It’s Christmas!

” ‘I bring you Good News of Great Joy that will be for  all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’  SUDDENLY a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.'”

Like the shepherds “Let’s go… and see this thing that has happened.”! Enjoy, anticipate and savor the wonder of the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us!

 

Merry Chrismas!

Tia, Haley, Josh, Jr, Maia and Naca

Give Him Praise!

We learned a new song about a month ago, and it’s got such beautiful and simple lyrics, I thought I ‘d share it at the beginning as a testimony to who we are, why we  are here, and what the King has called us to.

“All the nations, they will come holding broken chains above their heads; singing we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb.

Jesus – You’re worth it all, every nation, every tongue.”

At least 600 people Worshiping the Creator.

During one worship session I heard very clearly the Lord say to me “Yes, I am worth it all”.  Every challenge, every choice to press on and press in, every letting go, every taking in, every hello and good bye, every mountain, every valley, Jesus is worth it.  He is worth the laying down of my life, and my will, to be obedient to His call.  Because if nothing else He is worthy, and the humbling thing is, that He also gives us more than just the privilege of Knowing He is, but He calls us and sends us so others will know Him too.

So today we are praising and testifying of the Lords everlasting kindness to us.

Thank you God for:

• In spite of the lack of finances you have provided for our needs.
• The boys school fees have been gifted to us, taking us all the way to December.
• Generous co-laborers here in Kona have blessed us financially, with laundry money and a donation to our family needs.
• We have had the privilege of borrowing a car here and there to go to the store, church and for family time off campus.
• We have been encouraged again and again, with words and deeds that this is exactly where God wants us to be.
• God is allowing us to be used for His glory and purpose to build up and strengthen the University of the Nations Kona campus.
• The boys have many new friends, as do Tia and I.
• We are healthy.
• We are full of peace and joy.
• A plane ticket was provided for me to attend my sister’s wedding on Saturday
• We have been re-united with our Island Breeze Ohana

I could go on and on! With all of these confirmations and encouragements comes the knowledge that we truly need your help! God is always providing and one of the best ways He does that is through people.  We need supporters, long- term, financial sponsors! Our most immediate need is to raise at least 1,300 per month for our housing fees.  Our actually need is almost double that, but housing is our immediate need.  Pray about it, seek His face, hear His call.  This is another opportunity for you to advance the Kingdom, and bless our family.

You’ve always been there God, and I am thankful that You will always be.  Thank You for calling us here, thank You for Your Great Love.

Jesus, You are worth it all.

Tia, Haley, Josua, Ilaitia, Niumaia, and Nacanieli

A Picture of Purpose

  I have a picture, a picture of people bowing down, one a bit on top and in front of the other with hands touching the next back.  It forms kind of a human stair case or ladder, going higher and higher.  These people have been called to serve.  To lay down their lives so others may go higher and farther with the gospel than ever before.  We are a part of that ladder here at the University of the Nations Kona.  With every step of obedience, we are making it possible for those workers, those waves of young people, to “Go and make disciples of all nations”, with tools, with heart, with wisdom and understanding, like never before.  Every meal that’s served, every dorm that’s built, every telephone that works, every child that’s watched, every daily detail that’s taken care of, makes it possible for training, equipping, and sending, with excellence.

Thank you to all who serve with diligence in the place that God has you, in unseen places, we can’t do it without you.

 

Whatever you do, do it for Jesus.

In Christ,

Tia, Haley, Josh, Jr, Maia and Naca

 

Bits and Pieces

Our happy 1 year old!

Yes that’s right! We have the most adorable 1 year old Nacanieli Ryan the world has ever met! His birthday was August 22 and he celebrated in style. Every where we went on campus he was sung to and loved and celebrated and we finished off the day at a joint birthday party with a good friend of ours at Old A’s beach. Naca is quite the little man, he really is a “gift given by God” and we all adore him.  Favorite things as a 1 year old? Escaping out the front door, waving first and then running off with at least one shoe in hand, dancing and music, playing with new friends (there are plenty and he’s loving it!), and most of all WATER!!! He loves going to the ocean 🙂 Our little island baby.

Kindergarten!

Our next up big boy, Maia, is having a great time in his new Kindergarten class, making friends, playing, praying, worshipping, learning and growing.  He’s also great at his homework, (let’s pray that lasts!). His teacher is Mrs. Michelle with helper Mr. Travis, who are both amazing people. He is full of information about his friends, mainly Caleb and Isaac, he is already reading the beginning sight words and counts to 100! He’s very proud of his accomplishments and is eager to continue to grow, we are so proud of his heart and his attitude.  He is our social boy, making friends every where, always thinking of others and quietly helping.  We can only imagine what this year will bring 🙂

Jr and Josh at their classroom on campus

These are two amazing boys! They are in a combined class here on campus with International Christian School (ICS) and are enjoying themselves.  We have a lot to look forward to this year, a class of 8 total (6 boys, 2 girls), multiple parent teachers, and a Christ centered, biblically based curriculum, with the sky as the limit for how much they learn and how well they grow.  I believe their favorite thing is that their only homework (thus far) is reading every night; with the exception of any unfinished class work.  So, not much is what it boils down to and I am glad!  I see them both growing as leaders, as learners and truly enjoying the freedom to run and play here in their new home.  Jr is looking forward to his 7th birthday coming up in a couple weeks, he’s such a blessing, full of life, with loads of energy and a tender heart.

