Serving the Lord is one amazing adventure and today indeed was amazing! We had the priviledge to visit an ophanage, that a remarkable Christian Indonesian lady began! In 1999 there was a Christian village here in Indonesia where Muslims came in and killed the parents of these children, who then fled into the forests. Mrs. Stien Hitipeuw L. sought out, rescued them and began this orphanage.
I was so blessed to have met and spent time with some of these children! The joy on their faces and the love in their hearts for Jesus was extraordinary! One of their passions is to sing about the Lord and it was the most beautiful and heart-felt singing I have ever heard in my life! These kids have been through such un-imaginable heartache and yet their love for God was so
evident! I can't even really describe how their deep - real deep joy impacted and challenged me. They put Neh. 8:10 "...the joy of the Lord is your strength!" to life in the most incredible way! There are some things you just never forget and today was one of them!
~Erika Northern
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Jakarta!
On behalf of the team, I offer a belated hello. For every day that the blog was not updated, know that there are a dozen stories that hopefully you’ll get to hear someday!
To recap a little from the Singapore CI, the all-day seminar on Saturday was simply an answer to prayer. This is usually the toughest day of the week, but it was completely different. God glorified Himself through our weakness and all praise goes to Him! During parent presentation, I was so thankful and awed by hearing 115 children on stage, reciting Psalm 20:1-9 together. Their prayer of petition and praise honored God’s name.
How quickly the days pass! As we began this week in Jakarta, we are aware of the short time left. Join us in praying that we would redeem the time, and that we would be willing and obedient to pursue the opportunities God has given us here.
Thank you for your continued prayers for health and safety. The team is overall tired, but doing well. Going from clean, modern Singapore to third-world Jakarta has been a culture shock! From the window of the taxi (or “taksi,” as it’s spelled here), the view strikes me as literally unbelievable. The amount of traffic is mass chaos; people hang out of the bus doors. Mopeds, carrying two or three passengers, weave through traffic constantly. And honking—always honking. When traffic slows to a stop, barefoot children immediately wander into the midst of the vehicles, begging. Mothers holding tiny babies attempt to sell items. Underpasses are generally spotted with homeless people, making a home. The sun’s rays are hot, but they never fully penetrate the oppressive smog blanketing the city.
Yesterday morning, the team visited a Christian drug rehab center, located on the edge of Jakarta. The staff there gave us a tour of the facility and explained the setup of their program. They currently have around thirty men in their program. We spent time with many of them in the center’s chapel. We sang and prayed, and several shared their testimonies—both rehab men and team members. The sweet fellowship can’t be explained in the world’s terms, because it is a mystery and miracle from the Lord. Language barriers, race, personal pasts, nationality, age – nothing mattered. We were one in Christ, because of His power and love in our lives. We joined them for lunch and enjoyed some one-on-one time visiting with them. One man mentioned that they rarely had visitors from anywhere out of Indonesia. They were excited and honored that we would come, but I think we left more encouraged!
Thank you again for your prayers. We feel at the end of ourselves physically and emotionally, and know that anything good that comes is from the Lord.
Pictures coming soon...
To recap a little from the Singapore CI, the all-day seminar on Saturday was simply an answer to prayer. This is usually the toughest day of the week, but it was completely different. God glorified Himself through our weakness and all praise goes to Him! During parent presentation, I was so thankful and awed by hearing 115 children on stage, reciting Psalm 20:1-9 together. Their prayer of petition and praise honored God’s name.
How quickly the days pass! As we began this week in Jakarta, we are aware of the short time left. Join us in praying that we would redeem the time, and that we would be willing and obedient to pursue the opportunities God has given us here.
