Spring in Hawaii!

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

Life is happening on the base! We are currently running a CBCC (Chronological Bible Core Course), which is our 3-month version of our 9-month CSBS (Chronological School of Biblical Studies). Eight students are currently diving into the Word, studying inductively, and learning timeless truths. We also have a group of six DTS (Discipleship Training School) students who are drawing closer to the Lord each day. They are also preparing to head to Bangladesh in just about a month!

As a base, we are desiring to be more and more involved in our local community. At the beginning of the quarter, we took part in a neighborhood stream cleaning. There is a stream that runs alongside our property, and we had the privilege of cleaning a LOT of trash out of there! Tires, old metal car parts, glass, plastics, and much more. We had done this previously in February, as well, and were so surprised to find that there was still a lot of trash to pull out. 

On our way to clean and super excited!

This group was not afraid to get a little dirty!

In late April, we volunteered through the week at Noelani Elemantary. They were preparing for their 50th Anniversary PTA fundraiser. Our staff and students turned out to help make Haku leis, as well as serving in various arenas on the day of the event; everything from selling food and directing drivers in the parking lot, to taking care of kids. We all had a such a blast!

I am still serving as Personnel Director for YWAM Honolulu. This quarter, I have also been blessed to be leading the base staff women's small group. I love pouring into people who are blessing, serving and pouring into others! These women are beautiful. In addition to this, I am also teaching a small group within the DTS for the female staff and students for the next month. Our subject is regarding finding our identity in the Lord; no small feat to teach! I am honored to lead this time, and would love your prayers!

Provision From The Lord & Personal Life

God continues to bless me with His abundant provision! This past week, my cousin Amy came to visit me, which was a blessing in and of itself. My car was having some issues, and the problem was diagnosed as the starter. Not what I was hoping to hear. I knew I had some work on my car I was needing to get done soon, but the starter was not on the list! Amy graciously paid for the full bill, including all of the supplies for everything else that needed fixing! I have wonderful friends on the base who are willing to put in the labor, and really only needed the parts. Such a blessing!

I also just got my notice from Quest medical insurance (Hawaii state insurance) that my benefits will continue this year! I had to send renewal papers & bank statements a couple of months ago, and had not heard back until now. I am so grateful for wonderful medical!

ALSO...I am heading to Germany for a short-term outreach! A friend of mine has been invited to speak in the DTS at the Herrnhut, Germany base for two weeks in October. When I heard about this, something (Holy Spirit) started stirring inside me. I really wanted to go with her! When she accepted the invitation a couple of days later and told me to begin praying the finances in for me to go, I realized I should probably ask God if this was in His plan for me. I honestly really expected Him to say no. But...He said YES! I had no idea how the finances would come in, but knew if He was calling me to do this, He would provide. Before the outreach was official, I already had half of the airfare in! God is so faithful. So, in October, I will be heading to Germany as an administrative assistant to my friend, worship leader, intercessor, and prayer ministry helper. I am so grateful to be blessed to serve my friend and the DTS students, in Herrnhut, Germany in the ways I most love; through prayer and worship! I am humbled, honored, and so unbelievably grateful for this life with my Jesus! I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I prepare spiritually and financially for this outreach. 

Life with Kim

As I shared in my lost post, I moved off base to live with a good friend of mine, and YWAM Honolulu's,  who is currently fighting cancer. Kim was in need of physical help at home, and I strongly felt the Lord's leading back in December to move in with her in March. 

I have now been living with Kim for nearly 3 months. Practically, I have been taking care of grocery shopping, light cleaning, laundry, cooking, and driving Kim to appointments, as well as helping to be a communication point for Kim's family in regards to her physical progress. Personally, Kim and I have grown a great friendship. She has incredible wisdom, grace, and humility. I am challenged by her faith and heart to bless others in the midst of her current trials. She has an incredible love for and trust in the Lord. We pray nearly every night together, believing God for physical healing, as well as movement in our lives in every aspect. We have seen miracles happen through prayer, and have been mutually blessed. 

