April Busyness

April 2012 Supporter Update I Peter 1:6-8 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy….” (Sorry this update is a bit long – so much to share! I hope you are blessed and encouraged!) This past month in Fiji was not easy for those who live in the Western Division (the area where I live and the areas surrounding), as about 10,000 people were affected by the floods with most of them being forced to stay in evacuation centers. Some areas had flood-waters reach between 9 to 11 feet! Houses and villages were completely submerged in water. People had to be rescued from the roofs of their homes. With heavy, constant rainfall, a river with high tide coming in, and a dam that’s water level had to be released so it would not burst – this flood was recorded as the worst one that has ever hit Fiji in all history. Many people lost everything in their homes, vehicles and bridges were swept away, and crops were destroyed. After the floods several towns were filled with debris and smelled so awful like one big garbage dump. The current of the flood was so strong it eroded the paved roads, tore down fences and gates, shattered all the glass in the shops in town, and shifted large storage containers. Businesses lost thousands of dollars and farmers lost all they had planted for means of income. Towns were without water and electricity for several weeks. I was shocked to see the results of the flood and truly saddened to hear many testimonies of people affected by the cyclone! I praise God that I moved to a new place in a safe, flood-free zone right before the cyclone hit this side of the island. I was personally affected by the floods as I had no water at my flat for about 2 weeks. The recovery of the Western Division was slow-moving with major clean-up being done, relief aid coming in, and volunteers being mobilized to help. But people picked themselves up again and came together to get things back in order. The Christian community knew to persevere and reach out to those in need. These kinds of difficulties push us to run to the Lord for protection and provision and trust Him as He refines our faith. It’s been a month now since the flood and many are still without homes and belongings, shops are still closed, and many areas still need fixing up. As for Ministry – Whew! It’s been hectic that’s for sure. And it’s been amazing to see God continue to provide opportunities to serve. 1. Easter weekend and beyond – Maba and I were invited to speak at an Indian church nearby. I was so blessed by their hunger for fellowship and spiritual growth. I spoke to them about the power God gives us through what Christ accomplished in His death and resurrection. And I encouraged them that we as His children are able to claim victory in all things, as we are more than conquerors. Maba shared a testimony about how far God has brought Him and what He can do when we surrender our lives to Him. The senior pastor was so encouraged that at the end, he said to the congregation, “From what these two have shared I know they are passionate and are great teachers, so I want them to come back next week and speak in our youth group.” And we were so glad to do so! The following Saturday we had a great time with their youth. Maba led the youth service and I led some icebreakers and games which they had a blast with. Then I spoke to the youth about knowing their calling. I asked them some challenging questions. Each young person had such a wonderful spirit about them, and they were so blessed by us coming to share with them. 2. Birthday – On April 15th Maba celebrated his birthday! We did different things during the week to celebrate then spent his actual birthday with his family for a nice, big Sunday lunch. 2 of his sisters each made him a cake which his nephews and nieces were all over! Maba was spoiled during his birthday week. Birthdays are super special to me as my family always made it a big deal while I grew up so I wanted to go all out for Maba. Out of the 3 years we have been dating, this was the first time I was with him on his actual birthday. The previous years we were long distance and apart on his birthday. Maba told me this was really the first time he had celebrated his birthday since his family never celebrated birthdays ☺ 3. EE Clinic – Maba conducted an EE clinic where 15 people representing 6 different churches were trained. Myself and another EE Fiji worker were there to help Maba teach and lead OJT teams. It was a successful clinic and Maba was so happy to have a mixture of Fijians and Indo-Fijians in attendance. I was very proud of Maba in so many ways! I was so encouraged and blessed by being able to do ministry side-by-side with him! I can’t wait for more opportunities to come! 4. Road trip – Maba and I took a 4-hour drive to Suva to do some wedding errands, pass out invitation cards to Maba’s relatives and our friends, and catch up with other EE Fiji staff. It was a jam-packed weekend. We accomplished a lot, and I was especially encouraged to meet up with young people I have trained and mentored during past EE clinics and youth camps and hear about how they are serving in ministry. I was also able to see my old roommate La and just have some good, girl time and pray together. And I was able to spend Sunday at my old church here, which was just really nice and refreshing! On our drive back home we spent a few hours with our Indian brother, Wilson, and his parents to lift him up and pray for him as he has been going through some tough times. He was really grateful to us for coming to visit him. Maba and I are both close to him and his family. 5. Offering accommodation – Last week several young men in full-time ministry needed a place to stay for a few days. 2 of them I’m close to as they are also involved with EE in Fiji and are previous local youth interns, and the 3rd is a guy from California involved with Global Passion ministry who spent 4 months in Fiji doing work with youth on another island and was about to head home. I opened up my flat for them and we had a great time of fellowship sharing about what God is doing around the nation of Fiji. We were able to encourage each other in the obstacles each one of us is facing. I’m so happy my flat can be a place open for people to come. 6. Mentoring – This past Saturday I was able to meet up with Rusila, a young 20 year old woman whom I mentor and pray with regularly. I have mentioned her in a past update. She has been enduring many trials lately at work, home, and in church, which has caused her to become burnt out. Her boss had been asking her to do things that would compromise her faith, and she had the boldness to stand against it which concluded in her quitting her job. At home, she is feeling much pressure to help her father provide for the family. And in church she has been dealing with people in her ministry teams not fulfilling their role. I was able to hang out with her and treat her to lunch to give her a bit of escape to just relax and vent. I offered her much encouragement and challenged her to push through and know that God was in control. She is a strong young lady and I’m blessed by her friendship. We talk often throughout each week and find time to meet and pray together as often as our schedules allow. All the wedding plans are coming along. I can’t believe there’s only one month left! Maba and I have been incredibly busy in the midst of ministry commitments and responsibilities running around here and there to get things arranged. At times I’m overwhelmed and feeling stretched thin, but God continues to sustain me! I look forward to when my family and friends come and for all the festivities to take place! Prayer Needs *Families affected by the flood trying to rebuild their lives *Rusila persevering through trials and growing in her faith *Continuing to set up my flat *Household and wedding expenses *Mission Support account running extremely low, in need of more funds If you feel led to additionally give, renew your giving, or know someone who would like to help this ministry please forward them my report and see the info below. 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 Cherishing His Grace, Sarah Abadines

