NTCP Asia (Ladies)

Finally Home!

2009-08-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

I would like to inform everyone that I finally arrived home on Tuesday, August 4th. It took me about two days to get home, but I am glad that I am finally home. It was nice to see my parents, friends, family, pastor, and home church again. I thank God for all the memories that He has given me this summer, the good one and also the bad ones. I also thank God for giving me the opportunity to go to Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia this summer. I really enjoyed helping the missionaries and also teaching and spending time with the children in the orphanage. All twenty-two of them are sweet in their own way. I also thank Pastor Sexton and Temple Baptist Church for all the prayers and support that they gave me. I thank Pastor Sexton for giving me the opportunity to go to Kyrgyzstan this summer. I also thank Mr. Ylitalo for letting me travel under the New Testament Church Pioneer's program. I really happy that I had the opportunity to travel this summer with the New Testament Church Pioneers. I would like to thank everyone for praying for me this summer. Please pray for me as I go on with my life and as I wait for God to show me He has for my life. I know that He wants me to be a missionary in a foreign country, but I do know when or where.

Shopping in the Bazaar!

2009-08-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

In Central Asia, the bazaar is where the missionaries do most of their shopping. On Saturday, we decided to go shopping at the bazaar for some souvenirs. When we were shopping at the bazaar, my wallet got stolen out of my purse. We tried to figure who did it, but we could not figure out who it was. My driver's license, money, and two bank cards were stolen. When we got home from shopping, I tried to call and cancel my two bank cards. I waited till the banks were open in America and I called and cancelled one of my bank cards. I tried to call the other bank, but they were closed on Saturday and I could not get a hold of a person. Thank the Lord that I was able to cancel both of my bank cards and that my passport was not stolen. Please pray as I leave for America on Tuesday, August 4th. Thank you for all your prayers.

Leaving Day!

2009-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Eveyone!
I have had a wonderful summer in Central Asia. I have also had a lot of memories, good ones and bad ones. Everything from talking to the Miltia to getting my wallet stolen, but these are the bad memories. I have learned alot from these experiences and I will never forget them. Some of the good memories are working in an orphanage with twenty-two children, teaching English and piano, going to the mountains, shopping, and spending time with the missionaries and the other adults helping in Central Asia for the summer. I will flying back to America on Tuesday, August 4th. Please pray that everything goes well. I thank God for all the memories, the good times and the bad and the help He has given me while I have been here. Thank you for all yoru prayers and concerns. They were needed and I will also be thankful for what the Father has called me to go and what He has helped me do this summer.

Hiking in the Mountains of Central Asia!

2009-07-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! I have had a very interesting week. I have had my ups and my downs, but through it all the Father has helped me get through it. On Saturday, the missionary and his family all the other adults that are helping the missionary, got the opportunity to spend the day in the mountains of Central Asia. Altogether there were nine adults that went, so we decided to take two vechiles because we could not all fit in one vehicle. We went to the mountains looking for a waterfall. The drive to the mountains is about two hours. It was a very pretty view. We got to see everything from cows, goats, bees to even the traditional homes in this part of the world. When we finally got to the place where we could no longer drive, we got out of the vehicles and we decided to have something to eat. Then, we set off for the waterfall, we got on one path but it was not the right path but some of us kept going and the rest of them went on the right path that led to the waterfall. At about 6:00 pm, we decided that we better head for home because at 8:00 is when the workers at the orphanage leave. I thank the Father for the beautiful day. We had good weather and a day out with just the adults. It was amazing to see the things that the Father has made!

A Picnic in the Mountains!

2009-07-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Saturday, July 11,2009, we had a picnic in the mountains. It was very fun. It was about an hour to an hour and a half away. The missionaries took all the children with them and all the adults also went with us. We had lunch and watermelon for a snack. We also got to get out and do some hiking in the mountains. In the mountains, it is such a pretty view. The mountains still have snow on them snd it is amzing to see what the Father has created.

Milking the Cow!

2009-07-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

I have had a great couple of days. I have learned many new things while I have been in Central Asia and one of the new things I have learned to do is to milk a cow. The missionaries have two cows and they get milked three days, except for Micah which just had two calves. She gets milked four times a day. So, one of the girls showed me how to milk the cow abd I milked the cowone night. I never knew that was something I was going to do this summer. I have also had the opportunity to feed Micah's calves a couple of times.