Thank you for your continued prayers for health and safety. The team is overall tired, but doing well. Going from clean, modern Singapore to third-world Jakarta has been a culture shock! From the window of the taxi (or “taksi,” as it’s spelled here), the view strikes me as literally unbelievable. The amount of traffic is mass chaos; people hang out of the bus doors. Mopeds, carrying two or three passengers, weave through traffic constantly. And honking—always honking. When traffic slows to a stop, barefoot children immediately wander into the midst of the vehicles, begging. Mothers holding tiny babies attempt to sell items. Underpasses are generally spotted with homeless people, making a home. The sun’s rays are hot, but they never fully penetrate the oppressive smog blanketing the city.
Yesterday morning, the team visited a Christian drug rehab center, located on the edge of Jakarta. The staff there gave us a tour of the facility and explained the setup of their program. They currently have around thirty men in their program. We spent time with many of them in the center’s chapel. We sang and prayed, and several shared their testimonies—both rehab men and team members. The sweet fellowship can’t be explained in the world’s terms, because it is a mystery and miracle from the Lord. Language barriers, race, personal pasts, nationality, age – nothing mattered. We were one in Christ, because of His power and love in our lives. We joined them for lunch and enjoyed some one-on-one time visiting with them. One man mentioned that they rarely had visitors from anywhere out of Indonesia. They were excited and honored that we would come, but I think we left more encouraged!
Thank you again for your prayers. We feel at the end of ourselves physically and emotionally, and know that anything good that comes is from the Lord.
Pictures coming soon...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
An Update...
God is good, ALL the time!!! I know it's been a long time since we've updated our blog, but it certainly hasn't been for lack of things to write. Over the next few days we will be posting testimonies from various team members concerning our recent activities; however, in the meantime, following is a brief update...
The team is currently in the country of Singapore, having returned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday morning. The last few days we were in Malaysia were spent working at an orphanage, ministering to various children at a local village, as well as teaching the Children's Institute in the evenings. This week in Singapore, we are again doing another Children's Institute, as well as other minstry opportunities. Yesterday, our whole team went out on to the streets of Singapore and did street evangelism, as well as handing out Gospel tracks. Tomorrow we will be working with a local children's shelter home.
God has shown Himself so strong over these past few weeks. He is working on every member of this team, teaching us and guiding us every step of the way. I know many of us could testify for hours on what God has been doing here in Southeast Asia. And I know that much of that is a result of the support and prayers from people around the world who are praying for us. God is a faithful God, and He is answering your prayers, and we thank you for praying. Please continue to remember us, and pray that God would give us both the grace and the strength to carry. Thank you again - ALL the time, God IS good!!!
The team is currently in the country of Singapore, having returned from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Sunday morning. The last few days we were in Malaysia were spent working at an orphanage, ministering to various children at a local village, as well as teaching the Children's Institute in the evenings. This week in Singapore, we are again doing another Children's Institute, as well as other minstry opportunities. Yesterday, our whole team went out on to the streets of Singapore and did street evangelism, as well as handing out Gospel tracks. Tomorrow we will be working with a local children's shelter home.
God has shown Himself so strong over these past few weeks. He is working on every member of this team, teaching us and guiding us every step of the way. I know many of us could testify for hours on what God has been doing here in Southeast Asia. And I know that much of that is a result of the support and prayers from people around the world who are praying for us. God is a faithful God, and He is answering your prayers, and we thank you for praying. Please continue to remember us, and pray that God would give us both the grace and the strength to carry. Thank you again - ALL the time, God IS good!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
You are AWESOME in this place mighty God!
Lord,
This team is nothing without you and yet everything
with you!!! This is Your trip - Your people - Your passion!
I see You here and am humbled by Your presence. You
are SO infinite, SO powerful, and yet Your gentleness makes
us great! I love You and I praise You for Your faithful love
and indescribable work!
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth
wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious name for ever:
and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen and AMEN!
~Psalm 72:18-19
This team is nothing without you and yet everything
with you!!! This is Your trip - Your people - Your passion!