My favorite place

I am loving all that God is doing, thankful for all His grace, and so blessed by His nearness.  I look forward every weekend to spending time at the beach, I remember being here before and not really enjoying going to the beach, I’m not a “lay in the sun and tan” kind of girl, nor do I necessarily enjoying swimming on my own. But now, yes now, I have a family to enjoy the beauty, the refreshing, the treasures, the peace, and the fun with.  It really is a joy to explore with the boys, see Tia back in his “natural habitat”(LOL), watch my sons enjoy island life and oh the joy of floating in the ocean 🙂 I love the togetherness, I love my family.

Yep, this is how it works 🙂

Last  and most certainly not least is Tia! No that’s not him in the above photo (hehehehe), but that is a bit of what he’s been up to! No bucket trucks on campus to hang telephone lines with, so they jumpstart this lift with an old truck! Ha!Ha! God is good! Tia’s always been an expert at improvising and his talent is just what you need working in YWAM! As much as his gift in telephones/cabling/etc. is a huge blessing here on campus, I am seeing how his vision, his insight and foresight, the way he works, and his connection with so many different people on campus is what God is using and shining through (just Tia being Tia!).  Love this guy, he also is a true blessing.

Me and the almost birthday boy

From the Rakadrudru family here in Kona, we say “Aloha!” and blessings in Christ!

“Be strong, all you people of the land,” declares the Lord, ” and work.  For I am with you,” declares the Lord Almighty. This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt.  And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear… The glory of this present house with be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the Lord Almighty.  “And in this place I will grant peace,” declares the Lord Almighty.  Haggai 2:4-5,9

 

3 in 1

C.R.O.W.N. Ministries (Christ Revealed on World Networks)

Tia is serving with CROWN Ministries, the information technology (IT) department here on the U of N campus and it has links to everything in regards to the University. As you may know already that all of us here at YWAM Kona we are all volunteer workers /missionaries trying to make a difference in society .  Tia is not only helping with the existing phone systems, wiring, lines, connections, etc., but also working with IT professionals in the areas of networking and programming.  They truly are the back bone of this campus in regards to efficient and timely communication (which we all know is so important for anything and everything).  The CROWN team services the entire campus (and other small YWAM bases)  in the areas of internet, phone, with a lot of the media, and also with an awesome tool called Genesis that links classrooms or conferences with live video feed (allowing leaders to share, teach, or direct without having to fly continually).  CROWN also runs Foundations in Technology (FIT, Tia will be participating in the networking part of this staff/school next quarter to further his knowledge and equip him even more for the task at hand) a school that teaches and trains individuals in the area of information technology from a Godly basis and then sends them out into the market place to bring change and excellence within the IT world of networking / Media technology . CROWN’s vision is to reach into the South Pacific and Asia, bringing these tools and technologies as a way to train individuals, to come alongside communities, helping them develop and grow in a sustainable way and bringing the Gospel as they go.

University of the Nations Preschool/Kindergarten and ICS

Both the U of N preschool and ICS are coming at education from a completely different perspective than any other school that I have encountered, Christian or secular (with the exception of some Christian home schooling).  Training and teaching from a stand point that God is the source of all knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and creativity, not to be separated out of but where we draw from to learn and grow in every sphere, in every subject, from reading and writing to math and science. These schools are focused on nurturing and growing the whole child biblically, in love, truth and power. Developing proper beliefs, leading to values, principles and ultimately Godly choices, behaviors and actions.  The best way to explain what God is doing in and through these schools, and why we know the boys are meant to be here in this season is best written by Bill Johnson in Dreaming with God:

“Our children must become educated, and become educators.  But that goal is not complete without the Kingdom mind-set. We are sending them into dangerous territory to get their training… The answer is not to withdraw from society and move into the mountains to preserve the family unit.  The answer is to train and invade.”

Right now we are blessed to watch God bring Joshua, Ilaitia Jr, and Niumaia into this season of training, pouring into them, molding them and laying a solid foundation for their lives.  He is training them with the purpose of sending them out to invade, bringing the light into dark places, to their peers, and beyond.  They are the next torch bearers and Maia’s time at the U of N kindergarten, Josh and Jr’s time at International Christian School are a key to unlocking God’s future for them.

