HERE WE ARE.
Today is the day that the DBU team gets here. It's been over a year since I was last on that plane coming to Hong Kong for the first time, and now I'm here in Hong Kong planning camp for a new group of DBU students. It's crazy. Surreal.
I'll be honest when I say I never thought that leaving Hong Kong would be so hard. I feel like I've been on a emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Recently I've found myself crying in prayer, or on a bus or at home, in my bed, on my runs, it's ridiculous. haha I love this place, and I feel like, well I have made a home here. I've learned what it is like to be on my own, in a foreign country, miles away from anything ordinary, but it all is so normal and ordinary to me know. I have really learned the true meaning of 'make missions your lifestyle.' I never felt like I was on mission here, but just living my life for the Lord in a different place, with different people, who are not foreign or people I'll never see again, but these people are some of my closest friends, and family now. Its just as equally hard saying goodbye to the friends, my students, and church members that I have seen daily here, as it was saying goodbye to my family.
Even though I am all sad sob story right now, I will say that the past two weeks have been great. God has really put a new perspective in my heart about Hong Kong. I just realized how many things I've taken advantage of here. Like on most of my runs I take my iPod, but last week I didn't. I can't tell you how awesome it is to run on the side of a mountain overlooking the island leading into the ocean, hearing the birds sing their morning songs, and feel the cool breeze blow in your face. I'm going to miss my runs here, despite all my complaining about the concrete. :) I’ve also just been able to see everything come together for camp. God is so awesome and he has worked everything out for me here. I don't know why he cares about me or loves me so much, but I am so thankful for him in my life. I was so stressed about our flights, about the hotels, about the food, about the money, about so much stuff. And it was great when God reminded me that nothing can thwart his plans, and all that stuff was stuff. He will take care of it all because he is God.
So. DBU Team gets here today in about 6 hours. I’m about to go to a pool party for an hour or two with my friends, because Today is Hong Kong’s Independence day. :) After the pool party, I’ll be getting the hotel ready for the team. Camp starts the 2nd and we leave for the Philippines on the 4th. We have 22 students and 10 Adults going.
Pray that God will continue to give me a peace about all the details for camp.
For our Students and staff to experience God in a way they never have while in Hong Kong and serving at the orphanage in the Philippines.
That I will be able to enjoy the time I have left and not think too much about leaving.
Thanks for all the love and support!
Love ya’ll!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
33 days left...
It's been the weirdest feeling knowing that I'm leaving so soon. Even though we have been so busy (More than the usual if it's possible) I can't stop thinking about how fast time has flown. I look back and laugh at my first journal post upon arriving to Hong Kong, and the nervousness portrayed in what the year would hold. Would the youth like me? Would I be able to do this job and school? Would I be terribly homesick?
It's amazing to see how far I've come and how much God has truly molded me this year. I feel like a new person with a new life and outtake on what 'missions' really is. I realized that my world view was so small, and God used Hong Kong to wake me up. I learned that it's not about 'missions' but doing life with people who happen to live in a different envoirnment I am not used to. After living here, I can't imagine a life inside the US for too long anymore, and I cringe at the thought of routine and being complacent, and worry that others wont understand my experience here. I will never forget praying that God would reveal to me if living overseas and doing missions as a lifestyle was His will for me, before I came. And I can truly say he did reveal that. :)
I felt like this year was a test of my faith, and my heart's true desires. I guess you can say that God definitely answered that with the growth in my passion for people, and different cultures. There is so much that I have left out in this blog, so many ways that the Lord has truly changed me, so many stories of his Grace and how he has used me, and so many thoughts that I have wanted to share. I'm sorry that I was not as frequent as I wish I could have been, but all in all this year was a 'growing up year' for me in a lot of ways.
I have learned a lot about the Church, and I've seen how hard it is to work at a church, and how rewarding it is at the same time. I am so thankful for our pastors here who have encouraged me to read books and study God's word. Theologically and Doctrinely I have learned so much that I may have never known had I not been here. Working with youth and different families, I have seen what works and what doesn't. I know now the importance of Discipleship in the home and truly investing in a child. More than that I have learned what it would be like to be on my own, in a foreign country. In a lot of ways I feel like I'm out of college, ready to start the next phase in my life, but next year I'll be going back to finish up my senior year.
I really feel like I have made Hong Kong my home this year and I'm very saddened to say goodbye to the friends, family, relationships, and ministry that I have poured my heart into this year. I still have 33 more days, but It feels like I only have 3. There is still so much to do this last month as well! We have our youth camp in July for 10 days in the Philippines, and are spending as much time as literally possible with the youth! I'm going to miss them the most!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone keeps asking if I'm ready to go back home yet, and I'm not. I'm not done here yet, and maybe when I'm on that plane home, then maybe I'll be ready.
"Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with action and in Truth" 1 John 3:18
It's amazing to see how far I've come and how much God has truly molded me this year. I feel like a new person with a new life and outtake on what 'missions' really is. I realized that my world view was so small, and God used Hong Kong to wake me up. I learned that it's not about 'missions' but doing life with people who happen to live in a different envoirnment I am not used to. After living here, I can't imagine a life inside the US for too long anymore, and I cringe at the thought of routine and being complacent, and worry that others wont understand my experience here. I will never forget praying that God would reveal to me if living overseas and doing missions as a lifestyle was His will for me, before I came. And I can truly say he did reveal that. :)
I felt like this year was a test of my faith, and my heart's true desires. I guess you can say that God definitely answered that with the growth in my passion for people, and different cultures. There is so much that I have left out in this blog, so many ways that the Lord has truly changed me, so many stories of his Grace and how he has used me, and so many thoughts that I have wanted to share. I'm sorry that I was not as frequent as I wish I could have been, but all in all this year was a 'growing up year' for me in a lot of ways.
I have learned a lot about the Church, and I've seen how hard it is to work at a church, and how rewarding it is at the same time. I am so thankful for our pastors here who have encouraged me to read books and study God's word. Theologically and Doctrinely I have learned so much that I may have never known had I not been here. Working with youth and different families, I have seen what works and what doesn't. I know now the importance of Discipleship in the home and truly investing in a child. More than that I have learned what it would be like to be on my own, in a foreign country. In a lot of ways I feel like I'm out of college, ready to start the next phase in my life, but next year I'll be going back to finish up my senior year.
I really feel like I have made Hong Kong my home this year and I'm very saddened to say goodbye to the friends, family, relationships, and ministry that I have poured my heart into this year. I still have 33 more days, but It feels like I only have 3. There is still so much to do this last month as well! We have our youth camp in July for 10 days in the Philippines, and are spending as much time as literally possible with the youth! I'm going to miss them the most!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone keeps asking if I'm ready to go back home yet, and I'm not. I'm not done here yet, and maybe when I'm on that plane home, then maybe I'll be ready.
"Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with action and in Truth" 1 John 3:18
Monday, June 15, 2009
Stanley & Times Square
Saturday afternoon me and some of the youth had lunch & ice cream in Times Sq. and went shopping for Kayla's room decorations in Stanley. Just a few shots from the day.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
for abbey and halle :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ryiKUae_Ds
This Blog is dedicated to an amazing Family that has truly been a blessing to me in Hong Kong! The Hagan's have taken me in, taken care of me, and loved me like their own! I can't even begin to say how much fun it has been or how thankful I am! Maybe this video will help explain! Love you guys! Thanks for being so great!!
Monica Amanda Zungia
This Blog is dedicated to an amazing Family that has truly been a blessing to me in Hong Kong! The Hagan's have taken me in, taken care of me, and loved me like their own! I can't even begin to say how much fun it has been or how thankful I am! Maybe this video will help explain! Love you guys! Thanks for being so great!!
Monica Amanda Zungia
Monday, April 20, 2009
Random Thoughts I've been having.
--If you have never listened to or downloaded and read a sermon by Jonathan Edwards do it NOW. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/sermons.html
I honestly think it will change your life, well if you let it. :)
--If you havent taken time to sit and think about what you believe doctrinely and theologically you really should, and if you don't know what you believe, you should try and figure it out.
--You know how people always say if I had a million dollars I would....(fill in the blank) Well I always think if I had a million dollars I would have a million dollars!
--Lately I have been wishing I was outside running, or hiking, or swimming, or scaling mountains, instead of working at a desk.
--Maybe I can find a job that allows me to do all that stuff...
--While I run I ALWAYS try not to think about how tired I am or will get, but it's always the only thing I can think about!
--Lately I have been seing a lot of babies...I like babies but the more I see them the more scared I become of growing up.
--I've been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and it has changed my view on God and how I've been living...I'm only on chapter 3.
--I check the Village podcast everyday to see if there is a new sermon up by Matt Chandler.
If you havent heard him, look him up on itunes podcast.
--I have no idea what I am going to do after college, but after being in Hong Kong, I can see that the opportunities are there, I just have to find them.
--I've realized that I am a very passionate person and I can't make others have the same passion for life and God that I have, but I still try.
--I don't think I am going to like leaving a life behind here in Hong Kong and sort of picking up an old one/starting a new one.
--I don't think I'll ever understand God's grace or mercy.
--Have you ever stopped and just thought man it's a pretty day.
--Or have you ever thought that we should all be dead but we aren't, and since we arent we should be doing what we were created for. We need to bring fruit and glory to God.
"If men bring forth no fruit to God, they are wholly useless, unless in their destruction."
-- Jonathan Edwards
I honestly think it will change your life, well if you let it. :)
--If you havent taken time to sit and think about what you believe doctrinely and theologically you really should, and if you don't know what you believe, you should try and figure it out.
--You know how people always say if I had a million dollars I would....(fill in the blank) Well I always think if I had a million dollars I would have a million dollars!
--Lately I have been wishing I was outside running, or hiking, or swimming, or scaling mountains, instead of working at a desk.
--Maybe I can find a job that allows me to do all that stuff...
--While I run I ALWAYS try not to think about how tired I am or will get, but it's always the only thing I can think about!
--Lately I have been seing a lot of babies...I like babies but the more I see them the more scared I become of growing up.
--I've been reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and it has changed my view on God and how I've been living...I'm only on chapter 3.
