Bula!
Today is a public holiday in Fiji, Diwali. It is a hindu festival in which they are celebrating the return of "one of their gods/king" from banishment to the forest after 12 years. What does that mean for me here in Fiji? It means that I got to spend the morning and early afternoon at Esquires (a nearby coffee shop in town) with my teammates, and then with a few different students since USP is closed today (which I didn't know until last week!). So my usual Wednesday appointments/schedule has been a bit jumbled today!
I met with Lailani (a final year student that I have discipled this year) and we processed her upcoming talk that she will give tomorrow night at the Student Life weekly meeting. She is sharing with students the truth that we as believers are ambassadors for Christ! Please be praying for her as she continues to give her nervousness and fears up to the Lord and allows the Holy Spirit to speak through her!
After Lani headed out, I was joined by Shareeza (a 2nd year student that I have had the privilege to disciple this year). We spent time catching up since it has been a busy past few weeks for her and she hasn't been able to meet up. She then told me a sweet story of an opportunity she had this past weekend on a field trip to share her faith with a girl from the sanatan faith. This girl had a lot of questions about who Jesus is and what it meant that He died on the cross for our sins. Shareeza and one of her friends got to clearly share the Gospel with this girl and the conversation ended with her asking Shareeza if they could meet up again to talk more about Jesus. I can't tell you how encouraged I was after hearing this story of how the Lord is moving in Shareeza's life!
We decided to brave the rain (it rains all the time here now in Suva, since it is nearing their summer season) and head to pick up some groceries. Well as we walked down town the rain picked up and before I knew it we were sprinting across streets screaming and laughing. Of course we ran into people that we knew and we had to explain why were completely soaked (most Fijians don't like getting wet...but Shareeza is a rare exception). She was such a trooper and we had a great afternoon. Now we're hanging out in our apartment and she's helping me edit this blog as I write it since she is exceptionally better at editing english than I am...sad, but true!
I know that this last week and a half on campus will be a roller coaster as we meet with students for the last time and gear ourselves up for returning to the States in less than three weeks. But days like this remind me that God's plan for the day is so much better than my own! I would never have thought that I could spend a whole day with Shareeza (she's quite the busy girl!) and it has been such a blessing and a ton of fun!
That's all for now! Shareeza and I are going to begin dinner while we sing along to Christmas music...oh life in Fiji :)
God Bless!
-Mary (and Shareeza!)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A Day on the Dunes
Today Jenny, Kori and I took a little road trip to Sigatoka. We got to take a car out there and I volunteered to drive the first shift. I have driven in Fiji about 2 other times, but never for this long. For two hours this morning I was trying to calmly navigate driving on the left side of the road (in Fiji, the drivers sit on the right side of the car) numerous potholes, speed humps in the villages, and random dogs, cows and horses. As Kori said on the way home, driving in Fiji is definitely not boring!
We finally arrived safely in Singatoka and headed to the sand dunes. This is a pretty popular national park here in Fiji, but we've just never been able to make it out there before. We met up with Rups, Jovi and John (3 USP guys involved in Student Life) who were going to go with us as we explored the dunes. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was definitely so much better than what I was expecting. We spent the next few hours running around the largest sand dunes I have ever seen. It was a blast! I'm a little sunburnt now and very tired, but it was a great Saturday!
We're definitely not taking our last few weeks here in Fiji for granted. It's been so incredible to see how the Lord continues to challenge us to finish strong this year and continue being faithful with what He placed before us.
Have a great weekend!
-Mary Lin
We finally arrived safely in Singatoka and headed to the sand dunes. This is a pretty popular national park here in Fiji, but we've just never been able to make it out there before. We met up with Rups, Jovi and John (3 USP guys involved in Student Life) who were going to go with us as we explored the dunes. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was definitely so much better than what I was expecting. We spent the next few hours running around the largest sand dunes I have ever seen. It was a blast! I'm a little sunburnt now and very tired, but it was a great Saturday!
We're definitely not taking our last few weeks here in Fiji for granted. It's been so incredible to see how the Lord continues to challenge us to finish strong this year and continue being faithful with what He placed before us.
Have a great weekend!
-Mary Lin
Saturday, October 8, 2011
A Sunday Morning in Fiji...
Jenny and Kori were going to go to a church in Lami with the boys this morning, so I hopped in a taxi to go to Calvary Temple to meet up with two girls (Mere and Luisa) that I lead in Bible study at USP. As I walked up the steps of the church I was greeted by warm smiles and handshakes which I responded to with "Yadra Vinaka!" (Good morning!). I quickly went into the sanctuary and found an empty seat before the usher took me to sit up front (as they often do when they think you are a visitor!). The choir was incredible and I quickly found myself singing along as I looked around at the congregation joyfully praising the Lord and the children walking up and down the aisles clapping their hands and singing.
