Voices of Micronesia 2010 Itinerary

Itinerary for Voices of Micronesia Summer 2010

May 12            Arrive LA early am, settle into host homes

May 14            First Baptist West Los Angeles

May 16           Grace Evangelical Church, La Mirada, CA.

                        9 &11am - Sunday Morning Services (?) and/or Junior Worship

                        Grace EV Free

                        5-6pm - Visiting Grace Groups         

May 23           Ocean Hills Covenant Church, Santa Barbara, CA

Sunday morning services—30 minute concerts

May 24           7:00 p.m. San Luis Obispo, CA, Laguna Lake Mobile Estates Club House(On the left side of Perfumo Canyon there are two entrances to Laguna Lake Mobile Estates; be sure to take the second entrance which is Hedley Drive. Follow Hedley and the clubhouse will be on your right on the corner of Carolyn Dr. and Hedley.
May 28 - 30   Susanville, CA (Southern Baptist Association is also participating in this)

May 30           Palauan Service, First Baptist Church, Susanville, CA

June 1             Shasta Community Church, Redding, CA

June 2             1 hour evening concert, Glenburn Community Church, Glenburn, CA

June 4             Baymonte School (several performances)

June 6             Morning: Gateway Church, Santa Cruz, CA

June 8             Noon:  Neighborhood Church Ladies luncheon

June 9             Neighborhood Church, Castro Valley, CA “Omega” (youth group

June 10           7:00 p.m. Central Peninsula Church’s college students kick-off meeting BBQ and fellowship

June 11           7:00 p.m. concert at Foothill Covenant, Los Altos, CA

June 13           Central Peninsula Church, Foster City Campus, CA

10 min presentation at 9 and 11am services. BBQ and full 1 hour performance after the last service.

June 13           Evening concert at Hessel Church, Sebastopol, CA

June 15           500 children at VBS at East Bay Fellowship in Danville, CA
June 16           Gold Country Baptist, Shingle Springs, CA

                        Youth meeting

June 17           Camino Community Church, Shingle Springs, CA

                        Evening concert

June 18           7:00 p.m. Gold Country Baptist, Shingle Springs, CA

                        Missions meeting

June 19           11:00 a.m. Antioch Seventh Day Adventist Church, Antioch, CA

June 20          Hillside Covenant Church, Walnut Creek, CA

30 min. performance at 9:30 and 11am services

June 21           7:30 Eric and Karyn speaking at Mark and Cathy Burket's home in San Carlos

June 23           Crossroads Covenant Church, 5353 Concord Blvd, Concord CA

                        6:00 p.m:  One hour performance

June 24:         7:00 p.m. First Christian Church, 2115 Pleasant Hill Road, Pleasant Hill, CA  
                        6:00 p.m. Dinner--RSVP required (Guest Chef, Gerry DeGuzman, will be serving:  Chicken Adobo, Buttered Corn Kernel andCarrots, Steamed White Rice and Strawberry Filled White Cake).  Donation-$5.00 per person; $12.00 per family; high school students:  $3.00)

Please RSVP to Jo Alvarez so that they can get an accurate headcount for dinner:  jndalvarez5@yahoo.com.

June 27          Central Peninsula Church, Milbrae Campus, CA

10 min. performance at 11am service; full performance at lunch hosted by the church at 12:45

7pm Biola Congregational Church and Kerman Covenant Church, Fresno, CA

July 1-5           Youth Sports Ministry, Point Loma University, San Diego, CA

July 7-9          Killeen/Salado, TX

July 11            Redeemer Bible Church, Dallas, TX

July 13-16       Looking for opportunities to perform in TX, AZ and SoCal.

July 17            Return flight LAX to Guam

The Tour Begins!

Well, we're in California! Our students arrived Wednesday, May 12, and were immediately awe-struck by the massiveness of LA (actually, we are too!) This is the first of our blog posts documenting our odyssey. Because our access to wireless is inconsistent, our ongoing documentary will be largely visual, sprinkled with brief written comments. So, here's our first installment . . . thanks for your prayers as we get underway.

 Jet-lagged after a 15 hour flight . . . .

