tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12831298633900445962024-03-05T06:54:18.988-08:00VOICE MissionsVOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15954904587247544299noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-42578682212225451512024-01-15T04:08:00.000-08:002024-01-15T04:08:12.102-08:00<p> Please click HERE to access your winter vacation HW.</p><p><br /></p>Yarspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07108317221900666313noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-71397480142019560432021-05-31T19:35:00.000-07:002021-05-31T19:35:14.242-07:00Serving In The Midst Of A Pandemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhHc_bYKxLssRCyYe4ppsMgqK5uNvxZj_odYCAKvIpo9DFviD6s4yZYrXCSuQ2QY2KheIuNWHgkjQZuWi6pf7lncp_GJ66MdddXIVDrjdOW4WxFRofaObhH9j79Ct_IYxvQGPLxbRFXM/s828/IMG_9416_Original.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhHc_bYKxLssRCyYe4ppsMgqK5uNvxZj_odYCAKvIpo9DFviD6s4yZYrXCSuQ2QY2KheIuNWHgkjQZuWi6pf7lncp_GJ66MdddXIVDrjdOW4WxFRofaObhH9j79Ct_IYxvQGPLxbRFXM/s320/IMG_9416_Original.jpg"/></a></div>
<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The pandemic was definitely a scary thing for the world when it first started, people lived in fear and didn’t even want to go outside, but not if you lived in Taiwan. The spread of COVID-19 was very well managed here in Taiwan in fact there was only a two-week lockdown compared to the rest of the countries.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A lot of people asked me if I wanted to go home and if I was safe living in Asia. The truth is I have never felt safer, specially living in Hualien. Our daily life did change a bit by wearing our mask every minute and constantly washing our hands. Teaching whilst wearing a mask was definitely hard in the beginning, it was even harder in the super-hot days but if it meant keeping the students safe, others safe and my own self safe then I was willing to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was a bit worried because I didn’t know if the students were going to abide by the mask wearing rules but to my dismay each and every one of them had such good discipline, if they forgot to wear it, after a kind reminder they would quickly put their mask back on. The sad thing about the masks is that I couldn’t see the children’s faces and they couldn’t see mine which would make it difficult for us to remember each other, but whenever we had our last day and it was time for pictures I would take my mask off and it was so so sweet to hear their gasps and little whispers of “oh look at teacher Julie!” “she took her mask off! wowww look at her face!” I do hope these two very common phrases meant something good hahah.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7UM5UsngqfdKnJ_8ZGKD37rXITsJvT6A5KZGKy6laKjfsjeUO4sfn1JgdHCOLw6YZwVpIHDFU89mo52kv87mZdn-ued5rXPFm752CkEN_zwj19CFyCU28jxe6AGSpCJXhG5uEnf-cdQ/s828/IMG_6615.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: right; float: right;"><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7UM5UsngqfdKnJ_8ZGKD37rXITsJvT6A5KZGKy6laKjfsjeUO4sfn1JgdHCOLw6YZwVpIHDFU89mo52kv87mZdn-ued5rXPFm752CkEN_zwj19CFyCU28jxe6AGSpCJXhG5uEnf-cdQ/s200/IMG_6615.jpg"/></a></div><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sadly enough good times come to an end, recently Taiwan has been faced with a large COVID spread around the island. Aside from the spread, Taiwan is also currently facing a drought. I encourage you to pray for Taiwan, all the people living here, the students and all our teachers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Though our camps have been cancelled for a few weeks I eagerly await the day we can see the students again even if it means I have to wear a mask during the scorching heat ;)<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXh3B6Jy2N5bz-NWozo6g0000qPwD5_5M9pp8YYwl9ZeQfLV4pjtz06U0rXXaKL0lB19TiLL_SuOfeTDISS-dliQA8y6YYXjnYmRaDthIrhrqy1J3F-nq1WdGro2jbGjKqetSMFLtvSg/s1477/IMG_8907.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1477" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXh3B6Jy2N5bz-NWozo6g0000qPwD5_5M9pp8YYwl9ZeQfLV4pjtz06U0rXXaKL0lB19TiLL_SuOfeTDISS-dliQA8y6YYXjnYmRaDthIrhrqy1J3F-nq1WdGro2jbGjKqetSMFLtvSg/s320/IMG_8907.JPG"/></a></div>
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<b>Juliana </b>(also called Julie) <b>Pinilla </b>is
nineteen years old. Growing up in New York City and in a family with six siblings, she has
loved taking care and teaching her younger brother and sisters. Her dream was to
one day become a teacher and now she is pursuing that dream by teaching
English in Hualien, Taiwan.Julie enjoys taking photos while traveling to new places in Taiwan and trying new delicious treats everywhere she goes. You can find her either journaling or reading a book inside a coffee shop or spending time with the friends she has made while living here. She hopes to show the love of Christ through her actions and words to everyone she meets.</div>
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</div>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-51332243396352438242021-05-16T17:56:00.003-07:002021-05-16T17:56:19.174-07:00Still The One In Our Hearts<p> Cherry, former Hualien CEI Chinese coworker messaged me informing me that a few students I taught English and character two years ago in Hualien CEI would like to send me a greeting video. The CEI was at their school to teach character and English. I was very delighted and I was really curious about this. "Will I be able to recognize their faces again after two years?", I was wondering. In meantime I was excited and told Cherry to feel free to send me the video as soon as she could. In fact, I was expecting a video of two or three kids with beautiful smiles waving and saying to me something like "Hello teacher Yar. I'm Ian, Amy or Ivy or Jason, ... or whatever". But it wasn't the case at all. Instead, I received a video of a group of aboriginal kids, ten precisely, singing a song for me. It wasn't an aboriginal song though:). Even if I would have loved it to be one. I love Taiwan aboriginal songs. I even learned one by heart when I was still serving in Hualien a couple of years ago. </p>What was so special about these kids singing a song for me in a video then? Everything. Everything was special about that. Despite the fact that they've grown up a lot within two years, I could still remember many faces among the group of kids. What a grace, because those faces we face every camp week change accordingly ! And in two years I can't even count how many Taiwan's kids faces I had the opportunity to meet. It was special because they still remember me and were willing to send me a video, special because they still have the sense of gratitude, a character quality they learned at the CEI two years ago; it was special because they didn't sing to me just any kind of song. The song they chose to sing for me was a special song, a very significant one. A song they learned at the CEI two years ago. It's a farewell song of love and gratitude that the CEI teachers always sing to the kids every Friday to show them how much we love them, how we care about them and how we will be missing them. And seeing those kids singing back that farewell song to me as song of retrouivaille is really touching.<div><br /><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can suddenly realize how much impact our teachings, our care, our love sharing have on the lives of all the kids we have a chance to spend time with, whether at our CEI or at their school. For me that changes everything. Because we might often think we only spend five days with them. But when days, weeks, months, or even years later, we have a chance to see them again or hear from them or see them out of the school environment, and then see that they can still remember us and even call us by our name, we suddenly realize how important those five days were to them: a lifetime experience that they might never forget, because they have a chance to come to the Character and English Institute only once in their whole educational life. This is the amazing impact Jesus has been and is still having on Taiwan's children life through Voice Missions for many years. And what a joy to be back into this beautiful adventure! " Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matt. 19:14).</span></div><div dir="auto"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUMGVk8-HalZMiWAII2dVuV-oWP86ZFvAM5Lntt_W-jHFaSd1LC-oSCLrKOc9PB9LeJYhyphenhyphenJuxLv-EGQm3ah8rsEggFC595f60LFlaUJc0XHXAQdgNoMFe5pwFIM7uCWrzJ4IpVzgUpVo/s1472/8767D9E2-4B00-4808-AC20-16BECAA2A0DB+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="828" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUMGVk8-HalZMiWAII2dVuV-oWP86ZFvAM5Lntt_W-jHFaSd1LC-oSCLrKOc9PB9LeJYhyphenhyphenJuxLv-EGQm3ah8rsEggFC595f60LFlaUJc0XHXAQdgNoMFe5pwFIM7uCWrzJ4IpVzgUpVo/w241-h341/8767D9E2-4B00-4808-AC20-16BECAA2A0DB+2.JPG" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">because of privacy we will not post the video</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div dir="auto"><br /><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />Eyes always fixed on Jesus!</span></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Yarmonth Drissou (Yar) is 37 and is from Togo. He is married and is a happy dad of a seventeen month old girl. In his hometown, Yar used to be French and English language teacher in both elementary and junior high school for 5 years before responding to God's call upon his life by quitting teaching and moving to Switzerland for a three year Bible college program. He is a professional graduate with a Bachelor of Theology and is hoping to pursue his postgraduate studies for a Master of Theology, Bible minister and a writer fond of poetry and philosophy. “Eurêka” and “Le procès de Tromal”, “Les leurres de Syviera” are his published books so far. After his Bachelor degree in Switzerland, Yar was waiting for the 2017 fall semester to make it to Dallas Theological Seminary when God opened VOICE Missions' door for him in Taiwan. He served here a year in 2017 and returned in February 2019 for a semester, and now is here again for a longer-term mission. </span><br />
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</div>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-52613031924377758592021-03-28T18:00:00.005-07:002021-03-28T18:00:41.377-07:00My First Chinese New Year <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.499999999999998pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My first Chinese New Year was an extremely enjoyable and joyous experience, it was all thanks to the love and kindness of my coworker Kelly and her wonderful family who invited me to their home that night. But to do this wonderful night any justice, we must start at the beginning!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-548b6d46-7fff-ee3c-57ca-c5223516bab2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.499999999999998pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Andy! Andy! Andy!” My coworker said a couple days before we left campus to enjoy winter break. After chasing me down she asked if I wanted to join her and her family for Chinese New Year. I accepted the very kind invitation and agreed to meet up at the school at 5 o’clock. The funny thing was, I did not have the slightest clue what Chinese New Year was or any of the customs associated with the holiday. My natural response as not to look uncultured was to look up and watch every youtube video on planet earth about the subject. The only thing that stuck with me was 恭喜發財, which is pronounced </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #202124; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gōngxǐ fācái, but yet again my uncultured side was unaware that when you say this you’re most likely giving a red envelope (which is usually filled with money) to someone. I had to learn that the hard way as we were in our weekly meeting and I was eager to show off my new Chinese phrase., As our meeting concluded, I said my fancy new phrase, to which there were 6 open palms waiting for a red envelope in return; I said “Oh!” and then we proceeded to laugh for quite a bit of time. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #202124; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The day finally arrived, and at 5 o’clock my coworker picked me up and we headed to her house. I was instantly greeted with warm smiles and a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. I hung out with her family, had a giant meal and shared many good moments such as playing with the kids, watching Kung Fu Panda, and trying pig stomach for the first time. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #202124; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an incredible time, I didn't even want to leave. I learned an amazing lesson that love and kindness transcends any language or cultural barrier. I could not have spent a better Chinese New Year.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Andres Pinilla </b>is an eighteen year old young man who came all the way from New York City to teach English in Nantou, Taiwan. He enjoys exercising, trying new foods and playing sports. When its a teaching week he also enjoys playing soccer and basketball with the students. He grew up in a family of six kids which includes five sisters and one brother! He has enjoyed caring for animals ever since he was little and continues to do so in Shuilli ( his school town) by caring for two dogs named Jie Jie and Mei Mei. His favorite Taiwanese food has got to be dumplings, he says he eats them at least once every two weeks! He hopes to learn Chinese while being here and grow in many other areas in his life with the help of those around him. </span><br />