--I check the Village podcast everyday to see if there is a new sermon up by Matt Chandler.
If you havent heard him, look him up on itunes podcast.
--I have no idea what I am going to do after college, but after being in Hong Kong, I can see that the opportunities are there, I just have to find them.
--I've realized that I am a very passionate person and I can't make others have the same passion for life and God that I have, but I still try.
--I don't think I am going to like leaving a life behind here in Hong Kong and sort of picking up an old one/starting a new one.
--I don't think I'll ever understand God's grace or mercy.
--Have you ever stopped and just thought man it's a pretty day.
--Or have you ever thought that we should all be dead but we aren't, and since we arent we should be doing what we were created for. We need to bring fruit and glory to God.
"If men bring forth no fruit to God, they are wholly useless, unless in their destruction."
-- Jonathan Edwards
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Inspired to Write
Why am I so inspired to write? it's simple...God’s Word
I really don’t think I can ever grasp the weight of God’s word. In fact there are too many times I have thought to myself that I had it all figured out and I knew what the text was trying to say when all along I was missing it, especially when I read or listen to a sermon by John Piper or Jonathan Edwards.
I was the girl who would read God’s word and move to the next chapter. I have read more of the Bible this year in Hong Kong than definitely more than the past two years combined. I’m ashamed to say that but it’s the truth. The true sadness is that I have been reading it daily but have not been living a life directly affected by it. I wasn’t standing in worship singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is to come,” and thinking of Isaiah 4 and Revelation 6 where the 6 winged creatures are described flying around the throne of God singing those same verses, and how men who have the honor of sitting in thrones bow before the Lord every time they hear that and place their own crowns on the floor in glory and Praise to the One who deserves all praise. Or I wasn’t thinking that when I sacrificed my time and energies and monies into the Church or a ministry that it should be the same kind of holy free willed offering that was given in the Old Testament. Or it wasn’t a sacrifice that I truly thought about and consecrated to make it worthy before the Lord as found in Leviticus, but a sacrifice I gave routinely.
Sometimes I find it ironic because I am reading through Numbers right now, and I just finish Genesis-Leviticus, and I keep thinking how stupid Israel is. You know? When are these people ever going to get it and why doesn’t God just kill them already? Why doesn’t Moses quit pleading for them and just say, ‘you’re right God kill them! Get it over with, they are sinful, disgusting, a disgrace, unworthy, ungrateful, and a wicked generation and they deserve to Die!’ Instead Moses keeps telling God, ‘Just wait Lord, they are your chosen people, they’re gonna get is soon and realize your grace.’ Because that is not what I’m thinking when I read those books. I’m thinking ok enough is enough God, when are you going to show your wrath, when are you going to get rid of this wicked generation? Come on God! I’m waiting!!!
The ironic truth is that I am Israel! I. AM. ISRAEL. I am the idiot who continues to sin; I’m the disgrace, disgusting, unworthy, ungrateful, and wicked person, yet I am not dead. I’m not dead yet, I should be dead, yet I’m alive. Jesus pleaded on my behalf at the cross and said, ‘God I know she is bad and all, but just listen to me! You can use her, don’t kill her, let her live, she’s gonna get it right just wait.’ And I’m living like stupid Israel; completely unaware of God’s grace and mercy He has shown upon me to allow me to live this long, and instead of getting it right I keep getting it wrong. I’m living a live with tomorrow already promised, not aware of the fragility of life and not with an urgency to seek to perfect my faith and allow Christ to work through me. So why doesn’t God just kill me then? Why does he choose to keep me around?
For His Name’s sake, and His glory.
“For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I refrain it from you, that I may not cut you off. Behold I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake I do it, for how should my name be profaned?
My Glory I will not give to another.”
Isaiah 48:9-11
You see this isn’t about me; it isn’t about Israel, it’s about God. It’s all about Him. I’ll say it again IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM. It’s His story, and I only have a small part, but sometimes I find myself trying to be like Israel and steal the show. God may be patient with me now but in the end He will show His wrath and do what is best for His glory and name. Whether that be Him being patient and perfecting my faith, or me dying and showing His justice.
I really hope that I live my life with the bigger picture in mind and live in such a way that the gospel is greater than me. I want to live my life ready to die at any moment, and see the bigger picture and end of this great Story, where every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is Lord. I want to live my life, truly LIVE my life, one day at a time. So for now all I can do is try.
Monica Amanda Zuniga
I really don’t think I can ever grasp the weight of God’s word. In fact there are too many times I have thought to myself that I had it all figured out and I knew what the text was trying to say when all along I was missing it, especially when I read or listen to a sermon by John Piper or Jonathan Edwards.
I was the girl who would read God’s word and move to the next chapter. I have read more of the Bible this year in Hong Kong than definitely more than the past two years combined. I’m ashamed to say that but it’s the truth. The true sadness is that I have been reading it daily but have not been living a life directly affected by it. I wasn’t standing in worship singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is to come,” and thinking of Isaiah 4 and Revelation 6 where the 6 winged creatures are described flying around the throne of God singing those same verses, and how men who have the honor of sitting in thrones bow before the Lord every time they hear that and place their own crowns on the floor in glory and Praise to the One who deserves all praise. Or I wasn’t thinking that when I sacrificed my time and energies and monies into the Church or a ministry that it should be the same kind of holy free willed offering that was given in the Old Testament. Or it wasn’t a sacrifice that I truly thought about and consecrated to make it worthy before the Lord as found in Leviticus, but a sacrifice I gave routinely.
