Here is the following blog in two different languages: a YouTube video in American Sign Language and written English.
Before I start talking on and on, I want to let you know that I added two features to my blog, and you may either subscribe to my blog to your RSS site or receive email with my new post at the right of the blog site.
Hello! How are you doing?
It's hot here! Whoa!
I will be sharing four things: looking for a place to live in Florida, internship, coming here to Honduras, and then I will be going with Links of Hope (LoH) ministry team tomorrow.
So...I would say that I checked out five different places in Florida. You see, I was supposed to fly to Florida on Saturday; however, I missed the flight that day because of traffic. So, I went to Florida a day later, which was Sunday.
As soon as I landed in Florida and got my bags, Alissa Matiya helped me driving around to look at several places. Near the end of apartment/rental room search, I found one that was my top choice. I eventually made a decision to move into a rental room, and I will be living in a house with at least 5 bedrooms. There are two rental rooms, and I got to rent a room for $500. It's actually perfect because with $500, I was provided everything I need. I have access to family kitchen, living room, and laundry room. They also provided Internet access for me. In addition to that, it is actually only 10-minute driving to my internship. God is good! God is truly Provider! His provision is perfect!
I will tell you a bit about the family who live in that house. The owner of the house is a mother named Sharene, and she has a son and daughter. The son's name is Ryan, and the daughter's name is Crystina. Sharene has her mother lives with them as well, so she's basically grandmother. There are four of family members and me living in the house.
Crystina, who is the daughter, and her boyfriend were excited to learn American Sign Language. They impressed me because I was surprised that they were eager to meet me despite of my deafness. Ryan, who is the son, usually play video game all day and night in the garbage. So, I didn't get to know him much. I talked a bit with the grandmother, and she's actually kind enough to invite me over for dinner for July 4th. Grandmother made delicious dinner ^.^
When I entered the house, I saw that everything inside is decorated with African style. There are several decorative African animals and pottery blend with African-like color painting. It's quite beautiful house! Another interesting thing is that the color of the exterior house is pink.
Now, you can see how God is awesome Provider. When I was in New Jersey, I was quite concerned about whether or not I will find a place to live on time? I decided to put my faith in Him, and the result was that everything worked out! Not only that, but also Sharene was quite kind. She told me that since I will not live in the rental room much during the month of July, I don't need to start paying the rent until August and can save some money for the trip to Honduras. She said she wanted a hundred dollar as spot-secured deposit to know that I will be coming back. I did pay a hundred dollar, and it was easy! Again, this showed me that God is good! ^.^
I want to tell you something about the internship. Linda, who is the owner of the group home, overlooks Living Prosperous, Inc. I learned that Linda was actually the first person to provide group home for the Deaf clients in the state of Florida, and Living Prosperous is relative new business. In fact, I was impressed with Linda for initiating the group home because she was not quite familiar with Deaf culture, Deaf community, or even American Sign Language (ASL).
We had communicated through email, and then some woman sent me email from Prosperous Living Inc. Her name is Michaela, and I assumed that she was a middle-aged woman with some of kids. We also had communicated through email. Then, we finally arranged to meet, she came over since I didn't own a car.
So, she drove to where I was provided a place to sleep for a few nights before moving out to the renal room. As I opened the door to greet Michaela, I was shocked to see that she was much younger than I expected. So, I asked her how old she is, and she told me she's 18. I was like oh? She's 18 and I'm 22.
I found out that her positive is sort of manager of the group home. Later, I got to meet Shannon, who is Michaela's mother, at Starbucks just to drink and discuss any matter related to the home group. I also later found out that Linda is actually Michaela's grandmother. I realized that the group home for the Deaf is actually family-owned business. Isn't it interesting? Michaela is relative fluent in ASL, and Shannon is able to pick up signs pretty well, and Linda is currently learning ASL. It's rare to see a hearing family who actually knows ASL!
There is another evidence of why God is good. You see, Prosperous Living Inc. was established not too long ago, and I happened to need an internship. God led me to find an internship in Florida. God has a perfect timing for everything!
Let me see...what do I have next to share...?? Hmmm...ah yes...
Let's talk about Links of Hope. I will be starting the journey with Links of Hope tomorrow. Oh wait wait...I want to rewind...I want to share about Honduras first!