I have no plans, at this point, to leave. Kim is still in need, and God continues to give me grace and the desire to serve, bless, and be blessed in this home. I ask for continued prayers for both Kim and myself. Healing, grace, kindness. Really, anything Holy Spirit leads you to pray. 

God is good!

Blessings!

~ Megan

Moving Off Base!

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

As I had mentioned in January's post, we have begun rebuilding projects on the Honolulu base! We have been truly blessed by people who have volunteered time, skills, and finances to help us move along in this project. Our office building is on its way to being a much safer building to work in! Yay!

We graduated those 40 students from the September quarter DTS, in mid-February, and will welcome some of them back to do the 9-month CSBS (Chronological School of Biblical Studies) in July! We also are well underway with our January quarter DTS and KDTS (Korean DTS) as they are diving deeper into their personal relationships with the Lord through lectures, worship, prayer, and reaching out to our local Oahu community. It is so fun having them on base! 

Provision From The Lord & Personal Life

I was able to join my YWAM friends in Langley, BC, Canada last week to stand up with two wonderful friends of mine as they said "I do" to one another! The Lord released me to plan for this trip last year, and I am so glad He did! Not only was it a blessing and honor to be in their wedding, but I was able to see other YWAM friends I hadn't seen in years, and able to make my way to Seattle for a family and friends visit! 

So, here I am in Seattle! I arrived Sunday late morning, only to begin feeling ill Sunday afternoon! Yesterday (Wednesday) I finally started feeling better. God's plans are often much different than ours. I had planned to visit with friends on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then to visit family in eastern WA from Thursday to Saturday. I cancelled those plans, partially due to health, and largely due to God's calling to REST and be with Him. And, what a wonderful time I have had! Fresh strength and renewed vision for a big upcoming change! 

Speaking of Change!

When I arrive back in Honolulu next week, I will begin packing up my room and will move off base on Friday, March 8th. One our YWAM Honolulu's elders, and dear friend of mine, has been battling cancer for the last few years. The cancer was found to have metastasized into her bones this past summer. She has been pursuing treatments and is still of great faith that God can heal her, as am I! 

However, the present reality of her physical health is that she needs help. Her husband passed away four years ago after his long battle with cancer. And, her sisters and brother live on the mainland. They have been so supportive, traveling to spend weeks at a time with her. But, her need for someone longer term has increased. The Lord put it on my heart in December to move in with her and help take care of her present needs. Through tons of prayer and wonderful counsel, I have made the decision to make the  move! 

What I am learning from this situation is ongoing. He continues to remind me that I need to rely on people. I cannot do this alone. I need a support system around me as I begin to take on the responsibility of caring for my friend. That is where you all come in! As you feel led, I would ask for you to please partner with me in prayer. Prayer for my friend's healing, and prayer that I will have wisdom (both from outside counsel & divine moment-by-moment wisdom) to know what God has called me to pick up and what He has not. 

My job as Personnel Director will remain the same. I will now be commuting to the base for meetings. However, I am very aware that this move will greatly affect my life. 

There is so much more I could say. So much more the Lord is teaching me, even as I enter into this. So, if you would like to know more, please feel free to ask! As I head into this new season, I am full of faith and hope for God's healing in my friend's life, as well as continued healing in mine.

Blessings!

~ Megan

A Fresh Year 

Oahu Sunrise

A new year! As I walked around the Manoa Valley neighborhood on New Year's Day, I was reminded that His mercies are truly new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). While I am grateful for the beginning of a fresh year, the newness, excitement, and expectation it brings, I am also so glad that I only have to wait 24 hours for fresh mercy! (And, I'd say our good God is probably willing to supply that new mercy just about any time of the day). :) Just a little food for thought...and our souls. 