The Interesting Week!

2009-07-09T01:23:00.000-07:00

Last week was a very intersting week. We had two new calves born a girl and a new boy. The girl's name is Mary and the boy's name is Thomas. Also, a couple of days ago the missionaries got a new little boy in the orphanage. His name is Dema and he is three years old. They are now up to ten girls and twelve boys. To give you a little update I am still teaching English five days a week and I am also trying to give piano lessons when I have time. I thank the Father for the time he has allowed me to spend in Central Asia so far. Keep praying for me as I seek the Father for wisdom on what to do after the summer is over.

The Last Week!

2009-06-30T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and family from my part of the world. I have had a wonderful last week I have been teaching English. It is going a lot better than when I first started. Also, I think I have finally adjsuted to the ten hour time difference. Also, I have now permanently moved down to the orphanage to sleep at night. I still spend most of my day at the orphanage and I love that. I have also learned all 21 of the children's names. It only took me three weeks, but it is finally accomplished. When I first got here, I was staying in a room the missionaries call the mulit-purpose room. It was my bedroom, the living room, and it also where we hold our Sunday and Wednesday meetings. Now Michael is sleeping in there at night. I will also like to update you on some of my new experiences that I have been practicipating in. I have been given the wonderful opportunity to eat sheep. It was really good, but it had a very interesting taste. Today I got to help with two truck loads of hay and a couple of weeks ago I helped stack bricks. Also, yesterday we celebrated the missionary kid's birthday. So, we had another birthday party, but this time we had peanut butter cake and taco salad. Please pray for me as I continue to teach English and Piano.

Teaching English!

2009-06-19T03:28:00.000-07:00

While I have been in Central Asia, I have been given the opportunity to teach English and piano. So far it has been quite a challenge and I am learning a lot from it. I have never taught children English before and I am just starting to get to know the children that I am working with. They are all precious especially in the Father's eyes. There is twenty-one of them. The youngest child is four years old and there are ten girls and eleven boys. Also, I am starting to learn all of their names. Please pray for me as I will be teaching English eveyday except Sunday. I will also be teaching piano for five days a week. I Thank the Father for giving me this opportunity to teach these children English and piano. Please pray for me as I teach.

New Experiences!

2009-06-19T03:10:00.000-07:00

I am having a wonderful time in this part of the world. The missionaries got a new puppy so I have been learning to take care of a new puppy. Also, I went with the children to a mini amusement park. It was very fun. We have already celebrated three birthdays here. For every birthday, we have a birthday party with a birthday cake. I have also had the experience of freezing raisins and cherries and I have picked, cleaned, and eaten apricots. They were very good. I forgot to mention to you that I have already experienced the electricity and water being shut off. It is not very fun, but sometimes it is the way of life around her. I thank my Father for giving me these experiences so far.

The First Week!

2009-06-05T07:24:00.000-07:00

So far I am having a wonderful time in this part of the world. The missionaries have given me a couple of days to adjust and relax before I start teaching on June 15th. The mother and daughter that traveled with us to Central Asia finally got their luggage back from the airport on Tuesday. For the past couple of days, I have been doing a lot of house work and pitching in on miscellaneous things. The children at the orphange are great. I am starting to learn all of their names. In a week and a half, I will start to teach the children English and I will be working the whole day at the orphange.

Safe Arrival!

2009-06-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

We finally arrived at our destination in Central Asia at about 4:00 am on Sunday morning. We got checked in and we all received our visas. I thank my Father for providing us all with a visa. We then went to pick up our luggage. It all arrived except for six bags that belonged to the two people that nearly missed their flight to London. We thank our Father that the only thing missing was their luggage. After we got the luggage that had arrived and took care of the lost luggage, we met our friends at the airport and they took us back to their home.

London!