So cold, students donned socks with their flip-flops.  Leeman is overheard saying, "It feels like we're walking in a refrigerator."  It's in the mid-70's here . . . .

 Rehearsing all day, culminating in a trip to Old Navy.  When the store wasn't where we were told, one student commented, "Is that the only one on island - oops, I mean, in the State?"  Needless to say, there was an Old Navy down the street.  That night they wondered where the stars were when they looked up.  "Uh, this is LA . . . ."

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Taking a tour of BIOLA . . . the tour guides were dumb-struck after our students broke out a ukulele and blessed them with a Micronesian-style song.   The students were dumb-struck in return when told BIOLA is not a large college . . . Neither could they believe that our hometown is some 350 miles away and still in the same state!

Our very first performance at an AWANA club in LA . . .  Here is Grace teaching the kids a favorite PIU song.  The kids were transfixed by a most excellent presentation by the Voices of Micronesia - off to a great start!

The children were absolutely mesmerized by a rendition of a Chuukese stick dance.  Actually, it's a Christian adaptation of an ancient war dance, now redeemed for Christ!  And to think, we've only just begun!

Voices of Micronesia

Although there really is no good excuse for a month of silence, even a humble explanation may be more palatable when presented through the medium of visual arts, aided by the marvels of modern technology in the capable hands of students who understand it.  You know the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words."  So here you'll see what has so preoccupied us over the last month:  tuning up the Voices of Micronesia, coming to a place near you this summer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYApk6PXmy8

PIU Days!

The first ever PIU Days were held just before Easter break this year.  Actually, this event has been celebrated for decades, but in years past the activity was known as "PIBC Days."  Names change, and times change, but the fun does not!  Three teams, named after the Greek words for Discipline, Witness, and Perseverance, competed in games, performances, team spirit, and a fellowship night.  It was great to see everyone relax and laugh so hard that one couldn't tell if us white folk were red from sunburn or red from laughter (usually both).  Our family was assigned to the Witness team wearing red in the pictures.  Enjoy the slideshow.

Seven Students, Seven Cultures

Our work in Guam has a way of reminding me of the great multitude in Revelation 7.9, "from all tribes and peoples and tongues" who are before the throne worshiping the Lamb. The reason for that is simply that our ministry here is entirely cross-cultural. Even though our staff is only now showing signs of diversity, the student body is a panoply of cultures, and our church is another variegated tapestry of peoples.

I guess using "culture" to describe someone's background is a bit slippery, but it's more descriptive than simply identifying what country someone is from. For instance, even if you tell me you're from the US, I still don't know what your cultural background is. So, when I decided to share with you about my current seminary class, I quickly realized it's not enough to tell you that I have seven students from five different countries because the three who are from the same "country" are from completely different cultures within that country. It's really more descriptive to tell you that I have seven students from seven cultures. So, on Tuesday nights, I sit in front of a Chinese, a Chuukese, a Filipina, a Bangladeshi, and three Americans. It's the three Americans who really represent three different cultures. One is a local with Chamorro roots, a culture unique unto its own. Another is Caucasian from Alabama, and the third is of Spanish extraction, raised in a New Mexico town settled by the Spanish in the 1600s. Thus, though he is American, his first language and culture are Spanish, but not South American Spanish! Now, just imagine the dialog we have in class. It is rich as each accented word is shared out of his or her own culture. Categorically, I no longer assume that my cultural experiences relate to others' experiences, which has a distinct way of affecting the application of the theology we study. In a recent seminary class conversation about burnout rates among pastors, I came in assuming that one reason for the burnout is based on pastor's having more people to care for than is humanly possible. I guess I had thought it was a universal problem, until one student explained that in his culture this is not the case because a church of 50 people may have fifteen pastors! Here, it is not trite to say that I learn as much from my students as they do from me.

    Sound interesting? Come out and join us! Seriously. We are in immediate need of undergraduate teachers, especially in the areas of general education. We are looking to establish our budding counseling center with professional counselors (even those working toward licensure); and of course, we need doctoral level seminary professors. The world is becoming cross-cultural, so get in on the trend and join us at PIU!