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

YWAM Honolulu commissioned out four teams of 8 staff and 40 students to southeast Asia at the end of December. We also were able to celebrate with 12 incredibly relieved School of Biblical Studies (SBS) students as they graduated from their nine months of intensive Bible study. A few of them are now off in Asia - as well as one who stayed in Hawaii - teaching others how to inductively study the Bible! 

After a couple weeks of vacation (time of which I spent with my Dad; our first Hawaiian Christmas!), YWAM Honolulu picked back up on December 31st, ready to prepare our base for the new group of students we will be receiving this coming week! We are currently expecting 26 English DTS students, as well as 12 Korean DTS students! Our base is also preparing to undergo some major construction. We will be repairing our main office building, which includes two attached family houses. During this season we will be blessed with the hard-working hands volunteering to help us complete this project in a timely and cost-effective manner. If you, or someone you know, may be desirous to volunteer their professional contracting, plumbing, electrical, etc skills and time (a couple weeks) in the upcoming months, please contact me! :)

Provision from the Lord & Personal Life

During the last weekend of December, 2012, I was blessed with a friend's apartment as she and her husband were visiting family on the mainland. Peace and quiet gave me the opportunity to reflect on the past year, God's faithfulness, and fresh expectations for 2013. 

In 2011, I had spent Christmas and New Year's in Taiwan with my amazing outreach team. On New Year's Eve, I had treated myself to Starbucks and began journaling the incredible things God had taught me in 2011. After praising Him for these marvelous works, I then began dreaming big dreams for 2012. Here are the specific requests I wrote down that I have seen the Lord fulfill!!

Snappin' a pic of the view from my Taiwan Starbucks!

     - "I want to grow in my gifting of intercession"

           And, I have ! God has given me more of a desire to intercede, for friends, family, and others. He has

           put people in my life who are gifted and experienced in the area of intercession. People who see this

           similar gifting in me, and have been able to help encourage and challenge this in me.

    - "I want past friends to receive Your love this summer at my high school reunion."

           I was able to go to my reunion! Something I had never quite expected to want to do. It was so 

           wonderful to be able to catch up with old friends. To hear what is happening in their lives. To listen.

           Though I wish I had been able to spend more time, I believe the Lord used this. God, I ask that You

           would continue to pour out Your love on them!

    - "Free healthcare!"

           YES! I applied, and was accepted, to receive state healthcare! Thank you Jesus! This came in very 

            handy in late summer when I was able to go in for a physical. My doctor found a lump in my right 

            breast. Because of my great healthcare, I was able to get a mammogram and ultrasound, both 

            with clear results! The lump was suddenly gone (with much prayer!) and I am healthy! Praise Jesus!

    - "I want to be a Hawaiian resident!"

           Check! Earlier in 2012, I made my way to the DOL and got myself an official Hawaii state driver's 

           license! God has called me to this beautiful state, and I am excited for all the plans He has in store!

    - "$500/month in support (monthly supporters)"

           Through prayerful trust, in September, I saw this goal met! It was a goal I felt the Lord impress 

           on my heart to pray for. Though it is not always met by monthly support, somehow this provision

           continues to come in. I always have what I need, and when I need it. I have had regular supports, 

           who I am SO grateful for, many of which have little themselves. I am humbled by their support. 

           Additionally, I have seen one-time gifts that have blessed my heart exceedingly! So, THANK YOU to 

           all of you who have given when you were able and felt led! I am grateful! :)

And probably the most miraculous answered prayer/desire of the year:

My journal entry - Dec. 31st, 2011

This is what I asked for. And, God has PROVIDED! His provision may not always come in the way we expect or hope. I never dreamed 2012 would be the year I would say goodbye to my beautiful grandmother. But, I was able to say goodbye as she was welcomed into the Father's embrace. Though I did not have the privilege of watching her follow Jesus during my years of knowing her, I have great assurance from the Lord that, in her last days, she received Him. As I reflected on my hopes for 2012, I could only be astonished at the thought that the Lord had answered one of my deepest desires, and in the most perfect way; that my Grandma would have eternity with her Creator,Jesus Christ. 