As a family we are amazed at God’s plan, purpose and desires for us.  We are thankful that He has called us in this time to serve and to grow. We CAN’T continue this work without partner’s in ministry that desire and are committed to fulfilling this call with us.  Right now our financial need is LARGE.  We need people to give, our specific monthly amount is $2,500.00. We have one supporter who is able to give $50.00, can you?  Will YOU (don’t look over your shoulder, I am talking to YOU!) Partner with us? Take you place on our team, our fruit is YOUR FRUIT!  Support our family, contact us today as God directs  you in how to give.  (Leave comments on the blog, message us on facebook, email or call us! If you don’t have our info, get in touch through facebook and we’ll get it to you!)

Thankful for His love,

Tia, Haley, Joshua, Jr, Maia and Nacanieli

Snapshots

This gallery contains 7 photos.

              Our next few  posts are going to be “snapshots” of what God is doing here at the University of the Nations, YWAM Kona, and in the different areas of ministry we are involved in.  Our goal is to give you a clear picture of the work that is happening, the help that is… Read more.

University of the Nations, Hawaii

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our new home

So here we are! We arrived safely and mostly in good spirits on Monday morning, July 30th, to the Kona Int’l Airport.  Met at the gate by a crowd of happy faces, the whole Crown Team was waiting!  Driving up to the campus was like returning home again, only with a few more people in the mix. We have a nice room, #207, over looking the ocean, with a great breeze (Thank you Jesus), that also overlooks the park!

A small piece of our view, the park has three more structures!

We are getting into the flow of eating at the cafeteria (how to do that with 4 boys), figuring out things that are going on, and what life is like here on campus.  We met up with another family, Semi and Laura Ratulele, and their daughter Noela.  Tia knew him from before and it’s nice to know some one on the “inside” that we can get tips and hints from.  They’ve been a huge blessing already.

Noela, Tia and Naca at the dining area.

We were able to take the boys to the beach once this week, and it was a blast!! The blessing of just watching their joy and experiencing this great gift the Father has given us, words are not enough.

Tia is looking forward to jumping into work on Monday; his skill is a big need because most of the staff in Crown are programmers not hard wire kind of guys.  It’s exciting to see how he will fit in to the team and I know he is really looking forward to learning more about the software and programming, there is knowledge in abundance!  He has already been helping out around campus, painting, and now up participating in a “mini-surge” project with some housing and clean up that needs to be taken card of before the next  quarter starts.

I have been hanging out with the boys, who have a lot of free reign right now and they are loving it.  The campus is such a safe place that you generally see kids roaming all over the place.  We’ve established some rules and boundaries and the boys are doing a great job.  There is a basketball gym close by, skateboards and scooters lying around every where, not to mention the park, trees to climb (the top favorite) and clubs to be made with the many other boys and girls around.  I met up with people from the different schools they’ll be attending and am excited to help out as they get ready for the new school year.  I also found out about a mom’s group on campus (through my new friend Laura!) coming up on the 13th that I am going to help out with.  It will be a great way to connect with the other mom’s on base.  I have made some connections and am thanking the Lord for His leading.  Mostly I’m resting and trying to help Naca transition, the time change has been hard on him and the humidity makes his head sweat which really annoys him!  Last night was our first good night of sleep, and now he’s taking a great nap.  So we are getting there!

We are all grateful for God’s preparation of our family for this transition and how gracious He has been to us in this time.  We are surrounded and protected and astounded at the Greatness of our King.  We have only seen the beginning of this work and are waiting in confident anticipation of His purpose and leading as we walk forward in this as a family.

“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth — you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. You have kept your promise to your servant… with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it — as it is today.” 2 Chronicles 6:14-15

With love and thanks,

Tia, Haley, Josh, Jr, Maia and Nacanieli

 

Speech

I would like to take this moment…. ha! ha! ha!

Actually I just have two things to say, and here they are:

1. Thank you to All our family and friends who supported, encouraged and helped protect and water this vision from the Lord

and

2. I’ll write more once I get a few pictures of the campus and important pieces of what God is doing!

It’s like a movie trailer, just leaves you wanting to see the whole thing!

Aloha and mahalo

Tia, Haley and the getting browner by the day boys 😉

It’s really real

It’s Saturday night and we are ready to go! I’m excited now 🙂

May all of our lives be filled with leaps of faith, that find us falling straight into the Father’s arms.

Praise Him, He alone is good.

Loloma,

Tia, Haley, Josh, Jr, Maia and Naca

LOVO

Vinaka vaka levu to the Gaunavinaka’s for letting us use their back yard for Lovo, also to the Koroitamana’s, the Drauyawa’s and Tia’s dreu – Tu Te Laitinara for all your help!

And to everyone who bought some and enjoyed the food, thank you too!!

Getting closer,

Tia, Haley, and the brothers