I came here to Honduras to visit mi familia for 10 days. I actually enjoy being here in Honduras, and there are two things I have enjoyed the most. One was Honduran plates because it is homemade food. I am fond of Honduran noontime meal because it's actually the most important meal of the day here in Honduras. Therefore, lunch meal was prepared with "love labor", you know? Honduran plates are unique, just different from American food. Besides, it's healthier simply because it is homemade.
Two was spend time talking with mi familia. I love to talk with my hermanos (Spanish for "siblings") and mamá. We actually communicate in Spanish using a notepad and a pen. I especially like to talk with my hermano (brother) because he often took time to talk with me. Sometimes, my hermanita (younger sister) still didn't finish her college courses, and my mom was doing errands. It would be just us for lunchtime. We talked and eat lunch together. That was my favorite part being with him.
Oh, you may click the following link to check out the pictures, which I uploaded through Facebook. Those pictures were taken at a place where there were large pools that were spring-fed. My tío (uncle), mi familia, and I drove two hours to that place and swam there. It was worth the 2-hour driving because it was fun! Afterward, we went to see waterfall. I was surprised to find that there is a waterfall here in Honduras! It was neat to see waterfall =)
So, you can click the following link to check out the pictures:
Now, let's talk about Links of Hope haha...
Tomorrow in the morning, I will be going to San Pedro Sula (SPS), which is a large industrial city, from here in small town. It will be an hour driving to SPS. I think we will first eat lunch with la familia and possibly my friends and then I will meet the ministry team. I believe there are 7 members of that team. I am excited about that. I think I will be meeting them at 2pm or 1:30pm...just after lunchtime. LoH team and I will be riding on the bus to the capital city named Tegucigalpa.
We will be at Tegucigalpa at nighttime. For the rest of the following week, we will be meeting deaf students. We will also work and encourage those deaf students. I'm excited to see how God will work through the ministry team to impact them. It is my hope to show them our love and to help them understand the Gospel. Hopefully, some of them will be saved. However, may the will be done in God's Hands. I'm excited about how God will use me to make difference in those deaf students, and God might use the students to change me as well.
I'm ready to serve deaf Honduras while giving my heart wholly to God.
I will share in the next video about how God work through me, how does the dynamic of the ministry appear, who are these members of the ministry team, and I might take a picture of the ministry team. I'm excited about that.
Now, you know what's up with my life. Have a good day...or night...see you later!
Azael
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gospel. Show all posts
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Overall WWSP experience
I decided to film myself signing my overall experience at Wildwood because American Sign Language (ASL) is my first language. I want to be able to express my experience in my native language. Also, I translated ASL into English for those who are not familiar with ASL.
Just so that you know that I filmed myself without much edit and typed English with little thought about grammar.
You may view the following video or read English written blog just below the video.
Hello, my name is Azael, and you may call me Auzy if you wish.
Well, I am going to share my experience about Wildwood Summer Project (WWSP). First, I will explain what is summer project, which is sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ (C3). C3 organization can be found in various colleges here in America with their mission of equipping college students. That way, college students will be capable of leading Bible study, reaching to those who do not know the Gospel, and encouraging other students to have personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus, the mission of C3 focuses on American college students.
Anyway, C3 has a program called summer project all over the world, including South America, East Asia, Europe, and America. God led me to apply to Wildwood, which is located in south of New Jersey.
Now, I will share three main patterns in my experience of WWSP.
The first will be Gospel. Gospel means Good News. That is, it is all about Jesus who was sent to the earth cleansed our sins with His precious holy blood to reconcile us to our God the Father.
I learned that...you see, I was a staff-student and in staff training before the arrival of the students for WWSP.
Okay, this is off-topic for a moment, I am currently here in Honduras, Central America visiting my family and then join a ministry team at a vocational school for the Deaf in Tegucigalpa (the capital city of Honduras). So, I am currently in Honduras, and I was in Florida for a short time. Before moving to Florida, I was in New Jersey. Just so that you know where in the time I am at this moment.
During the staff training, I learned that Gospel is not only for those who do not know God personally, but also for those who have relationship with God. These believers are to continue to grow through the Gospel. I saw that Gospel can be used to draw unbelievers into having relationship with Jesus Christ and can be also used for personal growth in faith. The Gospel will reveal that I am broken, horrible, sinful and that I am in need of His help.