Fiji Life Continues

Me (Nana Levu - literally means "BIG MOM" and here in Fiji they call the older Aunt this hehe so that's me!) with Sally and baby Jen at her 1st bday party :)


Being La and Metui's witness for their marriage license


The Bridge and Groom - La and Metui with me, Maid of Honor, and Valati as Best Man! Yay!


Great view at Manly Beach!


Me & Becky doing some sightseeing in Sydney :)

All the Pacific delegates performing items for the church community


Me all dressed up in Fiji wear for the Pacific Night at Bulli Anglican Church


My Prayer group during the Conference: Auntie Pam from PNG and Tala Marika from Fiji


Delegates giving their National Ministry Reports


Everyone having a session for "Glasses for Missions"


Me leading a session during the conference about Hope for Kids ministry


EE Oceania Conference Group Photo


Winds and Rain caused all this


Shops and homes and cars underwater


Severe flooding


Nadi town flooding

March 2012
Supporter Update

Ephesians 4: 4, 16
“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called….From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

This month has been filled with wonderful and special occasions as well as events that remind me of God’s big and diverse family of believers.

1. Last month I mentioned in my list of prayer needs that one of my best friends, Sally, was coming to visit with her baby daughter for her 1 year birthday. It was so great to see her! She works in Vanuatu for an Australian company, and the last time we saw each other was July 2011. She was in Fiji when I first moved here, and she was a much-needed source of company and encouragement. Since then we have built such a strong bond of friendship and sisterhood. It was wonderful to catch up, share together, and lean on each other for support in the busyness of life. And she will be one of my bridesmaids!