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-860559120948866882021-02-21T16:44:00.008-08:002021-02-21T16:44:59.627-08:00Extra Opportunities <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7NB1eOlj5flxmBHnK5fsLgKUrO_R5mobjXaGiQzeCeov6wSV_0VTaMyc7f868BhV5oJRpHrrJIPlDAw5pbZ5D1Hq09EShWtcAkRyGG0gOp10MDIkuiMVxUGKSmm9v9qp49SLDKquDPE/s2048/IMG_1593.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7NB1eOlj5flxmBHnK5fsLgKUrO_R5mobjXaGiQzeCeov6wSV_0VTaMyc7f868BhV5oJRpHrrJIPlDAw5pbZ5D1Hq09EShWtcAkRyGG0gOp10MDIkuiMVxUGKSmm9v9qp49SLDKquDPE/s320/IMG_1593.JPG"/></a></div>
<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">Aside from teaching 4</span><sup style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">graders each week, we also get the opportunity to go teach Character lessons for one whole week at the Children’s institute in Kaohsiung, Taiwan if we are available during that time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">During this week the teachers receive discipleship each day and are trained how to deliver the lessons by sharing testimonies, playing games or doing crafts with the students. I personally love this week so so much. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Not only do I get the opportunity to share God’s truth with students who attend but I also get to have fellowship with some amazing people. Though I only get to see some of the fellow teachers from the Children’s Institute once a year, when we do see each other its always a great time. A week spent with them is just so sweet, I left so encouraged by everyone’s desire to serve God, by how they would lift each other up in prayer, and by how much they would care for everyone’s needs. I also ended that week with a huge desire to learn more Chinese so that I could better communicate with them the next time haha.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I walked into that week knowing that I was going to be teaching to younger kids and that I was going to help them learn the value of having good character but as I left, I realized I also had learned so much myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I learned how to have patience with others, how to value a friendship, I learned so many truths about God’s goodness, how to step out of my comfort zone and that no matter how long you go without seeing a person the friendship will continue to be there. Experiences like these have made my time in Taiwan so memorable. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<b>Juliana </b>(also called Julie) <b>Pinilla </b>is
nineteen years old. Growing up in New York City and in a family with six siblings, she has
loved taking care and teaching her younger brother and sisters. Her dream was to
one day become a teacher and now she is pursuing that dream by teaching
English in Hualien, Taiwan.Julie enjoys taking photos while traveling to new places in Taiwan and trying new delicious treats everywhere she goes. You can find her either journaling or reading a book inside a coffee shop or spending time with the friends she has made while living here. She hopes to show the love of Christ through her actions and words to everyone she meets.</div>
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</div>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-35583793484087890932020-12-23T18:47:00.001-08:002020-12-23T18:47:26.752-08:00"Carpe diem" Make every moment count I wasn't expecting to return to Taiwan so soon. But here I am again, enjoying every single moment God gives me every day. Here I am again sharing with people I meet every day, my smile, my joy, my peace; here I am sharing with Taiwan kids I teach, the unfailing love of Christ my heart treasures every day.<div><br /></div><div> Having made it back here safely despite the pandemic dramatic consequences and impacts on our daily life, having faced all uncertainty, confusion in my plans, travel restrictions, challenges related to quarantine, Covid-19 PCR tests, paperwork, and visa complications, I definitely came out of all these, stronger. Stronger in my faith in God, stronger in my trust in his faithfulness, stronger in my daily walk with Jesus. </div><div><br /></div><div> Today, when I reflect on the past fifteen months I spent with my wife and daughter far from Taiwan after my service in Yunlin and Hualien, when I think about my current commitment in Chiayi enjoying sharing Christ's love and joy with kids and coworkers, when I project myself further in the future, right into the plans God has prepared for my family and I here in Taiwan, only one statement comes into my mind: "Make every moment of mine count for God".
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GsxAApNM37KfFq9q5xNGQxYxZ2vmqdVk4dVdSqRHQdZvv95vf2OG2wAhLxOB968K1KezkIi_N2f30NkYfFxWDuM4JfTXZhlMYIxvYmG6ZxKTbp0msS-0_fV_6eQaDheO-wFso1Bj5xc/s1478/IMG_9440.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GsxAApNM37KfFq9q5xNGQxYxZ2vmqdVk4dVdSqRHQdZvv95vf2OG2wAhLxOB968K1KezkIi_N2f30NkYfFxWDuM4JfTXZhlMYIxvYmG6ZxKTbp0msS-0_fV_6eQaDheO-wFso1Bj5xc/s320/IMG_9440.JPG"/></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div> Yes, making every moment we spend here in Taiwan serving God count for his glory, making every smile we address to a kid in class or during break time count for life for him, making every single love sharing moment with a Taiwanese coworker or friend count for eternity, making our days on this beautiful island count for the glory of the Gospel of Christ, what an awesome and lovely journey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtO06HnlDeleJlekPbKnfmvcP0G0FAP9wmspo2A-2lJ91qj4iyPsCX-hpFlRaL6dCC3vRKH9NTMQJZyYMSijj1ENCC_-55Q1RrtsWLClx0-o1Szu3WUEB1XcjsZ5haVExPd4OiB3MfsM/s1536/IMG_9442.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; clear: left; float: left;"><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtO06HnlDeleJlekPbKnfmvcP0G0FAP9wmspo2A-2lJ91qj4iyPsCX-hpFlRaL6dCC3vRKH9NTMQJZyYMSijj1ENCC_-55Q1RrtsWLClx0-o1Szu3WUEB1XcjsZ5haVExPd4OiB3MfsM/s320/IMG_9442.JPG"/></a></div> </div><div><br /></div><div> And I'm glad I'm not alone on here! He who calls us and appointed us to serve here is on this beautiful journey with us…every day! And besides, I strongly believe that, somehow, each one of us serving today on this island has been called for this very purpose: To make every moment count for His Gospel. Whether serving in Taipei, Hualien, Taitung, Yunlin, Nantou, Chiayi, or any other location where we represent the love of Christ through our services, our relationships and our commitment in teaching English and character, we should make sure we make every moment count for us, for others, and above all, for God. </div><div><br /></div><div> May God help Voice Missions' every single day count for His glory in Taiwan! May God help all Voice Missions missionaries and partners' commitment count primarily for the Gospel and the kingdom here in Taiwan, and also in all the surrounding countries! </div><div><br /></div><div> Carpe diem! Make every moment count. Treasure what the Lord has given you and bless others with the love of God that is in the store of your heart, to glorify Him forever!
"These are evil times, so make every minute count." Ephesians 5:16 (CEV: Contemporary English Version)
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Yarmonth Drissou (Yar) is 37 and is from Togo. He is married and is a happy dad of a seventeen month old girl. In his hometown, Yar used to be French and English language teacher in both elementary and junior high school for 5 years before responding to God's call upon his life by quitting teaching and moving to Switzerland for a three year Bible college program. He is a professional graduate with a Bachelor of Theology and is hoping to pursue his postgraduate studies for a Master of Theology, Bible minister and a writer fond of poetry and philosophy. “Eurêka” and “Le procès de Tromal”, “Les leurres de Syviera” are his published books so far. After his Bachelor degree in Switzerland, Yar was waiting for the 2017 fall semester to make it to Dallas Theological Seminary when God opened VOICE Missions' door for him in Taiwan. He served here a year in 2017 and returned in February 2019 for a semester, and now is here again for a longer-term mission. </span><br />
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</div>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-34251084944804309062020-12-01T00:43:00.000-08:002020-12-01T00:43:27.347-08:00Adjusting To A New Life</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyW2gpVVdG74C7PJxFuYd53KIcwiG7ln-H5aE21u9B_W3-nY4ajLtebY6zMc4JNhCd-u_Rzs3OxkHRcASuoRqUwmKQtRa06UBR_-bY2vbc32c8hahN8Xict8KTk841ki8EWAIG5621oc/s1478/S__11649029.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyW2gpVVdG74C7PJxFuYd53KIcwiG7ln-H5aE21u9B_W3-nY4ajLtebY6zMc4JNhCd-u_Rzs3OxkHRcASuoRqUwmKQtRa06UBR_-bY2vbc32c8hahN8Xict8KTk841ki8EWAIG5621oc/s320/S__11649029.jpg"/></a></div>
So I’ve been in the small township of Shuili for about 4 months now. I’m finally getting the hang of things around here. Life has been different ever since I moved from NYC. There is a noticeable change of speed lifestyle and environment, it’s really taught me to slow down and appreciate the small things. In New York everyone is always in a rush but where my school is at in Nantou, I’ve noticed that people are more relaxed, something I haven’t yet experienced in any place that I’ve ever lived. Such as when I take my afternoon bike rides into town and marvel at the amazing scenery. I am surrounded by beautiful mountains and outstanding sunsets.
I’ve learned to rely on a support system rather than on myself and that opening up about my struggles to others was ok for what I needed to continue moving forward. I can go to my coworkers whenever I am in need of something and can rest assured that they will be there for me. The English teachers from the other campus’ have also been so encouraging whenever I need someone to pray or simply just to talk to.
I’ve had the greatest joy teaching the young students and being able to invest in them is incredible they probably teach me more how to be a better person than anything else. It’s incredible how quickly they pick up things, they’re little geniuses. By the end of the week I’m sad that they’re leaving. These kids show much love its insane I enjoy teaching them a lot.
Overall its been a difficult transition for me, i’m hanging in there though and knowing I have a great support system with my coworkers and my family I feel like I can do anything. Receiving love from the students also encourages me to keep going.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philipians 4:13
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Andres Pinilla </b>is an eighteen year old young man who came all the way from New York City to teach English in Nantou, Taiwan. He enjoys exercising, trying new foods and playing sports. When its a teaching week he also enjoys playing soccer and basketball with the students. He grew up in a family of six kids which includes five sisters and one brother! He has enjoyed caring for animals ever since he was little and continues to do so in Shuilli ( his school town) by caring for two dogs named Jie Jie and Mei Mei. His favorite Taiwanese food has got to be dumplings, he says he eats them at least once every two weeks! He hopes to learn Chinese while being here and grow in many other areas in his life with the help of those around him. </span><br />
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-22436998953355460032020-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:002020-10-28T19:48:39.978-07:00Lessons Learned<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xgkyBlpwN0hS9T63NMDG70PNkf6fPtAEFiwfPlGvBC9GpPh115WGgpsq-UPxVJ4dMJzFlQWax3-ZauTMYaJLo3XgpGAVA6PXBggtvReheLMz-ppDi8As9POMOn_iVuJy8dvku1N2iRA/s1845/Image.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xgkyBlpwN0hS9T63NMDG70PNkf6fPtAEFiwfPlGvBC9GpPh115WGgpsq-UPxVJ4dMJzFlQWax3-ZauTMYaJLo3XgpGAVA6PXBggtvReheLMz-ppDi8As9POMOn_iVuJy8dvku1N2iRA/s320/Image.jpeg"/></a></div>
Well...10 months of 2020 have passed in the world, on our island, and in our respective little worlds. Each of us has learned something new. Personally, I learned how much I needed to learn. God is gracious like that, because everyday I’m immersed in a world where I’m surrounded by 4th - 6th graders. A world where both the students and I have the freedom of creativity in communicating: facial expressions, hand motions, and random words we possess of each other’s languages. It’s comical how much time we spend “preparing” when nothing can prepare us for the unknown, except the One who knows the end from the beginning.