2009-06-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

We finally made it London on Saturday morning. It was blessing for all of us to be in one place. When we got to London, we went immediately to get out tickets for the next flight that was going to Central Asia. When we got to the ticket counter, they took our passports and they told us to go on the side and wait till they called us back up there. They took our personal information because we arrived before our flight was suppose to come into the airport. We had to change our flight and they had to confirm it with the airline and look at all the details and they told us that they would get back to us. So, we waited around and a little after nine o’ clock in the morning they called us up to the front desk and they gave us our tickets for the next flight and that is when we knew that everything was ok. At 1:00 pm, we were on our way to Central Asia. I thank my Father for our safety and protection. He knew exactly what he was doing and he worked out every last detail.

Almsot Stranded in London!

2009-06-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

The flight from Knoxville to Chicago was great. It was on time and there were no problems. When I got to the Chicago Airport I had about a ten hour layover. So, I decided to get something to eat and waited till my next flight. At about 3:30 pm, I met up with missionaries that I was flying and working with in Central Asia. When the missionaries got to the airport, the clerk told them that our flight that was suppose to leave at 7:15 pm was delayed two hours. This is where we ran into our problem. Now that our flight was delayed two hours that only left us with an one hour layover in London. The missionary checked at the front desk the flight's arrival and the clerk said that we would probably miss our next flight that was heading to London. Just to let you know that London only flies two days a week to the country that we were flyign to. That would leave a party of five stranded in London for three days, because the next day that they would leave would be Tuesday. We saw that there was a flight that leaving for London at 5:25 pm, which would give us plenty of time to connect to our next flight in London. The missionary talked to the flight attendant and they scheduled us to be on that airplane. Well, we ran into another problem. There were two people that we suppose to be traveling with us to Central Asia, but their flight was not arriving in Chicago till 4:40 pm and that would only give them about thirty minutes to connect to the new flight we were taking. So, the missionary called the two people and told them to run as fast as they could to get to flight because it was leaving right away. By the grace of our Father, all five travelers made it on the flight in one piece.

Travel Update!

2009-05-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

So far I have made it on the first leg of my journey to Central Asia. I am currently in the Chicago O'Hare Airport and I am waiting to get on my connecting flight that will take me to London. The flight leaves on May 29th at 7:15 pm. When I arrive in London, I will catch a flight that takes me to Central Asia. I should arrive in Central Asia on Sunday morning at 3:00. I thank God for the safe travels he has given me so far and I pray that the rest of my flights will be safe, smooth, and relaxing.

Departure Day!

2009-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

I will be leaving on Friday for Central Asia from the Knoxville Aiport at 9:30 am. I will be meeting the missionaries and another family in Chicago. At 7:15 pm, we should be on our way to London. We have a short lay over in London and then we fly to Kyrgyzstan. I should arrive in Kyrgyzstan at 3:00 Sunday Morning. Please pray for our safety as we travel.

Training Camp

2009-05-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time at training camp this week. I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot of practical things that will help me this summer. I had the opportunity to be in many different activities this week such as: physical training, neighborhood Bible clubs, bus, and choir. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to travel this summer with the New Testament Church Pioneers and to go to training camp. Please pray for me as I leave on Friday to serve the Lord in Central Asia.

back in America

2008-08-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

brothers and sisters,
as of today, we reached our destination in tennessee. the flight was long and interesting. first of all, we were delayed twelve hours, then we had to stay overnight in London, i was ill in the stomach, and to top it off, Brooke did not get her luggage. God nevertheless protected us and helped us. since coming back i have seen His care through Christians around me --from calls to pickups to housing. America is so different from where we were, with its conveniences, smooth roads, and mostly cleanliness. please remember the ministry and the boys and girls in your prayers. they need it. God has done mighty things, and He only deserves the glory. please also pray for our health (especially our stomachs), and for wisdom and sensitivity to the Lord's guidance in the next two weeks before school starts. "O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever."

the last week

2008-08-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

we have begun the countdown for our last week in Kyrgyzstan...
today we attempted to reach some glaciers, but came short because of time.. and torn sneakers :) next week, Brooke will be staying with the children; but i will be traveling to another popular village to experience more of the country, and spending the rest of the week with my girls.
Brooke and i were talking the other night, and discussing each of the children, and all the things here we will miss. we look forward to what He has for us in the States, but we do not want to leave the simplicity, the children, the other believers here. He has done great things.
please think of the orphanage and the transformation occurring now because of the original workers coming back from vacation and resisting the changes we've incorporated. think of Rachel, who will be staying here another month to help, and the attacks she gets. think of the missionaries working here, and the decisions and courage they must have. think of the children being in their old environment, and the understanding and obedience they need to follow their Savior. Satan is working hard, but we know that "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." we need to come before our Father with our petitions. keep seeking Him
-michelle

we're still here!