As we all look forward into 2013, I urge us to listen carefully to His voice, and be expectant and prayerful for those things He puts on our hearts! He is a good, good God! If my bank account were to drop, my supporters were unable to give, my car was no more, I would still look to the God of my salvation with awe and complete trust. He is worthy! He has already paid the greatest price imaginable, that I should have LIFE with Him; abundant and eternal. I am utterly dependent on His presence, and ever grateful for the extra gifts He pours out. I receive these gifts and pray He continues to help me steward them well!

Blessings upon you and your families & friends in 2013...and today. 

Lots of love,

~Megan

    

Changes

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

YWAM Honolulu is currently full of LIFE! As the summer quarter neared an end for us in early September, my own job as Personnel Director became the busiest I had yet to experience. Anytime jobs change within our staff (new staff, staff exiting, new quarter jobs for staff, etc) my job kicks into high gear. And, September is possibly one of the biggest quarter for changes within staff. 

I was able to help welcome eleven staff to our base, as well as send off an incredibly wonderful couple who has faithfully served our base for the last four years. It was also my privilege to team up with a couple of our base leaders to plan and facilitate our September staff conference. We had a great speaker, times of worship & prayer, as well as fun & games. I am grateful to be a part of a staff community that truly feels and functions like a family. Though things are not always perfect, we run this race with like-mindedness and genuine hearts to love & serve the living God. 

We also welcomed 42 students into this September quarter. As I begin to get to know them, I truly appreciate their quick willingness to honesty, humility, and a genuine desire for Jesus. It is refreshing to be around a group of people so ready to lay down their lives to draw closer to the Lord and share the good news of God's love with others. So encouraging!

Provision from the Lord

God continues to remind me that He will always provide what I need and when I need it! I felt led to take a trip to WA specifically for my 10-year high school reunion, as well as visiting close friends and family. Though I didn't have the money to pay for my airfare when I purchased the ticket a couple of months prior, the Lord brought in ALL of the finances I needed while I was in WA. So great! 

My new 2003 Ford Focus SE! 

Additionally, while in WA, I received a phone call that my friends are able to fully hand over their car to me! I mentioned this story in a blog last year. I had been praying for a car (which few people knew about), and friends came to me saying they had prayed about what to do with their car, and felt led by the Lord to give it to me. Due to unexpected circumstances, they have been unable to release the car to me...until now! Saturday, I met up with them and got the keys to my new car! Thank you Jesus, and thank you to my two, wonderfully faithful friends! I am blessed. 

Now, I am needing continued prayer to believe that the Lord really will provide all the finances I need to maintain my new car. The car was a blessing from Him, so I know He will continue to provide what I need, and when I need it. 

Personal Life 

As I mentioned earlier, I was able to visit WA earlier this month. Though I went in full expectation of relaxation, rest, and refreshment, plans do not always happen the way we hope. After a week of traveling to my reunion, visiting family in eastern WA, and spending some much needed time with my Dad, I received a call that my grandma Marlene (mom's mom) had experienced a major stroke and was in the hospital. Over the course of about 5 days, I was able to rally my friends into prayer, as well as spend some time by my grandma's bedside in the hospital. The doctor would not operate due to my grandma's age & health, so we waited patiently as grandma passed in her own timing. I was able to pray peace and truth over her, as well as recall memories with her. For the most-part, Grandma was rarely responsive; sometimes with small hand squeezes, a joking attempt at kicking someone with her foot, or even a groggy "thank you" to the nurses. On Monday, October 8th, we said our final goodbyes as Grandma passed away. 