Sometimes I find it ironic because I am reading through Numbers right now, and I just finish Genesis-Leviticus, and I keep thinking how stupid Israel is. You know? When are these people ever going to get it and why doesn’t God just kill them already? Why doesn’t Moses quit pleading for them and just say, ‘you’re right God kill them! Get it over with, they are sinful, disgusting, a disgrace, unworthy, ungrateful, and a wicked generation and they deserve to Die!’ Instead Moses keeps telling God, ‘Just wait Lord, they are your chosen people, they’re gonna get is soon and realize your grace.’ Because that is not what I’m thinking when I read those books. I’m thinking ok enough is enough God, when are you going to show your wrath, when are you going to get rid of this wicked generation? Come on God! I’m waiting!!!
The ironic truth is that I am Israel! I. AM. ISRAEL. I am the idiot who continues to sin; I’m the disgrace, disgusting, unworthy, ungrateful, and wicked person, yet I am not dead. I’m not dead yet, I should be dead, yet I’m alive. Jesus pleaded on my behalf at the cross and said, ‘God I know she is bad and all, but just listen to me! You can use her, don’t kill her, let her live, she’s gonna get it right just wait.’ And I’m living like stupid Israel; completely unaware of God’s grace and mercy He has shown upon me to allow me to live this long, and instead of getting it right I keep getting it wrong. I’m living a live with tomorrow already promised, not aware of the fragility of life and not with an urgency to seek to perfect my faith and allow Christ to work through me. So why doesn’t God just kill me then? Why does he choose to keep me around?
For His Name’s sake, and His glory.
“For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I refrain it from you, that I may not cut you off. Behold I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake I do it, for how should my name be profaned?
My Glory I will not give to another.”
Isaiah 48:9-11
You see this isn’t about me; it isn’t about Israel, it’s about God. It’s all about Him. I’ll say it again IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM. It’s His story, and I only have a small part, but sometimes I find myself trying to be like Israel and steal the show. God may be patient with me now but in the end He will show His wrath and do what is best for His glory and name. Whether that be Him being patient and perfecting my faith, or me dying and showing His justice.
I really hope that I live my life with the bigger picture in mind and live in such a way that the gospel is greater than me. I want to live my life ready to die at any moment, and see the bigger picture and end of this great Story, where every knee shall bow and tongue confess that He is Lord. I want to live my life, truly LIVE my life, one day at a time. So for now all I can do is try.
Monica Amanda Zuniga
Monday, March 30, 2009
Time to Play Catch Up.
So what all have we missed out on...hhhmmm...to name a few
My 21st Birthday!
My birthday was a blast! Definately not at all what I had pictured or thought my 21st birthday would be like, but one that I will NEVER forget! It all started with my first gift from Tiffany & co. and ended with a dance party and late night movie with the people who mean the most to me here in Hong Kong: Our Youth Group. We had so much fun! I even had a homemade cake, compliments of Joseph Ariwi, and it was mmm mmm good! I got some great gifts from some students in the youth group that I was not expecting at all! I was so thankful beyond words to see how much everyone cared. Overall it was great! The best 21st Birthday Ever!
My Family In Hong Kong!
Can you believe that my family was here?!? I know me either! They flew in on the 18th of March and were here til the 23rd. A very short but O so memorable trip. I can't even begin to put into words what a blessing it was to see them, fellowship, love on eachother and argue just like old times. It felt like I was with them all along and that I wasnt living in a foriegn country. Even though we hadn't scene eachother for 8 months it felt like I had been with them all year. I was so thankful for the time we had together and I praise God for providing for them to come see where I live and what I do here. I know they had fun, despite the initial culture shock. I love them!
And COLDPLAY!
Yes I said Coldplay! Live and in Technicolor! WoOoHoOo! It was the best concert I have ever been to my life and the most expensive concert at that! I had been wanting to go but didnt have a ticket, but in line with my spontaneous nature, I recieved a message the morning of the concert which requested my presence at this once in a live time endeavor. Of course I said yes, paid the money, sat by people I met the night of the concert, in the very back, but thanks to the awesomeness (yes it's a word) of Coldplay they came to the back and played a few songs. hints my amazing shot above this text with my amazing Nikon. :)
Wow it has been an amazing month eh?
And that's not all! I started a new class called BECOMING. It is geared toward the girls in our youth group and we meet every other Saturday to talk about life issues that the girls struggle with. By God's grace our past two meetings have been awesome and I have had more girls turn out then expected! I'm so thankful for the fellowship it provides and the Word of God that penetrates our hearts. Be praying for that to continue to grow and that I may be able to teach exactly what God wants these young ladies to hear in order for them to Become God's best.
Our Discple Now (DNOW) weekend is this weekend! I"m swamped at work busy with last minute prep and tons of other things! I'm excited about it but worried about a few things that may fall through. Please be praying that Everything gets worked out and that the weekend will be a success! Sorry for such a late post! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!