2. My old roommate Lavenia, a local EE Fiji Staff member, tied the knot on March 8th! And I was so honored when she asked me to be her Maid of Honor. La told me that some of her other girlfriends had asked her if they could be maid of honor but La had told them no, that position is for Sarah. I told her how special I felt as I know she has other friends she has known much longer. But she said, “Sarah you’re the one person I can be transparent and open with. You truly understand me and we are family.” Her and I are extremely close and I’m so blessed to have her in my life. I was able to throw her a little Bridal Shower/Bachelorette party where girlfriends from church came. I set aside time during the gathering for each person to share something to encourage and bless La and then we prayed over her. I was so happy to be there for her as she entered a new chapter of her life with a great guy from church who is like a brother to me. It’s sad not being roommates anymore, I miss her lots since I moved 4 hours away back towards the EE Centre. But it’s exciting to see all that God is doing! La will also be one of my bridesmaids!

3. From March 16-25 I was in Australia for the EE Oceania Conference. There were 12 delegates from 7 different nations in the Pacific – Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. We all stayed in host homes from the hosting church, Bulli Anglican. Bulli is about one hour and half south of Sydney. I had a wonderful host family who were so warm and accommodating. And when I left they blessed me with a lovely monetary gift to help me buy a few things for my new place! The conference was conducted by the VP of EE Oceania, and there were guest speakers from EE International in the US. It was such an amazing time of fellowship with people who are my missions family and a great time of learning how to strengthen EE in the Pacific! I just love how God brings His people together who come from all kinds of backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and languages. I was so blessed to hear about how God is moving in each nation through the ministry of EE. I also was given the task of teaching one session during the conference where I was able to give a presentation about the Hope for Kids Ministry regarding the roles and responsibilities of EE Kids workers and ministry procedures and goals. At the end of the week, the EE National Coordinator from New Zealand came up to me and said, “You know what Sarah? From the whole conference your session was one of the best! You speak and teach in a way that is clear, easy to understand, and easy to follow.” I was so encouraged by that! Also during my trip there I was able to catch up with some young women who came to Fiji for past EE Internships and youth that I spent time with in Vanuatu for EE short-term mission trips the past 2 years. It was wonderful to see how God is using them now and to hear their testimonies of how the ministry of EE and their experiences in the Pacific impact how they live and reach out within their local communities.

4. A HUGE PRAISE! – I finally found a place! It’s in a town called Lautoka, which is about 45 minutes from Nadi and a little over an hour from the EE Centre. It’s a really nice and spacious 2-bedroom flat in a safe area that is a 10 min. drive from town and a short walk to the main road where I could hop on bus or taxi to get around. Since being back from Australia I have been so busy cleaning the whole place! I’m so thankful I have Maba, his family, and our friends to help out. Now I’m in the process of buying necessary household things and unpacking. It’s still very empty but I know God will provide what I need. Til the wedding Maba’s cousin Sevu, a young lady (19), will stay with me at the flat from time to time to help set up the place and keep me company.

I can’t believe how fast this year is going! Easter is right around the corner! Which means there is only 8 weeks left til the wedding day! Thank you all for your continuous support through prayer and giving. As you bless me I am able to bless others through this ministry and together we are serving the Lord and helping people to know God in a personal, intimate way.

Prayer Needs:
*Expenses for household necessities
*Unpacking and setting up my new place
*Supervising the EE Fiji Kids workers to do their promotion and follow-up tasks within local churches
*Fiji Cyclone Weather – severe storms and flooding
*Wedding planning and expenses
*Maba and I continuing to prepare ourselves inside and out for June 1st
*Finding a home church in Lautoka or Nadi

If you feel led to additionally give, renew your giving, or know someone who would like to help this ministry please forward them my report and see the info below.

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 to be part of God’s diverse family,
Sarah Abadines

Let it Overflow!