Divinely-Orchestrated Trial

For Christmas, Eric bought me the study Bible I have been wanting for quite some time. Filled with maps, illustrations, explanatory notes, historical settings, key themes, literary features, and detailed outlines, I am having a blast! No longer do I puzzle over obscure meanings or try to remember the English equivalent of a cubit, I simply look in my handy-dandy ESV Study Bible! Well, this morning I read in Matthew 11 that when John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of Jesus, he sent his followers to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" What?! Are you kidding me?! Isn't this the same guy who eight chapters back in Matthew 3 said he wasn't worthy to baptize Jesus? Isn't this the same fellow who saw the heavens open and the Spirit of God descend like a dove to rest on Jesus? Isn't this the same bloke who heard a voice FROM HEAVEN saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased?" Why the confusion? How much proof does a person need?! Enter my wonderful, handy-dandy study Bible!  Hmmmmmm . . . what do the "experts" say about this? Apparently, poor John the Baptist starts to wonder if he's missed something. You see, he was under the impression that if he were a repentant follower of Jesus, he would receive blessings; it was the unrepentant who would receive judgment. Tragically, John the Baptist was wasting away in prison, awaiting a beheading by Herod Antipas. Not quite the blessing he was expecting. I actually felt sorry for John. This guy was really devoted to God. Wearing itchy clothing, eating locusts, and STILL he ends up without a head. Certainly "not fair."  


This reminded me of some of the confusion I felt when a week ago I was awaiting results from a double biopsy. Would I be told I had terminal cancer? Why would God "call" me to Guam and have me invest in an incredible ministry and then do this? Even if I lived through it, it was quite inconvenient! After all, I was in the middle of teaching a college class and now I was packing my bags for California! This turn of events definitely took me and my prior record of perfect health by surprise.  


But, I have to say, going through this horrible event has been one of the greatest blessings I have ever experienced. I don't think it is possible to articulate the amazing way I have felt God's presence walking with me every step of the way. In the midst of the human terror of knowing I may be told I only have weeks to live, I concurrently experienced a supernatural peace. How can one explain having such divergent feelings simultaneously? I watched as God provided for my physical needs in miraculous ways. Rushing to the states on such short notice would normally have cost $1800 for an airline ticket, but a family who didn't even know me GAVE me a round-trip ticket (and it was business class to boot!). I IMMEDIATELY got an appointment with a top surgeon in California who generally has a long waiting list. Friends gave me money specifically to help cover the mounting medical expenses. I was stunned by the love and support I received from family and friends. I never realized the significant emotional and spiritual support system that surrounds me. 

Throughout those frightening weeks of not knowing my fate, I ALWAYS felt the tender and powerful presence of my Savior. It was in His comforting presence that I found the security to face my mortality and all aspects of my life, although it was anything but fun. I analyzed how I use my time, where I invest my energy, and what's important to me. I didn't like everything I saw. I was saddened that I hadn't accomplished more. I wished I could be more like what people expected me to be. I grieved my inadequacies and earthly insignificance until, finally, weeping on the phone with my mom I sobbed, "Isn't it enough to just love people? Can't my ministry simply be to try to express the love of Christ to everyone I meet?" And, that's really the end of the story. I am infinitely grateful that my biopsies were benign. I am infinitely more grateful that as a result of going through this ordeal, I am confident of God's call on my life.  My calling is not to be a renowned professor, a brilliant psychotherapist, a famous author, or a pioneering missionary. My call is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is my full-time job, and I learned this with force during my divinely-orchestrated trial. 

Cancer?!

February 2:  (Written after receiving the reports that both the mammogram and ultra sound confirmed a solid 2.5 cm mass as well as enlarged ducts.)  Apparently, this could mean I have cancer. It's really a bummer! (What a dumb thing to say--duh!) One of the things I most resent is now that I have this information, it's like, no matter where I go, there is this intrusive, unwanted guest (the knowledge) tagging along.  The "unwanted guest" has invaded every space and is no respecter of privacy. I try to have devotions; the "unwanted guest" pushes in. I try to play volleyball; here comes the "unwanted guest." I try to sleep; the "unwanted guest" lurks.  It's really quite tiring! It appears that no area of my life is off-limits to the "unwanted guest."

