|
FCM ASIA TEAM INDONESIA REPORT
Bula Vinaka again to you one and all,
Thank you once again for the tremendous prayers from each one of you. Our closing days in Korea were incredible and amazing just to feel that touch of favor, from God. We had a powerful time of prayer ministry (praying for people) and just the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst. We established close friendship with one of the Deacons wives who was struggling with some issues.
We were also blessed and given an opportunity to give personal testimonies, of which we all did, during their Friday evening service. Our time in Korea was such a blessing from the Father. We as individuals learnt a very valuable lesson about “being still” and knowing that He has everything in control.
We are in Jakarta right now and we flew in on the 4th , to be honest , it was quite a switch as from being very cold to very hot. Royal treats to the effort of trying to live the norm, so to each one of us, it is a challenge in some ways or the other. But praise the Lord that He is still in control and He is faithful and trust worthy, in all circumstances. We have had powerful times of worship and exalting the name of JC above the name of the one served in this nation.
Upon arriving, we felt strongly to encourage our hosts and nurture other fellow believers. Our accommodation has been quite the challenge, and travelling with a group of mostly mothers and fathers, we began our outreach by doing a thorough cleaning at our home stay. We share the facility with about 4 men and a young family. As the living areas are quite small and close together, our morning and evening worship sessions have echoed through the house and possibly to the neighbors.
It has been 4 days here in Indonesia, and we are trying to familiarize ourselves, thanks to a young dedicated Indonesian guy by the name of Freddy. Yesterday we had prayer –walk around our neighborhood and we also visited one of the slums , it was just amazing to see how they were open to want to know where we were from and what we were here for , so responses there is quite positive , again please stand with us in prayer. The OBAMA win has made us famous here , as they keep thinking that we are African Americans, and so as they see us from a distance they call out “Oh OBAMA, OBAMA!, but then we really have to explain that we are different. Before we left Fiji we were given a whole pack of information booklets on Fiji, via Fiji Visitors Bureau, so as we walked around the streets, establishing relationship (even in the buses) we gradually handed out the booklets. This almost instantly sets up connection, especially with the language difference.
Just some thoughts to ponder and pray about:
Word of the Lord to us - harvest is ready, persevere, be in prayer and know we are in a warfare, leave behind what they can continue in our absence.
· Divine appointments to share about JC
· Pray that the Father will completely break the spirit of fear in Christians ( even though consequence is real)
· The Fathers protection over our team ( just from the evil devises of darkness and cunning manipulations of the people)
· Father would expose corruption in the Government.
· Lastly that the churches would, serve with an open heart and not out of greediness, or obligation, but it would be out of their love for Christ.
· We need to change our tickets as they only gave us a month, so please pray for finances to come through and His favor over details with visas to China. Yes! We are still pursuing China!
Continue to partner with us in the place of prayers.
Love & Prayers,
Team Asia
FCM Outreach Korea Report
We arrived in Seoul and enjoyed the Korean hospitality. We've been taking in everything we can learn from the locals. We are very impressed with their love for prayer and commitmet to excellence. The weather is a bit cold for us but we are managing. We also enjoyed a singing session with Dr Park (former missionary in Fiji). Luisa, Meme and Lisa had a session with some youth and they led a young lady to the Lord, we found out later that her missionary mom had been praying for her salvation. The mom broke down when she found out.
We have been doing a lot of intercession and worship. We stayed at the full gospel church in Icheon before heading into Seoul.
Vinaka & God Bless,
Viniana Gaunavinaka
FIT
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ANNUAL CAMP 2008
THEME: LOG IN (John 15: 1 – 4)
VENUE: Nakurukuruvakatini
Primary School,
Wainimala, Naitasiri.
DATE: 9th – 12th
October 2008
This year’s
camp was different in its own way, with about 80 students from FIT Hospitality
& Tourism, FIT Maritime Studies, FIT ACD (Art Culture & Design), 2
representatives from the West (FIT Ba & Nadi) and the main campus in
Samabula.
The three hours
truck ride up the dusty and rough valley road of Wainimala was followed by a 21/2
miles - walk up the Wainimala
River to the remote Nakorovou
village. It was a test of patience, we
crossed about 4 streams which were strong with currents and about as deep to
our waist, climbed rocks, hills and by the time we reached the camp venue, it
was dark and we were tired and needed rest.
Thanks to the horses, that carried our luggages, because if we had to
carry it on our backs, it could have been a different story. The hospitality of
the villagers was one of a kind; we were welcomed and felt right at home.