Much Love!
Monica Z
My 21st Birthday!
My birthday was a blast! Definately not at all what I had pictured or thought my 21st birthday would be like, but one that I will NEVER forget! It all started with my first gift from Tiffany & co. and ended with a dance party and late night movie with the people who mean the most to me here in Hong Kong: Our Youth Group. We had so much fun! I even had a homemade cake, compliments of Joseph Ariwi, and it was mmm mmm good! I got some great gifts from some students in the youth group that I was not expecting at all! I was so thankful beyond words to see how much everyone cared. Overall it was great! The best 21st Birthday Ever!
My Family In Hong Kong!
Can you believe that my family was here?!? I know me either! They flew in on the 18th of March and were here til the 23rd. A very short but O so memorable trip. I can't even begin to put into words what a blessing it was to see them, fellowship, love on eachother and argue just like old times. It felt like I was with them all along and that I wasnt living in a foriegn country. Even though we hadn't scene eachother for 8 months it felt like I had been with them all year. I was so thankful for the time we had together and I praise God for providing for them to come see where I live and what I do here. I know they had fun, despite the initial culture shock. I love them!
And COLDPLAY!
Yes I said Coldplay! Live and in Technicolor! WoOoHoOo! It was the best concert I have ever been to my life and the most expensive concert at that! I had been wanting to go but didnt have a ticket, but in line with my spontaneous nature, I recieved a message the morning of the concert which requested my presence at this once in a live time endeavor. Of course I said yes, paid the money, sat by people I met the night of the concert, in the very back, but thanks to the awesomeness (yes it's a word) of Coldplay they came to the back and played a few songs. hints my amazing shot above this text with my amazing Nikon. :)
Wow it has been an amazing month eh?
And that's not all! I started a new class called BECOMING. It is geared toward the girls in our youth group and we meet every other Saturday to talk about life issues that the girls struggle with. By God's grace our past two meetings have been awesome and I have had more girls turn out then expected! I'm so thankful for the fellowship it provides and the Word of God that penetrates our hearts. Be praying for that to continue to grow and that I may be able to teach exactly what God wants these young ladies to hear in order for them to Become God's best.
Our Discple Now (DNOW) weekend is this weekend! I"m swamped at work busy with last minute prep and tons of other things! I'm excited about it but worried about a few things that may fall through. Please be praying that Everything gets worked out and that the weekend will be a success! Sorry for such a late post! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!
Much Love!
Monica Z
Monday, March 2, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wholly Surrendered
Before you read, click the play button on my playlist under my picture... :)
At the cross you beckon me
Draw me gently to my knees
And I’m lost for words
So lost in love
I’m sweetly broken,
Wholly surrendered.
There is something about those lyrics. Every time I hear them, and sing them, in my heart I can feel the Spirit awake. I feel like more than ever, I am sweetly broken, wholly surrendered before my Lord, at the foot of the cross.
This week has been hard for me for a lot of reasons. Everything that we had planned as a team for this semester is not going to happen. Everything has changed in one day. Our senior pastor of the church here in Hong Kong announced his resignation on Sunday. His family and His presence will be greatly missed, but the Lord has called them to move back to the States. Due to the change, Nathan, my supervisor and former youth pastor, now is taking on the role of head teaching and preaching until the church body and deacons decide otherwise.
I’ll be honest when I say working in a church has been the hardest and most demanding job I have ever had. Last semester was hard, and we were still adjusting, but this semester comes with whole new challenges as a team of staff, and individually. I know that I am more than capable, because of Christ in me, yet I cannot help but feel restless and discouraged. Everything will be different and mine and Ben’s roles have taken a big turn.
I have to continue to fight the spirit of anger and disappointment and continue to remember the Lord’s faithfulness. I was so excited about having a set schedule for our semester and was excited about me, Ben, and Nathan as a team being able to work together and put more time and energy into our students. I am reminded to not have a spirit of fear that the students will not get the attention they need, and remind myself to claim the power and sound mind that the Lord has given me through Him. The Lord constantly puts me in situations that require brokenness and surrender to Him, yet I am thankful for these situations, because in them and through them, only God can receive the glory. I have to remember that God specifically has me here at this time for a purpose, and His ministry with those students is going to happen if He wants it to. I have to remember to be obedient and surrender it all to Him.
So Now things are different, I have no idea what the semester holds, and no idea how things are going to turn out, but I am surrendering every aspect of my job, ministry, and next six months to Christ. I know that He will work everything out for those who love Him. I will continue to seek Him with all my heart, and trust in His in is unfailing power.
Remember that God is in control of every circumstance. Nothing is a shock to Him. He is with you always, and will get glory through every situation you encounter if you surrender and allow Him to work through you.
Please be praying for Ben and I as we lead the youth group this semester, and more importantly for Nathan as he takes on the roles and burden of leading the church.
Thank you for your continual support and prayers, it means a lot!
P.S. Check out the web site I designed entirely for our Youth group!!
http://www.shillage.com
At the cross you beckon me
Draw me gently to my knees
And I’m lost for words
So lost in love
I’m sweetly broken,
Wholly surrendered.