Me and my beautiful Grandma, Marlene, enjoying a day together in Olympia WA

I cannot even begin to describe my gratitude that I was with Grandma and my family during this time. I never could have planned for this, but the Lord knew. I believe she is at peace now, and am extremely thankful. My heart is grieved to not have her here anymore, but I am hopeful for a day when I will see her again. Until then, I love and will miss you greatly Grandma! 

Lots of love,

~Megan

    

He is Trustworthy!

Taiwan! So beautiful....just thought I'd post a pic from the last outreach. 

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

The April quarter came and went. And, here I am, already four weeks into the July quarter! I am still enjoying my job! After a quarter of training, I am now operating as YWAM Honolulu's Personnel Director. I am still learning to be confident in prayerful choices, as they ultimately affect others' lives. It helps to keep a fresh fear of the Lord and desire to hear His voice everyday. 

I also began stepping out more in the area of my personal giftings...one being worship! I have been attempting to grow in playing the guitar, and have had the opportunity to lead worship during a few of our corporate gatherings on base these last few months. It is a stretch for me to continue stepping out, especially as I make mistakes. But, I know that this is a passion He has created me with...and I want to use it to glorify Him and bring encouragement to others. 

One area of service to our base community that I didn't foresee was heading up the Kids' Club this quarter, which is our ministry for base & community kids during our weekly community gathering, called Launch. I, along with a few other staff, have been caring for the kids, playing with them, and helping to instill fresh views of our wonderful God. One of the highlights came as we talked about how God is love (1 John 4:8), and that we are also called to love others. We prayed with the kids, asking God to bring to each of our minds a person to love for the week. With that person in mind, they each asked Him how to love that person. And, they heard His voice! Some of them said that God was asking them to hug someone. One girl ended up helping in the kitchen over the weekend, scrubbing tables and keeping the staff company. Another said God was asking her to forgive her friend for a wrong done to her. AMAZING! I am so blessed  to be around these kids. Their honesty, purity, and genuine love is both convicting and challenging. It is my goal this quarter to love these kids, bless & serve them, and glean as much of their childlike faith as possible!

Provision from the Lord

While I continue to hope & pray for greater regular financial support, I am so grateful for all that the Lord is providing! I have all I need. And, I am blessed to live in a community that values their staff and continues to keep missionary living expenses low and doable. :) 

I am continually grateful and honored every time I receive support! Whether financial or prayerful encouragement...know that I am BLESSED!

Additionally, God provided in other creative ways this past month. My pastors here on the island were visiting the mainland for nearly 3 weeks and let me borrow their Mini Cooper! Another family visiting the mainland, let my friend and I housesit. To have quiet and an incredible view for a week, while experiencing the life of a commuter again, was such a gift! 

Personal Life 

I continue to be stretched as I am stepping into this new life with God in Hawaii. I know that this is my long-term home, and I look to Him to show me how to adapt and grow in this new environment. I have an incredible support system - emotionally and physically - here in Hawaii. While I am grateful, I am having to learn to be content with the ever-changing friendships that remain in Washington. This is not easy for me, and so I look to the Lord for encouragement to continue. 

I am excited for all He is doing. It is a time of continued vulnerability with others, learning to give, not just in time or resources, but with my whole heart. I am learning to be myself, and needing the Lord to show me just who that is. I have noticed that the more I draw close to Him, experiencing His character and hearing His words, the more content I become in the adventure of life with Him. Knowing that I am who He says I am. That I am beautiful. That I am loved. That I am never alone. This is my God, and these are the words I hear from Him most often. What a good, good God we have. 

I leave you with the words that have been bringing me such encouragement lately:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will make straight your paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

    

Lots of love,

~Megan

God Is Provider!

God is provider! 

This has been such a blessing of a month. In many ways, I have been stretched and challenged. 

And, God has provided the whole way.

YWAM Honolulu Base Life

The beginning of April came with my transition into the Personnel Department, as well as purchasing food for our base kitchen. These are two completely different jobs, which makes my daily life on the base very exciting! :) Hehe.

