The meaning of life in 8 words...

Know Christ. Know Life. No Christ. No life.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

FIJI 08 - the Epilogue...Part 1...Keeping it Simple...

Well it has been 2 weeks back from Fiji 08 mission...an absolutely amazing experience...a life changing experience for me and my family. An experience never to be forgotten...yet I come to understand and except that it has been an experience never to be re-visited either...for His mercies are new every morning.
There are so many things I want share...more of the miracles and healings and salvations that took place. More of the lives that were changed by the strong hand of Almighty God.But right now I will share a bit of how my life has been changed as I cannot speak for anyone else...

I recall a comment made by Tyler, a member of Team USA about what this trip to Fiji has taught him...and I quote "they (i.e. the Fijians) are simply REAL with God. And He in turn is simply REAL with them. There is no theological mumbo-jumbo, just REAL sincerity". REAL people.Facing REAL problems.Knowing that there is a REAL God. Able to meet their REAL needs. Simply put, I have experienced the attitude of "simply being REAL with God, and He in turn is REAL with them."And that is so true...

I know I mentioned it in an earlier post that we were on the receiving side of things as well. Even though we went to give them the gospel and also clothing and food, for me personally I think I received something more priceless than the physical gifts. Something that cannot be bought. Something that so easily is forgotten in the comforts, intellect, and theological debates of this life - something that I would easily give up my "life" here to go back to Fiji...

And that something is the simple rawness of a genuinely greatful heart. So precious. To me...and I am not even God...How much more to Him...?

I saw this demonstrated in the lives of people over and over and over again - Fijian natives, Indo-Fijians, the old, the young, the men, the women, the children, the young people, those who just got saved, and those who have been saved for some time...a real genuineness.

I recall this meeting we were at in Sabeto, 3pm June 22 2008. There was a small group of believers who had gathered together on the veranda of a particular family. A small veranda. With themselves, their Hindi bible, Hindi songbook and that was all. Nothing else. No musicians. No elaborate pulpit. Nothing fancy.
I do not know Hindi. I do not know the content of their prayers. But I know what it means to be feeling that you are standing on Holy Ground...Their prayers were SINCERE. GENUINE. A RAW EXPRESSION of a heart that is still in awe of a God who gave His only Son to die the most barbaric, inhumane, shameful, humiliating, painful, blood-leaking way possible. For our sins. My sins. That nailed Him to the cross. They have still not gotten "used to" this. Their salvation still has the same meaning as it did on day 1. You didn't have to understand Hindi to know they were really thanking God for who He is and what He alone can do. You could feel it. You could see it. The tears was not for show. But genuince sincerity. Tangible expression of their gratitude. Being REAL with a REAL God in a REAL way. And did God answer? Yes He did - in ways completely beyond our understanding...in addition to the 60+ souls that gave their lives to Jesus in 4 nites, there were healings and deliverances from a lady being set from Shiva, through to witchcraft curses being broken, through to chronic eyesight deterioration being restored, through to severe hearing deficiencies being healed, through to scabies rashes completely disappearing amongst so many other things...

There is something about being REAL with God. Many people did not have much material possession, if anything in some circumstances. There were some people who were financially secure - like the old man in Sabeto that owns the power station and properties in Nadi. Although being a King-pin in the community in Hinduism, this man came to the realisation that He was indeed a sinner in need of a Saviour. A Saviour that can only be Alive. A Saviour only found in Jesus Christ. But both the rich and the poor I noticed did not have all the theological understandings that are so easily accessible here in Australia. Nothing really. But they have what really matters....
GENUINESS. SINCERITY. BEING REAL with a REAL GOD.
...Complacency has not set in. Superficiality is unheard off.

An attitude of "If that is what God says, then let's do it!" Why? Why this state of complete beliefe? I think it stems for a heart of complete gratitude.

A heart that has not forgotten the cross. A heart that is still in awe of God's goodness and love demostrated on the cross. Love never expressed before. Love never expressed afterwards. A heart that although accepts the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation, still feels contrite to know that it was me who put Jesus there. A deep sense of gratitude.