2008-07-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

hello! this is one chance i have to update while i am in the city for one night, but i must be brief. Our Father has done exceedingly wondrous things this week. since our Russian translator has arrived, we have entered a new door of communication and understanding. the fruit was ripe and each day this week we have seen professions, so that all of the 6 older girls have received salvation. we cannot dogmatically dictate the sincerity of their heart, but the Spirit bears witness, as well as the joyful smiles on their faces, and i believe they are genuine. Brooke moved into the orphanage tonight, and will live there for the next two weeks. tomorrow camp begins for the girls. Four of us ladies will be up there --me; Miss Deeringer; Christin, a young lady who has been of great aid; and Miss Rachel, the Russian translator who has years of experience with orphans. i am so extremely blessed! be in supplication that these girls would be firmly planted in the truth for the next two weeks, as they will face heavy opposition after we leave. also, all day yesterday i was sick in the stomach; and today i sprained my foot playing with the kids at the park. i don't foresee myself doing much activity in the near future. but i know He knows, and that settles it. thank you for your faithful prayers. they are not in vain! -michelle

the end of the month

2008-06-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

“He hath done great things, whereof we are glad”
He has. the first week here was long and eventful, the second week picked up pace, the third week zoomed by, and this past fourth week seemed to dissolve into time. Our teacher Miss Deeringer made it here safely and soundly early sunday morning, and has adjusted impressively well to the time difference. her smile and presence has been uplifting. We have been planning and sorting for the next month’s events concerning camp and English lessons. This week we also were able to try horsemeat, and to milk a cow for the first time. We went on a hiking trip Saturday into the mountains, in the midst of unbelievable beauty.
The plan for the next month is largely planned out. Since Brooke will continue teaching the boys, she and Ms. Deeringer will be traveling back and forth to the camp for two weeks. During that time, I will be living with and caring for the girls at the orphanage. it is an unprecedented experience and joy for me. after that, Brooke will switch places with me and stay with the boys, while I move into the camp with the girls. At minimum, we will be teaching English three hours daily. wow. Miss Deeringer will teach English classes here in the city to adults. i am excited about the huge month of great responsibility before us, but in truth it is not we who are in charge. He carries us and our duties all.
He has recently impressed upon me the individual needs of the children and the need of the multitudes here for salvation. the children have no parents to care for them, many come from the streets and broken families, and they all need Adoption into the family in heaven. He has allowed us to meet with different people both saved and lost. On Wednesday we met two sisters who 8 years ago were Muslims, but now follow the Shepherd. Saturday we met a young lady, a sister of one of the orphans, who has gained success in the world but is at loss in her soul. my heart breaks for these lost. please think of them. So send I you…
-michelle

The time here has been wonderful. I am truly thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me. The time has now come for the children to go to the mountains for camp. We are seeking our Father that He will deal with the hearts of the children. They have heard the good news many times and now are at a danger because they are not responding at all. It seems to have just become white noise to them. Each child has his own story and it is heartbreaking as I hear each of them. They must come to an understanding that people will always fail them no matter how hard they will try not to, but that there is only One who can give them peace, comfort , and, most importantly, a home that will last forever. Please continue to think of them often.
-Brooke

Teaching English

2008-06-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hello, I apologize that Michelle and I do not post more often; the internet connection is not very reliable. Things are going well here. We have been teaching English to the children all week. My class consists of all the boys (please keep me in your thoughts), and Michelle has all of the girls. The kids are great fun and I look forward to seeing them everyday. We just keep trying to look to Him for guidance and wisdom; we would also like to see the hearts of the children changed. Michelle and I would like to leave them with something much more than the ability to speak English. But He has been so good to us and we want Him to shine through our lives.