Some of the trainees practicing using the Hope for Kids materials


Group photo of all the trainees and their workshop certificates :)


Me and my girlfriend Ranjini during the Workshop


Having an afternoon fellowship with local kids to share the Gospel



Praising God for His goodness! And enjoying the beauty of Fiji hehe


Me & Maba visiting the beach where we're getting married to celebrate our 2 1/2 year anniversary :)


3 months left til our big day!


BULA FIJI - Natadola Beach - Wedding Date!

February 2012
Supporter Update

”Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” – Psalm 62:1

This month has truly overflowed with God’s goodness and blessings, and it has also been an overwhelming reminder of His Sovereignty and unique plans for His children. As my support system and ministry team, I wanted to officially bring you some wonderful news!

MABA AND I ARE ENGAGED!!!

I have been meaning to share this for a little while now but was waiting for the right moment when things quieted down to announce this to all of you!

Maba asked my parents for their blessing while I was still home in the States and my family and friends threw me a bridal party before I left. It was really special and meant so much to me. And then things became officially official when I returned to Fiji. Since coming back Maba and I have been in full-fledged wedding planning mode. I praise God for His faithfulness and guidance in our relationship that has led us to this point. From the very beginning we have seen God’s hand in every detail. It has been a special journey that will continue on as we seek the Lord together. Maba and I are looking forward to all that is going to happen! This month we also celebrated 2 and a half years together ☺ We will be getting married here in Fiji one of the best beaches here on June 1st, 2012 and we will hold a reception the following day June 2nd at the EE Centre. Please be on the look out in the mail for a little something from us!

Aside from that I’d like to share all that has been going on this month. It’s been such a joy for me to get back into the swing of things here with my duties to look after the Hope for Kids ministry and build up young people.

MOVING
This month I moved from Nausori back to Nadi where the EE Centre. It was sad for me to leave my roommates, friends, and church family, but it makes things a great deal easier for me as I am closer to the EE Centre instead of being over 4 hours away. Also, I am now only 40 minutes away from Maba so we are able to do all the wedding preparations for June. I am currently staying with Maba’s sister and her family, which has been such a blessing. I am now looking for a new place to stay. I am also looking for a new home church. Lately I have been attending the English service of the EE Fiji board chairman. I know many people there and it has been really nice. I even met some new Filipino families which was pretty cool!

Local Workshop
From February 15-17 I went back to Nausori to my home church to help with a Hope for Kids workshop along with 3 local EE Kids workers. I was so encouraged to see the EE Kid workers that I have trained lead and teach effectively. And it was wonderful to catch up with church families and youth members. One family whom I’m very close to invited me for dinner one night. They consider me part of their family. When I arrived to their house they all said, “Welcome HOME!” hehe It’s such a blessing to have people like them in my life! I had such a good time having fellowship with them and catching up with all 5 of their kids! They kids loved the ring pops I brought them from the US ☺

Staff Workshop
One of my ministry goals this year is to strengthen and expand the Hope for Kids ministry in Fiji. We have 6 Kids workers here that I have trained and they are a great team. I spent several weeks creating a manual, which came to 35 pages in length, for them that clearly describes all their responsibilities as well as all aspects of running workshops for local children’s leaders and how to work with the local churches to use the Hope for Kids materials. Then from February 28-29 I conducted a refresher workshop for all of them at the EE Centre. It was a great time of encouraging and challenging them in their ministry roles. I wanted us all to come together to be united as one team and ministry family. I set up the ministry calender and follow-up assignments for them, and they were all renewed and revived to get out there and make 2012 a great one for this kids ministry. 2 of our staff came from far away on another island having to travel 3-6 hours by boat then again 6 hours by bus to get to the EE Centre. 2 traveled 4 hours by bus and the other 2 were just nearby the EE Centre.

