Politics, Airplanes, and a Campground.

Adventure and spontaneity are two word not unfamiliar to my journey.  This past month or so I've found myself inside the Hawaii state capitol, on a plane to Kona, and standing in front of 80+ women at One Love Ministries Women's retreat at a campground on the North Shore of Oahu.  Locations and people vary but a theme flows; Worship and Intercession. 

Politics.
Combining the second thing that people often try to avoid in casual conversation, alongside religion, -politics.  As Christians we are called to stand for truth, in a manner of love.  Willing to be messengers of light, in obedience, boldness, and respect.  The church on Hawaii rallied together at the state capitol to support traditional marriage as the definition hung in the balance.  Hearing of this, one of our invested local YWAM staff members and myself felt compelled to join.  We loaded up a couple 15 passenger vans of YWAMers (students and staff) to join in intercessory prayer for an afternoon at the state capitol.  A significant experience for us all.  For many of our YWAM students it was an eye opening experience to be at the front lines where religion and politics meet and the sobering effect of the reality of spiritual battle over laws and morals.
 

Airplanes.
Something about being in a plane makes me alive, and dream in color.  Open door, confirmation, trip to the University of the Nations on the big island, a 30min plan ride from Oahu.  Connected with those running with a common vision for worship.  A 3 night getaway, refreshing, and stirring.  Seeking God's face, and seeing things set in motion.  Bonus  treasured time visiting a close friend.  Radical corporate worship times.  Fiery speakers, leaders, dreamers, and lovers of Jesus. Divine networking, and connecting dots to a bigger picture.  Waiting on the ripple effects of this visit.

(Kona prayer room)

 


Campground.
Through a couple divine sequence of events, I ended up with the opportunity to lead worship for One Love Ministries Women's retreat this past weekend at a camp on the beautiful North Shore of Oahu.  The retreat theme was "Faith like a Child".  I was blessed by a friend who came to joined last minute.  Between her; violin, guitar, and voice, and my; guitar, keyboard, and voice, we had a blast switching it up at every session.  Holy Spirit showed up, filled up, breakthroughs, revelations, tears, and laughter.  Familiarity, and many new faces.  One Love Ministries is my original foundation of church on island.  About a decade ago at my arrival I was adopted in, invested, seen through ~7 years of a lot of seasons of life.  For the past several years natural distance occurred due to full-time staffing with YWAM, involvement in other ministries on island, and travels that brought me in other directions.  This past weekend was a full-circle, refreshing reminder of the blessing, thank you One Love Ministries for all you've done, and do!  Highlights;  being in God's creation, early morning Bible readings on an empty beach, and worship around a campfire.  Overall refreshment.

(Camp Homelani)

(personal study of Acts)

 

     

(YWAM Honolulu living room prayer room)

We are rounding the corner to the holiday seasons.  This year I will be staying on the rock (Oahu).  Here at YWAM Honolulu, in 3 weeks, 2 out of our 3 schools, our current D.T.S. and S.O.M.E. students will be departing for their several month outreaches around Asia Pacific, it's possibly about to get much more quite around here.  All though students, school staff, and some homebound-for-the-holidays base staff will be going out, I have a full schedule of guest coming in, the YWAM Honolulu Hospitality guest house is booked through the end of this year.  Continuing current responsibilities; managing the YWAM Honolulu Guest House, leading worship, and involvement with island community outreaches such as with the homeless in Chinatown.
   




Transitional season.  Recently released communication, my current home church will be ending it's season of ministry.  Christ Fellowship, a plant from Christ Fellowship and Antioch church in Waco Texas, has been active on the island of Oahu for the past 7 years.  I have been involved for the past ~year, running the sound board, playing keys, and vocals. The last service will be December 8th, 2013.  Dispersion, where I go is an unknown.

My journey. Ever growing, pioneering ever stirring. To simplify, write music, and to be ready. Willing.



           

Fall 2013.