So, it's a good reminder for me to know that not only unbelievers need Jesus Christ, but believers need Jesus in their lives daily. Moreover, the Gospel has grace, and grace allows me to fail. Yes, you understand what I just said. Grace allows me to fail. God knows that we are humans, which it's inevitable to fail. We fall short of perfection.
The Jesus is the only perfectionist in the world. He was born under the law and was able to follow God's Laws. We are not capable of following all of the laws. Jesus did not, not even one second, turn right or left from the law. For this reason, Jesus is the righteous man. What's more is that Jesus loves us so much that He is willing to die for our sins. Imagine this: Jesus exchange for His most holy robe that is as white as snow for our robes that contained of holes and dirt. Our robes are basically like a large rag.
If we humble ourselves and give our sins to Jesus who will freely accept it, we will be given the holy robe. We will be clothe in Jesus' righteousness; therefore, we will shine. For this reason, God will see us as the righteous people.
**you may see my odd gesture to signal that I don't know to communicate with my mamá (mother in Spanish to indicate that she is my biological mother) that I don't know where is her cell phone**
I was interrupted. Anyway, I am clothed with Jesus' righteousness. God will always see me as the righteous man despite of mistakes I may make in the future. He knows that I desire to be like His Beloved Son, so He allow me to make mistakes in order to grow in faith. This is important message for me. It's a good reminder.
Now, the second would be about masculinity. I wish there is a sign for masculinity. Anyway, one significant lesson for me regarding the masculinity is its definition in relation with any women (girlfriend, mother, sisters, sisters in Christ, female non-believers). It is my responsible as a man to protect, lead, and provide for these women. For example, I am to protect a woman by setting limit on how much I share about myself with this woman. That way, I will not allow the woman to become connected to me emotionally; otherwise, the woman who become emotional connected to me may be hurt because she discovered that I do not intend to initiate a romantic relationship with her. I am to protect my heart and her heart to maintain healthy relationship between the woman and I.
I am also to provide for a woman. For example, this woman may have needs that I can meet, seek advice, or is stuck in a situation from which I can get her out.
Now, about lead as my responsibility, I need to be initiative, and women's role is to support whatever I am initiating. For example, I can lead a group by starting with a prayer, and women agree with my initiative action. Men's role is to be a leader.
Again, the significant lesson regarding masculinity is at the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, protect, and provide for women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships.
Finally, the next thing I will be sharing is community. I came to see that community is actually important. It's funny because God taught me the importance of having personal relationships with individuals. God is now teaching me the importance of, what it seems to be broader level in terms of relationship, community. You see, last summer, I went to Wildwood Summer Project as a student. Now, I returned to WWSP as a staff-intern, and I thought I already know what I had learned from last summer. However, I discovered that there was actually more to learn.
I'm grateful for His leading through my life in His gentleness and love. I now understand that community is important because it is composed of many personal relationships that are connected to each other. Community is also important because the community already accept who I am no matter how awful my past was or how many I may make mistakes in the future. The community will mirror me to show my mistakes in order to encourage me to become a better person. Therefore, community can be your accountability.
God has a perfect timing because I learned the importance of community before moving to Florida. There in Florida, I will be starting a new life probably for a while. I will build a new whole community in Clearwater, Florida, especially with deaf people. I have heard that Deaf community is large in Clearwater, Florida. I may be able to build a community of hearing people as well.
Besides, I will be going on a mission trip in Honduras with those who are from a church in Florida. Since I'm here in Honduras, I will meet the ministry team and then go to Tegucigalpa to minister deaf students at a vocational school. While I will be on the mission trip, I ought to make effort to get to know each of the team members to have a good community in Honduras.
Actually, I want to share briefly about comforting verses.
You see, as time to leave New Jersey approached faster and faster, I was worried about purchasing a used car, finding a place to live, and planning Honduran trip with only 4-day period of settling down in Florida.
I was usually not becoming stressed quite easily. However, in this situation, I became stressed quickly and was a bit more stressed than usual. Fortunately, God has shown me the verse, which is Genesis 18:14. It said "Is anything too hard for the Lord?".
