Filipino Nehemiah Teams: Singapore

As we prepare and pray for upcoming Nehemiah Teams for this Summer 2015, let us not forget the work God is doing through the Filipino branch of Nehemiah Teams. This upcoming month of April is an exciting time because 120+ young Filipino believers will follow Christ into the great unknown to share His message of love to those who do not know Him. It is especially exciting because we will have one of our first international destinations, Singapore. 

When we picture in our mind a Nehemiah Teams summer, living and sharing with people in one of the largest and most industrialized cities of the world is not usually what comes to mind, but this is exactly what two young Filipino Nehemiah Teams leaders will be doing in Singapore this next month. Please be in prayer for them as they help lead orientations here in the Philippines and as they go out to share the Good News in Singapore.

Pray for:

* those in Singapore that will soon be hearing the message of the gospel for the first time, that they would have open hearts ready to accept

* for those going to be able to raise financial support for air fare and living expenses in Singapore

* for travel safety to and from

* for many opportunities to share and lead Bible studies while they are on the field

Team of the Week: PacRim Agriculture TEAM MEMBER NEEDED!!!

Alleviate poverty in a practical way and show the love of Christ. A 4-man team is needed on a small farm that borders two closed countries. Help with goats and chickens, pineapples and peanuts. You may even ride an elephant and carry tracts.  

One has been assigned but he must have a partner!!!

IMB Job #: 110155  More info!! 
Location:Thailand
Team size: 1 team of 4 (male only)
Field expense:  $1045 + round-trip airfare, required travel insurance, passport costs, etc.

Dates for Summer 2015
April 15: Deadline for applications
May 28: Member orientation begins
June 2: Teams travel to the field
July 28: Teams return for debrief
July 31: Students return home

A pretty sweet deal

With a few of my students on our recent week of Outdoor Education

A few years ago, after the calling God had placed on my life to serve cross-culturally full time overseas, if you had told me I was going to be where I am now... working with Nehemiah Teams in the spread of the gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation and teaching at an international school for missionary kids... I don't think I would have believed you. Nope, I wouldn't. 

I did know that God had some great plans for me up his sleeve, and I know he still does, but I am so thankful for where he has me right now. Besides the whole "not getting paid thing," I really have it pretty great. Not only to I get to help with Nehemiah Teams, I also get to do something that I truly love but never expected to get to do on the mission field... teach History. The best part is that by teaching a subject that I love, I also get to have a Christ-filled impact on 50 teenaged "third culture kids"... many of whom do not know Jesus.

When I am not teaching, I get to be involved in mobilizing others to fullfill the Great Commission and I get to share Jesus with those who do not know him. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal doesn't it?

You should join me! Faith International Academy, where I teach, has a huge need for this coming school year including two Secondary English teachers. Check out the video below and our website, www.fia.edu.ph for more information.

-Kari

Quotes from the Heart: The Unexpected

How did this past summer compare/contrast

to your expectations?

My expectations were completely different than what my team did this summer, but in a good way. I came in thinking that my team and I would spend the summer playing basketball all the time, but we also did construction and held Bible studies. I also didn't  realize that God was going to change me as much as he did. It can be frustrating when circumstances don't go according to our plans. This summer showed me that it is better not to let expectations get in the way of what God has planned. Instead, be ready for the unexpected.

Re-building/painting school buildings damaged by recent typhoon

 

Quotes from the Heart: Lessons Learned

In what ways has God changed you through

this experience?

 
Where do I begin with this question? 

• First, my heart is changed for the people of Cebu, Philippines. 
• I have realized that God did not choose me to be one of his children just to stand on the outside looking in, but to go in to spread his Word and be a vessel for Him. 
• God has changed my whole mindset on being his servant. I still don't know exactly what that looks like for my future, but He has made that much clear.  
• My attitude has also changed in understanding the needs around me, not just in the Philippines, but also at home.  
• God has changed my prayer life and is teaching me how to study His Word while before I had been just going through the motions. These are just a few of the lessons I have learned.

Quotes from the Heart: Advice for future teams

What is some advice you have for future teams?

Immerse yourself into the community and culture of where you are for the summer; the people are much more open and friendly when they realize that you love them and care about their language and culture. Be willing to change plans at the last minute even if you don't want to because you never know what the Lord is doing around you!