I learn something new from my students every week and I think to myself, “Wow, this is a milestone! How’ve I just now realized this…?” That is until the next week when a whole new troop rolls in on the Monday morning bus(es), and I learn another invaluable life lesson from God’s purest form of communication. Children. They are unfiltered conduits of His voice. His tiny messengers.
I wish I could tell you that every Friday a group of students leave the campus with an arsenal of English vocabulary to rival poets and philosophers of old. However, the truth is the English they leave with is simple yet God breathed. Phrases like “I can do it. You can do it. Try again.” My personal favorite is “I love you,” because those three words bear the love of the Father.
Every morning and every night I drench each student in my prayers. As they go through life may they remember the English teacher who taught them, “It’s okay. Don’t give up. I love you.” As they face discouragement, life decisions, and the lies of the enemy may these simple phrases echo in their minds even after they’re adults. I pray that seeds are planted, and others will cross their paths watering those seeds. That not one is lost to the enemy, but each one finds their way to Jesus- the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
A piece of my heart goes with each bus that drives away every Friday. Each window filled with tiny faces I may never see again (this side of eternity), waving hands, and shouts of “Bye, bye Teacher Alissa. I love you!” These are those shining moments you live for as a missionary teacher, and the purpose I came here to fulfill. To convey the love of Christ, and witness it translated through a simple smile, laughter shared, and games played...moments where language barriers don’t exist.
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Alissa Workman </b>is a lover of Jesus, food, and travel. It’s her desire to travel the world being the hands and feet of Jesus while carrying the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. It is that desire that brought her to Taiwan. She grew up in a large family, and as the oldest has always loved helping and caring for others. She currently lives and teaches in Taitung, Taiwan, where she enjoys learning about the culture and different aboriginal tribes, trying new foods, and singing with her students. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." -James 1:27 NKJV</span></div>
VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-16983360640359608562020-09-09T18:55:00.002-07:002020-09-09T20:26:18.841-07:00One Big Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM7x5PX72ZwMYYDVuhR-X6hzKiBpt08NxC5f2PCnriVpCutmYBPT2bHabS9qigi0SJcOCDXAn16I0SvCi8Gp5Rbfw70zMUh6G4Wzsb0D9VQ9EChAXfj5AILia8qQqreFQFX3vCKg4nxs/s1478/1362ADD0-D1B6-4C7E-9809-AAE30B0BAC79.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguM7x5PX72ZwMYYDVuhR-X6hzKiBpt08NxC5f2PCnriVpCutmYBPT2bHabS9qigi0SJcOCDXAn16I0SvCi8Gp5Rbfw70zMUh6G4Wzsb0D9VQ9EChAXfj5AILia8qQqreFQFX3vCKg4nxs/s400/1362ADD0-D1B6-4C7E-9809-AAE30B0BAC79.JPG"/></a></div>
</a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;"> </span></h4><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As someone not yet in their twenties, moving half way across the world is challenging. It comes with so many new experiences and encounters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Something that was very new for me was having to live alone, something I have never done my whole entire life. There are many moments where I have gotten super homesick and felt very scared. It was a big change for me, since I am such a family-oriented type of person. Being so far from them limits me from finding comfort in the people that have kept me safe my whole life; but……….<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Luckily, this year I was blessed with such amazing coworkers. Meeting new people and learning how to work with them was one thing that made me so nervous but as time went by I realized that teaching with them was so fun. Though we are all different ages, in different stages of life and have different backgrounds we make one big family. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Not only are they my family, but they also have opened up their own families to me. On weekends when we have time to rest we still meet up to have brunch or just go on fun trips. Usually when you have time off you’d want to spend it by yourself right? Well, my coworkers use this time to take me on adventures and show me new places in Taiwan so that I can better enjoy my stay while being here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I remember one day I started crying because I felt like I wasn’t doing a good job at work, they noticed and were quick to comfort by saying words of affirmation, giving me encouragement, and bringing me my favorite snacks to help me feel better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">While teaching, they push me to not give up when I am having a bad day. They show me grace when I fail to complete a task and have patience with me in difficult situations. They give me feedback after my lessons and help me grow as a teacher by giving me advice on areas that I can improve on. They have also helped me by teaching me useful words in Chinese and quiz me to see how much I’ve improved in this new language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When I am feeling homesick they take me out on trips, when I am hungry they bring me food, when I am sick they care for me, when I am having a hard day they comfort me, and when I am scared they keep me company. They are my family in Hualien and are there for me when I need them. My coworkers have shown me the same love my family in New York has shown me, and I am so grateful for that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These are the people I see every single day and spend so many hours with, I’ve used this opportunity to get close with them and have a friendship that I will cherish forever. My prayer is that one day we can all rejoice in the greatness of Jesus’ love! I am happy I get to call them my family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
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"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up,just as you are doing."- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Juliana </b>(also called Julie) <b>Pinilla </b>is
nineteen years old. From New York City, she just graduated from high
school and is currently taking a gap year by serving in Taiwan. Growing
up in a family with six siblings and being the third oldest, she has
loved taking care and teaching her younger siblings. Her dream was to
one day become a teacher and now she is pursuing that dream by teaching
English in Hualien, Taiwan. You can find her either journaling & reading a book inside a coffee shop or spending time with Brownie, the school dog. She hopes to show
the love of Christ through her actions and words to everyone she meets.</div>
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-92068087261037431992020-06-30T23:00:00.000-07:002020-07-02T20:35:56.514-07:00One Small Act of Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first found out about the opportunity to teach in Taiwan I was surprised to say the least.... I immediately began researching the tiny island I knew little about, and the first thing that stood out to me was the culture. I’ve always loved learning about cultures, and the possibility of living immersed in one was both exhilarating and intimidating. I prayed about it for months before committing, because I always look before I leap and my top priority is being obedient to Him.<br />
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I arrived in February 2020 ready to hit the ground running, but because of the virus I was unable to teach right away. I was frustrated and prayed every day, throughout the day for the opportunity to do what I came here to do. Normally, the students would come to our facility for the week, but through the virus experience we have all learned to be flexible. So, instead of the students coming to us we went to the students. My first week teaching was at a village school in the mountains, and the students were a bit shy but very friendly. We play games with the students during break times, and it always amazes me how each student opens up differently to each teacher. The following schools have all been very similar to that first mountain village school, but each student is unique in their own way.<br />
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At one school I noticed a girl who stood out to me from the rest. She often stood head down, and was reluctant to join when I had a table full of other students playing games. I played some with her alone, and the next break time I asked her to join the group since she was standing onlooking. I knew she wanted to join and she did…very shyly. It quickly became clear why her head was often down...one of the other students immediately sat up and loudly told something to the others, motioning them to play with the other girl. I watched them separate and the shy student almost didn’t want to play anymore. I leaned over the table, and gently rested my hand on the shoulder of the louder student while smiling at her. There is one language that always translates the same in every tongue, and that is the love of Christ. I said a phrase that I now say too many times to count, “It’s ok.” (a phrase we often use in class). I flashed a quick “ok” hand sign, and pulled the cards back into one pile and motioned the others to scoot back in so we’d all play together. “Ok?” I asked. They nodded in agreement and gave me the “ok” sign.<br />
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My heart hurt, because I am a compassionate person by nature and my eye has always been drawn to the ones that are overlooked. I’d watched the students as there was an underlying tendency to push the one girl aside, but throughout the week I began to notice a different tendency. Others in the group began to step back and motion her to join the activities. She began to smile and I even heard a couple of giggles, and the other student who was louder and sought to separate the group was now more conscious of her actions. I thought about the parable of the lost sheep, and how He left the ninety-nine for the one. He reminded me of the simplicity of His mission and why He came.<br />
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"He said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.’" -Mark 2:17 NKJV</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Alissa Workman </b>is a lover of Jesus, food, and travel. It’s her desire to travel the world being the hands and feet of Jesus while carrying the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. It is that desire that brought her to Taiwan. She grew up in a large family, and as the oldest has always loved helping and caring for others. She currently lives and teaches in Taitung, Taiwan, where she enjoys learning about the culture and different aboriginal tribes, trying new foods, and singing with her students. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." -James 1:27 NKJV</span></div>
VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-10202876518645267502020-05-19T20:50:00.001-07:002020-05-19T22:38:44.465-07:00Just One Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The question that I’ve been asked the most while serving as an English teacher is: "Do the kids even learn any English in just one week?"<br />
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If you think about it, it’s hard enough for a child to learn a foreign language at school plus do well in their other studies now imagine how difficult it would be for them to learn something new in just five short days.<br />
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It’s not about how much English they learned, if they increased their skill, if they speak more fluently if they understand more etc. while all those things are great, and some children actually do show signs of improvement other students don’t and that’s okay. Other than teaching English we come here to show love. To give them the love that they may be lacking in their homes or the love that they have never received in their lives.<br />
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More than just a teacher we can be their friend, someone they look up to, someone they admire, someone they find love in, someone that listens to them, someone they feel safe with, someone to play games with them, someone who gives them attention or someone who cares for them.<br />
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Sometimes kids come into our school with terrible attitudes but after they see that there are people here who love them after only knowing them for a few days they leave the school with a change of heart. So even if our children forget the English they learned in these five days I know for sure that they will never forget the amazing teachers that showed them love and kindness.<br />
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As Christians, we are commanded to love others. Leviticus 19:18 (ESV) says, "love your neighbor as yourself" for this is the way they will see His love through us. My goal each time a new week comes around is to show and give these kids the love that Jesus has for us.<br />
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It makes my heart glad when Friday comes and I hear the children singing the English songs I’ve taught them or when they’re playing games and I hear them say, "Don’t give up!" a phrase from the English lesson "Determination" but it also makes me glad when I see a child that walked into the week with a grumpy attitude and ended the week with a happy heart because all he/she was missing was love. Maybe five days are too short for them to learn how to speak great English, but five days are not too short for them to receive love, kindness, and joy.<br />
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During one of the weeks of camp, we received a school that had quite a lot of disobedient kids, but one stood out the most to me. As each day came, I made it my purpose to go talk to him, ask how he was doing, and simply giving him a high-five each time he passed by. Little by little I started to notice how much his disobedient character was changing to one that enjoyed class, loved having conversations, and ultimately enjoyed that week at our camp so much that when he left he gave me a hug saying “Thank you, Teacher Julie. I will miss you.” This made me so so happy, knowing that he left our school not only new knowledge but also with a heart that received a lot of love by so many.<br />
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"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." – John 13:34-35 (ESV)<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Juliana </b>(also called Julie) <b>Pinilla </b>is
eighteen years old. From New York City, she just graduated from high
school and is currently taking a gap year by serving in Taiwan. Growing
up in a family with six siblings and being the third oldest, she has
loved taking care and teaching her younger siblings. Her dream was to
one day become a teacher and now she is pursuing that dream by teaching
English in Hualien, Taiwan. You can find her either journaling by the
beach or spending time with Brownie, the school dog. She hopes to show
the love of Christ through her actions and words to everyone she meets.</div>
