Hummingbirds & Hurricanes

 

 

I have a new porch swing I love to sit in and watch what's happening in the world around me. Late yesterday afternoon I was watching the clouds roll in from Tropical Storm Rafael. The forecast originally showed it to come right across the island. We had cleaned up plants and lightweight chairs from the deck so the wind would not blow them around. I planned to leave the hummingbird feeders up til after dark so the birds could get their dinner. But I noticed it was quiet of birds chirping and flying around. It came to me they were sheltered someplace safe waiting for the storm to pass. No one on TV or the radio informed them it was coming. None had read the news headlines advising them to be ready with storm preparations. No...God took care of them.

 

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Matthew 6:26

 

I love the last part of this verse. If God takes such good care of the little birds in a storm, He will surely take care of me. What comfort that is. All kinds of storms come into our lives. Some could be financial, emotional, family conflict, illness, and the list is endless.

I have gone through storms without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and many more storms since the day I received Him as my Savior. What a huge difference with Him carrying me through the storm. There is peace, comfort, guidance and hope. Never do I want to go it alone again...and with Him I know I am not alone. I am sheltered under His care just as the little birds are when storms come.

How do you go through the storms in life? In your own strength and wisdom? Where is the peace, hope, and guidance?

 

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."   Matthew 6:33

 





25 Years Old Today

 

Today I am celebrating my 25th Birthday!

I wasn't sure I could write about it this morning. I did not sleep well, and when I went for my morning walk I noticed I had a flat tire. BUT it IS important that I do write about it because it is the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life.

I was 33 years old, facing the reality that my second marriage was failing and my life was in a mess. There was no joy, peace or hope. Despair and depression were at my front door. I was working full time in a doctor's office and raising two sons. Most people would have said I was a good person. But there was something wrong with my life. The emptiness of knowing I was not loved created such low feelings of self worth.

It was a Friday morning and I had taken the day off from work. I knew I needed help. All alone in my home I began to think upon some things my friend Shirley had talked to me about over the last year and a half. I first met her when I was called by a doctor to see if I wanted to be their office nurse. Since we worked together on a daily basis we had lots of time to talk. She was a church going person and talked about God and Jesus a lot. I would listen but that was not for me. I had come to the conclusion that there could not have been a God as there was so much pain and suffering in the world as well as in my life. Why would God allow these things to happen?

Patiently she would share how God had created all things but sin had entered the world through the choices of Adam and Eve. Since then we were all sinners and in need of forgiveness. The only one who could provide forgiveness was Jesus. But that came with a price. He chose to die upon the cross to take the punishment for mine as well as every one's sins (wrongdoings). That was something I could not do for myself. On the third day He arose and is now in Heaven...to someday return for those people who have accepted Him as their Saviour.

I remember driving to an appointment I had and just crying out to God and accepting what He had done, and knowing I needed Him. I felt a weight lifted, peace and a hunger to know more about God. I knew my life was going to be different and not sure how people would accept me for the decision I had made. But it didn't matter as I knew I had done the right thing.

I would like to say my life got so much better but the bottom seemed to fall out. I was left alone with my two sons, facing some tough situations to deal with. I will have to say that I felt truly loved for the first time in my life. During the dark nights, the love of Jesus carried me through some valleys to huge mountaintop experiences.

Jesus was what I was seeking and needing so much in my life. I was finally complete.

I was born again.

That's why I can say that today is my 25th Birthday!
He has changed my life so much and is still working on me! I am so thankful for His love, grace and mercy!

 

 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

This is one of the songs God used in my early days as a Christian.
It is still so true today!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6wcPQ01-Ho

 

 

 



Chapel

I was able to do both Chapel services for children in grades K-3 through grade 4. There were about 110 energetic elementary children that came Wednesday morning. However the teachers were quick to remind them it was Chapel and their behaviour needed to reflect that. After a few songs, Misfit, my dog puppet came out to sing "Jesus Is My Best Friend."

The Bible story focused on how Jesus is our best friend. In the book of Daniel the three young men were thrown into the fiery furnace because of their commitment to God. As the story continues there is one more man in there... the Son of God.

Jesus crucifixion and resurrection give hope to those who have accepted Him as their Savior...truly making Him our Best Friend!

 

 

Summer 2012 Newsletter

Culture Shock at Home

On May 26th we left St. Croix early in the morning and arrived home to our cabin in Maine around midnight. It was a long day but worth it to be in our home state. We encountered some culture shock which surprised us. This was the first time we had come directly off the mission field and home in one day. We usually had a few days of traveling by car to get used to being back.