Zdrastvuitye! That’s a word we’ve been hearing –and attempting to say—as the formal greeting. It’s been another week, and this one has passed quickly. Every morning we fix breakfast, travel about 45 minutes to the orphanage to teach English, teach, and spend the rest of the day either helping, shopping at the bazaar (not the leisurely kind you might be imagining), conversing with our friends, spending time with the children, or preparing for our class. As Brooke said, I have the girls as my English students. I love to see them everyday, to hear them speak, to spend time with them (although we have trouble communicating), and to be a part of their lives. All but one of the girls does not have a testimony, but my hope is that this summer more will become children in THE family. J Also, we are spending time with high school and college- aged young people. They practice their English with us, and we share with them our faith by our words and testimony. Please think of one Muslim girl in particular, who plans to spend this summer with us, and another younger girl who does not see her need. The workers at the orphanage likewise do not know Him, and cause trouble. Remember them. Pondering these happenings, I am encouraged to view what He is doing, and what He will do! As we travel through the small villages or visit the bazaars, I see the poverty of the people, the emptiness of their lives, the ignorance of the truth. Oh, for more laborers! and this area is the most “reached” in this country! Hundreds of villages beyond simply exist, with no light for sight and no messenger to share… His will be done. These next two weeks we will continue teaching, spending time with friends, and preparing for camp in July. Eight more weeks to see Him work!

The First Few Days

2008-06-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

hello, friends! i have so many things to say, i don’t know where to start. firstly, we arrived safely and got our 3-month visas (thanks to Him) early sunday morning. we spent the first day at the orphanage, meeting the two missionary families and the precious orphans. each child has a story, and a need for salvation. i cannot wait to spend time with them. next week, we will began English classes with the girls; and next month, we will spend everyday, all day, with them at their house and at a camp in the mountains. the missionaries have given an abundance of care and help to us, and it is a privilege just to be with them. we have been able to look around the city bazaars and stores, eat some traditional food, and observe the people. we’ve also been working on food preparation for the camp. i immensely enjoy it all. yesterday we got to share the gospel with a lady who is learning english. the people here are poor both physically and spiritually ...and there is little truth. please remember us all often this summer. ah, how good He is to us. He has everything in control, and works even when we do not see it.
-michelle

Hello, there has been so much that has happened, but I do not have nearly enough time to write about it. As Michelle said, we have arrived safely and are still trying to get adjusted to the time difference. The first day Michelle and I arrived we were able to see the orphanage and meet the children; please remember them in your thoughts. We have been helping a young lady with her upcoming TOEFL test and today we will also be teaching an English class. Next week we will be working with the girls at the orphanage, teaching them English. I am excited about the camp and being able to get to work with the children more. So far it has been very exciting. We have spent lots of time in the bazaars and just watching the nationals –I do have to say that I stand out quite a bit. He has been very good to us.
-Brooke

Departure

2008-05-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!
the time has finally come: we will be leaving from knoxville tomorrow afternoon, and arriving in Bishkek 3:00am on Sunday, as He wills. I can see that He has orchestrated all things for this trip, and i am simply a joyful participant (Ph. 2:13). Excitement soars as i think of what opportunity we have this summer. we learned that we will be teaching English extensively, and helping with a camp for two weeks. continue to think about us in regard to safety, souls, power, and following Him, for that is the chief thing.
-michelle

Training Camp

2008-05-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello, He is really moving in the hearts of all the Pioneers this week. We have been working with children in neighborhood clubs and it has been such a great experience. Please continue to think about us --that He will use us mightily.
-Brooke

Greetings!
This past week all of us pioneers have been busy in training week. We have been learning from different men and women for things we will need this summer, camping, being involved in services, and holding children's clubs. Yesterday, two six-year-old girls were born after I talked with them from the book. Our Father has showed himself and strengthened us for the task that lies ahead of us. Our chief priority is to follow Him and stay near Him, and fruit will follow. We are super excited about what He has for us, knowing it will change our lives. The plan is to leave on friday, May 30th, and arrive August 8th. Think often about us, and for the people there who do not have our Father. We have challenges and work ahead, but He will enable us!
-michelle

P.S. Due to the sensitive area we will be going to, please be careful of the words you use.
Thank you