There is something about those lyrics. Every time I hear them, and sing them, in my heart I can feel the Spirit awake. I feel like more than ever, I am sweetly broken, wholly surrendered before my Lord, at the foot of the cross.
This week has been hard for me for a lot of reasons. Everything that we had planned as a team for this semester is not going to happen. Everything has changed in one day. Our senior pastor of the church here in Hong Kong announced his resignation on Sunday. His family and His presence will be greatly missed, but the Lord has called them to move back to the States. Due to the change, Nathan, my supervisor and former youth pastor, now is taking on the role of head teaching and preaching until the church body and deacons decide otherwise.
I’ll be honest when I say working in a church has been the hardest and most demanding job I have ever had. Last semester was hard, and we were still adjusting, but this semester comes with whole new challenges as a team of staff, and individually. I know that I am more than capable, because of Christ in me, yet I cannot help but feel restless and discouraged. Everything will be different and mine and Ben’s roles have taken a big turn.
I have to continue to fight the spirit of anger and disappointment and continue to remember the Lord’s faithfulness. I was so excited about having a set schedule for our semester and was excited about me, Ben, and Nathan as a team being able to work together and put more time and energy into our students. I am reminded to not have a spirit of fear that the students will not get the attention they need, and remind myself to claim the power and sound mind that the Lord has given me through Him. The Lord constantly puts me in situations that require brokenness and surrender to Him, yet I am thankful for these situations, because in them and through them, only God can receive the glory. I have to remember that God specifically has me here at this time for a purpose, and His ministry with those students is going to happen if He wants it to. I have to remember to be obedient and surrender it all to Him.
So Now things are different, I have no idea what the semester holds, and no idea how things are going to turn out, but I am surrendering every aspect of my job, ministry, and next six months to Christ. I know that He will work everything out for those who love Him. I will continue to seek Him with all my heart, and trust in His in is unfailing power.
Remember that God is in control of every circumstance. Nothing is a shock to Him. He is with you always, and will get glory through every situation you encounter if you surrender and allow Him to work through you.
Please be praying for Ben and I as we lead the youth group this semester, and more importantly for Nathan as he takes on the roles and burden of leading the church.
Thank you for your continual support and prayers, it means a lot!
P.S. Check out the web site I designed entirely for our Youth group!!
http://www.shillage.com
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Today
Today.
I'm not going to give a recap of the past three weeks or talk about all the adventures I went on, but let me just say that these past two months were hands down the funniest months I've had in Hong Kong for many reasons.
Now on to Today.
This morning I woke up and was hopeful that today would be different. I was anxious to feel Love and approval in my life again, and anxious to do something to honor and bring Him glory. Although these past two months have been great and fun, I have felt so defeated and as though I am being so selfish and doing nothing for His kingdom. I have felt so low and so useless, and no matter how hard I try, I keep feeling as though I am failing. I was asking why? I spend time in the word daily, I pray daily, I read books to further my faith, and I spend so much of my time, energy, and money into our students and people passing through Hong Kong, all in attempt to get approval by God, yet I felt so unfulfilled. Why?
Well today held the answer.
This morning at Church the second I began to sing and worship, I felt as though my sin and inability to please God were so heavy that the words from my lips could not reach his ears and that my sinful nature and heart was in the wrong place. I began to pray that the Lord would lift my burden, take mercy upon me, and speak to me today. I prayed that He would help me.
"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Galatians 5:17
"But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?"
1Corinthians 3:1-4
These were the scriptures Nathan preached and taught on today. After worship we had a young man give his testimony of living in China for the past two years. He talked about how his arrival at first was for selfish reasons that he could not see. He desired to do the Lords work, for everyone to see him and give him credit for living radically for Christ. He was trying so hard to make God proud, to make God happy, yet found himself failing. He spoke of how he realized that the only way he can please God is through obedience. The only way to obey God is know his commands, and the only way to know His commands is to know His word, and ultimately the only way to understand His word, is to know Him. He said this "The Lord desires us to know him to KNOW Him. His ministry will carry on with or without us, but our goal in life should be to know Him." “Do I really know Him?”
I began to see how I was that young man. I had come to China to do the Lords work, but I wanted so badly for everyone to see. I wanted to make the Lord proud and do all these works for Him so that he will love me, and all this time I was so blind and missing out. I wanted to see the fruits of my work, and boast in my heart of all the time I had put into the ministry and show others how it was blossoming. This desire, although it was for ministry, was not a desire of the Spirit. I was trying to gratify the desires of my flesh. My flesh wants to prove how I have done well by all my good works that prove it. But God only requires one thing, that I know Him. I have been seeking the wrong thing all along. I should have been seeking Him more that my seeking to do His work.
The word that Nathan brought from 1Corinthians really opened my eyes. Not only have I not been seeking God but I have been trying to act as though I know Him and His word so well, when I don't. I have been trying to see myself as spiritual, when I am not yet spiritual. I am behaving only as natural man does. It is so hard to admit that. To say that I am not spiritual enough, that I do not know the Bible enough, and that I do not know the Lord enough, but it is so freeing to admit it and attempt to know Him more through His word before it's too late. I don't want to try and please God by doing so many things here in Hong Kong, but I want to know Him more. I want to know His word more and I want to become more like Him. I want the last six months I have in Hong Kong to be about Him, and not about me. He will take care of His ministry, here in Hong Kong and wherever He leads me next.
