them in the Hope for Kids Within the workshop I placed great effort into breaking down any social, language, or cultural barriers that existed so that each individual felt at ease to absorb as much as possible from their learning experience. I observed great growth from this group, which was such an encouragement to me. Later on in that week the group was able to put into action what they had learned from me through a workshop with local Fijians, which was a total success! At the end of that week God in His faithfulness provided funds for my ministry through the generosity of the group and local trainees. They had the desire to give as they witnessed the ministry I am part of and the gifts the Lord has given me that are being used on the mission field.

The Lord not only placed me at the EE Centre to teach and train, but also to form a special bond with Kellie, a young lady from Australia. She is 23 years old, currently in college seeking a degree that will coincide with God’s will for her life, and praying for confirmation about serving in missions. We clicked immediately and realized how alike we are which allowed our relationship to grow quickly. Kellie stayed an extra 2 weeks after the other overseas staff returned to their home countries. So she was able to see firsthand my life as a missionary. She came to stay at my flat for a few days, and I was able to share with her my everyday life where she was able to see the realities of being on the mission field. Through spending lots of one-on-one time together, in God’s grace, He allowed us to gain much wisdom and insight from one another in different areas of our lives. Though we have only met once before, it has become evident to us that even before we knew it, God’s hand has been moving in our lives to bring us to this very point. I am so blessed that God is using every part of my journey in becoming a missionary to build others up and help them prepare to live out God’s call on their lives. This has reminded me of God’s unique character and the special ways in which He works.

The next 2 weeks I will be preparing to work with Kids EE staff in Vanuatu as well focusing on fundraising for the first overseas mission trip that I will be taking local Fijian youth which is to the Solomon Islands. I will be presenting in 3 different churches about the mission and vision for this trip. The trip is slowly but surely coming together. The team is working hard to raise their airfare while I am preparing for the camp we will host with youth in the Solomon Islands. I will spend over a week in Vanuatu (July 9-19) then fly early to the Solomon Islands in order to help prepare everything with the EE staff there before the team arrives for the camp (July 26-August 9).

In between all the busyness I have been able to hang out with Maba, which has been a blessing. His presence and lightheartedness keeps a smile on my face. We continue to praise God for His continuing guidance in our relationship.

Last week I received a birthday package from my family filled with all kinds of my favorite goodies. It was a wonderful surprise! And this week(June 23) I celebrated my 25th birthday, a perfect square year!!! Hehe It was a perfect day with Maba and friends of fun in the sun, a full-on Fijian lunch, and finishing off with a delicious American meal accompanied by live music. I thank God for His provision of wonderful people in my life on and off the mission field who bring so much to my life!

Thank you for being right here with me on this journey through your prayers and support. Together we are continuing to touch the lives of so many here in Fiji and around the world. The next several months will be filled with new experiences. I know that God will be with me every step of the way. Please be praying for me and the upcoming ministry events. If you feel led to additionally give financially, renew your monthly support, or become a monthly supporter for this ministry - please see the information below. May God bless you as you daily walk with Him!

Check – http://sabadines.blogspot.com for pictures of this month in action!

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

EE Family

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!