I have also been able to catch up with 2 young girls I have been mentoring the past few years who are also my prayer partners.
MENTORING
1. Ranjini – my Indian friend who is also getting married this year. She is one of our EE Kids workers. I hung out with her several times to encourage her, pray with her, and offer advice/insight. She has also requested assistance from me with her wedding planning as she is very unaware of all that needs to be done for the ceremony and reception. So it has been enjoyable for me to help her in any way I can. Maba and I recently had dinner with her and fiancée. Maba and I were able to share with them words of wisdom about how to cherish this time together as they plan and prepare, how to seek the Lord together, and how to better understand and support each other. We also prayed for them and answered any questions they had about relationships and planning. Please pray for Ranjini as she continues in ministry and for her and Vashneel as they prepare for their wedding.

2. Rusila – my Fijian friend who’s church is one of our strong EE supporters. She also attend the local interns course that I conducted last year. She’s great girl with a strong, confident personality. She has finished high school and is now working at the Health Department. She is a youth leader and part of the worship team at church. Please pray for her as her job is tiresome and keeps her busy along with ministry duties.

Upcoming Events/Prayer Requests
• 1 of my best friends from Fiji and bridesmaids, Sally, will be flying in this weekend with her baby daughter Jen from Vanuatu to celebrate her first birthday in the village. Please pray for safe travels and for this birthday party. It will be a big event as this is the first time for the little Jen to visit her homeland and village, which is a very big deal in Fijian customs.
• Trip to Suva – I will catch a 4-hour bus next week to attend a wedding for one of my old roommates. I will be her witness for her marriage license. I’m really excited for her! Please pray for La and Metui as they begin a new chapter of their lives and build a family together.
• Trip to Australia – next month from March 16-25 I will be in Australia for the EE Oceania Conference. All the EE leaders of the Pacific nations as well as several EE International leaders will be present. I will be there to do a few presentations and meet with these leaders regarding the Hope for Kids ministry and Youth Interns courses. Please be praying for me as I prepare the next few weeks for my presentations.
• Finding a place to stay that is suitable and affordable as well as choosing a new home church
• Maba and I – wedding planning is coming along well but there is so much that still needs to be done. Please pray for us as we will have many expenses and need to set up a house and prepare for my family/friends coming over at the end of May. We have also set up pre-marital counseling with our EE boss from Australia. So please also pray for us as we prepare ourselves to be husband and wife.

Thank you all for your support and prayers! Thank you for being part of everything I do here on the mission field. Through you Sunday school teachers will train their kids to share the Gospel. And through you young people are being lifted up in different ways. I hope you are encouraged and blessed by this month’s report. 2012 has so much in store, I just know it! I can feel it in my bones hehe

If you feel led to additionally give, renew your giving, or know someone who would like to help this ministry please forward them my report and see the info below.

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

Overflowing with joy and peace that comes ONLY FROM HIM,
Sarah Abadines

Bittersweet Endings and Fresh Beginnings

Holiday Sweets - Rice Krispie Treats!


Ready for the Christmas Eve service at Church


My family opening presents on Christmas Eve - totally breaking our family tradition of waiting for Christmas Day haha


My family at home on Christmas Day hosting a brunch with family friends


Hanging out in downtown Atlanta with my sister, Stephen, David, and Amy enjoying the cold weather


My sister and I visiting family in Atlanta, GA. Us 4 cousins are super close and always get together for reunions!


Special Girls Night Out with my sister Sheilah, JenJen, and Yvette who was in town from Texas - dinner and line dancing!


Ice Cream Outing with family friends :)
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Happy New Year Everyone!

The month of January was full of mixed emotions and much busyness trying to accomplish different things and spend as much quality time with family and friends. As this year begins many things are unknown. God has been testing my mind and heart to fully surrender to Him and follow His leading. I realize I exert so much energy and strength trying to control every detail of my life; it’s exhausting. God continues to remind me to let Him have control of all aspects of my daily life in a world that is full of chaos and unpredictability and sin.

