July 2006

Talofa!!

Our church from a tiny town called Tirau in the centre of the north island sent out 12 people to the beautiful islands of Samoa. There were 7 girls ranging in age from 8 – 16yrs and 5 adults. While we were there we stayed at the YWAM base and were so blessed by the way we were treated, having meals cooked for us and our own bathroom in our fale (house). The girls did an amazing job while over there, they never complained of the heat or work and always did what they were asked to do. It made my job so much easier! In turn God poured out His blessings on the girls by giving us some time to spend sight seeing and getting the in to places that even the Samoans can't just go and visit. We went to the women’s prison, the children’s hospital, Schools, churches, the markets, and we were even on national television doing a morning devotional and dances. It was a great experience. The girls learned so much about their faith, who God is (His Character), we saw healing, God guiding appointments, and an outpouring of Gods love on the outreach. Most of the girls who went are Maori, so they were able to learn about how the Samoan people live in their culture and it helped the girls see that God created them unique with their own culture and now they accept who they are a lot more readily than before. The girls shone their little hearts out for Jesus, and in turn God drew people to them and to Him.

Matthew 5:14-16  "You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. 16 In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.

This was the verse we used while in Samoa. So don’t hide your lamps, let them shine out for all to see. Even though we were small in number, weren’t the richest people, weren’t from a big city, were young, so many excuses.......! God can use you, if you allow Him to. God Bless

Karlyn Watkins, Team Leader