Today was a day for the record books. A day where I vow to seek Him, and His word first. I want to be new. I want to be more like Christ. And it all starts today.
Monica Amanda Zuniga.
I'm not going to give a recap of the past three weeks or talk about all the adventures I went on, but let me just say that these past two months were hands down the funniest months I've had in Hong Kong for many reasons.
Now on to Today.
This morning I woke up and was hopeful that today would be different. I was anxious to feel Love and approval in my life again, and anxious to do something to honor and bring Him glory. Although these past two months have been great and fun, I have felt so defeated and as though I am being so selfish and doing nothing for His kingdom. I have felt so low and so useless, and no matter how hard I try, I keep feeling as though I am failing. I was asking why? I spend time in the word daily, I pray daily, I read books to further my faith, and I spend so much of my time, energy, and money into our students and people passing through Hong Kong, all in attempt to get approval by God, yet I felt so unfulfilled. Why?
Well today held the answer.
This morning at Church the second I began to sing and worship, I felt as though my sin and inability to please God were so heavy that the words from my lips could not reach his ears and that my sinful nature and heart was in the wrong place. I began to pray that the Lord would lift my burden, take mercy upon me, and speak to me today. I prayed that He would help me.
"For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Galatians 5:17
"But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?"
1Corinthians 3:1-4
These were the scriptures Nathan preached and taught on today. After worship we had a young man give his testimony of living in China for the past two years. He talked about how his arrival at first was for selfish reasons that he could not see. He desired to do the Lords work, for everyone to see him and give him credit for living radically for Christ. He was trying so hard to make God proud, to make God happy, yet found himself failing. He spoke of how he realized that the only way he can please God is through obedience. The only way to obey God is know his commands, and the only way to know His commands is to know His word, and ultimately the only way to understand His word, is to know Him. He said this "The Lord desires us to know him to KNOW Him. His ministry will carry on with or without us, but our goal in life should be to know Him." “Do I really know Him?”
I began to see how I was that young man. I had come to China to do the Lords work, but I wanted so badly for everyone to see. I wanted to make the Lord proud and do all these works for Him so that he will love me, and all this time I was so blind and missing out. I wanted to see the fruits of my work, and boast in my heart of all the time I had put into the ministry and show others how it was blossoming. This desire, although it was for ministry, was not a desire of the Spirit. I was trying to gratify the desires of my flesh. My flesh wants to prove how I have done well by all my good works that prove it. But God only requires one thing, that I know Him. I have been seeking the wrong thing all along. I should have been seeking Him more that my seeking to do His work.
The word that Nathan brought from 1Corinthians really opened my eyes. Not only have I not been seeking God but I have been trying to act as though I know Him and His word so well, when I don't. I have been trying to see myself as spiritual, when I am not yet spiritual. I am behaving only as natural man does. It is so hard to admit that. To say that I am not spiritual enough, that I do not know the Bible enough, and that I do not know the Lord enough, but it is so freeing to admit it and attempt to know Him more through His word before it's too late. I don't want to try and please God by doing so many things here in Hong Kong, but I want to know Him more. I want to know His word more and I want to become more like Him. I want the last six months I have in Hong Kong to be about Him, and not about me. He will take care of His ministry, here in Hong Kong and wherever He leads me next.
Today was a day for the record books. A day where I vow to seek Him, and His word first. I want to be new. I want to be more like Christ. And it all starts today.
Monica Amanda Zuniga.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Much needed update :)
Christmas, New Years and a trip to Mainland China is what we have to catch up on, so let’s go!