We had to adjust to driving back on the right side of the road, having so much to choose from in the stores, and the emotions of seeing family and friends once again. Both of us felt like our heads were spinning, but within a week we began to feel like we could function like "normal" people! Our porch swing that overlooks the pond was a great place to sit and think upon the things of life!

Employment

The Lord provided Billy with a full schedule of work for the summer. He remodeled two kitchens in our campground and fixed up ours. We finally had running water in the kitchen and newer used cabinets. He also did some work and other odd jobs for some of our supporters and people we knew.

Speaking Engagements

We had the opportunity to show our slide presentation to six different groups/churches while we were in Maine. We were able to let people know about the needs in the Virgin Islands. There are some beautiful places to see and resorts for the vacationer. However, there is the need for people to trust the Lord and live for Him.

Gathering Supplies

Summer seems to be the catch up time for getting the things we need. Prices are less in the states and there is a much better selection. Billy's transition glasses had literally crumpled inside his lenses so he had to get new glasses. We had to purchase a new laptop and camera. The camera "died" and the laptop was not far behind. We bought some much needed clothes and personal items. It is still less expensive to buy and pay the price of shipping than it is to buy on the island.

Back on the Island in July

Saturday morning on July 28th we headed back to St. Croix. There was a change in flights at the last minute that left us running to catch our plane. We arrived safely! One of our cars started but Billy's had to have a boost...which eventually led us to getting a new battery a week later. Cecilia's car had to have a new tire. The tread was peeling off on her first day back to school. The salt water and roads are rough on automobiles.

Work on the Island

Billy was able to start work on some painting and remodeling jobs. People want their houses fixed up so they can sell them and move to the states. Cecilia was able to go back to her school as a part time school nurse. Enrollment, though down from last year, is better than we had hoped with the closing of the oil refinery.

Stepping Out of Our Comfort Zone

For the past 16 months we have been members of a wonderful church here on St. Croix. Our pastor has been a great shepherd for us, and we have come to love the people there. But for the last few months we have felt the Lord pushing us out of our comfortable "nest." Although we were active in our church, we felt there was something more the Lord wanted us to do. We felt His leading to Altona Baptist Church, here on St. Croix. There is a work there which takes us both out of our comfort zone, but we are trusting the Lord.

"Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established."

Proverbs 16:3

Praises

Our trip to Maine

Jobs upon our return here

Both cars running good

Housing

Open doors to ministry

Prayer Requests

Our ministry at Altona

Medical supplies for the school

Opportunities to share the Lord

Health & Safety

Wisdom & Guidance

Thanks for your prayers.

Love

Billy & Cecilia

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to

YES Ministry

PO Box 700697

St. Cloud, FL  34770

or

www.YEServants.org

God and His Plans

It has been almost two weeks since we returned to the island of St. Croix. It seems like the summer just flew by. Speaking of flying...it was on our flight here that we saw again how God has a plan and it's our responsibility to get aboard that plan or miss the trip entirely! We got an early morning message from the airline that our 8:00 flight had been postponed until 9:15 so the pilots could get their needed rest. Apparently there had been some stormy weather the night before and they were late getting in to Maine. Their advice was to still get to the airport on time while they worked out our flights. We were tempted to take our time and go an hour later but since we, as well as our ride were already up, we headed to the airport.

After we were dropped off we began the process of checking in. The lady behind the counter said, "you heading to San Juan?" No, our flight ends in St. Croix. After some more checking she announced that our flight would get in too late to catch the last flight to St. Croix and we would have to spend the night in San Juan...just a 20 minute flight to St. Croix!

This is where we see God's plan unfold. Although there was a long line she began to work feverishly to see what she could do. Finally she told us we could catch the flight to Philadelphia that was leaving at 7:01 instead of going to Charlotte, North Carolina.  It was now about 6:30 and we had not even cleared security. We said yes! She said we were one of the lucky ones but we know God worked all that out. We raced to security and made it all the way through except one piece of luggage. The security guy asked if that was our luggage. What a sinking feeling! Our projector was in that bag and should have been removed just as laptops have to. With a quick scan of our bag we were racing to catch our flight. Just as we arrived at our gate they were paging us for the last call. The agent told us we had to check that bag since the overhead compartments were full. No time to think on that subject...so our bag with our projector, important papers, etc was taken and we made it to our seats on time. Meanwhile we were sure our projector would get broken, important papers gone and we might never see that bag again!

