Well, Luke has been back a few days and so my brain can finally function. I will admit that the two weeks he was gone seemed like an eternity..................I admit exhaustion!!! And those who know me, that is not something I do often:p
Monday started off with a bang and the rest of the week has followed suit. Monday we had a case that we have been talking to via hotline. Well, she called to say she was at our front door 0.0 So we all ran down to meet her. She is a sweetie. Her story is sweet and sad, and unique.
See, this mom is a Christian and has a 19month old with the same man. She says that her mom (single mom) was hurt alot over the first baby, she can't bare to tell her about the second one. Her church forgave her and took her under their wings, allowed her to serve with the teens at church. She feels HOW can she serve now at church? what about the testimony to the teens? what will people say? Being at church is so hard for her.
The father? He is not a Christian and at first was saying marriage ONLY if she stopped going to church, stopped being a Christian and did the temple worship and held incense and all. She said no. He said bye. His parents? sure get married, have an abortion and start anew....that was a new one!! Never heard get married and then have an abortion......whatever.
She is struggling with her faith as she has falled AGAIN. She has one person at church (Charasmatic) who knows and says we need to have some type of healing/repentance prayer. Now, Luke and I were talking to our team, repentance prayer is nothing we can do for her, it has to come from her heart, not ours. We can pray God leads her in prayer, softens her heart and opens her heart to what she needs. I cannot say she is not a Christian, that is not for me to say. But I can pray for her.
This is the 2nd young Christian momma we have had recently. Both have hidden from church and fear of what church members say. That so breaks my heart. Unfortunately, churches around the world are so judgemental that they turn people away. I am sure you can think of someone in your church who has had a baby out of wedlock, how did your church handle it? how did you? Should we as Christians be able to handle it better? God has forgiven us accepted us, should we do the same for others?
What her final decision will be with the baby, we don't know for sure. She is early on in her pregnancy. The great news is that she knows she WILL NOT abort!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! she has thought about it, but she says she has nightmares then.....um....yeah..... the important part is that here she can work through issues and move on. We pray that here she can come closer to the Lord and see HIS purpose in all of this. We pray that our mommas can be changed when they leave her!!
Pray with us as we work with them!
Thoughts and feelings as we minister to women in crisis here in Taitung. Our prayer is they see God when they need HIM most.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
our schedule begins....
Well, today we got an email and a phone call from our first "booking" for the semester. We were asked to go to Chang Bing Junior High School, with a total of 120 students for the entire school. Grades are 7-9th grade. Last year was our first year teaching. This school is awesome. At our Respect Life Rally we had tents for people to sell things. Well, this school decided to make crafts and sell them. At the end of the rally, they brought the entire days worth of money and donated it to Morning Light. It was almost $100US!!!
Now, you are probably saying "oh, wow". But let me tell you.....this group of students and teachers had to travel by bus or car. It is almost 3hours ONE WAY!!! they paid for the trip themselves....left EARLY in the morning to come and didn't get home til late. Many come from rural area (well, ok...ALL as there is no train that even goes there!! only a bus!!). Now, are you saying "OH WOW!!!" we were quite encouraged by them.
So, when we saw their email......we immediately let them know YES!!! so excited. This school is right on the water, beautiful scenery. But being so far out in the country, they are the last to get money so the school is rather pathetic with leaks and broken things and all. Honestly, we are excited to go there and visit. It will be for a long day, but worth it.
Our banner runs next week in our neighboring county. Please pray for this. Normally each time it runs, we get at least one phone call. Now that abortion month is coming up, we are hoping to rescue more babies.
Pray that we can get more people in our area on the "anti abortion" team. Unforutnately, many churches tell people it is the mom's body and she can do what she wants. Yes, this comes from pastors and taught at seminary!!! scary eh? we are praying about being more vocal in the community about pro life. Pray that we can do that and it not cause any problems!!
Still need Morning Light Angels.......the angels will cover the costs of the Unwed mother's home so we can continue to have our services for free!! so please consider what you can do.
Now, you are probably saying "oh, wow". But let me tell you.....this group of students and teachers had to travel by bus or car. It is almost 3hours ONE WAY!!! they paid for the trip themselves....left EARLY in the morning to come and didn't get home til late. Many come from rural area (well, ok...ALL as there is no train that even goes there!! only a bus!!). Now, are you saying "OH WOW!!!" we were quite encouraged by them.
So, when we saw their email......we immediately let them know YES!!! so excited. This school is right on the water, beautiful scenery. But being so far out in the country, they are the last to get money so the school is rather pathetic with leaks and broken things and all. Honestly, we are excited to go there and visit. It will be for a long day, but worth it.