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-24816789516357192812020-04-08T07:00:00.000-07:002020-04-08T07:07:37.954-07:00We Have Hope<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-PHokcBuV-yz4bfCyNcbSwH2iipcbN5QUkm2RVLSFCKgrjzy4bmhb39EXYSBXagYmqop2YjgevRDeDiidx8EbQKC4ZJgoY3bpKzujHaZBDLIFsBMoB6wIcBzXt4Ao1mNJhBnExaFndA/s1600/IMG_5059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-PHokcBuV-yz4bfCyNcbSwH2iipcbN5QUkm2RVLSFCKgrjzy4bmhb39EXYSBXagYmqop2YjgevRDeDiidx8EbQKC4ZJgoY3bpKzujHaZBDLIFsBMoB6wIcBzXt4Ao1mNJhBnExaFndA/s640/IMG_5059.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun as it rose over Hualien City. </td></tr>
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Time flies by. I have already been in Taiwan for over half a year and sometimes it still feels like I just got here. Living in Nantou has its struggles, but I've adjusted well. It is definitely interesting when you live in a town where Taiwanese is probably spoken more than Mandarin. I am also probably the only foreigner in town, but I've gotten used to the stares at this point.<br />
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But now even this "new normal" of living in Taiwan is no longer "normal." If you have been anywhere at all lately, you've heard of the virus. Honestly, I don't think there is a single person out there who hasn't heard of this coronavirus. COVID-19 has changed so much for a lot of people. Many people aren't allowed to leave their houses, except for necessities or the occasional walk. A lot of people can't work and those that are working are busier than ever. Many schools are closed and now online. Church has even gone online.<br />
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Taiwan's situation is better than most. People are still allowed to leave their homes. Though we have to wear masks and get our temperature taken every time we use public transportation, we can still travel. That isn't to stay that we aren't advised to keep traveling to a minimum. If anyone has a temperature over 37.5C they have to immediately self-quarantine themselves for fourteen days. The amount of masks that a person can purchase a week is limited to a certain amount. Also, which days you can buy masks depends on the last number of your ID. Overall, Taiwan is doing well. We have kept the number of cases down to a decently small amount, but they recently rose because of the Taiwanese people that came back from foreign countries.<br />
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The situation has changed my work life. In a normal scenario, a couple of classes of fourth-graders from schools all over the county would be traveling to us to stay for the week. Unfortunately, the virus has caused a lot of people to not want to travel far from home. It makes sense, but it also makes it hard for us. So, what are we doing now? We travel to one school a week and teach the kids in their classroom. It's been a refreshing experience. I love that I can meet kids from other classes and grades during the breaktimes in between classes. It is also exhausting. The drive to and from school every day means getting up earlier and getting home later on most days. I'm happy to be back at teaching though. We had a lot of office weeks as we tried to figure out what we were going to do during this pandemic. I missed my kids.<br />
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I've learned much from all of this craziness. There is a lot of fear in the world. People are stressed, worried, and anxious. They don't have hope. But we, as Christians, have hope. Why? Because we believe in the source of hope.<br />
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“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13 (NLT)</div>
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For sure, we are also afraid. Some of us are maybe even terrified, but we can still act in spite of the fear. We know that God is in control of the situation. He is with us, even when we can't see or feel him. Because of that, we can have peace. More so, we know that he is good. He is perfect. What better hands could the world be in? </div>
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God poured out his love for us. In him we have new life, peace, and hope. So in this fearful time, let's show that love, that peace, and that hope. Let's direct people's eyes and hearts back to God. Let's take the time to reach out. Send that text. Make that phone call. Show people that you care and that you are thinking of them. Show kindness. Be a blessing. Such small acts of love can make all the difference. </div>
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Once this situation resolves, I hope that people don't go back to "normal." I hope that we come through this changed. That we learn to appreciate the small things. That we are thankful for the time we have with our families and friends. That we learn to truly be a light in the world.<br />
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<b>Gabriela</b> (better known as Gabi) <b>Dixon</b>
joined VOICE Missions in August 2019. Being a military brat, she has spent her whole life moving around the U.S. Her love for traveling has now grown to an international level since she went on her first missions
trip to Ecuador in May 2018. It also made her realize just how passionate she is about kids and missions. Now that she lives in Nantou,
she hopes to be a light to her coworkers and each and every one of the kids she meets. When she is not working or pursuing her major in history, you can find her having adventures with friends or doing some
of her own creative/inspirational writing or just singing her heart out.VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-71998369772804403742020-02-18T23:33:00.002-08:002020-02-19T19:17:10.665-08:00The Book<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Every Monday at 9 am I stand at the gates and wait for the children to arrive at the school. As I see the buses pulling up, I wave at the kids, I see all their smiling faces and their hands waving back at me. Mondays are always busy days since the kids are receiving lessons and getting instructed on what will be going on the rest of the week. Some days go by faster than others yet there are always moments where my relationship with each student grows, whether it's by playing a game with them, playing a sport, trying to talk to them, taking selfies with them or just holding their hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When Thursday comes around the kids know that it is their second to last day here, they start giving me sad faces or bringing me their workbooks to sign. When one student sees that I am signing a book he or she quickly runs to get their book so that I can sign it as well and then a whole chain of students want me and the other teachers to sign their books.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This whole book signing process has made me feel really special. I was amazed at how many kids wanted my name to be on their book, how many kids wanted to hug me or give me high fives and how many wanted to take a selfie with me. I started to think of ways that I too can make them feel special. Then bam it hit me; I can have my own book where the kids can write their names so that I can remember them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Even though it will be very hard to remember each and every one of the kids that come to our school it’s still great seeing their smiles when I ask them to sign my book. Seeing them make sure that all the other kids have put their names on my book makes me so happy because I can see that these children are caring and want everyone else to join in on the fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Not only will I remember how many kids I’ve taught so far but I can also pray for each name that has been written in my book. Such young lives can one day leave a big impact on this world. I can only pray that one day they come to know Christ where they will really know what it’s like feel special and that they were created in their own special way for special reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." -</span><span style="font-size: small;">Colossians 4:2 (ESV)</span></div>
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<b>Juliana </b>(also called Julie) <b>Pinilla </b>is eighteen years old. From New York City, she just graduated from high school and is currently taking a gap year by serving in Taiwan. Growing up in a family with six siblings and being the third oldest, she has loved taking care and teaching her younger siblings. Her dream was to one day become a teacher and now she is pursuing that dream by teaching English in Hualien, Taiwan. You can find her either journaling by the beach or spending time with Brownie, the school dog. She hopes to show the love of Christ through her actions and words to everyone she meets.</div>
VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-108424441451144732019-10-29T23:08:00.000-07:002019-10-29T23:14:16.806-07:00Love Speaks Louder than Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"I love you." Or "<span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">我愛你</span>." Such simple words, but they convey so much.<br />
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With each week comes a new group of kids. These kids come from all kinds of different backgrounds. Some live with their grandparents. Some only have one parent, while others have both parents. Then there are those who have neither. Some have disabilities. Whether it is something that you can see or something hidden from the naked eye, it can still have just as important of an impact.<br />
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In essence, I have no clue as to how they've been raised up to this point. I don't know what their home life is like. I don't know their stories. I don't know anything but a few facts about each of them. That tells me nothing about what the person is actually like. It doesn't tell me what they value. It doesn't tell me what their personality is like.<br />
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Each kid is different. Sure, they can look exactly alike. I've had a set or two of identical twins. But as you start to get to know them, as people and not just names and some facts on a piece of paper, you will start to see how different they are. Every kid has different interests. Some kids are quiet and shy. Some kids are loud and energetic. Each of them were designed by God in an unique and special way. Not one kid is like another.<br />
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While kids are different, there are certain things that all kids need no matter what. First and foremost, love. Each and every kid needs love, but love means nothing if it is only spoken. It is not believable if it is only said. Love has to be shown. Love is a verb. And just like any other verb, it requires action.<br />
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<span style="white-space: pre;">Because love is an action, it is something that can be shown without necessarily having to </span>communicate or know the language. So being in a foreign country should never stop anyone from showing love. No matter where you are, you can always show love.<br />
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That is something that I've been learning to do with the kids I teach. I'm still working on it. I think it's something that I'll always be learning. In what ways can I best express love? I try to think of that when I spend any amount of time with the kids. Time is short and every moment is precious.<br />
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This doesn't just apply to kids. This applies to everyone. The people you work with. Your neighbors. Your friends. Your family. This applies to every single person.<br />
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You'll be surprised to see how well the love that you give is received. So what if there's a language barrier? They can see that you love them through your actions. Actions speak louder than words ever could. Just don't be afraid of showing love to those around you.<br />
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"We love because he first loved us." -1 John 4:19 (NIV)</div>
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Let's take these words to heart. We could all use a little more love in our lives. </div>
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<b>Gabriela</b> (better known as Gabi) <b>Dixon</b> joined VOICE Missions in August 2019. Being a military brat, she has spent her whole life moving around the U.S. Her love for traveling has now grown to an international level since she went on her first missions trip to Ecuador in May 2018. It also made her realize just how passionate she is about kids and missions. Now that she lives in Nantou, she hopes to be a light to her coworkers and each and every one of the kids she meets. When she is not working or pursuing her major in history, you can find her having adventures with friends or doing some of her own creative/inspirational writing or just singing her heart out.VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-39311266458476844852019-06-28T00:53:00.002-07:002019-06-28T00:54:26.123-07:00Saying "See You Later"!<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">After being in Taiwan for almost 6 years now, God has led me to continue to pursue my degree in social work. I've seen the great need for believers to step in and help children especially. That being said, my next step is to move to the US to study. It was really hard to tell this news to my kids at the orphanages where I've been volunteering for years. There were many reactions. There was the wide-eyed stare, the gasp, the red-rimmed eyes, the fierce hug, the "why do you have to study in America?!" and the quiet acknowledgment. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As I have been slowly saying my "See you laters" to so many dear friends and students alike, there have been a few things I've been reminded of:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- For the ones who know Christ as I do, we will definitely meet in heaven (and I definitely plan on seeing them again soon before that!). There is so much comfort in this and encouragement, too, to know that even if we are thousands of miles apart, God is still active in our lives no matter where we are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">- The local church will continue to reach out and minister to those lost, sick, hurting or in need of a friend. I've been a member of my church since Christmas 2013 and I've seen their faithfulness in ministry as well as discipleship. I am confident that God will continue working through them and the other local churches who hunger and thirst after Jesus.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- For those who don't yet know Jesus, I can continue to pray and invest in their lives from afar (one of the reasons I'm grateful for technology!). Even though I will be absent, God can send others along to plant seeds and water the ones already sown. He is God of the harvest and He is the one who causes the growth.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">- Sometimes God has us in a certain season of life and sometimes He calls us to a new season. It doesn't mean that one season is better than another but simply the next step of this journey of life with Him. My next step will involve navigating reverse culture with a friend who is also moving with me. It'll also involve doing hard things, whether big or small, like finding a good, solid group of believers to find fellowship with or figuring out how to order Subway in English.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">While it's extremely hard and sad to leave this beautiful place that I call home, I can leave with the assurance that God will continue to water and grow those seeds that I and many other English teachers have planted. One day we will see more of the fruit of that harvest and what a joyful day that'll be!