I see You here and am humbled by Your presence. You
are SO infinite, SO powerful, and yet Your gentleness makes
us great! I love You and I praise You for Your faithful love
and indescribable work!
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth
wondrous things, and blessed be His glorious name for ever:
and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen and AMEN!
~Psalm 72:18-19
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Character Camp
We have been in Southeast Asia for a week now and have completed the Character Camp. Three intense and long days for the staff and the teachers—I must say that my physical body is stressed out from these days. We have been required to let the Lord have control over our bodies so that He can accomplish His will. The strength that has carried us has been supernatural and definitely from Him.
We have worked with many nationalities while working the Character Camps at R.E.A.L. International schools around Kuala Lumpur. I know that on the final day (Saturday), we talked about the character quality of Gratefulness and I was blessed to see the kids write a thank-you note to Mr. Daniel. Mr. Daniel worked with marketing, transporting us to the school and back to the hotel, and also planning (along with many others) for these three days. Mr. Daniel later told one of our staff that this was one of the nicest things that anyone had done for him in a while.
The thing that really challenged many of us was to not mention anything about God or Christ. Instead, telling the children about the Lord was through our actions. Praise be to God that this was accomplished.
But through these three days I have been challenged to cross-examine my own character. Thank the Lord. One way that my personal character has been challenged is by being patient with the kids and being fluid this week with something new popping up each day. I will never forget my first tea time and how it changed the whole schedule, or trying to make a craft without having the right beads; but the Lord provided in both of these situations and taught each of us how to be fluid.
I can testify that these three days have gone by way too fast, but I can testify about a loving Saviour who has given us strength to serve Him and given the door to share His love through our actions. Please continue to pray for us as we continue on in Kuala Lumpur, seek the Lord and are His witness wherever we might be this week.
- Philip Horvath
We have worked with many nationalities while working the Character Camps at R.E.A.L. International schools around Kuala Lumpur. I know that on the final day (Saturday), we talked about the character quality of Gratefulness and I was blessed to see the kids write a thank-you note to Mr. Daniel. Mr. Daniel worked with marketing, transporting us to the school and back to the hotel, and also planning (along with many others) for these three days. Mr. Daniel later told one of our staff that this was one of the nicest things that anyone had done for him in a while.
The thing that really challenged many of us was to not mention anything about God or Christ. Instead, telling the children about the Lord was through our actions. Praise be to God that this was accomplished.
But through these three days I have been challenged to cross-examine my own character. Thank the Lord. One way that my personal character has been challenged is by being patient with the kids and being fluid this week with something new popping up each day. I will never forget my first tea time and how it changed the whole schedule, or trying to make a craft without having the right beads; but the Lord provided in both of these situations and taught each of us how to be fluid.
I can testify that these three days have gone by way too fast, but I can testify about a loving Saviour who has given us strength to serve Him and given the door to share His love through our actions. Please continue to pray for us as we continue on in Kuala Lumpur, seek the Lord and are His witness wherever we might be this week.
- Philip Horvath
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Prayer ... Prep ... Action!!
Praise the Lord out Loud (PTLOL, the real LOL)!
We are deep in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is Eunice Peh typing, local of Malaysia but also marinading up close the sights and sounds of our beautiful and truly diverse city. It is a city of the Old & New. It is a melting pot of cultures, food, sights and sounds. Digesting it is a full time job. There is the wonderful smell of fresh durian, Louis Vuitton bags (genuine and otherwise) and most amazingly, the potpourri of races all brought together into one city.
The Lord’s heart is here, we are definitely feeling the pulse!
Since arriving, we’ve hit Chinatown, spent hours in Teacher Training, eaten more rice than we’ve had in our whole lives combined (Asians excluded!) and learnt the art of the Chopsticks, Fork And Spoon – primary tools of transporting food to your mouth in Malaysia. We’ve experienced authentic Chinese food, Indian food and various street fare. Our tastebuds have really been razzled and dazzled! As a peace offering to our tongues, we had pasta for lunch.