Our banner runs next week in our neighboring county. Please pray for this. Normally each time it runs, we get at least one phone call. Now that abortion month is coming up, we are hoping to rescue more babies.
Pray that we can get more people in our area on the "anti abortion" team. Unforutnately, many churches tell people it is the mom's body and she can do what she wants. Yes, this comes from pastors and taught at seminary!!! scary eh? we are praying about being more vocal in the community about pro life. Pray that we can do that and it not cause any problems!!
Still need Morning Light Angels.......the angels will cover the costs of the Unwed mother's home so we can continue to have our services for free!! so please consider what you can do.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
8/20
***I just had a big post all done and all, but erased it....it might seem overwhelming:p.... normally when I say...I have been thinking, everyone runs ---LOL!!!
On 8/20 we have the last of our two meetings to form our association. Morning Light Christian Association will be formal and then we just go on from there:-). Why are we doing this? According to statistics Taitung population is 20% of single parents. Though this does NOT include grandparents taking care of grandchildren, disabled parents and low income families. The need is great. Unfortunately, it seems that helping certain people in society is a fad. I have seen a trend. Everyone gung ho on getting "healthy lunches" to the villages. It happens for a year or two....then slowly money is placed somewhere else. Right now a big thing on helping single parents, and I am sure in a few years, that it will change to something else. Haven't heard of those helping drop out teens (a rarity), just like places like to cover up unwed mothers. Seems that things that might "bring disgrace" to the county or city are quietly done. But things that are done to help make the politician look good are done LOUDLY.............this is a topic that bugs me......so I will stop here:p
These ministries will be with the church and our new association.MLCA wants to do more. Simple. Through MLCA we can get better grants from USA and Taiwan, we can do fundraising within Taiwan and well, we can work more with those in need. Our ministries will be Garden of Grace (daycare for needy families), Blessings Food Closet (not the official name), after school classes for children of low income and single parents, and an office working with in need teenagers (aka, drop outs and dysfuntional families.).....The last one is a need that is great. I was personally approached by a judge asking if we accepted teens! The gov't has had such a big problem with teens recently that they do not know what to do. So we have plans (don't I always!!LOL!).....so prayers.
WE WILL CONTINUE to do our MLH/CPC. According to the gov't, this is private home so we don't need money (HAHAHA!! if they only knew!). Just our resources will be spread out more, our opportunities to reach out to the forgotten people will be greater. So keep your eyes and ears open...and your hearts!!
On 8/20 we have the last of our two meetings to form our association. Morning Light Christian Association will be formal and then we just go on from there:-). Why are we doing this? According to statistics Taitung population is 20% of single parents. Though this does NOT include grandparents taking care of grandchildren, disabled parents and low income families. The need is great. Unfortunately, it seems that helping certain people in society is a fad. I have seen a trend. Everyone gung ho on getting "healthy lunches" to the villages. It happens for a year or two....then slowly money is placed somewhere else. Right now a big thing on helping single parents, and I am sure in a few years, that it will change to something else. Haven't heard of those helping drop out teens (a rarity), just like places like to cover up unwed mothers. Seems that things that might "bring disgrace" to the county or city are quietly done. But things that are done to help make the politician look good are done LOUDLY.............this is a topic that bugs me......so I will stop here:p
These ministries will be with the church and our new association.MLCA wants to do more. Simple. Through MLCA we can get better grants from USA and Taiwan, we can do fundraising within Taiwan and well, we can work more with those in need. Our ministries will be Garden of Grace (daycare for needy families), Blessings Food Closet (not the official name), after school classes for children of low income and single parents, and an office working with in need teenagers (aka, drop outs and dysfuntional families.).....The last one is a need that is great. I was personally approached by a judge asking if we accepted teens! The gov't has had such a big problem with teens recently that they do not know what to do. So we have plans (don't I always!!LOL!).....so prayers.
WE WILL CONTINUE to do our MLH/CPC. According to the gov't, this is private home so we don't need money (HAHAHA!! if they only knew!). Just our resources will be spread out more, our opportunities to reach out to the forgotten people will be greater. So keep your eyes and ears open...and your hearts!!
Friday, August 5, 2011
saddened.....but encouraged
Don't you just love it when our Heavenly Father speaks to us and shows us things at the right moment? Just so awesome....shows how much HE loves us!!
This week has been hard. We have had a 17yr old who gave birth already and a 14yr old special needs student who is 7 months pregnant under our ministry at Morning Light. Both cases have given our team a not to great view of the gov't, though we know they have restricitions due to finances and honestly help. Anyway, both, due to their were reported (in Taiwan, girls who are pregnant but under 16 must be reported), and of course it was not til MUCH later that the gov't does their job. (trying to control myself here and be Christian like!). The 17 year old we find out, her case was not as simple as "meeting someone on the internet." AND it seems that her father knew about. Unfortunately, there are more and more cases of poor young girls being used to make money for their family (another story on its own and DON'T get me started!!).