You may obviously answer, "No!" to the question. You may want to ask the very question when you are in situation where it is beyond your fathom of the definition of impossible. In this case, it forced me to turn to God for His provision, power, wisdom, and more.
So yahh.
Also, I want to share another comforting verse, which is Exodus 1:12. It said "But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became"
It's good reminder for me to know that although I was in such situation where I felt like I was oppressed as I tried to plan things in advance. I wanted to give up and see how things will work out by themselves. However, God showed me that I need to learn to put my trust in His capability to make everything work out to benefit me. That is, to put me in such difficult trail where I need to turn to Him and focus on Him as I get through the trails. I realized that the outcome of getting through the trails produce stronger faith, which may prepare me for the future much more difficult trails.
Okay...so that's three main things of my experience at Wildwood Summer Project in addition to my encounter with comforting verses, which God showed me.
I was supposed to share significant events at Wildwood Summer Project weekly, but then I became quite busy with the job of staff-intern. I was also busy with other things.
There you go. You now know what's my overall experience at Wildwood Summer Project.
If you wish to contact me, go ahead and contact me =)
Before I go, I want you to keep pursuing God's heart because He will provide true peace, love, and joy. Everything you imagine will be surpassed by God's blessings for your life.
Well, have a good night!
Peace out!
Azael
Just so that you know that I filmed myself without much edit and typed English with little thought about grammar.
You may view the following video or read English written blog just below the video.
Hello, my name is Azael, and you may call me Auzy if you wish.
Well, I am going to share my experience about Wildwood Summer Project (WWSP). First, I will explain what is summer project, which is sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ (C3). C3 organization can be found in various colleges here in America with their mission of equipping college students. That way, college students will be capable of leading Bible study, reaching to those who do not know the Gospel, and encouraging other students to have personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus, the mission of C3 focuses on American college students.
Anyway, C3 has a program called summer project all over the world, including South America, East Asia, Europe, and America. God led me to apply to Wildwood, which is located in south of New Jersey.
Now, I will share three main patterns in my experience of WWSP.
The first will be Gospel. Gospel means Good News. That is, it is all about Jesus who was sent to the earth cleansed our sins with His precious holy blood to reconcile us to our God the Father.
I learned that...you see, I was a staff-student and in staff training before the arrival of the students for WWSP.
Okay, this is off-topic for a moment, I am currently here in Honduras, Central America visiting my family and then join a ministry team at a vocational school for the Deaf in Tegucigalpa (the capital city of Honduras). So, I am currently in Honduras, and I was in Florida for a short time. Before moving to Florida, I was in New Jersey. Just so that you know where in the time I am at this moment.
During the staff training, I learned that Gospel is not only for those who do not know God personally, but also for those who have relationship with God. These believers are to continue to grow through the Gospel. I saw that Gospel can be used to draw unbelievers into having relationship with Jesus Christ and can be also used for personal growth in faith. The Gospel will reveal that I am broken, horrible, sinful and that I am in need of His help.
So, it's a good reminder for me to know that not only unbelievers need Jesus Christ, but believers need Jesus in their lives daily. Moreover, the Gospel has grace, and grace allows me to fail. Yes, you understand what I just said. Grace allows me to fail. God knows that we are humans, which it's inevitable to fail. We fall short of perfection.
The Jesus is the only perfectionist in the world. He was born under the law and was able to follow God's Laws. We are not capable of following all of the laws. Jesus did not, not even one second, turn right or left from the law. For this reason, Jesus is the righteous man. What's more is that Jesus loves us so much that He is willing to die for our sins. Imagine this: Jesus exchange for His most holy robe that is as white as snow for our robes that contained of holes and dirt. Our robes are basically like a large rag.
If we humble ourselves and give our sins to Jesus who will freely accept it, we will be given the holy robe. We will be clothe in Jesus' righteousness; therefore, we will shine. For this reason, God will see us as the righteous people.
**you may see my odd gesture to signal that I don't know to communicate with my mamá (mother in Spanish to indicate that she is my biological mother) that I don't know where is her cell phone**
I was interrupted. Anyway, I am clothed with Jesus' righteousness. God will always see me as the righteous man despite of mistakes I may make in the future. He knows that I desire to be like His Beloved Son, so He allow me to make mistakes in order to grow in faith. This is important message for me. It's a good reminder.