   

     A familiar path, like clockwork a new quarter commences at YWAM Honolulu and a reset button in our lives is pushed.  Often times leaving us temporarily out-of sorts, we adjust to shifts in the spiritual and physical.  September 2013 is happening, we're off the ground and on our feet walking it.  A new start, the fall quarter has begun at YWAM Honolulu.  3 schools in progress; English DTS (Discipleship Training School), SBS (School of Biblical Studies), and SOME (School Of Missions and Evangelism).  An additional 50+ people have moved onto our 3 acre base within the past few weeks, we're cozy.  My primary responsibilities as a base-operational staff revolve around managing the YWAM Honolulu Hospitality Guest House (~2 years and counting!).  In addition, there has been some new things added to my life...

***********************************************************

I am now teaching on Worship, a small "break out group" of 5 DTS students and 2 DTS staff, once a week for an hour.  My first time teaching at YWAM!  A glimpse of what I will be teaching on; defining worship, summary of some major world religion and cult expressions of worship, Biblical examples through the Old and New Testament of worship, personal verse corporate and lifestyles of worship, typologies and styles of Worship, modern day Christian worship movements across the globe; ect.  On the first day (this past Thursday) I asked their reasoning for choosing the Worship break out group and what they hope to see from our time together. The responses varied, as expected.  Some desiring freedom and understanding of the purpose of worship, some questioning how Worship actually effects the spiritual realm, some searching to carry Worship into different areas of their lives, others choose just because they love God and love music, and so on. I am excited to see what these next 5 weeks have in store as we all learn and grow together.     



I am now also leading additional worship music throughout the week, in new settings and with new arrangements of people.  I'm blessed by returning staff, who I have had the pleasure leading worship with in the past, now back!  I am now helping in leading the weekly DTS Worship nights.  At which times much ministry and freedom has been found entering and soaking in God's presence.  I have also recently started playing keyboard at my home church Christ Fellowship, rotating Sunday mornings with continuing running the sound board.  Also, YWAM Honolulu will again be volunteering at River of Life (homeless feeding service and rehabilitation center) this quarter, at which times I look forward to join in again (after a long summer break) by plugging in and playing background worship music in their cafeteria during the mealtimes, as my schedule allows.  (I will be continuing playing keyboard and singing in the YWAM Launch band at our weekly meetings.  As well as being on the rotation for leading YWAM base Worship during intercession every Monday morning.  Plus on rotation for leading worship Friday nights in Chinatown at PS150. Also in the YWAM Honolulu prayer room mon-fri, every lunch hour, at which time the Worship leaders (-including yours truly:) take turns leading worship with intercession/scripture reading.)

This quarter I am also now the Chinatown outreach base-staff leader for the current DTS.  I'll be helping to drive 15 passenger vans full of DTS students, and do outreach, in Chinatown every Friday night.  I look forward to introducing 20+ students from across the world to my friends in Chinatown, and to have them come alongside and take part in the work God is doing in the broken-down and darkness in Chinatown.  We are partnering with PS150 (see past blogs explaining this ministry); giving messages, leading worship, street evangelism, ect.

***********************************************************

     Honestly, this season kicked off and I immediately felt very stretched, a full plate of responsibilities and opportunities at; YWAM Honolulu, my local home church, and with community outreaches such as PS150, and other night outreaches that I am still connected with on a lesser volume due to my packed schedule.  On top of this, my part time job as a Medical Assistant has been evolving as a Dr. that I work for has switched his practice to a concierge/boutique style medicine.  The blessing to this switch is my medical skills are expanding as we are now servicing a larger amount of tests in office including; blood draws, EKG, PFTs, vision, hearing, and more.  Perhaps in a bigger picture God is equipping me for a broader spectrum of medical mission work... or at least how to multitask!  In the midst of all this, I have been increasingly stirred to press in and seek God's face.

(Alamoana beach)

PRAYER POINTS

to REST

*To live in that peace that passes all understanding is a beautiful thing. To fall more in love with Jesus. To spend extended quite times with the Lord. To be filled up and invested in friends. To enjoy God's creation!

that the JOY of the Lord would be my strength

*With out it I couldn't do what I'm doing.  I NEED, and want:), more of the joy of the Lord in my life!

PROVISION for carrying on

*Never once have I gone hungry or been without shelter over these past two years as  a full-time missionary.  God has provided, 2 faithful supporters, and a supplemental income working as a Medical Assistant.  I believe there is even more I would be able to do for the Kingdom with an increase of supporting partnerships, please consider:)

practical needs & dreams...