The 14yr old, she does have a GREAT gov't social worker, that I will say. This worker cared enough to call us (ok....tearing up here) and tell us...."Deana, it is has taken a turn for the worse, not what we thought. Her mom lied to all of us and made her daughter lie."***sigh***I don't know who I am more mad at.....the adult relative who did this to a special needs girl or to her mom who ignored it and had her lie!!!!!
We have never run into cases like these, and then BOOM! two at one time. Though one thing Alexia said to me "maybe God is showing us there is a need for another home". We know where the two girls are being kept at, it is a home with the gov't. They have 12 beds and right now 13 girls.......where as we have 8 beds and now down to 2 girls.........nice eh?.........so don't want to get started on that!!
That was the saddened part. The encouraged part was yesterday afternoon, a local pastor came to talk to me (well, Luke is not here) about our church being a spot for "teenager welfare"....well, not welfare as we think in the USA. Let's see (after 15yrs in Taiwan, my brain doesn't function well in English!).......it will be a small center of sorts for teens. We can have classes of all kinds but it will be a place where teens come to and we go and care about them. I am really excited!!!! Then guess what....RIGHT after the pastor left.....a former foster daughter came up on her bike walked in and hugged me!!!"Hi mommy!" ***sniff sniff*** after being with us for 3 years (had rough times, rough love), she stops by. She is still in gov't care due to some circumstances. She really wants to come back and live with us, but that is not possible. BUT she will start transitioning to dormitory for school and so that is great!!!! we have more freedom to visit her and bring her to church on Sundays....I am really excited about that!!
People will call us crazy....I call myself crazy!!....... but we just do as God leads.....no one ever said following God's will will be easy, nor did anyone say you will be rich........nope.....Satan attacks via relationships, health, finances.......you know.......pray for us as we follow God's lead. It would be great to have another missionary couple or even a native couple standing beside us. We need extra help...........where is it? pray for hearts to be burdened to come and minister to Taiwan in unusual ways:-)
This week has been hard. We have had a 17yr old who gave birth already and a 14yr old special needs student who is 7 months pregnant under our ministry at Morning Light. Both cases have given our team a not to great view of the gov't, though we know they have restricitions due to finances and honestly help. Anyway, both, due to their were reported (in Taiwan, girls who are pregnant but under 16 must be reported), and of course it was not til MUCH later that the gov't does their job. (trying to control myself here and be Christian like!). The 17 year old we find out, her case was not as simple as "meeting someone on the internet." AND it seems that her father knew about. Unfortunately, there are more and more cases of poor young girls being used to make money for their family (another story on its own and DON'T get me started!!).
The 14yr old, she does have a GREAT gov't social worker, that I will say. This worker cared enough to call us (ok....tearing up here) and tell us...."Deana, it is has taken a turn for the worse, not what we thought. Her mom lied to all of us and made her daughter lie."***sigh***I don't know who I am more mad at.....the adult relative who did this to a special needs girl or to her mom who ignored it and had her lie!!!!!
We have never run into cases like these, and then BOOM! two at one time. Though one thing Alexia said to me "maybe God is showing us there is a need for another home". We know where the two girls are being kept at, it is a home with the gov't. They have 12 beds and right now 13 girls.......where as we have 8 beds and now down to 2 girls.........nice eh?.........so don't want to get started on that!!
That was the saddened part. The encouraged part was yesterday afternoon, a local pastor came to talk to me (well, Luke is not here) about our church being a spot for "teenager welfare"....well, not welfare as we think in the USA. Let's see (after 15yrs in Taiwan, my brain doesn't function well in English!).......it will be a small center of sorts for teens. We can have classes of all kinds but it will be a place where teens come to and we go and care about them. I am really excited!!!! Then guess what....RIGHT after the pastor left.....a former foster daughter came up on her bike walked in and hugged me!!!"Hi mommy!" ***sniff sniff*** after being with us for 3 years (had rough times, rough love), she stops by. She is still in gov't care due to some circumstances. She really wants to come back and live with us, but that is not possible. BUT she will start transitioning to dormitory for school and so that is great!!!! we have more freedom to visit her and bring her to church on Sundays....I am really excited about that!!