 

Sorry to disappoint, but I won't be one of those stoic Christians who somehow goes through illness or loss with utter confidence and calm. Personally, I think this whole situation really stinks. However, it is amazing that in the midst of the intrusive "unwanted guest," I ALWAYS feel the still and calm presence of my best friend, Jesus Christ. This doesn't mean that I always feel still and calm--far from it! But, it's pretty cool, that no matter how hard the winds blow or the waves roar, my anchor never budges--not even a fraction of an inch! It's also cool that I can cry, be scared, feel frustrated trying to make medical decisions with inadequate knowledge or experience, feel disappointed, and an array of other emotions and be completely accepted by God. I mean, seriously, God is so not surprised by my response. I take great comfort in the tremendous emotions Jesus expressed the night before his death. He is the creator of humans and certainly understands a human's natural response to suffering and loss. It's amazing how much peace comes from experiencing this unconditional love. NOTHING compares.  

So, yes, I'm bummed. This certainly wouldn't have been the course I would have chosen for myself.  And yet, I do have a deep sense that nothing will happen to me that is outside God's plan for my life. No matter how rough the water, no matter how obnoxious the "unwanted guest," no matter how painful the procedures, I am "safe." I KNOW God is good. He is my refuge. 

February 13:  (Given the medical reports, a decision was quickly made that I should return to CA for further testing and treatment.)  As I held my girls in my arms waiting to check my baggage at the Guam airport, I suddenly heard the familiar harmonic voices of Micronesians. Strolling towards me, smiling shyly and strumming a guitar, came a dozen PIU students. They were singing a special song we sing at PIU, We Are One Big Happy Family. Of course, the tears began to flow down my cheeks. I teased the students that they had ruined my make-up and thus my chance of flying business class. Since I was flying on a buddy pass (a stand-by discount ticket acquired from someone who works for the airlines), I was told that I could be bumped into business class provided my appearance was attractive. (You better believe I gussied up!)  After serenading me with several songs, the students gathered around me and one of our students prayed for me. It was amazing how loved I felt. The young man who prayed had only recently become a Christian. He has an inspiring story evidencing God's transforming power. This made his prayer especially meaningful to me and served as an affirmation of our ministry at PIU. I had been so nervous that I would fall apart at the airport and yet I knew how critical it was that I hold it together for the sake of our two young daughters. This surprise send-off was just the diversion I needed. It completely changed the tenor of my departure.

My next hurdle was going to be holding it together once I was alone on the plane. Two things happened to ease this transition. The first is spelled B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S class! The couple of times we've had the luxury to fly home to California, we've had to secure the least expensive tickets (always well over $1000), and from the time we step foot in Guam's airport until we arrive in San Francisco's airport, approximately 30 hours have passed. Yes, 30 miserable hours of long layovers in Japan followed by knees jammed into the seat in front of us and seat backs laying in our tray table. Makes me shudder just thinking about it! I cannot begin to convey the unbelievable difference flying business class makes (equivalent to first-class on international flights). In spite of luxuriating in my business class seat, soon I began to feel my emotions pushing to the surface. I certainly didn't want to make a scene while I sipped my orange juice served in a real GLASS with my legs fully extended and resting peacefully on an ottoman. It was at this point that I remembered the gift bag the students had given me. I grasped at the gift bag stowed under the seat "miles" in front of me. Immediately, as I read the dozens of notes in the bag written to me from PIU students, I was enveloped in the love and security found only in Christ. These notes were filled with love, support, and best of all, Scriptures students had chosen to encourage me. It was amazing the strength and joy I found in God's word.  Several of them had written, "Don't forget God's cell phone number:  Psalm 50:15."  Curious, while on a short layover in snowy Tokyo, I flipped open my pocket Bible and read: "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." I have no doubt God will do his part. He has shown himself to be faithful and true time and again. My prayer is that as I walk this particular rough stretch, that I might honor Him.