And then with the dawning that death could not keep its hold over Jesus. That He is alive. That the tomb, with its big rock, Pontius Pilate's seal and the Roman soldiers could not keep Jesus in the grave. But He is Alive! ALIVE! This gives way to exuberant thankfulness. And combined with a sincerely greatful heart of gratitude, together this produces FAITH. REAL FAITH. EXPECTANT FAITH. The REAL stuff. The stuff that matters. The stuff that God is looking for. Not for show. Not because they were coerced into it. Not because it is the "right" thing to say or do. Not because someone tells them to do it. Not because it is the "Christian" thing to say or do. None of that. Simply because they REALLY believed.

As I said earlier - No superficiality. Jus the real deal. With a REAL God. Who REALLY wants to meet our REAL needs...

If Jesus Christ -THE Son of God. THE Messiah. THE Name above all Names. The Blessed Redeemer. Immanuel. THE Rescue for Sinners. THE Ransom from Heaven. THE Lord of All. (words adapted from Jesus Messiah by Chris Tomlin & Daniel Carson). Could take my place on a dirty, rough, splinter-producing cross. With large rough metal triangular shaped spikes hammered through His wrists and feet. With His face completely ripped off His face. If He Jesus Christ with His sharp thorny crown and back completely bare from the whipping. With spine exposed. With kidneys lacerated. Who would have had His inner organs ripped apart from the sword that plunged into the sac around His heart gushing out blood and water. If He Jesus Christ could go through the most blood-leaking death possible. And still arise up from the dead and have this huge boulder roll away for Him, then shouldn't I give Him credit where it is due...?
That regardless of the situation, and what seems like happening, and who seems to be happening...if He is in my boat, isn't He all I need? I know this concept is nothing new to many of us, yet I have fully come to understand how this concept as "a way of life" really works.

All that I have is from Him.
And all of my succession are because of Him.
So is there any real reason to worry in times of need? No...

I am full of expectant sincere faith. Nothing superficial. Nothing artificial. No fake fur. But the real deal.

I hope you feel inspired too.

:)anneline

Thursday, July 10, 2008

What can I say? How do you describe the indescribable God? - date 02/07/08

Here is another blog compiled during Fiji mission - date 02/07/08 - unfortunately internet difficulties and computer time restraints prevented me from posting this while there...

Blog date: 02/07/08

“Well what can I say? What can I do? But offer this heart oh God completely to You” (lyrics from The Stand by Joel Houston).
This is fast developing into one of the most memorable moments in my life. Definitely the highlight of this year to date. Up there with the trips to South Africa and Mauritius.

God is so good. Too good. Uncomprehendably good.

We’ve been doing village visits to the poor village visits around Navoua. And in more ways than one it has been a blessing all persons involved – we have all been on the receiving end...

One thing about the people we have visited is that they may not have everything materially – in some circumstances if anything at all...but they are focused on what is more important – relationships with family. They are so open and accepting to allowing us into their homes and hearing the gospel message. Although there have been some who have not accepted the invitation to the meetings, there have been so many others who have come and heard the Gospel and received Christ.

On Tuesday we and the Nova students went to visit and orphanage just outside Nausori. Although the bulk of the 38 residents were away at school we were able to spend time with 6 disabled/special needs children. It was sad to learn that the majority of the children had parents but were simply abandoned at birth. But at this home you could see that they were well cared for and loved by the staff.

Yesterday (Wednesday 2/7/08) – was rather spectacular. It started with village visits. The families were open and welcoming. But one household – the man of the house – was rather intrigued and taken aback by the sacrifice that Jesus did on the cross for us. Although he claimed to be a Methodist, he acknowledged that he did not fully serve the Lord. But what intrigued me is that most people although they knew the ‘textbook’ answer as to “Do you know who Jesus is? Why did He come to earth? What is Jesus doing now?” – with responses such as “He is God’s Son; He died on the cross for our sins; He is in heaven now” – the reality of such questions as to who Jesus really is and what He really had to go through on the cross to bear our sins and that He is actually in heaven continually praying for us daily – that really hit them. When I described the suffering that Christ went through on the cross for our sins – the fact that His back was ripped open to the extent you could see His ribs and spine...that His kidneys were cut apart...that the crown of thorns ripped His head and temples open...that when the soldiers pulled of Jesus beard they ripped of the skin and flesh with it so He was “defaced”...that the nails used were not nails that we know of but really large coarse iron spikes in the shape of a long pyriamid...and that when the sword pierced His side it also cut His internal organs such as His lungs as it plunged into the sac surrounding His heart to release the blood and water...that really clicked with them...

That really made them stop and think...Jesus did this for me...