As the service continued there came a time where the congregation was encouraged to get up and move around the sanctuary to greet each other. This used to make me so nervous when I first came to Fiji, but I now love to walk around and greet the others who are worshipping the Lord. I took this opportunity to run up and find Mere and Luisa who were sitting closer to the front (Mere is the student that I went to see get baptized last week!). After a few minutes we all went to sit back in our seats and the service continued. As the pastor closed his sermon in prayer we all filed out to make room for those attending the next service (which would be in fijian). I hugged Mere and Luisa goodbye and jumped in a taxi to head home. I reheated my unfinished coffee from this morning and went to go spend time with the Lord. As I was reading through 2 Corinthians, I paused to listen to the distant sound of a choir singing a hymn. Everything slows down on Sundays here in Fiji. It's common to see families walking along the sidewalk to church with their Bibles in hand. Most fijians attend both a morning and an evening service on Sundays.
As I wrap up a year here in Fiji, I have come to learn that while many fijians do understand that what truly matters is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is not uncommon to talk with students who believe that what is important is how well you "act" the part, and "do the right things". And is it any different back in America? How often do people join churches, Bible studies, choirs and service teams to make them feel good and to check it off the list? And then how often do we, even as believers, get wrapped up in this "act"? How often do we play the part on Sundays, and then wake up Monday morning and blend into the world again? We're called, as believers, to be a light in the darkness. We're not citizens of this earth, but of Heaven. Do you live that way? Do I live that way? The Lord has been teaching me this year again and again that this life is not about me and my comfort. This life is about Christ, and making MUCH of HIM! So my challenge to me and you both, is to be real...be vulnerable. Take off that mask and be a light for Him everyday! The world wants us to dim or hide our lights because they are offensive, or intolerant. But let's remember that the Gospel is offensive according to the world! Who wants to hear that there is NOTHING that they can do to earn forgiveness? Believing that a relationship with God is a free gift goes completely against all that our society stands for. We can't earn it, we can't maintain it, we can only accept it and faithfully spend our lives learning how to die to our flesh and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The grace of God covers all. So what is your response to this? How will you live in light of these truths?
My prayer is that I am faithful with what the Lord has put before me today, and to bring Him glory through it! I am striving for true genuineness in my walk with God. Whether I am sharing Christ with students, hanging out with my STINT team, or trying to figure our what God has next for me after I come home from Fiji, I pray that I will be filled with the Spirit and joyfully choosing to follow Him and not my own plans.
I don't know how you spent your Sunday morning (or are going to spend it tomorrow morning, if you are in the States)...but my challenge to you is that it isn't a brief act that you put on for an hour or two, but rather a continuous response of praise to the Lord for what He did, and what He continues to do in our lives. Be bold, and let the light of Christ shine through you all week long.
"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."
(2 Corinthians 5:6-9 ESV)
As the service continued there came a time where the congregation was encouraged to get up and move around the sanctuary to greet each other. This used to make me so nervous when I first came to Fiji, but I now love to walk around and greet the others who are worshipping the Lord. I took this opportunity to run up and find Mere and Luisa who were sitting closer to the front (Mere is the student that I went to see get baptized last week!). After a few minutes we all went to sit back in our seats and the service continued. As the pastor closed his sermon in prayer we all filed out to make room for those attending the next service (which would be in fijian). I hugged Mere and Luisa goodbye and jumped in a taxi to head home. I reheated my unfinished coffee from this morning and went to go spend time with the Lord. As I was reading through 2 Corinthians, I paused to listen to the distant sound of a choir singing a hymn. Everything slows down on Sundays here in Fiji. It's common to see families walking along the sidewalk to church with their Bibles in hand. Most fijians attend both a morning and an evening service on Sundays.
As I wrap up a year here in Fiji, I have come to learn that while many fijians do understand that what truly matters is having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is not uncommon to talk with students who believe that what is important is how well you "act" the part, and "do the right things". And is it any different back in America? How often do people join churches, Bible studies, choirs and service teams to make them feel good and to check it off the list? And then how often do we, even as believers, get wrapped up in this "act"? How often do we play the part on Sundays, and then wake up Monday morning and blend into the world again? We're called, as believers, to be a light in the darkness. We're not citizens of this earth, but of Heaven. Do you live that way? Do I live that way? The Lord has been teaching me this year again and again that this life is not about me and my comfort. This life is about Christ, and making MUCH of HIM! So my challenge to me and you both, is to be real...be vulnerable. Take off that mask and be a light for Him everyday! The world wants us to dim or hide our lights because they are offensive, or intolerant. But let's remember that the Gospel is offensive according to the world! Who wants to hear that there is NOTHING that they can do to earn forgiveness? Believing that a relationship with God is a free gift goes completely against all that our society stands for. We can't earn it, we can't maintain it, we can only accept it and faithfully spend our lives learning how to die to our flesh and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The grace of God covers all. So what is your response to this? How will you live in light of these truths?