Now, the second would be about masculinity. I wish there is a sign for masculinity. Anyway, one significant lesson for me regarding the masculinity is its definition in relation with any women (girlfriend, mother, sisters, sisters in Christ, female non-believers). It is my responsible as a man to protect, lead, and provide for these women. For example, I am to protect a woman by setting limit on how much I share about myself with this woman. That way, I will not allow the woman to become connected to me emotionally; otherwise, the woman who become emotional connected to me may be hurt because she discovered that I do not intend to initiate a romantic relationship with her. I am to protect my heart and her heart to maintain healthy relationship between the woman and I.
I am also to provide for a woman. For example, this woman may have needs that I can meet, seek advice, or is stuck in a situation from which I can get her out.
Now, about lead as my responsibility, I need to be initiative, and women's role is to support whatever I am initiating. For example, I can lead a group by starting with a prayer, and women agree with my initiative action. Men's role is to be a leader.
Again, the significant lesson regarding masculinity is at the heart of mature masculinity is a sense of benevolent responsibility to lead, protect, and provide for women in ways appropriate to a man's differing relationships.
Finally, the next thing I will be sharing is community. I came to see that community is actually important. It's funny because God taught me the importance of having personal relationships with individuals. God is now teaching me the importance of, what it seems to be broader level in terms of relationship, community. You see, last summer, I went to Wildwood Summer Project as a student. Now, I returned to WWSP as a staff-intern, and I thought I already know what I had learned from last summer. However, I discovered that there was actually more to learn.
I'm grateful for His leading through my life in His gentleness and love. I now understand that community is important because it is composed of many personal relationships that are connected to each other. Community is also important because the community already accept who I am no matter how awful my past was or how many I may make mistakes in the future. The community will mirror me to show my mistakes in order to encourage me to become a better person. Therefore, community can be your accountability.
God has a perfect timing because I learned the importance of community before moving to Florida. There in Florida, I will be starting a new life probably for a while. I will build a new whole community in Clearwater, Florida, especially with deaf people. I have heard that Deaf community is large in Clearwater, Florida. I may be able to build a community of hearing people as well.
Besides, I will be going on a mission trip in Honduras with those who are from a church in Florida. Since I'm here in Honduras, I will meet the ministry team and then go to Tegucigalpa to minister deaf students at a vocational school. While I will be on the mission trip, I ought to make effort to get to know each of the team members to have a good community in Honduras.
Actually, I want to share briefly about comforting verses.
You see, as time to leave New Jersey approached faster and faster, I was worried about purchasing a used car, finding a place to live, and planning Honduran trip with only 4-day period of settling down in Florida.
I was usually not becoming stressed quite easily. However, in this situation, I became stressed quickly and was a bit more stressed than usual. Fortunately, God has shown me the verse, which is Genesis 18:14. It said "Is anything too hard for the Lord?".
You may obviously answer, "No!" to the question. You may want to ask the very question when you are in situation where it is beyond your fathom of the definition of impossible. In this case, it forced me to turn to God for His provision, power, wisdom, and more.
So yahh.
Also, I want to share another comforting verse, which is Exodus 1:12. It said "But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became"
It's good reminder for me to know that although I was in such situation where I felt like I was oppressed as I tried to plan things in advance. I wanted to give up and see how things will work out by themselves. However, God showed me that I need to learn to put my trust in His capability to make everything work out to benefit me. That is, to put me in such difficult trail where I need to turn to Him and focus on Him as I get through the trails. I realized that the outcome of getting through the trails produce stronger faith, which may prepare me for the future much more difficult trails.
Okay...so that's three main things of my experience at Wildwood Summer Project in addition to my encounter with comforting verses, which God showed me.
I was supposed to share significant events at Wildwood Summer Project weekly, but then I became quite busy with the job of staff-intern. I was also busy with other things.
There you go. You now know what's my overall experience at Wildwood Summer Project.
If you wish to contact me, go ahead and contact me =)
Before I go, I want you to keep pursuing God's heart because He will provide true peace, love, and joy. Everything you imagine will be surpassed by God's blessings for your life.
Well, have a good night!
Peace out!
Azael
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