One man really opened up about is alcohol problems etc. Another really staunch Hindu lady with all the paraphernalia clearly placed outside her home and inside, with a big dot and ashes on her head – came last nite to the meeting. She simply lapped up everything we told her in her home – and although she clearly mentioned that other Christians had come to her house etc, and she had heard it all before – her eyes became watery when she realised that Jesus did that for her...to the extent she came to the meeting.

We went for a walk around Navoua praying in the streets and one word. WOW! In one stretch there were 3 Hindu temples within 5 mins walk of each other. We took authority over these spirits and really prayed for God to bring the people in.

What has been so great is seeing the people we have witnessed to come to the meetings...and some give their lives to Christ.

Today was another village visit and outreach service this morning...but gotta go – talk more about that in the next post.

Thanks for the prayers-God is answering. Tumours, cysts, growths are dissolving, ears are opening, homosexuals are being set free, adulterers and fornicators are repenting – and to top it off lives are coming to Christ. Which is the most important miracle. The reason why we are here.

anneline

God is Great - Navua 29/06/08

These blogs were done while in Fiji - however I was not able to load it up due to internet issues and then being unable to use the memory stick to transfer files to a computer with the internet...but here they are now.

Blog date: 29/06/08

Hi everyone,
Truly the scripture “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. For Christ came not into the world to condemn the T
God is so great. He is so awesome. He is so mighty. He is all powerful. We truly worship the highly lifted glorified Christ. He is so good – we will never be able to know His majesty.
Sunday was totally awesome. God has answered our prayers to the tee and above what we asked for.
We have been praying for souls souls souls souls souls...and souls have been added to the Kingdom of God.
During the morning service there were 4 people who surrendered to the Lord – 3 hindu’s & 1 Fijian lady.
There were 28 kids aged between 8 and 14 who gave their lives to Christ – quite a few with tears streaming down their faces. There were many adults – Fijians & Indo-Fijians who gave their lives to Christ.
Additionally there was so many healings and deliverances with so many people in every facet of life. One of the more notable miracles that is stuck in my mind is that off a
The Kingdom of God is in full manifestation.
Village visits are happening in this community – and it is truly a great witnessing opportunity – with people coming to the meetings.
Please keep praying – God is not just ‘in the house’ but also in the villages.
Anneline

Friday, July 4, 2008

Navoua to date...Jesus is here...

Well Navoua has been pretty full on...village visits during the day and rally at nite...

But all good none the less.

There have been quite a few people who have gotten saved during this time of the rally. Over 70 people for sure...

One one nite there were 28 kids between the ages 8-14 who gave their lives to Christ with tears running down their faces. Likewise there has been many adults as well.

Additionally many healings and deliverances have taken place. A homosexual got saved and delivered when he repented with tears down his face. Dad also had the opportunity of ministering on the radio - and likewise a lesbian called in repenting wanting Jesus to save and deliver her.

Many many lives have been convicted on immorality and repentance has been happening in the droves.

And as the bible says, "The signs will follow the preaching of the word of God" - and they sure have. One thing that is notable to me is a mother and daughter who both got healed. The 11 year old girl was completely deaf in her left ear from birth. Never heard before in that ear. And instantly Jesus opened it! She was so surprised - her face told more than a 1000 words! The mom had a tumoural growth of some sort in her abdomen - so much so that it was pushing her stomach out and causing severe pain. Instantly the pain stopped. She went and checked herself out and found that she could squeeze her tummy - the tumour was disappearing right there!

There have been so many kids with deafness healed - at least about 6! Last nite another little girl who had gone deaf in her right ear 6 months ago was healed immediately - she was so surprised, that with tears running down her face that she could hear, she hid behind her grandmother. A smile spread across her face.

An old man over 70 years old had severe back pains and stiffness. He really did move very slowly and stiffly. But last nite Jesus did what only Jesus can - heal the sick and set the oppressed free. This man started bowing down touching his toes, bending backwards, squatting, twisting - exercises that even some teens and young adults would have difficulty doing. God is so good. No pain whatsoever. And the smile - priceless.

The village visits have been quite amazing - people have been getting saved. They are so open to hearing the gospel.

The Nova's students and some of the team left today. Definitely miss them.

But we continue to march forward. Tomorrow there is an outreach in an Indian village at 2pm Fiji time. Please pray for this. I have never seen so many Hindu temples within 5 min walk of each other! That is definitely a stronghold here.

Talk more later.

Anneline