</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joanna Suich</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> has been serving with VOICE Missions since February 2013. As a child, she attempted to dig her way to China, but only made it two feet in before her mom called her to dinner. Although Joanna never made it to China, God did bring her nearby to the island of Taiwan. She has a heart for all things involving missions, juvenile delinquents and adventures. God has placed Hualien in her heart and it's been home for quite awhile. She is currently majoring in social work. If you're looking for Joanna, check the local village or orphanage and you'll probably find her there - playing, tutoring and sharing Christ's love and truth.</span>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-64080005501564012512019-05-20T19:37:00.000-07:002019-05-20T20:21:41.707-07:00How Majestic is His Name in the Mouth of Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhQ7sNKL8fgHm4Xt_YadNFesx_8HZOG23j4gxtQHnTcur0yriDcPHj3ckC41f3dYYFFRfTZJ5SUYOcG5lxdus0ZnRybwMTOjivZD3_fj-fszcS9bvZbEDZDGwQi5Uk4vWPW33JQvLjp0/s1600/IMAG0371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhQ7sNKL8fgHm4Xt_YadNFesx_8HZOG23j4gxtQHnTcur0yriDcPHj3ckC41f3dYYFFRfTZJ5SUYOcG5lxdus0ZnRybwMTOjivZD3_fj-fszcS9bvZbEDZDGwQi5Uk4vWPW33JQvLjp0/s640/IMAG0371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">“Out of the mouth of babies and infants,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">you have established strength because of your foes,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> to still the enemy and the avenger.” Psalm 8:2 (ESV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Always something new to experience…</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Back to Taiwan - this beautiful Island must have something special that makes missionaries </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">and visitors return, and sometimes, unexpectedly. I don’t know what it really is, that something </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">special. I can’t say precisely what that special attracting thing is. But one thing I know, once you </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">come, once you taste that warm welcome from Taiwan and its people, the special night market’ f</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ood, fruit and drinks, you are going to be returning someday, of course, God willing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">What is that </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">special thing I don’t know - it is a special gift that comes from God! What if God brings you back just to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">offer you a new perspective on the Taiwan island, a new view not yet explored, a new opportunity to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">reconsider your appreciation of the warmth and charms of its welcoming arms! What if each time God leads you back to </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Taiwan, it is for a new and amazing experience prepared just for you! This is </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">something I strongly believe. God might lead us to the same place, He might want to use us at the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">same place again and again. But the blessings He will make us be where He appoints us, the blessings </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He will make us experience back might not always be the same.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_iP0fVC9j6N6v7nmNTmTHiYTroszwybCMaYDchn8DN-BcOnu8rMQM3dvqCsYftAWgch_mzQacJyd-tvmg9fP1EJl3Aj_9owOqCXJYZboWZ_O90_MK0MgHTIoGl18YYtW0-MjPhdWgo/s1600/IMAG0211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s_iP0fVC9j6N6v7nmNTmTHiYTroszwybCMaYDchn8DN-BcOnu8rMQM3dvqCsYftAWgch_mzQacJyd-tvmg9fP1EJl3Aj_9owOqCXJYZboWZ_O90_MK0MgHTIoGl18YYtW0-MjPhdWgo/s400/IMAG0211.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">There will always be something new to experience with God in Taiwan, something beautiful to see </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">through His amazing love, something great to hear through His loving voice that never fails us. And </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">this something is something that I have been joyfully experiencing with God in Hualien since my </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">return in February: a new journey with God, new kids, new smiling faces, new opportunity to learn </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">and share the joy and love we have in Christ with them every week; also new beautiful environment, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">new fun places to explore, new lovely friends, coworkers, brothers and sisters in Christ; in short, a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">renewed family for a new opportunity to serve in Taiwan. To serve joyfully and peacefully even </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">though you are far away from home, friends, and family. What a tremendous blessing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Jesus’ Name in our countries class</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsVKh0lZ6qIGvlEwYCrHif8hUXdG6CyMkgJ7DvS19sFtv5VmzT5dOyb0262QCb5pi6q7L2AO8cKWLYnicCpM8nhFXOMdSY3mokSTaliF-fNUrEL0Kx0t-v59USnt1Fm2YxEj56PT_mzI/s1600/60340138_384359792177182_8094086991408267264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsVKh0lZ6qIGvlEwYCrHif8hUXdG6CyMkgJ7DvS19sFtv5VmzT5dOyb0262QCb5pi6q7L2AO8cKWLYnicCpM8nhFXOMdSY3mokSTaliF-fNUrEL0Kx0t-v59USnt1Fm2YxEj56PT_mzI/s320/60340138_384359792177182_8094086991408267264_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">“Cristo Redentor” (Christ the Redeemer) of Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most popular </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">monuments. What a great joy it is to me hearing every camp week a few students shout “Yésu” </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">(Jesus) during countries class as soon as the picture of “Cristo Redentor” appears on the Power Point slide! </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I would love to respond back and find out more but class time doesn't allow for that. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">It is, though, always quite a beautiful thing hearing Jesus’ Name in the mouth of children. And how much </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">more beautiful and rejoicing it is when His Majestic Name comes out of the mouth of Taiwanese kids </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">whose parents are mostly still rooted in traditional beliefs and worship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Last week, one of the kids of my countries class even went farther shouting “Yésu aì ni” (Jesus </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">loves you) as soon as the “Christ the Redeemer’s” photo appeared on the slide. I wasn't expecting to hear that so I didn't know what better to say than, "Wow, yes!". I was just amazed and very happy to hear my student say that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I’m glad we have that picture of Cristo Redentor on the countries class Power Point. It is </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">just like a beautiful wink from God every camp week. Enjoying and using that specific time to listen for a </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">few students shout the name of our Lord Jesus in an English class is such a pleasing and rewarding </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">moment of joy. Sharing this experience makes me reflect on the Scripture that says in Psalm 8:2 </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">mentioned at the beginning of my post: “Out of the mouth of babies and infants, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">you have established strength because of your foes, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">to still the enemy and the avenger.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Thank you, dear Heavenly Father, for using those few young innocent mouths to shout loud and </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">clear the loving Name of Jesus that we, foreign teachers who are serving for your glory believe in our hearts,</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> amen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Eyes always fixed on Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and the true avenger!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbTvJNlLMAoey6HZU-p2tXIPj7_YEZ-KdfcsC3QTPFpuWQ9Pupfls2dE64cad3K4rFyb72sbVbgDhY7BSnt89-_iFVOql954TBoDrbYsMX6x5o42VzAHlyjLm0liHx_4-68usWPf-jYI/s1600/60347532_451614668921328_845120757783592960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbTvJNlLMAoey6HZU-p2tXIPj7_YEZ-KdfcsC3QTPFpuWQ9Pupfls2dE64cad3K4rFyb72sbVbgDhY7BSnt89-_iFVOql954TBoDrbYsMX6x5o42VzAHlyjLm0liHx_4-68usWPf-jYI/s320/60347532_451614668921328_845120757783592960_n.jpg" width="268" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 13.91px;"><b>Yarmonth Drissou (Yar) </b>is 36 and is from Togo, a small French speaking country located on the West African coast. In his hometown, Yar used to be a French and English language teacher in both elementary and junior high school for 5 years. After 5 years, he resonded to God's call upon his life, quit teaching and moved to Switzerland for a three year Bible college program. He is a professioal graduate with a Bachelor of Theology since June 2016 and is hoping to pursue his postgraduate studies for a Master of Theology. He is a pastor and Bible teacher and also a writer fond of poetry and philosophy.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"> “Eurêka” and “Le procès de Tromal” are his published books so far. After his Bachelor degree in Switzerland, Yar was waiting for the 2017 fall semester to make it to Dallas Theological Seminary when God opened VOICE Missions' door for him in Taiwan. He served here a year in 2017 and returned to Taiwan again in February 2019.</span><br />
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-87792592052381988902019-04-27T02:16:00.000-07:002019-04-27T02:16:32.507-07:00I Can Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Aaw2o4eOYtm9fIMiua2e0B51rKcTMBPRd_5g9hQjQ7Xsjs8leIhg1pKaMc-kWea-QhAK0aiWtvpUMoMEfdDvVkqWUCMu8v06m7zQZikLRm9jODz3XKPzGLvwW1pTFsyRnuJo7De3VRM/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Aaw2o4eOYtm9fIMiua2e0B51rKcTMBPRd_5g9hQjQ7Xsjs8leIhg1pKaMc-kWea-QhAK0aiWtvpUMoMEfdDvVkqWUCMu8v06m7zQZikLRm9jODz3XKPzGLvwW1pTFsyRnuJo7De3VRM/s640/IMG_6372.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A teenager named Tom looked at me, sadness in his eyes. "I can't do the assignment. I try and I always fail."<br />
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I paused, "I know it's hard but I'll help you. You can do it. I know you can."<br />
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Tom shook his head and sat down dejectedly, shoulders slumped in defeat.<br />
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After whispering a prayer, I took a breath and told Tom that with God's help, he could do this assignment. He just needed to have perseverance and not give up so easily.<br />
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Within ten minutes, Tom looked up at me in wonder. He had finished his work in record time.<br />
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The next week, a similar scene played out. Tom insisted he couldn't complete the work required of him. He had become so used to failing that he had stopped trying all these years. A habit like that is hard to break - but still possible!<br />
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Weeks passed. Each time Tom was so sure that he could not do the assignment and each time he wanted to give up, I told him to keep going.<br />
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More weeks passed by and turned into months. Then finally, one day Tom entered the classroom and he looked different. No longer was he slumped over, afraid of failure. The Tom I saw that day confidently strode into the room with a broad smile on his face.<br />
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He looked at me and said, "Teacher, I can do this." And he did.<br />
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With God's help, this teenage boy learned to persevere. You know what? Tom wasn't the only one learning during these months. I was, too!<br />
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I learned once again the importance of asking for God's help, no matter the task or challenge. I learned to be a cheerleader for someone, even when he didn't believe he could do it. I learned that God often works behind the scenes in ways I may never know or understand - but He's active and present. Keeping that perspective was key as Tom and I learned together.<br />
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So as I face my current challenges, I'm reminding myself of all that Tom and I learned as we worked together. I'm excited to see how God is going to keep working for His glory through these next challenges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TX6diUzIGOidRLRPmVVWaIenousXQBI_fh7oy9uFgtjJErDw3PkmGLouy-jCsLTKR-cqvPO6Mofjsfv4diY5mhVvWjnKcW4M0Ok_QvPzhNCxwVcNLlm9VHZQL6kHs8zajPj53JwrNKI/s1600/Joanna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TX6diUzIGOidRLRPmVVWaIenousXQBI_fh7oy9uFgtjJErDw3PkmGLouy-jCsLTKR-cqvPO6Mofjsfv4diY5mhVvWjnKcW4M0Ok_QvPzhNCxwVcNLlm9VHZQL6kHs8zajPj53JwrNKI/s200/Joanna1.jpg" width="168" /></a><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joanna Suich</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> has been serving with VOICE Missions since February 2013. As a child, she attempted to dig her way to China, but only made it two feet in before her mom called her to dinner. Although Joanna never made it to China, God did bring her nearby to the island of Taiwan. She has a heart for all things involving missions, juvenile delinquents and adventures. God has placed Hualien in her heart and it's home now. She currently is doing college online as she volunteers, majoring in social work. If you're looking for Joanna, check the local village or orphanage and you'll probably find her there - playing, tutoring and sharing Christ's love and truth.</span>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-87399155030272463322019-02-26T16:48:00.000-08:002019-02-26T16:49:45.742-08:00Thoughts Over Chinese New Year<div class="m_7470439079747008962ydpc3974c84yiv8952768739ydpff8d10fcyahoo-style-wrap" style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
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<span style="color: #26282a;">Recently the VOICE Missions teachers were able to enjoy some off time as Taiwan celebrated Chinese New Year and the schools took off for winter break. Korea's winter break falls around the same time and when a friend from Korea asked if she could visit over break I was very excited at the prospect. We began making plans, but never solidified anything as we weren't able to find a time when we could both talk on a voice or video based communication platform. Additionally, some of the emails I had sent with important information pertaining to places we could visit, train times, etc. were misdirected. The day before I was to meet my friend in Taipei, I still had no idea what our plans were. </span><br />