Christmas was HARD. But as I was crying on the phone talking to my family Christmas Eve, I reminded myself and we reminded each other that God has a bigger purpose and plan. Even more we reminded each other that God is bigger and more important than us. I love my family and the fact that they Trust in the same Mighty God as I. Christmas taught me the importance of my family and really revealed my love for them on a whole new level! More than that, God proved yet again His love for me! Ben, Nathan, Colette, and I went and had a traditional AMERICAN Christmas meal at the Hagan's home. It was a great day of fellowship, the best food ever, and most of all gave me the comfort I needed. Special thanks to the Hagan Clan. :)
Before Christmas Cindy Yin, from the church I attend, invited me, Ben, and Eva to go on a trip to Mainland China. So After Christmas on Monday morning the 29th, Ben, Eva, and I headed out to Binzhou, China. I was especially proud of myself considering that my bag weighed less than Bens! We met up with an amazing group from Tucson, Arizona in the Hong Kong Airport, and headed out. Binzhou was FREEZING, but it reminded me of winter time in Hereford, TX, which made it all worth it! Binzhou is NOTHING like Hong Kong. There is a lot of space, less people and it was a true community atmosphere. We walked practically everywhere we went, which was great, and the city had very little sky scraping buildings. I was able to see the starts for the first time in 5 months, that's how great this place was! The group from Arizona did several performances throughout the city by playing music and singing songs. We first played at a blind school in Binzhou. Along with our group performing, many students were on stage playing instruments, singing and dancing. I couldn’t help but cry as I watched the blind students on stage. It was humbling, but I gained such respect for the principle and the staff at the school who dedicated so much time to the students. We met up with a fellow American young man named Jon Patton. Jon works at the University in Binzhou teaching English and Aviation English. He has an obvious calling to the city and every Friday gets together with University students to study the Bible more. Due to his connection, we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the University Students. I immediately connected with a 21 year old girl named Xiao Na aka Sara. She is beautiful and is full of love and joy. The first questioned she asked me is if I was a Christian. :) She wasn’t a believer, but by the end of the week, the Lord had worked on her heart and she now believes. She changed her name to Sarah Grace after. I felt so honored to be a part of her life during those ten days and to witness her transformation. We met a lot of other students and spent time with them as well. Between spending time with Sarah and going from concert to concert, I found a mom in Beverly Spitler. She brought joy to my life every day, and I know the Lord brought her to me. Ben and I both feel so blessed to have met her, and can't wait to get back to the states and visit her in Charleston. I also met an amazing American Blonde by the name of Melissa Jackson. Throughout the trip, she encouraged me by the way she lives. She is so humble and has so much wisdom for her age. She also is a fun girl to sit down and chat about life with too. Before we knew it we were on the plane back to Hong Kong, reflecting on our travels.
Ben and I both plan to go back to Binzhou for spring break.
The New Year technically was two weeks ago, but not for China! We are gearing up for Chinese New Year, the year of the ox. I'm super excited to see the city during this time and celebrate with the people. Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in China, and happens at different times every year according to the Lunar Calendar.
More updates soon, a new video, as well as a bit on fresh revelations! Much Love!!
Mon
Me and Beverly!
Melisa, Sarah Grace, and Me
Thomas, Me, Caroline, Cindy, and Ben
Christmas was HARD. But as I was crying on the phone talking to my family Christmas Eve, I reminded myself and we reminded each other that God has a bigger purpose and plan. Even more we reminded each other that God is bigger and more important than us. I love my family and the fact that they Trust in the same Mighty God as I. Christmas taught me the importance of my family and really revealed my love for them on a whole new level! More than that, God proved yet again His love for me! Ben, Nathan, Colette, and I went and had a traditional AMERICAN Christmas meal at the Hagan's home. It was a great day of fellowship, the best food ever, and most of all gave me the comfort I needed. Special thanks to the Hagan Clan. :)
Before Christmas Cindy Yin, from the church I attend, invited me, Ben, and Eva to go on a trip to Mainland China. So After Christmas on Monday morning the 29th, Ben, Eva, and I headed out to Binzhou, China. I was especially proud of myself considering that my bag weighed less than Bens! We met up with an amazing group from Tucson, Arizona in the Hong Kong Airport, and headed out. Binzhou was FREEZING, but it reminded me of winter time in Hereford, TX, which made it all worth it! Binzhou is NOTHING like Hong Kong. There is a lot of space, less people and it was a true community atmosphere. We walked practically everywhere we went, which was great, and the city had very little sky scraping buildings. I was able to see the starts for the first time in 5 months, that's how great this place was! The group from Arizona did several performances throughout the city by playing music and singing songs. We first played at a blind school in Binzhou. Along with our group performing, many students were on stage playing instruments, singing and dancing. I couldn’t help but cry as I watched the blind students on stage. It was humbling, but I gained such respect for the principle and the staff at the school who dedicated so much time to the students. We met up with a fellow American young man named Jon Patton. Jon works at the University in Binzhou teaching English and Aviation English. He has an obvious calling to the city and every Friday gets together with University students to study the Bible more. Due to his connection, we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the University Students. I immediately connected with a 21 year old girl named Xiao Na aka Sara. She is beautiful and is full of love and joy. The first questioned she asked me is if I was a Christian. :) She wasn’t a believer, but by the end of the week, the Lord had worked on her heart and she now believes. She changed her name to Sarah Grace after. I felt so honored to be a part of her life during those ten days and to witness her transformation. We met a lot of other students and spent time with them as well. Between spending time with Sarah and going from concert to concert, I found a mom in Beverly Spitler. She brought joy to my life every day, and I know the Lord brought her to me. Ben and I both feel so blessed to have met her, and can't wait to get back to the states and visit her in Charleston. I also met an amazing American Blonde by the name of Melissa Jackson. Throughout the trip, she encouraged me by the way she lives. She is so humble and has so much wisdom for her age. She also is a fun girl to sit down and chat about life with too. Before we knew it we were on the plane back to Hong Kong, reflecting on our travels.
Ben and I both plan to go back to Binzhou for spring break.
The New Year technically was two weeks ago, but not for China! We are gearing up for Chinese New Year, the year of the ox. I'm super excited to see the city during this time and celebrate with the people. Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in China, and happens at different times every year according to the Lunar Calendar.
More updates soon, a new video, as well as a bit on fresh revelations! Much Love!!
Mon
Me and Beverly!
Melisa, Sarah Grace, and Me
Thomas, Me, Caroline, Cindy, and Ben
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