Because of the change of plans, we were able to make our connecting flight to St. Croix and arrive on time as scheduled.

God had a plan and it was our responsibility to follow His leading. Sometimes in life that is hard as we as humans are emotional, logical and stubborn people. We don't adjust to change well and most times we think we know the best way to go. We have found that God will sometimes appear to make a change in the course of our lives...but it really was His plan all along.

And about the luggage with the projector...it arrived safely and all in one piece! Thank you Lord!

"Show me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths." Psalm 25:4



Faith

Hebrews Chapter 11, in my opinion, is the greatest chapter on faith in the Bible. In just a few days we fly back to the island of St. Croix. Each time we go back our faith in God seems to be tested. Will He make the way clear? Will He provide for our needs? What challenges does He have ahead for us? Many questions but no answers..yet!

Our only solution, and the BEST solution, is to step out in faith and go!. God IS faithful. He will not let us down. Just as He was there for so many other people in the past...He will be there for us once again.

Take a few minutes today and read through Hebrews Chapter 11. You will be blessed!

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."  Hebrews 11:6



March ~ April Newsletter

Most Exciting News!


Two children in Children's Church accepted the Lord in March. This young man was recently baptized and the little girl will be following in His foot steps soon.

Each week these children eagerly come to learn more about God. Jamie Harrigan, our helper, is just a kid at heart and he does a wonderful job with the children!

The Economy


Hovensa, the oil refinery, closed it's doors April 20. 2500 workers were left without jobs, and life will change on this island. Gas and oil will have to be imported. That increase will be seen in the cost of gas, food and other necessities.

St. Croix Community Concert of Prayer


We attended this event on April 15, 2012.
"In light of the events impacting St. Croix, we have chosen to gather as a community, with both a common heart and purpose, to pray for the state of our Territory and to fulfill the Biblical mandate to pray for our leaders."
Churches from all over the island along with the Governor spent two hours praying for the needs of our island.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

Trip to St. Thomas
The first week in April was Spring Break from school. We used this opportunity to sail to St. Thomas with John and Mary Hines, Ministry Development Coordinators with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). Our low budget, peanut butter and jelly sandwich meal trip, took us about 8 hours to sail the 39 miles across the Sea in their 38 foot sail boat. The fellowship, whales in the distance, and the beautiful weather made it a trip for our memory book.

WOW!

At Bluewater Bible College
While in St. Thomas we spent two nights at Bluewater Bible College. Interim President Rich Davis and his wife Jo Ann shared some of the needs at this unique college.

Young men and women from the West Indies come here to prepare for a solid Biblical education. When done they are pastors, teachers, and Christian leaders in the Caribbean. We attended the Chapel Service just before we left and it was AWESOME!

There are a lot of maintenance, and some administrative needs at the college as well.

Checking out the new building!

What's Ahead?
Billy has done some work at Altona Baptist Church. Cecilia continues as a school nurse. The economic situation here is not good but we know God is in control still. You have prayed along with us for affordable housing and God has answered our prayers. We also moved during Spring Break to a two bedroom apartment out in the country. God connected us with a couple who need some work done on their house as they prepare to put it on the market in the fall. They are not charging us rent...we see it as an opportunity to serve God in helping to meet their needs while they meet our needs.
The view is spectacular!

God has clearly shown us He wants us to be here in the Virgin Islands for now. The needs are great and sometimes it is hard to not over commit ourselves. We still need some time to spend in God's Word and our relationship with Him, each other and friends and family. But we also know we need to be busy doing the work God has called us to do. We need wisdom from Him and open doors of opportunity.
To God be the Glory!

Heading Home
You will find us in Maine from May 26th-July 28th. It will be a busy time working, visiting family & friends and sharing what God is doing in the Caribbean!

Praises & Prayer Requests
Praises
Salvation of 2 children
Supporters provide plane tickets to go home
Our new apartment
Open doors to ministry
Health & Safety

Prayer Requests
Jobs for the people of St. Croix
For the people to turn to the Lord for help
Opportunities to share the needs in the Caribbean
CEF ministry on the islands
Wisdom & Guidance

Billy & Cecilia

Tax deductible contributions may be sent to 
YES Ministry
PO Box 700697
St. Cloud, FL  34770
or online at
www.YEServants.org