Day 1:
Featured
Sera Cirikiyasawa as the main speaker for the camp who spoke on World View, Identity, Bricks (Rejection & Rebellion) and Intimacy with God. Her testimony before
she spoke was key in setting the platform for students to open up in humility
and be transparent before God and to others.
I also had the opportunity to speak on my testimony in relation to world
view and identity in the first session and after the process groups, the
feedbacks was overwhelming. As we went
into worship to end the session for Day 1; I could literally felt this heavy
spirit of brokenness as students poured our their hearts to God in tears, some
were on their knees, hands thrown up in the air in a motion of surrender and
the presence of God in the room was heavy.
It was a pure moment and one I will never forget. The evening session was a penal discussion on
youth issues in which we were judges with two other FIT graduates; the penal
was mostly on relationship issues and Sera mostly answered all the questions
and assured the students with healthy and biblical tips on relationships.
Day 2:
Sera
continued into sessions three and four; each with its own process groups, the
response of the students on day 2 was extravagant. As I went around taking pictures, I realized
that in every group, almost everyone were crying as the students took turns to
share about their past hurts and pains and began to process it in their
groups. I was reminded of the Ministry week
of Plumbline, there was this sense of vulnerability as some students took the
risk to share to the whole campers about their own struggles, it was
life-giving and a precious moment to see students embrace the cross in
repentance and forgiveness. The session
ended with a Holy Communion as students part take in, to mark a new covenant
with God, a covenant of new beginning as they began to trust God and walk in
their own process of healing. The
evening saw an opportunity of outreach to the community; unexpected as they
came out in numbers, the camp committee decided to change the program and the
students took the stage to challenge the villagers in testimonies, songs and
dancers. I was blessed to see how they
responded and received the gospel as it was presented to them.
Day 3:
After our
formal tatau (Fijian farewell protocol), we
indulged into a heavy lunch of Fijian delicacies and headed down the Wainimala
valley to where our transport were waiting. It was a repeat of the crucial
journey we took when we came. But this time,
the feeling was different, for some reason I felt at peace despite the long
walk. As the rain began to pour slowly
on us, I was reminded of how we had influenced the students in the 3 days, I
felt like God was smiling on us. It was a
mixed emotion; I thought about the impact the three of us each had on the
students in our own ways, but it was all about God and we do not take the
credit for it. After all, we were just
His vessels available to be used as a channel to bring His word alive in the
hearts of many young people called for such a time as this to discover more of
their healing in God.
Blessings,
Taukete
Veitayaki.
Team Members:
Sera
Cirikiyasawa
Losana
Musuqawa
Taukete
Veitayaki
FCM - "AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL" By Fay Williams PTC Associate staff
Bula Vinaka once again from Fiji.
The lecture phase of our first Foundations For Counseling Ministry
(FCM) came to a glorious end on September 29. Our special graduation
love feast was marked by God's faithfulness in every way.
As capable
school leader Viniana Gunavinaka stated excitedly,
"The 15 students, finished their lecture phase with flying colors.
These students were hungry for God and what He had in store for them.
Despite some of their educational fears and pain from their past, they
all achieved well, in fact it has been one of the best school ever for
me. Each one of them gave their all and God honored that!"
Viniana and we staff were especially thankful to all the international
and local speakers/teachers who gave of their time and expertise. They
imparted not just lectures but a part of their lives and experience by
being so open and vulnerable about their own healing processes. How
good it would have been for them to have heard the testimonies that
during the graduation. The students obviously treasured what they had
learned from each one and the healing process they gained thorugh the
sharing. Guests at the graduation left with amazement when they heard
and saw what the Lord had done.
Near the end of the school, we reread the words and promises the Lord
had given us in prayer before the school began. We all agreed that
the Lord did all He had promised. The theme taken from those many
scriptures was "Mighty Warriors Breaking Through." It was a joy as
staff to watch that happen day by day as the students responded to
truth and to what the Lord was doing in them.
Counseling ministry in Fiji is a relatively new concept. There are a
few NGO and Governmental groups already reaching out in that field
especially to troubled youth, and they came to share the statistics
and needs in Fiji and left a challenge for PTC to become involved with
them in the future. So doors are wide open. PTC has of course had an
ongoing counseling ministry to the hospital and in the local high
school and will continue.
The students are now on the outreach phase of the school and are
presently engaged in teaching some of what they learned to DTS, in
youth camps and church groups in Fiji. Then they will split into
three teams-one to Samoa, one to Korea/Jakarta (later in October) and
one staying in Fiji. Some are still praying for the needed finances to
come in for the international trip. Please pray for them.