In Personnel, I have been training specifically in the area of accepting or declining staff & volunteer applications. While I was still on this last outreach, I had begun asking the Lord for His heart & vision for these upcoming two years in Personnel. I wanted to know what God's vision was before entering into the job and learning others' visions. Well, one of the things I really sensed from Him was to be wise & seek His voice in each person who applies. That people would not just choose to be here because it is Hawaii but because God has SPOKEN to them to come, to invest, to disciple & be discipled. When we follow Jesus, we learn His voice...in the unique way He speaks to us individually. And, God has an opinion about the choices we make! Because He loves us and desires the best for us! I want to see people flourish in their positions serving here. But, more than that, I want those people to KNOW that this is where God has called them to be for a certain season. It is so important, when difficult times come, that we know God has said that this is where He has us. When we have Truth to cling to, it is more difficult to waiver when the storms come. So, that is a big part of what I am learning to walk in within the Personnel Department.

Provision from the Lord

What I really wanted to update you all on, as well, is the great provision God has been showing me! In this past month, I have had an additional person commit to supporting me monthly (financially), which is a HUGE encouragement and answer to prayer. I truly believe He has said He will provide, and He has been! In addition to that, I was accepted this past week on Hawaii's medical coverage plan for low-income families! Huge praise report! Just wanted to fill you all in on this. :)

Personal Life - Healing

He also has me walking through a lot, personally. He has been teaching me to be more vulnerable in the area of my heart with others. I am in a fresh season of remembrance and grief, walking through deeper levels of healing with the Lord. This past week I celebrated what I am NOW (previously a typo...oops) referring to as my mom's birthday into Heaven. It has been 15 years since I said goodbye to my mom. But, in my almost 11 years of walking in relationship with the Lord, I have felt peace that my mom chose Jesus in the end. And, I believe I will get to see her again someday. For now, the pain of not having my mom on this earth with me is still very raw sometimes. There is a freshness to that grief, and the Lord is bringing greater healing through it, as well as greater levels of joy! Because He is the God who will:

    "comfort all who mourn,

³                                   and provide for those who grieve [...]

to bestow on them a crown of beauty    

instead of ashes,

the oil of joy    

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise   

 instead of a spirit of despair." 

~Isaiah 61:2-3

That is who God is! And, that is what He is doing in my life right now. :) Thanks for reading!!

Lots of love,

~Megan

A new quarter!

It has been so long since I last posted an update. I've been back from my last outreach for almost 6 weeks. There has been a lot of transition on our base as I graduated my students and sent them off to their homes. Our base has also commissioned (sent out) 5 teams in the past week to 4 different countries, moved families on our base into different base houses, and prepared for the new School of Biblical Studies (SBS) that is beginning this week! We have 18 new SBS students arriving tomorrow!

I have enjoyed about a year-and-a-half of staffing the Discipleship Training School. I have had the privilege of walking through life with three different DTS schools, two of which I was honored to lead teams on outreach. I have loved my time as DTS staff. But, a new season is coming for me. I am feeling led by the Lord to take on a different role for our base, and to commit more time into building relationships in my community. I am committing to two years in the position of Personnel. Essentially, I will be responsible for knowing all of the available staffing positions on the base, placing people in those positions, and helping to continue the discipleship process with the YWAM Honolulu staff. Basically, I get to love on the staff! I get to love on the people who are loving on other people, which is one of my biggest passions and dreams. And, God is fulfilling it! In addition, this new job will allow me more time to get connected more into the Honolulu community. Yay!


As the April quarter (April-June) begins, I am going to be training more thoroughly to take on this position full-time in July, as well as helping out with purchasing food for our base kitchen. It will be a full quarter, but I am greatly looking forward to it! 

Stay tuned as I continue to fill everyone in on the goings-on of YWAM Honolulu and the greater Honolulu community. So excited about this new season!