*My acoustic plug-in guitar is worn with a failing pick-up, the time is coming to consider a new investment.  A professional guitar is a tool for the way I am called to advance the Kingdom.

*I desire to widen my perspective and visit other hubs of Worship for the sake of gleaning, giving, and growing.  I would like to visit the University of the Nations prayer room in Kona, and/or the International House of Prayer in Kansas city.  Both locations I have contacts and possibilities of housing available.  I am considering short visit(s) before the year ends, if the Lord wills. 

(University of the Nations)

*I desire to go to the nations.  I am passionate about ushering God's presence in dark places... there are many dark places all around the world!  My heart is for outreach, pioneering, community living, the poorest and the darkest, third world countries, and simply living to share the good news -the love of Jesus!  If the Lord wills, I'd love to go on a short term mission with in the next 12 months...  or go to a third world country long term!  Whatever God says:)

fresh VISION

*Anything can happen, life is an adventure.  My 2 year commitment to YWAM Honolulu ended Sept 1st, 2013.  I have been in revaluation of where God is calling. I am committed here and now to all the responsibilities mentioned above, through December 2013.  Change is happening and coming, YWAM offers much freedom and many opportunities in many directions. Asking the Lord for fresh vision! 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!

 

Living the dream.

Alive

Fully alive and awakening to more of God, revelations of His love dwelling in His presence, ...and it keeps getting better?! Dimensions outside of space and time, discovering the mysteries of the simple gospel of Jesus Christ, -overwhelmingly beautiful. Advancement of freedom found in balancing out relationship with equal attention to the Father, Son, and Spirit. My heart is in heaven. Passion birthed from pain, expressions testify to redemption, singing a new song! 

Psalm 96  Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!  Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!...

Facing Changing Seasons

September 2013 milestone marks the end of a 2 year commitment to YWAM Honolulu as the Hospitality department head, blessed.  Since my return from a short-term trip to Thailand a few months ago, I have been seeking and stirred for this new upcoming season.  Reflecting back 2 years ago, when with such confirmation sent from above, I had stepped in to be rooted at YWAM Honolulu.  It happened, quite a journey, lessons, reality switches, the miraculous, so many amazing stories over these past 2 years.  Understanding the free-will given from a limitless God, future options not lacking.  My underlaid desire is doing life for the sake of love for the Kingdom come.  Moving forward in God's directives and blessings. Decision time.  

The New Era

*Abundance of joy and peace, lifts and settles my soul to stay at YWAM Honolulu, moving forward in recommitment!  Motivated and stirred to live the dream, -heart after God.  New opportunities within YWAM Honolulu have brought even more confirmation for this new upcoming season.  I will be continuing managing the Hospitality department, leading worship, and now teaching once a week for the September English DTS students on the subject of worship.  Already the preparation for these things have ministered and moved within. 

PS150, Chinatown,  8/2/13

*I have also recently stepped into running the sound at my home church Christ Fellowship, growing and rounding knowledge in the area of the calling -leading worship. 

*The continual connection and ministry happening in Chinatown moves forward alongside all this, I feel more at home then ever with the "homies" (homeless).  

*I am blessed to continue my "tent-making"  very-part-time job as a Medical Assistant at Queens hospital, as the Lord leads, for the stewarding of finances and medical skills.

*Fully invested in this community of YWAM Honolulu and the island of Oahu until God says go.  Believing in God's sovereignty, seeing divine orchestration for the now and the future.    

Home Turf

There is a culture of increased intercession and worship growing here at YWAM Honolulu, fire is catching!  We have been daily coming together for worship, public reading of scripture, and prayer, over our lunch breaks.  Many late evenings, and free times on the weekends, have been given to seeking and living in God's presence.  Evangelism is stirring up more and more, faith is building, the body of Christ functioning. 

YWAM Honolulu is currently running; Korean Discipleship Training School (DTS) 

English School of Biblical Studies (SBS) 

The Hospitality Guest House is getting ready for an upcoming packed season hosting speakers from 3 training schools running in September 2013; the continuation of SBS, an English DTS, and a School of Missions and Evangelism (SOME). 