People will call us crazy....I call myself crazy!!....... but we just do as God leads.....no one ever said following God's will will be easy, nor did anyone say you will be rich........nope.....Satan attacks via relationships, health, finances.......you know.......pray for us as we follow God's lead. It would be great to have another missionary couple or even a native couple standing beside us. We need extra help...........where is it? pray for hearts to be burdened to come and minister to Taiwan in unusual ways:-)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Rejoicing in HIM.....
Today, I was able to finally find some quiet time with the Lord. I will be quite honest and tell you that unfortunately, this has been rare lately. It seems like Satan always finds something to distract me, and well, I fall easily. But so thankful that today I was reading in Psalms 4 and 5 and read this (though I'd like to put all of it up, I will spare you, go read it yourself:p): 11But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
For some of you, you might understand why this is so special. It was a great reminder today to keep trusting in HIM and HIM alone! And how to keep trusting? by rejoicing, be joyful...shout for joy!!! God defends us, why should we be afraid.
We have had some situations lately. I will be honest, it has been hard when someone, whether a moron doctor or a freshout of college social worker picks on a momma. We recently have had a few mommas that are underage. Due to their age, the gov't here labels it as "s3x abuse" and on behalf of the "child" (momma) try to find and press charges. I so agree and understand that, I do, really. BUT why is it that they do nothing at the time of the report? they do not see if the momma is getting prenatals, or her environment is safe and healthy.........why do they wait til 2-3 weeks AFTER baby is born to start the process? just for DNA? seriously people.
We have our mommas a short time. We not only work on the physical and spiritual side of things,but habits. We had one momma who never had a mom, her dad and brothers, well you get the point. Female hygeine was never taught, she never had a mother. Praise the Lord while here some of her habits have changed. Not only that, she was here only a month and people have noticed a change in her. She is happy and sharing and really starting to think!!! Now she instead of putting things behind her and moving forward, she has to be put back in time. I am rather annoyed............NO.ONE.MESSES.WITH.MY.MOMMAS!!!!
We are hopefully going to start our fundraiser soon. So if you know of any companies who are interested in donating equipement (laptop, ipod;p, kindle, books, jewelry,etc.) anything, please contact me and I will put you to the right person.
We are also working on our framed art and tshirts......so keep watching!! (for the life of me I cannot get this smaller!!! sorry!!!) look below please:
The framed art is as follows: $35US/framed art not including shipping
Choose:
1. Taiwan print to be in : Hakka, Minnan, aborigine (name the tribe)
2. Top left corner to say: Taiwan or family names in Chinese, or family surname
3. Bottom right corner to say: Hakka,Minnan, aborigine tribe, or family surname, or just Taiwan
**the picture above has 1: Hakka print 2.family names 3. Taiwan
Please email me about your order, we have already gotten lots of requests!!!
For some of you, you might understand why this is so special. It was a great reminder today to keep trusting in HIM and HIM alone! And how to keep trusting? by rejoicing, be joyful...shout for joy!!! God defends us, why should we be afraid.
We have had some situations lately. I will be honest, it has been hard when someone, whether a moron doctor or a freshout of college social worker picks on a momma. We recently have had a few mommas that are underage. Due to their age, the gov't here labels it as "s3x abuse" and on behalf of the "child" (momma) try to find and press charges. I so agree and understand that, I do, really. BUT why is it that they do nothing at the time of the report? they do not see if the momma is getting prenatals, or her environment is safe and healthy.........why do they wait til 2-3 weeks AFTER baby is born to start the process? just for DNA? seriously people.
We have our mommas a short time. We not only work on the physical and spiritual side of things,but habits. We had one momma who never had a mom, her dad and brothers, well you get the point. Female hygeine was never taught, she never had a mother. Praise the Lord while here some of her habits have changed. Not only that, she was here only a month and people have noticed a change in her. She is happy and sharing and really starting to think!!! Now she instead of putting things behind her and moving forward, she has to be put back in time. I am rather annoyed............NO.ONE.MESSES.WITH.MY.MOMMAS!!!!
We are hopefully going to start our fundraiser soon. So if you know of any companies who are interested in donating equipement (laptop, ipod;p, kindle, books, jewelry,etc.) anything, please contact me and I will put you to the right person.
We are also working on our framed art and tshirts......so keep watching!! (for the life of me I cannot get this smaller!!! sorry!!!) look below please:
The framed art is as follows: $35US/framed art not including shipping
Choose:
1. Taiwan print to be in : Hakka, Minnan, aborigine (name the tribe)
2. Top left corner to say: Taiwan or family names in Chinese, or family surname
3. Bottom right corner to say: Hakka,Minnan, aborigine tribe, or family surname, or just Taiwan
**the picture above has 1: Hakka print 2.family names 3. Taiwan
Please email me about your order, we have already gotten lots of requests!!!
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