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Even after arriving in Taipei, we weren't sure what the schedule for the week would be. My friend's father had been in Taiwan for a work meeting, but stayed longer to sightsee with my friend and I. I expected creating an itinerary that would keep everyone happy would be quite challenging, but looking back, I think it turned out just perfectly for our group of people. Each day we made plans, and then changed them as we found other things that piqued our interest. We visited places I have been to before and love revisiting, and saw many new places that I'd never been to and had been wanting to visit for awhile. All three of us enjoyed the visit quite a lot.</div>
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After my friend and her father returned to Korea, a fellow VOICE Missions volunteer asked me hadn't I been stressed out not having a schedule to follow? She was surprised when I replied that I think it was easier <i>not</i> having a schedule. My friend was somewhat of the spontaneous type, wanting to stay and look at things at her own pace (or add things into the schedule if we passed something interesting) rather than stick to a strict schedule. Not having a schedule allowed us to take things one day at a time. If we had had a schedule and stuck to it, she would have had a much less enjoyable visit. If we had had a schedule and decided not to follow it, I would have been more stressed out trying to figure out how to fit everything in and what bus we would take home now. It's easier to let go of plans and go with the flow when we're not holding on to any plans to begin with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_L0c5LofwmavU4oDU1vsKn-UCvnWaJDyze25qVpnMqW-yVf2iZ-ppCdr7K5QZpSYKSliNQLbhdZm5e-7k3JmyumKfok3qxt58zNt44B1Co6HAcwLLiPrLGW8ykCKxRGKRaZz_xt5Obg/s1600/IMG_8913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_L0c5LofwmavU4oDU1vsKn-UCvnWaJDyze25qVpnMqW-yVf2iZ-ppCdr7K5QZpSYKSliNQLbhdZm5e-7k3JmyumKfok3qxt58zNt44B1Co6HAcwLLiPrLGW8ykCKxRGKRaZz_xt5Obg/s320/IMG_8913.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's not always easier not having a schedule or a plan. I think back to when I graduated high school. Getting asked "So what's next?" or "So what do you want to do with your life?" was always awkward for me because I had no clue. When I graduated with my Bachelor's degree I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. It was always difficult waiting for God to show me the next step because He always seemed to reveal it so last minute. It wasn't always easy walking the path of life without knowing where it would take me, but as I look back over my life so far, I'm thankful for every place God has included in my journey. I look to the future with a better idea now of what I want to do with my life, but constantly needing to remind myself to let my plans be flexible. </div>
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"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13</div>
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As we enter this New Year, it is my hope that together we are all able to walk with purpose, yet keep our hopes and plans in open palms, willing at any moment to exchange them for whatever God brings our way, seeking first His kingdom. Happy Chinese New Year!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span> <span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px;">Originally from Chicago, Gabrielle Martin is currently living and serving in Shuili Nantou, Taiwan. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif; font-size: 16px;">She has served with VOICE Missions for four and a half non-consecutive years. She enjoys teaching English, entertaining her students with stories and songs, and is now pursuing a degree in TESOL with lightly held plans to live abroad teaching English long term. Her personal blog sharing her adventures and things she's learned can be found at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com&source=gmail&ust=1550196972177000&usg=AFQjCNF__SjEXngWldjCycVDhnDnV9GMoA" href="http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">http://gemgoingandgrowing.<wbr></wbr>tumblr.com</a>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-31765861533826383142018-11-05T07:30:00.000-08:002018-11-05T07:30:00.769-08:00When God Comes Through<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Recently I was sick and feeling quite weak. I had told</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"> friends, "I look forward to sharing how God shows up!" but I didn't exactly know what that would look like. I just knew that He would do some amazing things...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Well, the next afternoon I started losing my voice! This certainly wasn't part of my plan. Initially, I had just imagined myself super tired from being sick. I had imagined myself running around, very busy with classes. That's all. I certainly hadn't thought of the possibility that my voice for teaching would be gone.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Wednesday morning before class, I couldn't get much out besides a croak that sounded like a frog. I wanted to tell God that this wasn't something that could happen.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Something my former youth pastor told me awhile back stuck with me. He said that when you're in a position where you desperately need God to show up, that's when God delights to do so. I remembered this and told God, "Okay, God, here's the thing. I can't talk. So You're gonna have to do this."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">As my students came pouring in for our 8AM class, I smiled, took a deep breath and opened my mouth. I didn't sound like my normal self but - I could talk! Surprised, I began to grin. God had this.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Then before my next class, my voice was gone again. Again, "God, You have to do this." Then as class started, I suddenly was able to speak again. It continued like this for every single class the whole week. The moment before each class I didn't have a voice but just as class started, God would come through and I could talk!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Isn't it funny that even though I've experienced countless miracles over the years, I still wonder if God can really do this. I find myself saying, "Actually, God, this looks impossible. Can you really do this?!"</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Yet, God delights in the impossible and He delights in reminding me that He can indeed take care of me. He's got this.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #252424; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joanna Suich</b><span style="color: #252424; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> has been serving with VOICE Missions since February 2013. As a child, she attempted to dig her way to China, but only made it two feet in before her mom called her to dinner. Although Joanna never made it to China, God did bring her nearby to the island of Taiwan. She has a heart for all things involving missions, juvenile delinquents and adventures. God has placed Hualien in her heart and it's home now. She currently is doing college online as she volunteers, majoring in social work. If you're looking for Joanna, check the local village or orphanage and you'll probably find her there - playing, tutoring and sharing Christ's love and truth.</span>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-61316344075398212222018-10-05T07:30:00.000-07:002018-10-05T07:30:08.728-07:00Don't Give Up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kzOu-fJ6UuzRFrITEppjq1Rcu_azF7RxSd4DMpC8DTv74H3RQ5mHDmm0R_1TikWGBCL9RZPv0zms-vRSKAHEI6bGMHQydi1xTM80JFGVTr0Lg_VFFUHGkrdQGM9CK28oam4KIZRkNyI/s1600/IMG_0648+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kzOu-fJ6UuzRFrITEppjq1Rcu_azF7RxSd4DMpC8DTv74H3RQ5mHDmm0R_1TikWGBCL9RZPv0zms-vRSKAHEI6bGMHQydi1xTM80JFGVTr0Lg_VFFUHGkrdQGM9CK28oam4KIZRkNyI/s640/IMG_0648+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This English lesson that Gem teaches on the tortoise and the hare shares about having determination and not giving up</td></tr>
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<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121660" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121661" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I often get asked whether or not what I do here really makes a difference. It’s only one week, how much can we really impact the children in such a short time? Can we really build the relationships necessary to change lives in just a handful of days? I remember early on in my time here in Taiwan one of the public school teachers talking to me after her students had spent a week at the Hualien school. She said, “I can see a difference in their lives. They really have changed.” But sometimes after watching camp after camp come and go it is easy to feel like the cycle never ends. I, too, start to wonder: does one week really make a difference?</span></div>
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<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121663"><br id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121664" /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121665" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121666" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This semester has had a difficult beginning. We started with two weeks in a row of challenging students (very active, very disruptive, very many after class talks about not talking in class, not leaving the classroom in the middle of class without permission, not fighting, etc.). We had hoped the third week would be what we call an “angel class” week, but it was not to be. In the camp meeting to prepare for the third week of camps, I noticed a notation in one student’s bio that had been translated “he takes people’s things.” I asked my coworker if the notation meant he was a thief. She wasn’t so sure as the Chinese version of the notes was equally vague - she surmised that probably he would teasingly grab something and hold it out of the reach of the person trying to get it back. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121670" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121671" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Near the end of the week, a pen went missing. It was later found in that student’s pencil case. Willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, the teachers asked if maybe he had borrowed the pen and forgotten to return it. He chose to be honest and admitted that he had stolen it. Apparently the pen was way cooler than any of the pens he owned and he really wanted a nice pen. The teachers talked with him, discussing with him not only why stealing is wrong, but also helping him plan strategies of how to resist the urge to steal things in the future. After the discussion, the pen was returned to the other student.</span></div>
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<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121676" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The teachers asked the other student if he would be willing to forgive the classmate who had stolen from him. He thought for a brief second and said, “The foreign teacher is always saying ‘Don’t give up’ and ‘try again’ so I am willing to forgive him and let him try again.”</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkvDCrgB1uvLAh2Rvq_xpsDoXblx47-llQEGih3mGWY_aCa7cpcCMo0L5_reFq_CM3BIA8pjazM_CgXKBPRjvxLrgwIZ4oOgUgF0-lndxGjOuaCigtOIKfssddE72vU2LBjkBS0SU3Hc/s1600/IMG_3005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkvDCrgB1uvLAh2Rvq_xpsDoXblx47-llQEGih3mGWY_aCa7cpcCMo0L5_reFq_CM3BIA8pjazM_CgXKBPRjvxLrgwIZ4oOgUgF0-lndxGjOuaCigtOIKfssddE72vU2LBjkBS0SU3Hc/s320/IMG_3005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Gem with one of the kids who attends Sunday school at the local church</td></tr>
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<br id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121679" /><span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121678"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121680" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121681" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every week I get a new batch of students to pour His love into - and the week may not seem long enough to make a difference, but He knows what He’s doing. Sometimes, like in the case of the stolen pen, He lets me see a glimpse of what He’s doing. The five days are short, but it is plenty of time to sow the seeds of truth that He would have me plant. As they leave, I may or may not see them again, but He is still at work.</span></div>
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<br id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121683" /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121684" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121685" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsfUjUgKwf2h36-kFl5EOf-vx7u4Ksl8UCNj2WXMfTt4H5RDdiFQqhxxXIdypaDsvKhWiccJ5CbaliwkTm2wlpBbaO_4MG1t8NJG_5MwI8iIwqrMbIxYQWTrIcjGdwEfG8gnwWKenz-w/s1600/IMG_1478.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsfUjUgKwf2h36-kFl5EOf-vx7u4Ksl8UCNj2WXMfTt4H5RDdiFQqhxxXIdypaDsvKhWiccJ5CbaliwkTm2wlpBbaO_4MG1t8NJG_5MwI8iIwqrMbIxYQWTrIcjGdwEfG8gnwWKenz-w/s200/IMG_1478.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121684" style="font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121691" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;">Originally from Chicago, </span><b id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121692" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;">Gabrielle Martin </b><span id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121693" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;">currently lives in Nantou, Taiwan. She has served with VOICE Missions for 4 years. She loves teaching English and entertaining her students with stories and songs. Her personal blog, sharing her adventures and things she's learned, can be found at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com/?soc_src%3Dmail%26soc_trk%3Dma&source=gmail&ust=1538809644849000&usg=AFQjCNHuS7L4vBKAxwbsamF0kdBo_RwcKg" href="http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com/?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma" id="m_-8281898611700171458yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1538452350970_121694" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;" target="_blank">http://gemgoingandgrowing.<wbr></wbr>tumblr.com/</a></span></div>
VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-58123154957591420962018-06-14T07:30:00.000-07:002018-06-14T07:30:09.708-07:00Tears of Love<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9SUpNkcEuD9NZsdZx0L9GzW8p9EuP7DmTKL-2w8oHdI0L5F-YGX1JlPIGpmOmm3-uB1zoCa0IE7A4Rh2BWU0FbMbGfW_jTocp9Hq9cKLJB7DxPfMLX3ZzDfBLkhZ1GfHGNyWSSzfFTc/s1600/35265506_1769496413112035_4181229251967582208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="903" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9SUpNkcEuD9NZsdZx0L9GzW8p9EuP7DmTKL-2w8oHdI0L5F-YGX1JlPIGpmOmm3-uB1zoCa0IE7A4Rh2BWU0FbMbGfW_jTocp9Hq9cKLJB7DxPfMLX3ZzDfBLkhZ1GfHGNyWSSzfFTc/s640/35265506_1769496413112035_4181229251967582208_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CEI teachers saying goodbye to students</td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />Goodbye time
tears<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nine months have passed already, since I’m here in Taiwan sharing Christ's love with kids from various
schools and townships of Yunlin County. So many cute faces have been surely
stocked in a corner of my brain. So many good memories have found a hiding
place somewhere in my heart. But what’s my favorite camp week enjoyable moment?