We stand on truth. Revival is reality. God's love is the filling and the overflow!

Needs

PRAYER; Lord's Will Be Done (in everything!)

SUPPORT; Prayer and Finances (current committed monthly supporters totals ~$175 ...praying for an increase! Please ask the Lord if He is calling you to partner!)  

RESOURCES; Finances (one time gifts!) and Tools for the Call (on the wish list; keyboard and amp!)

THANK YOU... BLESSINGS ON YOU!

Adventure in Asia :)

Thailand is a colorful culture, scattered with intricate tapestries, and architecture throughout. 

The worship of idols is common practice in Thailand, many statues created as "gods", yet many pieces simply expressions of the artistic detailed Thai culture.

I spent 2 weeks in Thailand, with 40+ hours of well worth travel time combined. Blessed to have had the opportunity to experience a little bit of everything from back neighborhood house-restaurants (Thai food is amazing!), night markets, meeting new friends, a few tourist attractions, off-roading, pedicures, and connecting with ministries on the frontlines.  Was able to see multiple geographical areas from cities to suburbs to the back-country northern rice fields.

Bangkok

Chiang Rai

The several day mission conference in the center of my adventure was inspiring, unexplainable through words, an amazing opportunity to personally witness amazing things God is doing around the world. Major missions leaders such as President of Campus Crusade, CEO of IHop, and founder of YWAM shared inspiring vision and informative testimonies.  A major highlight of my trip was visiting my Compassion child, praise the Lord all the details panned out THE day I got on the plane heading to Thailand.  Asked, knocked, sought, and it opened(Matt 7:7)!  Living a life of faith, often times results in stepping into the unknown, with God's leading!

Tuk-Tuk

At one point of my adventure I waved goodbye to friends in one city, and left on a "tuk-tuk" (taxi) to a bus stop in order to travel by bus 3 hours up north (in the direction of the Laos/Berma boarder) to meet my Compassion child the following day.  At that moment in that "tuk-tuk" heading to the bus stop I realized  I was in the middle of Thailand, all by myself, with just little conversational Thai consisting of "Hello" and "Thank You".  No phone, no way to access the internet, no confirmation of a place to rest my head that evening other then a few emails from possible contacts whom I was not even able to relay an arrival time or exact location within a particular city.  I thought about my limited money tucked in my passport in a pouch around my waste, an equivalent of about 50 American dollars, and my close-to-empty bank account back home, with no access to funds, no plans, 3 days left in Thailand before my departure home to Hawaii.  At that moment, I though "...what am I doing(?!)... this is crazy(!)... Jesus, I LOVE MY LIFE (big smile)".  God has allowed me to live an exciting and interesting life to say the least, it's these kind of moments and memories of adventures with God on the edge that I treasure. Well, I survived, overwhelmed and blessed as God showed up. The contacts turned out to be two amazing girls my age that arrived at the bus stop up in Northern Thailand, granted it was a few hours after I arrived and was sitting on a curb praying hard for what came next, as the sun was setting. My last few days were amazing; experiencing God's hospitality, answers to prayers, provision, and divine orchestration.

Thai child playing on a gravel pile at dusk. (Not my compassion child.. but about the same age.) 

The day-visit with my Compassion child was that following morning.  I have been supporting and writting letters to him for the last ~4 years.  The visit shifted that whole relationship forward, interactions creating reality. To see and be in his home village, school, church, and share a meal with him and his mom and other Compassion workers there was awesome. I was also blessed to meet more contacts in Northern Thailand, connected from my home church in Hawaii, and got to see an awesome ministry of an International Christian School they are running.  Such an adventure; time with God, inspired, motivated, stretched, blessed!  Sincerely happy to be back in Hawaii (not because I couldn't see myself staying in Thailand, or another country, longer-term at some point...) but for now Hawaii IS home. Starting a new season of life here, changes, Thailand adventure couldn't have of come at a more perfect time, filled and refreshed, ready to see what comes next in life...


Here are some more pictures I took during my travels;

Monks... can't go outside without seeing orange.

Street beggar

Christian Ministry

Walking Street night market

Night Market performer.