Thank you for all who have joined with us in prayer for the lecture
phase. Without you, we couldn't have done it. Your support and being
there for us has meant a lot.
Vinaka Vakalevu and God Bless you.
PTC Newsletter
Last updated: July 28, 2008
"WARRIORS BREAKING THROUGH"
The Foundations For Counseling Ministries School (FCM) takes off in Fiji.
By associate staff Fay Williams
The first FCM in the Pacific Region started with a "bang" on July
4th, but not the firework kind! We welcomed our 16 students, with an
appropriate Fijian protocol followed by a meal of hamburgers and hot
dogs, to acknowledge the Americans among us on their special day. To
top all that off we had an all night prayer meeting with the theme
"Launch out into the deep" from Luke 5:1-7 which was the challenging
message we had heard at a local church celebration the week before.
We carried that over into a deeper application. Next we pondered the
YWAM International theme of the "Fourth Big Wave of Missions" and the
next hours were broken into one hour segments for a prayer chain.
STAFF: The ten staff of the FCM are from Fiji, USA, New Zealand, and
had three weeks in training prior to the school, led by the capable
school leader, Viniana Guanavinaka,
STUDENTS: Of the 16 students are Fijian and we have one German, who is
already a missionary in Fiji. Some students are PTC staff pursuing
further training in counseling, to better equip themselves for the
work they already do at High schools, the hospital and prison
ministry. We also have one senior pastor and another pastor's wife
among us who are serious about passing on that they learn in the
school within their own churches and beyond.
WEEK ONE Two days of the first week consisted of the deep sharing of
our lives-both staff and students, which formed a deep bond between us
all. Then I taught a short refresher message on Hearing God's Voice
and a local Pastor Conan Hatch, did a great job of teaching on the The
Cross-such a needed foundation for us individually and as trainee
counsellors.
One evening we had some comic relief as students did skits to reveal
what they had learned from reading the book "Relationships," by Tom
Marshall. Though a fun time, the truth about relationships penetrated
our lives!
WEEK TWO We plunged into the Divine Plumbline teaching created by Dr
Bruce Thompson. This teaching looks at the way we build walls around
us to cover the pain we have received in life and how God wants to
break down those walls and bring us to right relationship with
Him-bringing us healing and freedom. Viniana was the main teacher with
several staff taking segments and adding their own powerful
testimonies of how God had moved in their lives in specific areas
through this teaching.
A wonderful surprise for us was the unexpected visit we had from David
Garratt from New Zealand. He and his wife Dale, being well known
internationally and in YWAM for pioneering the recording of scripture
in songs. Recently they have produced a brand new album after a space
of many years called, "Coming Home." David was on vacation in Fiji and
"just happened" to hear about the school.
David graciously took the time from his vacation to share with us for
two sessions and challenged us to step out of the box in worship, to
risk more, and to consider the ancient sights and sounds of the land
and how God had placed them there and wants them back in worship. We
are presently seeking to put this into practice in our weekly worship
and prayer times.
The numerous mango trees all around our house are in full flower. The
pollen is not kind for allergy sufferers, but oh my there is going to
be a big harvest this year! Greater still will be the harvest from
the truth of God's word in all of our lives as the weeks progress!
On another theme: This week we all had a time of fasting and prayer to
see a breakthrough for the finances for the school. The economy of
Fiji is in decline right now, and it is difficult for Fijians amongst
us to find the support they need to staff or attend the school and
following outreach. They had been fund raising prior to the school and
are faithfully adding their small amounts as they come in but can I
invite you to join with us? If you would like to contribute to a
student, Fijian staff, or to the daily operations budget for the house
we are renting you can send gifts to:
For USA write checks out to U of N Kona Foundation with a note that it
is for PTC, Fiji and what category you would like to support. Send
to U of N Financial services, 75-5851 Kuakini Hwy, account no 5051
YWAM PTC
Fiji send check made out to The Personal Transformation Center Box
5925, Lautoka, Fiji islands.
Thank you, from us all at PTC and FCM
MEET THE LITTLE TRIBE!
In the picture: (top) Teacher Wai, Kama, Marvin, Timoci, Tuseru; (bottom) Mere, Lisi, Sandy, Zakia, Talofa, Teacher Caphie
Ebenezer
Ebenezer is our newest ministry in PTC. It is run by 2 of our staff Sisa & Sera Vukialau. Ebenezer started in April of 2005 when some business people from Denver came on a mission outreach to Fiji through YWAM Kona and met with the Vukialaus. They brainstormed and established a program called Ebenezer to minister to families with single moms.
The vision of Ebenezer is to bring hope and restoration to unwed single moms and their children. It's purpose is to Rescue, Restore, and Release.
