There are so many topics I could share about.
God's creation, God's provision, God's presence, God's people in PNG, the evidence of His plan, and so much more.
I think pictures are the most apt way to share about my trip and about PNG's natural wonders, so I'll post many more in an album on Facebook, yay! One of my favorite experiences during the whole of outreach was snorkeling above a wonderful coral reef. Although I don't have experience with the Great Barrier Reef myself, my leader Lance said that the sea life we saw surrounding Pigeon Island (so named because... pigeons) was even more amazing. Wonderful beaches, colorful fish, strange birds, enormous spiders, intricate flowers, tall trees, and jungle vines: God's work is endlessly beautiful.
Wherever we went, God was already there opening hearts and doors for us. The people of PNG are largely declared Christians, but they lack a passion for Christ and an intimate relationship with the God who created them. Our role in their lives was to help them to realize who the Holy Trinity is, His desire for a personal relationship with His children, and why that relationship is always and forever the best thing that they can ever have. Also we were making connections and forging a figurative path for future YWAM teams to follow, but in the short term that's not as directly effecting.
The people in PNG were faultlessly generous and hospitable to us (a direct work of God, because parts of PNG are incredibly risky places, especially for women, young people, and white Americans; of which I am all three). We were welcomed enthusiastically wherever we went, and were frequently invited to stay longer, visit elsewhere, or share a meal. For hours we would sing songs, preach, talk, perform skits, converse with the adults, and play with the children, yet they were always ready for more and eager to listen. I personally preached 2 sermons, 1 solo and 1 with a friend, and spoke less extensively many more times. We bonded with the people, made friendships, and discipled individuals whom God chose to know Him. My team and I visited hospitals and prayed for the sick and injured. God chose us to pray over one of His daughters and cast out the demon that was possessing her mind and body. We drove over bumpy roads for hours to a prison on a mountain, and preached to inmates on death row- many decided to follow the Lord. We stayed 2 weeks on a medical vessel (the Pacific Link) bringing medical care to hard-to-reach places. A friend of mine helped deliver a baby, and another friend was asked to name the girl; she chose 'Lyla', meaning"island princess". We met God every day, in every ministry opportunity, in many ways. I learned so many things, most unexpected, and created so many memories that will shape my idea of the world and what's possible in this life.
My team arrived back in Kona, HI on the 10th. Joyful reunions over, we had a free weekend before we began debrief class on Monday. Dan Shannon, our teacher for the week, led us through the question of "what's next?"-- how to continue discipleship in vocational ministry; small groups, Bible studies, and the "3 loves". A 'church' (in the God-sense) is a group of individuals who are committed to loving God, loving each other, and loving those who don't love God. A church won't work without all 3, and it needs nothing more. Every Christian needs access to such a group, and Dan Shannon gave us the tools to create one for ourselves if we don't have one at home.
This coming week we'll be focusing on what exactly is next for each of us individually; working out our plans and God's plan for our immediate futures. My classmates and I will spend time considering and praying and consulting others. Personally, I have a few options in mind- but I need advice from those I trust, and a word or two from God before I take any next steps. Prayer would be eternally appreciated! I'm so incredibly thankful for the opportunities and experiences God has given me, and the people He's placed in my life as a result of YWAM.
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| YWAM Pacific Link |
(bird in the tree)
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