Temple

House of Eden Ministries

Northern Thailand city golden clock tower.

Land of Smiles :)

Officially departing to the Land of Smiles (aka Thailand) in a week and a half, -overjoyed!!! In hindsight, wondering why I didn't do this sooner, as it turns out, once setting foot on Thailand it's rather inexpensive (*Asia exchange rates are our friend)!  God continues to amaze me, and show me how awesome living a life of full time missions is. All the connections and friends He's given me around the world makes trips like this possible. Thanks to the few of those who have already stepped forward, your support is very much appreciated. I am looking forward to attending the Call 2 All conference in Chang Mai for the second to last week of May and soaking in even more of a passion for world missions, and being able to network.  Please continue praying for the opportunity for a day-visit with my Compassion child in the farther northern region of Thailand during the last week of May, itinerary and finances still pending but through persistance is moving forward!  God has opened the door for me to put in extra hours at my part-time weekend job as a Medical Assistant at Queens Hospital, which i have been very grateful for.  However, I am currently praying and seeking for an additional $300 from supporters for this upcoming trip.  Please pray and consider partnering with me... TODAY (cause this trip is right around the corner:)! Tax-deductible support (one-time or repetitive), can be processed through the nonprofit missions organization (YWAM) I volunteer with full time... (*see instructions at bottom of my last blog post!)  




Here at YWAM Honolulu....

Jesus "went up to the mountain"... here's a nearby location I occasionally escape to; a little remote island
 (location undisclosed!)

This YWAM Honolulu school quarter is indeed flying by. It's been a season of rest and preparation for future expansion.  On top of my weekly responsibilities of running the Hospitality Guest House, partaking in leading of Worship Music, and involvement in community outreach in Chinatown Oahu,  I've been enjoying just being apart of the YWAM Honolulu base community life.  Here at YWAM Honolulu "family" is in our DNA.  There is such a variety of people, culture, and talents mixed together living on our small 3 acre property, so much to glean from.  I am blessed; interactions with students and staff from our multiple schools running on base at this time, getting to better know fellow operational base staff as real people, going through an intense Bible study with a small group of girls on base -Beth Moore' "Breaking Free", experiencing musical advancement in being in a worship band, and even receiving free weekly piano lessons.  Fellowship and working together has been such a blessing and I've noticed from that- an increase of boldness in evangelism, corporately and independently, is occurring.  Everyday, God has been revealing the goodness of life with Him! ...Ask yourself; WHAT IS GOD REVEALING TO YOU TODAY?!       

:)

April's Movement!

     April quarter, now a few weeks past kick-off, ...and we're rolling!  Two new schools began at YWAM Honolulu; English Discipleship Training School (DTS) and English Chronological Bible Core Course (CBCC). There is an atmosphere on base of commitment, great anticipation, and big dreams for our small number of April DTS students. Plus, a mature studious mindset from our secondary school CBBC students. Our Hospitality House guests are flowing in and out on constant rotation, (and I've recently become an expert on vacum cleaners, since our's were bitting the dust:). Exciting things happening here in Honolulu in the area of Worship music as well.  A consistant YWAM Honolulu band is intentionally building and moving forward, (your's truly -keys and vocal), ...stay tuned! And of course, continued involvement in Chinatown! Not only have we been bringing students down to help out at ministries such as River of Life and PS150, but YWAM Honolulu operational base staff have been getting involved and creating consistant partnering that span across the seasons and gaps of students coming and going.  I am blessed to be accompanying PS150 founders this Sunday at One Love Ministries morning services to share about the awesome things Jesus is doing in Chinatown!  Also, the vision is catching, the reality of pioneering a YWAM Honolulu outreach-hub location downtown Chinatown, in one of the... if not THE darkest place on the island of Oahu, is growing, continue praying!  

April 2013 "Aloha Day" first day of the quarter, worship in our main meeting area -the "Tin Cathedral"! (*piano)

YWAM Honolulu first monday morning worship/intercession time! (*guitar)

A friday night service at PS150 for the homeless in the Chinatown Honolulu!
(*my view from behind the mic during a ministry/worship time).