My prayer is that I am faithful with what the Lord has put before me today, and to bring Him glory through it! I am striving for true genuineness in my walk with God. Whether I am sharing Christ with students, hanging out with my STINT team, or trying to figure our what God has next for me after I come home from Fiji, I pray that I will be filled with the Spirit and joyfully choosing to follow Him and not my own plans.
I don't know how you spent your Sunday morning (or are going to spend it tomorrow morning, if you are in the States)...but my challenge to you is that it isn't a brief act that you put on for an hour or two, but rather a continuous response of praise to the Lord for what He did, and what He continues to do in our lives. Be bold, and let the light of Christ shine through you all week long.
"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."
(2 Corinthians 5:6-9 ESV)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Hmmm...more motivation with a new page?
So as you can see, I've updated my blog!! I thought to myself today that I needed a change, so I revamped my blog a little, and I really like it and hope it will encourage me to blog more often! We'll see! ;)
Today has been a much needed day of rest! This past weekend we hosted our Student Life Women's Retreat! It was held at a camp in Nadave. It was so beautiful there, and was a welcomed change of scenery from the louder city life that we experience here in Suva.
Over 25 students came to the conference! Jenny and I headed up the registration table and it was so neat to see all the different women that the Lord had brought to conference. We were so excited to see what He had in store! Sai Kathy (one of our amazing women on staff here in Fiji) was our main speaker and she spent 3 main sessions challenging the girls to find their worth and identity in Christ and how He sees them, rather than what the Lord pushes on them. I honestly could never accurately portray to you how incredible it was to see Sai Kathy take a leap of faith (she had never been the main speaker at a conference before!) and allow the Holy Spirit to give her the words to say! Girls were in tears as they realized the incredible freedom that we can experience in Christ!
Apart from the main sessions, the girls had the opportunity to attend seminars (Kori and I led one on physical/emotional lust and how we need to continue to take our thoughts captive and surrender them to the Lord!) enjoy some free time and time alone with the Lord. Each night had a theme. Shareeza, one of the sweet girls that I disciple, led the Friday night Crazy PJ Party! Girls showed up in some pretty incredible outfits/PJ's and we played some games. We all laughed SO MUCH that night! Kori was crying she was laughing so hard during one of the games. I just loved seeing Shareeza take that leadership role and watch as the Lord drew those girls together!
The last night we held a talent show where groups of girls performed different items (i.e. songs, dances, skits, etc.). Again...there was a ton of laughter! The night ended with a coffee house and then heading off to bed. The next morning we found out that a group of girls had met in the common room of one of the bures (their cabin) after the talent show to sit and talk through what they had learned that weekend, share life stories, etc. I love it when we just give the Lord the reigns and He completely surprises us and does more than we could ever have imagined!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support! I can't believe we're heading back to the States in 7 weeks. But I'm so psyched to see what else the Lord has in store for us during this last month and half!
Here are a few snapshots from the weekend!
Today has been a much needed day of rest! This past weekend we hosted our Student Life Women's Retreat! It was held at a camp in Nadave. It was so beautiful there, and was a welcomed change of scenery from the louder city life that we experience here in Suva.
Over 25 students came to the conference! Jenny and I headed up the registration table and it was so neat to see all the different women that the Lord had brought to conference. We were so excited to see what He had in store! Sai Kathy (one of our amazing women on staff here in Fiji) was our main speaker and she spent 3 main sessions challenging the girls to find their worth and identity in Christ and how He sees them, rather than what the Lord pushes on them. I honestly could never accurately portray to you how incredible it was to see Sai Kathy take a leap of faith (she had never been the main speaker at a conference before!) and allow the Holy Spirit to give her the words to say! Girls were in tears as they realized the incredible freedom that we can experience in Christ!
Apart from the main sessions, the girls had the opportunity to attend seminars (Kori and I led one on physical/emotional lust and how we need to continue to take our thoughts captive and surrender them to the Lord!) enjoy some free time and time alone with the Lord. Each night had a theme. Shareeza, one of the sweet girls that I disciple, led the Friday night Crazy PJ Party! Girls showed up in some pretty incredible outfits/PJ's and we played some games. We all laughed SO MUCH that night! Kori was crying she was laughing so hard during one of the games. I just loved seeing Shareeza take that leadership role and watch as the Lord drew those girls together!
The last night we held a talent show where groups of girls performed different items (i.e. songs, dances, skits, etc.). Again...there was a ton of laughter! The night ended with a coffee house and then heading off to bed. The next morning we found out that a group of girls had met in the common room of one of the bures (their cabin) after the talent show to sit and talk through what they had learned that weekend, share life stories, etc. I love it when we just give the Lord the reigns and He completely surprises us and does more than we could ever have imagined!