They offer training to single moms who want to reach their dreams. Counseling is an essential part of the ministry to continue encouraging the families and to keep them accountable. The staff of Ebenezer spend 3 days out of the week to visit these families. The scriptural reference that Ebenezer is based out of is from Isaiah 42:7 and chapter 61.
During 2007, Ebenezer served over 90 single moms from 14 different villages around Nadi. One mom was able to start a catering business to support her family of 5 children. 10 moms got jobs in hotels and a couple others are running their small businesses. More than 5 single moms wedded their children's father.
For 2008, the ministry hopes to serve in 2 more villages and conduct bibilical counseling to smaller groups of mothers. They also desire to start kid's ministries in the villages. Some upcoming events are workshops, Living Your Dream Conference (July 25-26), and a Christmas party for the children of the single moms. (December 12th).
The Little Tribe Preschool
On Febuary 4th, 2008 the Little Tribe Preschool officially started.
It is a school of 9 run by two of our staff member.
Little Tribe provides equal opportunity for all it's students without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.
The preschool uses a creative program called, "the Montessori Method" to help children to learn and grow by knowing God's love.
The story behind the name, "Little Tribe" comes from Psalm 68:27, "...the little tribe of Benjamin leading them..."
Benjamin was the last of 12 sons to Jacob. His original name was Ben-Oni, "son of my trouble" was given by his mother, Rachel, due to the difficult birth.
Jacob, his father, came later and renamed him Benjamin, "son of my right hand".
Little Tribe carries the same vision as PTC and that is,
"to bring God's healing to the Nation of Fiji to whole person body, soul, and spirit."
There are teaching positions ready to be filled for 2009 to those that are interested
in teaching these precious young preschoolers.
For those of you that are interested, please contact Ms. Caphie Cerewale at 679-664-0471 or her email at naoro_v@hotmail.com
L.I.F.T. Retreat 2008
The Personal Transformation Centre
(PTC) just had the annual staff retreat of 2008 on January 8th-10th. There’s no better way than to start the New
Year by going away as a team and seek the Lord together for the year. This year we have a team of 11 staff and 13
kids giving us a total of 24 people serving in PTC. Our theme for our retreat was L.I.F.T. –
Love, Integrity, Faith, and Transparency – and we will make it our theme for
the rest of the year. As we live out
these four key values it will bring us up to a new level in all areas of this
ministry as a team.
PTC has a fresh start with a new
crew and some new ministries. We were
given an in-depth look at worship and it made a great impact on the rest of our
times of worship at the retreat. At the
retreat, we covered 5 hindrances in ministries.
We also did a personality test to gain a better understanding of each
other. It was a special blessing to have
a conference room booked for free.
 \
Two of the
main additions to PTC this year are the Little Tribe Preschool and Ebenezer, a
ministry for single moms. The preschool
will start in February 4th. Ebenezer
is a ministry that 2 of our new staff members have been pioneering for the last
2 years. Evangelism is an area that we
will be more active in this year.
We thank God for his protection and
provision during this retreat. This
retreat has been spiritually nurturing and refreshing for us and makes us look
forward for what God has in store for us personally and as a ministry.
CHRISTMAS 2007 "MARAU NI SIGANISUCU" MERRY CHRISTMAS Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, ”God With Us”. MT 1:23
2007 is fast coming to an end, and as we look back, we are amazed at God's faithfulness to us both personally and as a ministry. To see transformation coming about in the lives of the people we minister to is what Personal Transformation Centre is all about. Some of the ministries we have been actively engaging in are: · PATHMAKERS - Each week at three different locations, we have been ministering to 150 children in after school programs. This also includes a small preschool twice a week. · WORKSHOPS - 680 adults in 13 different specialized workshops have been trained in the area of Biblical Lay Counseling. · WOMEN’S MINISTRY - Six speaking engagements ministered to women's groups on subjects encompassing wholeness and healing. This is having a transforming effect on the women and their families. · YOUTH MEETINGS – Through school presentations, camps, and youth retreats approximately 750 young people between the ages of 16-30 have been taught and ministered to. · COUNSELING – Each week we have ministered through support groups and one on one counseling to 35 inmates of the Natabua Prison. We have also developed modules for their development in life skills that will assist them in prison and on their release. · HOSPITALITY - It is always our privilege to offer hospitality to many individuals coming to Fiji. Seven separate outreach teams have been hosted here this year as well some of the Impact World Tour families and singles. · MICRO ENTERPRISE – We have been able to extend designated gifting funds to eight women who have started small businesses in their villages. Also working in this area, Lomani, our co-director, has been able to have two Art Exhibitions, creating murals at hotels and teaching art in the prison. He also mentors some young men in small businesses such as gardening & landscaping. · ASSOCIATE STAFF - We are thankful for Leda Peni from Kona, who came for two weeks to assist in our Micro Enterprise ministry to the women of Labasa. Fay Williams, from Kona, also joined us for three months helping with Children's Ministry, Intercession, Staff Training, and communications. Thomas Chung of California, manages the PTC web site. Vinaka Vaka Levue · IMPACT WORLD TOUR - We were thrilled to serve in intercessory prayer and as point people to counsel responders during the great harvest of souls through IWT during September & October. It is estimated that 165,229 residents of Fiji heard the gospel message and approximately 17,474 decisions were made for Christ. VOLUNTEERS - In October, we were excited to welcome Losana and Jimaima who had just completed their DTS to the staff of PTC. We also are so thankful to the Lord for the many volunteers that come alongside us each week to assist with ministry events. Thank you, Lena, Macrena, Joe and the many others.