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 

An additional new exciting immediate opportunity I am pursing...  Call 2 All, Thailand, 2013. A worldwide movement calling the church, leaders and organizations networking together to complete the Great Commission (www.call2all.org).  I have felt called to visit Thailand for quite sometime... actually, since my DTS in LA in 2003 when it jumped off the map at me during time alone in a prayer room. Also several years ago I felt called to start supporting a Compassion child in Northern Thailand with a desire to one day visit... that day could be in this May! My Compassion child is located in a near region to the Call 2 All conference. Plus through my home church, Christ Fellowship Hawaii, there is a contact family whom I would love to connect with who runs a ministry out of the very same area as that which my Compassion child lives!  I am looking to go to Thailand for the last two weeks of May. YWAM Honolulu will graciously cover the Call 2 All conference fee, so my total estimated cost for the trip (airfare and ground fees) = $1700. 

I am earnestly praying and seeking support.  I currently have $700 pledged towards the total, my current need is $1000, please consider partnering with me financially!

+checks made out to; "YWAM Oahu" (tax deductible receipt upon request) 

+my name; "Christina Gray" (attached on a separate piece of paper)

    +mail to; "YWAM Honolulu, 2707 Hipawai Place, 

Honolulu, HI, 96822" 

Your support and prayers are valued!    

Goodbye 2012... Hello 2013.

 

I am now convinced; it's true, time does seem to move faster with each year.  2012 wrapped up in a whirlwind of refocused ministry involvement, -narrowing yet deepening, and holidays spent visiting family...

Christmas; Charlotte, NC, with Dad, and my two brother. Blessed to share family traditions like Chinese food on Christmas Eve, and countless number of Rummy 13 card games around the kitchen table. Spent lots of time curled up in front of the fireplace and taking naps (perhaps my blood did thin-out over my 8 years of living on the island of Oahu).




The city of Charlotte.





Christmas Eve at Dad' home church Calvary, with one of the worlds largest organs!





...then back home to Oahu!

                        I’ve now been apart of the operational base staff at YWAM Honolulu as the Hospitality Department head for 1 year, 5 months, and going strong!  Loving it; the scheduling, hosting, accommodating, revamping, interacting, with never a dull moment.  The guest house is already filling up fast through this upcoming quarter with missionaries, teachers, pastors, and friends from around the world!  This quarter I am actively pursuing building accounts with other housing options on island such as hotels and hostels in efforts to better serve and supply options for our passing through guests. 

Interested in staying at the YWAM Honolulu Guest House and want to know more details? -email me!  hospitality@ywamhonolulu.com

Personal Ministry refocusing;

*Pressing into the call and heart for leading Worship Music out of an overflow of the Holy Spirit, expanding in ability to lead with either guitar or piano. Letting this be the role and responsibility I uptake in the ministries I am invested in. Desiring to network through worship music even more, with YWAM, local churches, and a variety of community outreaches.

*To move forward with the vision for Honolulu Chinatown, partnering and committing to ministries currently rooted there already such as; PS150, and River of Life.  Involvement multiple times weekly in street outreaches connecting with the homeless, worship ministry times, and introducing of others to ministery oppertunities in Chinatown.  Continuing praying for future pioneering in the Honolulu Chinatown community.

*After transition over the past ~6 months, while being spread thin invested in several local churches and multiple ministries, I am confident the Lord has led and brought confirmation for a change. I am now committed Sunday mornings to a new home church; Christ Fellowship. A body of Christ that meets Sunday mornings in the Makiki area.  It’s a place of fellowship with opportunities to serve, and an excellent example of family with a real since of adoption. A place to grow in this new season, which I am very thankful for. 

                       A new year, a new season... fittingly, YWAM Honolulu, as well begins a new chapter.  Next week we are honored to have YWAM co-founder Darlene Cunningham visit for the commissioning of YWAM Honolulu’s new base directors; Chris and Cary Solima. A couple with big hearts for YWAM training schools and our local community.  Building on a strong foundation of a missions training and sending center, YWAM Honolulu has felt a call to step deeper into our community on the island of Oahu, with of course the continuation of training and sending missionaries to the unreached of Asia Pacific and beyond, with the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! My heart resounds.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~JESUS (Matthew 28:18-20)