We are deep in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is Eunice Peh typing, local of Malaysia but also marinading up close the sights and sounds of our beautiful and truly diverse city. It is a city of the Old & New. It is a melting pot of cultures, food, sights and sounds. Digesting it is a full time job. There is the wonderful smell of fresh durian, Louis Vuitton bags (genuine and otherwise) and most amazingly, the potpourri of races all brought together into one city.
The Lord’s heart is here, we are definitely feeling the pulse!
Since arriving, we’ve hit Chinatown, spent hours in Teacher Training, eaten more rice than we’ve had in our whole lives combined (Asians excluded!) and learnt the art of the Chopsticks, Fork And Spoon – primary tools of transporting food to your mouth in Malaysia. We’ve experienced authentic Chinese food, Indian food and various street fare. Our tastebuds have really been razzled and dazzled! As a peace offering to our tongues, we had pasta for lunch.
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Most importantly however, we are investing our time, energy, craft-cutting skills and prayers into our one important focus: the Character Camps that are taking place Thursday, Friday & Saturday (4 – 6 June). -1.JPG)
We are teaching the Character First curriculum in 3 whole days (think 3 Saturdays, CI folk!) in two different international schools. As such, our team is split up with Andrew Jorgensen, Bri Northern & Victor Peh leading one group and Kevin Teh, Laura McCloy & Eunice Peh leading the other.
We are on a mission to shine God’s light wordlessly, as we are not permitted to mention His name or anything religious. Nonetheless, we have smothered the camp with prayer and are storming heaven’s gates for His hand to touch all attending.
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“Whatever ye do in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord.”
Today we saw God’s hand in multiplying diminishing craft supplies, as well as His guidance in placing the teams. The team leaders have, by His grace!, set on their task wonderfully taking initiative and creativity to incorporate lessons. You will be hearing their stories!-1.JPG)
The team assistants are amazing supporting their team leaders, and working together in their roles with deference and wisdom.
It’s Day 1, and we can already see the beginnings of great things for this trip.
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We covet your prayers! We are His agents infiltrating into a place where we are not even allowed to mention our Commander’s Name! Yet we know He is with us, and we pray that as we work in God’s perfect will, He will do the perfect work!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Team is Complete
"Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father, in My Name, He may give it you!" ~John 15:16
As of this morning the team was completed! We met up with 9 other students joining us from Southeast Asia! It's so incredible how God has hand-picked each one on this team and brought us all together for one purpose - His purpose! This has been only the third day of our adventure, the first day for the team to be all together and fruit is evident already! What a mighty God we serve!
Thank you all for your prayers and know that they are being answered!!!!
As of this morning the team was completed! We met up with 9 other students joining us from Southeast Asia! It's so incredible how God has hand-picked each one on this team and brought us all together for one purpose - His purpose! This has been only the third day of our adventure, the first day for the team to be all together and fruit is evident already! What a mighty God we serve!
Thank you all for your prayers and know that they are being answered!!!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Malaysia, Truly Asia
You might have heard this tagline being used on a tourism promotion for Malaysia before. However, unlike other advertisements, where often times a false impression of the product is painted in your head before you see the real thing, this is not so. Malaysia is pretty much that - Asia.
Our team started out at 10.45 this morning. Departing from our hotel in Singapore to the airport for a 45 min flight to Kuala Lumpur. Since arriving into KL, we have been soaking in the cultural sights and sounds. Bustling traffic and prayer calls, enjoying the blend of cultures with more traditional "Malay" influence, smelling smells that our noses will need time to adapt to and tastes that our taste-buds will probably never acquire. The experience has been rich.
Tomorrow, we start our first day of training for this week's Character Camp. The week will be intense, the team will be stretched. Relationships will be forged and lives will be changed.
Please continue to pray for us as the Lord prepares us for His work here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Malaysia,
Truly Asia
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