THANK YOU, OUR DEAR FRIENDS, WE APPRECIATE YOU SO MUCH Thanks for your prayers, your financial giving to individual staff and the ministry. We do not take your support for granted. You can rest assured that in the ministry of the transformation of lives, your part is bearing fruit that will remain. May you have a wonderful Christmas season and most blessed New Year, as you ponder the wonder of the Incarnation – God With Us. It is only through JESUS that transformation can be accomplished!
IMPACT WORLD TOUR COMES WEST TO LAUTOKA
BY: Associate Staff Fay Williams
Personal Transformation Centre hosted some of the Island Breeze team at their Razak Road base and joined other local church members to be "local links" (counselors) for the largest Christian event ever to come to Lautoka. After many presentations around Fiji, and the report of huge crowds attending the IWT evangelical meetings, we were not disappointed with what took place in Lautoka.
The first night was well attended with "Team Extreme" in full throttle; breaking bricks and bending iron bars on their shoulders and with their teeth. Despite torrential rain and three inches of oozing mud the crowd came and stayed. Most local links had to take whole groups of responders as they were outnumbered. For some who eagerly came forward it was their first time to respond to the salvation message, others were rededications. We were all stunned in amazement by the deep response of the youth; many pre-teens, and children, coming and praying so earnestly.
I witnessed a Maori evangelist, named Jason, from New Zealand, preach a strong, clear salvation message and call the crowd to a commitment to Christ. Some of the Fijian men could so easily relate to Jason and his testimony of a father that had rejected and wounded him. Of course, when he broke bricks with his arms and flipped a car on his own that helped too! I experienced deep fulfillment that first night as I have for one, prayed many years for the men of the Pacific to be thrust into missions.
The second night, Island Breeze took the stage. Thankfully there was no rain that night and as always, they danced right into the hearts of the people. They shared their authentic cultural presentations representing the island groupings of the South Pacific. Strong testimonies were shared and one dancer, Pisa riveted the attention of the crowd as he told how he had found Christ, was transformed and now in full-time missionary service. The fact that he was a former street kid from Lautoka brought deep impact on the youth.
Each night, God manifested Himself through plysical healing as well. On the third and last night of the tour, GX International was featured. Young people on skateboards doing daring acts, skilled bike flips, hip hop dancing and testimonies was interwoven with a strong Gospel message that touched both youth and adults. Large screens which projected images of problems youth face such as loneliness and suicidal ideations, was followed by portrayals of how Jesus is the answer.
LAUTOKA WILL NEVER BE THE SAME
Attendance for the three nights was approximately 21,000 people with 1,757 responding to Christ. To God Be The Glory!
 
Labasa Response Hindu School IWT Meeting
HOSPITALITY
BY: Associate Staff Fay Williams
PTC staff offer the gift of hospitality but the rewards far outweigh the giving.
There is always a bed, shower, and good food for Christian workers passing through Lautoka. During the Impact World Tour in Fiji, the numbers residing with us, swelled. However, we are always the blest ones, as we experience rich fellowship and hear amazing stories of what God is and has been doing.
One such family was the Rivers family from Perth Australia of Island Breeze Ministries. They spent along with the rest of the IWT team, six weeks in the rain and mud in many of the parks all over Fiji, bringing the Gospel through cultural song, dance and vital testimonies.
We salute you and say a big "vinaka vaka levu" for all your hard work.
Rivers family from Perth Australia
© Copyright 2007 • Personal Transformation Centre • Lautoka, Fiji
Youth With A Mission
 |