I praise God that the Gospel’s message truly frees me from needing to be in control and live life on my own and earn salvation! My prayer is that we all will continue to remind ourselves of the Gospel’s message each day, use it to persevere in where God has placed us, and share His grace and mercy with others. John 1:16 says, “For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (ESV) This verse declares that we RECEIVED, NOT ACHIEVED, God’s amazing GRACE. And it’s not just grace – its GRACE UPON GRACE! What a beautiful and uplifting statement! I hope that encourages you today.

In the past few months that I was home, God continued to confirm His calling in my life as He provided my support funds through you all and your desire to reach out in the Pacific. I reached the 85% mark towards my budget goal and that is such a blessing. Thank you for partnering with me to make an eternal difference!

Right before I left Florida, I felt so much love from my family and friends. It was bittersweet preparing to leave. I was able to gather most of the things I needed to come back to Fiji. I packed 3 big luggages and 2 carry-on bags and flew out on January 24th. At the LAX airport the late night flight to Fiji was cancelled due to mechanical issues, so the airline put up all the passengers in a hotel with meal vouchers. I was exhausted and disappointed to be delayed but decided that God knew I needed rest and time to myself before arriving on the mission field. I used that next 24 hours to relax and enjoy the down time. So the next evening I finally hopped on a plane to Fiji without paying international excess baggage fees! Whew! The flight wasn’t full which was such a blessing so I was able to have space and lie down in row to sleep. I have arrived safely in Fiji with all my belongings ☺

The past several days of being back in Fiji has been wonderful. However the weather is very rainy and hot. I have met up with ministry contacts and have a few workshops lined up. And I have been able to spend time with Maba catching up and hanging out after not seeing each other for almost 4 months!
This month I also found out exciting news. One of the young Fijian-Indian girls, Ranjini, whom I have mentored the past few years has gotten engaged to a nice Fijian-Indian guy, Vashneel, with a stable job and heart for supporting mission work! I know them well as a couple and they have overcome much as the guy’s family is against them since they are from a Hindu background. Vashneel’s parents do not want to help them in any way and have said they will not attend the wedding. Maba and I have been able to encourage and mentor this couple and are so excited to celebrate their big day with them this coming March. Maba and I will both be part of the ceremony to support Ranjini and Vashneel. Please keep them in your prayers!

Prayer Requests:
*Weather – there are tropical storms hovering around the Pacific since it is the rainy season so please pray for safety as areas have flood warnings
*New place – trying to shift to a new area that will be easier for ministry and personal purposes
*Ministry – Hope for Kids workshops and organizing youth retreats
*Support – Additional funds needed to meet full budget goal
*Maba and I as we continue to move forward and seek the Lord

****If you feel led to give or know someone who would like to help this ministry please see the info below.
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 Abadines

Christmas Spirit in the Mostest Way

Our family Christmas tree of gold and white ornaments (Precious Moments theme) hehe I got to actually help decorate this time! Last year I missed out.


Painting Christmas ornaments with Jen and Rach! Loving the Christmas activities :)


The front of our gingerbread house! I'm so proud of this yummy creation hehe


Both the gingerbread houses that us girls conquered! I love us!


My Christmas footie socks! How cute right?!?! Thanks to my sister I can show these off :)


Me manning my Fiji table during the carwash. I love my poster!


Family ready with their posters to gain some cars!


My support system out on the street doin' their thing for the Car Wash! So successful!



Daddy and his girls in Magic Kingdom - so festive in the parks!


Me & the seestar, Sheilah in front of Hollywood Studios so excited for our family day at Disney


It's a dream come true! hehehe So ready to eat my Mickey's ears premium ice cream bar :) Delish!


The whole family ready to attack Magic Kingdom - bonding time!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

“Living He loved me, Dying He saved me, Buried He carried my sins far away, Rising He justified freely forever....Ooh what a Glorious Day!"
- Glorious Day by Casting Crowns.
I have been hearing this song a lot lately, and I love it. It has been a truly refreshing time for me this month preparing to celebrate the day my Savior was born into this world to rescue and redeem me! Jesus continues to strengthen my faith and hope in Him within the daily aspects of life. I hope this Christmas season has been special for you and your family!