Tupou (she's in one of my Bible studies this semester!), Maina (one of the girls I disciple!) and Nessy (a good friend of one of Kori's girls).
Nani and Latu lead worship at conference and did an incredible job! These girls are gifted!
Niumai and Tupou at the Crazy PJ party!
Va (one of our awesome staff women!) Maina and Makalesi!
We slept under Mosquito nets!
Here are a few snapshots from the weekend!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Mid-Semester Break!
Bula!
We're just starting up the 2nd half of the second semester at both USP and FNU! Last week students had their mid-semester break. We took that opportunity to hold a training day for students on leadership, a prayer breakfast, hosted a birthday party/girls night for one of our students, and took a trip to our director, Koli's, village! It was a full week, but a lot of fun, and it gave us time to prepare for these last 7 weeks of ministry here in Fiji!
These are the girls that I lead in Bible study at FNU!
Last week over ten showed up!
Celebrating Charlotte's 21st birthday at our apartment!
We ate tons of cake/cookies/pies and taught the girls how to play charades!
On a carrier truck driving to Koli's village! This may have been my idea to take a carrier...kind of on my bucket list for things to do in Fiji.
It was definitely an adventure, and much scarier than I thought it would be!
Our whole group in front of the chief's house. Koli, the Campus Crusade for Christ director here in Fiji, is part of the chiefly family in Tailevu. We got to bring out new grill there and make American cheeseburgers/chicken for everyone. It was pretty incredible.
Please be praying for us as we plan the women's retreat for THIS weekend! We're super excited to see what the Lord has in store!
Let me know how I can be praying for you!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Mountains, Korea and Kiwi's!
Just a glimpse of what I've been up to recently!!!
Yesterday, Kori, Rob and Kori and I at the top of Mr. Korobaba! It's about a 10 min. taxi ride from our apartment. It took a little over an hour and consisted of slippery clay, rocks, steep climbs where we had to cling to roots and numerous times where out feet sunk into the mud, but...as evidence of the picture above, it was well worth it! I love times like these where we get a chance to get out of the city and experience Fiji!
On Saturdays I lead a Bible study for 2 girls, Soohyun and Mijee, who are both from Korea. This past weekend they treated me to a Korean meal for lunch! I absolutely love hanging out with these girls. Afterwards we came back to my apartment for Bible study. It is so incredible to see how the Lord works...bringing us together from Korea and America to learn about Himself here in Fiji!
This past week we were joined by a team of ten from New Zealand! 8 Students and 2 staff will be with us for 2 weeks at USP sharing their faith and joining with us in ministry with students. It is so fun to have them and we're so excited to see how the Lord is going to use them!
Thanks so much for keeping me in you prayers! Let me know how I can be praying for you!
God Bless!
-Mary Lin
Monday, August 1, 2011
Quesadillas and Skim Milk
These past 2 weeks....
-Our STINT team and Campus Crusade for Christ staff here in Fiji had the opportunity to practice our acting skills in front of the camera the week after we got back from New Zealand! The Pacific Islands Regional Team is putting together over 150 different talks to train new Campus Crusade for Christ staff in countries that are low on staff (Papua New Guinea!). I got to give three different talks, and although it was a little weird at first, it ended up being kind of fun, and definitely incredible to think about how the Lord is going to use those videos to equip staff for the next 15 years!
-Just before 2nd Semester started, we hosted a girls night at our apartment. It was so much fun to see students that we hadn't seen in a few weeks. We spent time catching up, laughing and teaching them how to make quesadillas (which they LOVED!).
-Last night we had a Student Leaders meeting at our directors' house, Koli and Jeanette. Over twenty students attended. It was so cool to see students take the initiative to plan out this next semester and trust the Lord! I help head up the prayer committee and last night our group grew from 4 members from last semester to 9 members this semester! These students will take turns leading Prayer meetings for students at USP on Fridays. They have also planned a prayer breakfast for students as well as a prayer walk on the 2 different FNU campuses over their mid-semester break. I'm so excited to see what the Lord has in store as they take the initiative to walk with the Lord and make a difference at USP!
-And finally, last night, after a month of not being able to find skim milk in Fiji...we FOUND IT! And how did we respond? Jenny and I stocked up a bit...so we're good to go! That's Fiji for you...you never know when a key food will go missing from the store for weeks at time...so we've learned to improvise :)
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| We made the girls Quesadillas, they had never eaten these before! |
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| Pretty much a movie star in the making! |
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| Koli, our director, leading the students in the meeting yesterday |
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| Enough skim milk to last us for a while :) |
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support!
Until next time,
Mary
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