Friday morning goodbye time. Not because I’m glad that at last, the naughty kids
are leaving the CEI campus but because of how most of them purely and
naturally express their gratitude toward us for being there for them after
all, teaching and supporting them, playing games with them during English
classes and break times, loving them throughout the week no matter how good or
bad their behaviors might be sometimes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I like to see tears
in their innocent eyes, of course, when those tears are tears of love. What I’m
trying to say is that I’m usually happy to see how what they really are deep
inside their hearts, can suddenly explode into those tender tears in their eyes:
they are nothing but little lovers that long to be loved. And when they seem to
have barely found that love from the CEI teachers they meet for the first time and for
a short time, they realize that</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Friday has already come and that they will have to say
goodbye so soon. What is more natural from kids in such a situation than shedding
tears of love?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of the time when the kids are in tears
during the closing ceremony, it’s neither because they are homesick (as some of
them are the first days of the camp) nor because they are so happy to leave CEI and return to their hometown, school or family that they burst into tears of
joy. For those of them who have such a feeling of joy do not cry; instead,
they have their faces lightened by a big smile, synonym of the great joy in
their heart: the joy of going back home…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember
George, a kid from last week’s camp, a very intelligent and lively boy. He was
so happy to go back home (because he was homesick, of course!), while his twin
sister, Jessica was in tears just like almost half of the kids in the
auditorium. That was as usual, just when we started singing the goodbye song
with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The tears in
the eyes of those kids are deep expressions of their unspoken gratitude toward
the CEI teachers. Their touching emotions expressed through silent crying is
nothing but a message: we are grateful, we love you, and we will definitely
miss you! What expression of love and gratefulness more beautiful than this do
we need to have from them to realize how much love we have sown in their
hearts within <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">only five</span> days? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Toy, my joy of
last camp<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Toy is my “<i>Coup
de Coeur</i>” of this whole semester so far. Not because he was the best
student of last camp or of all the previous camps. Not because he has a good
English level, nor because he likes me. The reason why he touched my heart so
deeply is the contrary of all the above; he was far from being a good student,
his English level is very low, he has serious learning disabilities, he has a
sad family background; but over all those weaknesses he has, I found, in him a
real ray of sunshine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">His enthusiasm,
his determination, his willingness and his cute smile, have taken over his
weaknesses and led him to a successful camp completion. How touching it was to
see him during the traditional “Love sharing time” standing in front of us, eager
to share his impressions with others! How touching his emotive voice was,
hearing him sharing one thing he learned during the camp, one character improvement
he noticed from a home school classmate, and one character he would like to put
into practice when he will go back home! Toy was so touching that his home
school teacher couldn’t hold back her tears after his sharing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Beyond the big
smile he offered me each time he saw me, beyond the fact that he kept waving at
me constantly with an innocent and cheerful face, the best gift Toy gave me the
last day during lunch time, was to invite me to come with my plate and join him
at his table: “Teacher Yar, Teacher Yar, come, sit…” he said to me showing me
the empty seat next to him. Which loving teacher could turn down such a loving
invitation from his student? His invitation was irresistible. And what was my
surprise and joy when I heard Toy trying his best to communicate with me as I
effectively joined him with my meal. <span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">And guess
how? Surprisingly, more than fifty percent of the words he spoke to me were in</span>
English, using most of the English vocabularies we taught them throughout the
week! How happy I felt hearing him trying his best to have a conversation
with me in English!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I will rejoice
in the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m grateful to
God for the miracle he keeps operating behind the scenes, in the life of Taiwan
children through VOICE Missions’ ministry. And like Habakkuk said in his last
prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<i>Though the
fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the
olive fail, and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold, and
there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I
will take joy in the God of my salvation</i>.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is to say
that though we cannot officially share the Gospel with the kids we teach here in
Taiwan, though we might not see flourishing now the fruit of Christ love we sow
in their life through the time we spend with them teaching them and playing
with them, yet we will rejoice in the Lord for using us as vessels to spread
his blessing over their lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, I will
take joy in the God of my salvation, for He is the only one who can water the
seeds we sow in their hearts; He is the only one capable of working the best for
the salvation of Taiwan’s unreached people. All be to His glory!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 13.91px;"><b>Yarmonth Drissou (Yar) </b>is 34 and is from Togo, a small French speaking country located on the West African coast. In his hometown, Yar used to be a French and English as Second Language teacher in both elementary and junior high school for 5 years. After 5 years, he resonded to God's call upon his life, quit teaching and moved to Switzerland for a three year Bible college program. He is a professioal graduate with a Bachelor of Theology since June 2016 and is hoping to pursue his postgraduate studies for a Master of Theology. He is a pastor and Bible teacher and also a writer fond of poetry and philosophy.</span></span> “Eurêka” and “Le procès de Tromal” are his published books so far. After his Bachelor degree in Switzerland, Yar was waiting for the 2017 fall semester to make it to Dallas Theological Seminary when God opened VOICE Missions' door for him in Taiwan, where he has been serving since September 2017.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 13.91px;"></span></span><br />
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</span></span>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-77032409762069273992018-05-30T07:30:00.000-07:002018-05-30T23:43:49.517-07:00Finding God's Purpose in the Ordinary<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12.8px;">"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, your steadfast love, O Lord, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12.8px;">endures forever." Psalm 138:8a</span></b></div>
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The simple pleasures of serving Taiwan has been beautiful in its own way. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of the memories that stands out is the first day meeting the other teachers. It reminds me that small actions can make big waves - cooking a good meal with everyone can make a room full of strangers into friends. It creates a bond that connects all races, nationalities and backgrounds. Seeing the smiles on everyone's face as the meal begins causes a thankfulness that everyone shares. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1iyhoV_f5q097sYpoQR8Ozw8xUSr2EYoZWgLuBlsmlvods4nBCMWzNmRT2W7MaXfJfAsh3-QFKI-7qbjBJPDMLosBruRXsRZF5ED47aRy8cDmM4GjyvCBsUiDDsZ2EKTyqUSLFakS8E/s1600/20180220_151350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1iyhoV_f5q097sYpoQR8Ozw8xUSr2EYoZWgLuBlsmlvods4nBCMWzNmRT2W7MaXfJfAsh3-QFKI-7qbjBJPDMLosBruRXsRZF5ED47aRy8cDmM4GjyvCBsUiDDsZ2EKTyqUSLFakS8E/s320/20180220_151350.jpg" width="180" /></a>Unspoken connections is part of the daily life here, things that would usually go unnoticed and ignored in America are quite the opposite in Taiwan. You would get invited for dinner for just smiling and waving while biking by locals who are BBQing. </div>
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<b>Let your light shine</b></div>
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"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."</div>
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It's interesting teaching little light to the kids, with big eyes they listen to a song they never heard before. Soon they sing along and the whole class is filled with music. Little do they know that the simple song has a deeper meaning to it. The next day they find out the meaning. A skit is acted out about not giving up when the going gets tough. Let your light shine even when it's hard.</div>
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I once read that "Smiles don't need translations". So much can be said with just body language and a smile, so much love can shine though.</div>
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"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1173773338" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5:16</span></span></div>
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<b>Hannah Eng </b>is currently serving with VOICE Missions on the Chiayi team. Born and raised in Florida, she went to culinary school. Her hobbies include dancing, hiking, cooking and spending time with friends and family.</div>