This month I have had lots of fun being filled with the Christmas spirit by doing festive activities with family and friends such as painting Christmas ornaments and picture frames, decorating my house, making gingerbread houses, watching Christmas movies, wrapping presents, and more! I have also enjoyed how God has been using me here during my time of rest at home to counsel and lift up family and friends who have been seeking prayer, insight, and help in the midst of the ups and downs of life. I embrace any opportunity to show the love of Christ and all He offers to someone in need.

Special Events this Month:

1. Car Wash Fundraiser – I was so blessed to have family and friends help me pull this off. It was a successful event where I was able to share to the local community about the great outreach that is happening in the South Pacific.
2. Speaking at Atlantic Baptist Church – This church has been a constant source of prayer and financial support. It was such a joy to share a testimony of ministry in 2011. One lady came up to me after and said, “You share with such a passionate spirit and it takes a special, one of a kind person to do what you do. I am always moved to tears when you speak.”
3. Dinner with the boss – Rod Story, EE VP for Global Projects, came to town for a very short visit and was able to come and have dinner with my family one evening. It meant to so much to me for him to take the time to do that and meet my family and fellowship with us. I was so honored when he told my parents, “Sarah is one of the most respected people on staff with us.” I believe he was able to provide my parents with more peace about what I do and how I am doing so well in Fiji.
4. Catching up with Supporters – I was able to go to Orlando and visit a girlfriend and her husband. I was the maid of honor in her wedding. We have stayed close. It was so great sharing with them as they were so interested in the different aspects of Fiji and ministry. We even google earthed my house in Fiji! Hehe
5. Disney trip – Spending quality time with my whole family at Disney World was really special and fun. We even got my Dad to go on the Tower of Terror! I also got to eat my favorite Mickey’s ears ice cream bar ☺ And Disney at Christmas time is beautiful as most of you know so I just soaked up the atmosphere.
6. Kids Corner – Outreach outing with my family and friends to a local children’s home for kids who are seriously ill and whose parents are unable to care for them. It broke my heart to see these little ones and older kids in the medical state they were in. We went and handed out lots of Christmas presents to them, which brought smiles to their precious faces!

I would like to share a few things from my personal devotion time that the Lord has encouraged and challenged me with this month. I have been reading through Ezra and Nehemiah this month. In Ezra 1, God moved in King Cyrus of Persia to help the exiles return and appointed him to rebuild the temple of the Lord. It was a new beginning for Israel. My devotional said, “It’s just like God to send us hope through the little details of everyday life. Look for Him to stir your soul with His creative refreshment and anticipate a new season with Him ahead for you.” In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah is broken and filled with compassion for the Israelites and their troubles as they have returned from exile. He prays and intercedes on their behalf to the Lord for restoration and favor. I was encouraged by what my devotional said here, “Prayer seeks. Prayer desires. Prayer expects.”

2011 is ending and soon 2012 will be upon us. My prayer is that we be filled with excitement and anticipation of a new season with the Lord. And may we be ready to be even more stretched and sanctified according to the calling He has given us. I also hope that we would pray with a heart that is longing for Him to teach us His ways in more intimately in our daily lives.

As this year wraps up, I am also very focused on support raising. I will be heading back to Fiji on January 24th and I am praying to reach my budget goal. And I am starting to buy and gather things I will need to take back with me to Fiji such as proper clothing, toiletries, ministry supplies, etc. I am currently at 80% towards my support - Amen for that!!! For those of you who are part of that 80% - Thank you SO MUCH. I know God will abundantly bless you for your giving heart and willingness to reach out in a real way.

If you want to make a real difference this Holiday Season, make a one-time gift or monthly donation to this ministry. See the information below!

Please also see pictures attached! And http://sabadines.blogspot.com for MORE!

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 Abadines