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VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-36005567717015317752018-05-11T07:30:00.000-07:002018-05-30T01:21:48.260-07:00An Answer to Our Prayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">"Teacher, I feel it at that time." </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">This was a former student's response when I told him how my friend Caroline and I always prayed for our students. We would pray that they would know Jesus and feel His love during their week with us at school. A lot of the time, we have no way of knowing how God answered those prayers but when I ran into Gavin recently at the night market, God gave me a glimpse of one answer.<br /><br />Gavin came to my school four years ago. Caroline and I went to visit him and his classmates in their village afterwards. We kept in touch over the years and continued to pray for him. Then one day a couple years back, we noticed that there had been big changes in Gavin's attitude and actions. When we asked why, he said that God had changed his life. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipZa05W4IAZxWgV18CJMHK5_DGg6sgkjoUpdJshbkkoBRpeoBZxhBabbXiyqiRunR8QRNkZsfnyAe-BwIiCYFO1jioTjdXTPrA3mirpQj7r8yHygNmvKq5ZQV6WgPkbxCAktHdnS1GpY/s1600/31732140_1725547327506944_5551362697435545600_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1415" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipZa05W4IAZxWgV18CJMHK5_DGg6sgkjoUpdJshbkkoBRpeoBZxhBabbXiyqiRunR8QRNkZsfnyAe-BwIiCYFO1jioTjdXTPrA3mirpQj7r8yHygNmvKq5ZQV6WgPkbxCAktHdnS1GpY/s320/31732140_1725547327506944_5551362697435545600_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Fast forward to the other week when I ran into this 8th grader. He began spilling over with joy, sharing what grace and love Jesus had shown him and how he wanted to share that same Love with others. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;">As this eighth grader thanked me for praying and sharing with him, I realized - God had been using our prayers for years now. In fact, He has shown His love and truth to Gavin and is now using Gavin to reach others.<br /><br />God uses you and He uses me. As Mother Teresa said, "I'm a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Keep on believing that He is writing that love letter through you wherever you are!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ1xnq1gmOiEZrNi_03-yN5esnZsBBJihWMz_LMlM-GpFkcrTpuLyYS20TzNEWowZ5lYb8x0NZULcvWfu9vnRsgNyYw1P0Hht49Za3vzbkIMPrze9VQLSFNxwZE53E6yD3Pz9ThRYEL4/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1600" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ1xnq1gmOiEZrNi_03-yN5esnZsBBJihWMz_LMlM-GpFkcrTpuLyYS20TzNEWowZ5lYb8x0NZULcvWfu9vnRsgNyYw1P0Hht49Za3vzbkIMPrze9VQLSFNxwZE53E6yD3Pz9ThRYEL4/s320/fullsizeoutput_a36.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></b></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252424; font-family: "georgia" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Joanna Suich</b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> has been serving with VOICE Missions since February 2013. As a child, she attempted to dig her way to China, but only made it two feet in before her mom called her to dinner. Although Joanna never made it to China, God did bring her nearby to the island of Taiwan. She has a heart for all things involving missions, juvenile delinquents and adventures. God has placed Hualien in her heart and it's home now. She currently is doing college online as she volunteers, majoring in social work. If you're looking for Joanna, check the local village or orphanage and you'll probably find her there - playing, tutoring and sharing Christ's love and truth.</span></span>VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-77112672359119366942018-04-20T07:30:00.000-07:002018-04-20T07:30:20.055-07:00Of Dreams and Fields<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s 10 pm and I’m working on a homework
assignment for my online course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m in
Taipei because all of the VOICE Missions teachers have a meeting this week. Through
the screen door to the balcony I hear traffic buzzing back and forth. I also
hear the relaxed conversation of some of the other VOICE Missions teachers
drift through from the other room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are discussing dreams. Dreams for their future, dreams for what they want to do
in Taiwan long term, dreams of how to impact the lives of the students who have
become near and dear to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gem in Danshui at a memorial for George Mackay</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US">This scene carries me back to a meeting
during my first year in Taiwan. Some of the other VOICE Missions teachers and I
sat in the girls’ dorm preparing for bed. There were three other teachers who
had been in Taiwan for quite some time, and then there was me – new and eager
to learn all I could. I listened wide eyed as they shared their passions, the
needs they saw in the lives of those around them, their dreams of how they
could help transform this little island that we had ventured to. That night my
heart was stirred with a sense of excitement and adventure. I was here and I
was going to make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Five years have passed. Some of those
teachers have gone on to become involved in other more long term ministries
here in Taiwan. Few of the dreams we discussed have been fulfilled, but the
path God has created for those teachers has allowed them to reach and touch
many lives. And yet there are still so many lives to reach. Truly the harvest
is plentiful and the laborers far too few. Will any of the dreams discussed
tonight be able to be realized? “A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord
directeth his steps.” (Prov. 16:9 KJV) What path has God prepared for these
teachers? And the heaviest question of all - where are all the workers for this
waiting harvest?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ9KHzwXRk1fE3iSiJA2nqaVc5Qt-s1yDCUgDrv4V9Lw-ixL11OK1YtxobrN6kqmdjR-T99Gubs0qMgTqsMKk0pI4z_dzl_XsriKtlM-Q_T2glH4NCEWv3F1t5Q6HA5-hbTFEE27tzEE/s1600/People+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZ9KHzwXRk1fE3iSiJA2nqaVc5Qt-s1yDCUgDrv4V9Lw-ixL11OK1YtxobrN6kqmdjR-T99Gubs0qMgTqsMKk0pI4z_dzl_XsriKtlM-Q_T2glH4NCEWv3F1t5Q6HA5-hbTFEE27tzEE/s320/People+3.jpg" width="240" /></a><span lang="EN-US">It is this heavy question that brings to
mind George Mackay. The first time I had heard of him was <o:p></o:p></span>from a lady who
attended the same church as me in Dajia. She mentioned that in Dansui there was
a small museum for one of the early missionaries to Taiwan and his name was
George Mackay. The second time I heard of him was while reading <i>Goforth of China</i>. Mackay visited Jonathan Goforth’s church (and
many other churches) in an attempt to recruit missionaries for Taiwan. Mackay
realized he was drawing nearer and nearer to the end of his pilgrimage on earth
and wanted desperately to find young Christians to fill the gap that would be
left in his absence. It was Mackay’s speech which sparked the fire in Goforth’s
heart and started him on the path that would lead to a life of missions in
China.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I don’t know if Mackay was successful in
recruiting new missionaries to Taiwan. But I do know that there are now many missionaries
in Taiwan – I am one of them. Mackay’s heart was heavy for the Taiwanese
people, as are the hearts of my fellow VOICE Missions teachers and me. Yet it
is not our harvest. It is God’s harvest and we are merely the workers. “Pray ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His
harvest.” (Mt. 9:38 KJV) Whether our dreams are fulfilled or not, at the heart
of it all we wish to see laborers drawn the harvest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are
you one of these laborers being called to Taiwan? Or is the Lord possibly
calling you, as he called Jonathan Goforth, to go to another foreign field?
Perhaps He is not calling you somewhere abroad, but rather to be a faithful witness
at home. No matter which field He has called you to be a laborer in, will you
be praying with me that God would bring workers to the fields of Taiwan? There
is indeed a great need here for the Way, the Truth, and the Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Originally from Chicago, <b>Gabrielle Martin </b>had served with VOICE Missions for 3 and a half years before being led to spend a year and a half back in the States. She has recently returned to Taiwan, and continues her M.Ed. TESOL studies online through Regent University. She loves teaching English, singing, and dabbling in photography. Her personal blog, sharing her adventures and things she's learned, can be found at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com&source=gmail&ust=1523427391293000&usg=AFQjCNHv5BP1Kf0rqkYMRN-jt2sJyeR-cQ" href="http://gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: "times new roman", "new york", times, serif; font-size: 16px;" target="_blank">gemgoingandgrowing.tumblr.com</a><br />
<br />VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1283129863390044596.post-70487264641597824512018-03-27T07:30:00.000-07:002018-03-27T07:30:08.648-07:00And So It Continues<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmastime, 2016, I sat in my apartment in the USA and begged God to allow me to return to Taiwan. It was the place God had put on my heart for long-term missions, but had told me to leave indefinitely. At that time I had no idea if or when God would allow me to return. A few weeks later, on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1939907251" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">January 1st</span></span>, God told me it was time to return. That week, I bought a ticket for a month-long trip for later that month, and then later returned in May for a more permanent stay.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From June through August I focused on language studies, and once again asked God for direction. I had thought my work with VOICE Missions was done, but God still had more work for me to do as a part of VOICE Missions. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVkACowq2qair4TEvc_C_cSfAIzEG-eADYJCyzyu9ZXy-mwIT7ktSP4jz4VRDEweLf_PHIBCSRJq7xuaRufSQG5UNugfeRiADhg0NBtU2TipznbEnGzlgBXJHCKlOqr-q6v1u4P4_eAQ/s1600/received_10215966511583508+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVkACowq2qair4TEvc_C_cSfAIzEG-eADYJCyzyu9ZXy-mwIT7ktSP4jz4VRDEweLf_PHIBCSRJq7xuaRufSQG5UNugfeRiADhg0NBtU2TipznbEnGzlgBXJHCKlOqr-q6v1u4P4_eAQ/s320/received_10215966511583508+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I prayed about returning to VOICE Missions, and specifically to the Joy House ministry in Chiayi where I had previously served every weekend from the fall of 2013 through summer of 2016, I asked God “isn’t the work there already completed?” and He brought to mind the words of a song I had written 5 years before “The work is not done”. That was all the confirmation I needed, and so I returned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being back in Chiayi did not answer all my questions, however. I am called to Taiwan for the long-haul, and VOICE Missions is a short-term opportunity. It's a great way to prepare to live in Taiwan for full-time missions, but it's not a permanent solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I began praying again, and asking for direction. The answer came, and it wasn't what I had initially expected. One week, the kids from the village “DaKangLang” came to camp. I already knew most of the kids very well from the Joy House (a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1939907252" style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(204, 204, 204); position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span> Bible club in their village). Many of the kids from DaKangLang have learning disabilities, and all of them are under privileged. Many come from broken homes or live with grandparents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those kids were the reason I returned to Taiwan, and that week, God gave me the answer I had been looking for. To serve in the village of DaKangLang as a teacher, a mentor, and as an example of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For now, I will continue with VOICE Missions as I prepare to serve in DaKangLang, and for now I will continue to be an example of Christ to the many other kids I will meet in this Spring semester.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8D1f0M8a_x6faRCwDLcL2JnXfKI6w3Olghy25mpusWoj6sL4ne4yavnmiN_Zg-eM04k9Fvjtl5dwzWQ75lt-itf-kjHuCvjwvNto5qhbHLOhWHzy0W2V6gL_Nxj5qQFotxFApveUo0/s1600/11891132_525023920980940_6241007847245375385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="479" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr8D1f0M8a_x6faRCwDLcL2JnXfKI6w3Olghy25mpusWoj6sL4ne4yavnmiN_Zg-eM04k9Fvjtl5dwzWQ75lt-itf-kjHuCvjwvNto5qhbHLOhWHzy0W2V6gL_Nxj5qQFotxFApveUo0/s200/11891132_525023920980940_6241007847245375385_n.jpg" width="199" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kristina Joy </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dzimianski </span></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has served with VOICE Missions since the fall of 2013, and lives in Chiayi County. She enjoys spending time with kids and animals. She also likes coding computer programs in her spare time, and hopes she can teach coding skills to some of her students someday.</span></div>
VOICE Missionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17299483102024045690noreply@blogger.com0