A Word from Nicole - Short, Sweet, & To the Point

I forgot to include this in the post I just put up. Ray & Dawn Difelice have commented on the blog often so I suggested to Nicole that she should put something up for them. Here is what she typed:

To Mom, Dad, Raymond, Daniel and Benji,
I miss you all and I'm having a great time. I'll see you in a couple of days.
Love,
Nicole

Give Me Coffee, or Just Kill Me Now!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures I posted earlier today! We're waiting to read your comments. "So, get busy!" says Patti.

Today was another work day here at the campground. A group of us painted another set of rooms (same size and type as yesterday); plus, we cleaned and painted a laundry room. Kim and Ericka were joined in the sewing room by Patti and Minerva. Together with the other volunteers there, they finished four quilts that are given as Christmas gifts to pastor's wives throughout Central America. Ray Hooley worked in the warehouse sorting the tracts that are given out to the children when the evangelism teams go into the neighborhoods and schools.

The paint crew had an awesome time at the end of our work time sharing testimonies and praying with our national staff. Every team that comes to King's Castle is assigned students from the Master's Commission to work with them throughout the week. Laura, Memo, & Alma have been with us all week and this afternoon, we had the opportunity to hear their stories - how they found Jesus and heard His call to ministry. On the porch of the Men's Dorm, we had a powerful time of prayer. Our hearts were so moved by their stories and what God has called them to do. We prayed over each of them - one at a time. The Lord spoke so personally through the prayers of our team members. For some on our team, that prayer time will be one of the most memorable and special times of the whole trip.

Now, a humorous story about your beloved friends and family:

We have struggled with the coffee situation. For those of us addicted to Starbucks, the coffee served at breakfast is a little less than "grande!" For the last two mornings, we've been forced to beg from our host missionary a measly half of cup each (for the six of us) from his coffee press (which he brings with him - I'm not lying about the desperate lack of good coffee). HOWEVER, today, since I had to travel to Santa Ana to post our pictures - I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought the strongest and best coffee I could find. Then, I raided the apartment of one of the missionary associate's who lives here. I dragged Patti into the kitchen and we brewed a whole pot for our team. Ahhhh.....heaven (and many caffeine headaches treated)! Kim Mickel (who doesn't drink coffee) has been praying for our deliverance.

Tomorrow is our day off. We head to Atami Beach for a day in the surf and sun. In the evening, we'll have our farewell service so I'll try to post when we get back from the beach (sorry for all of you who have to work!) Saturday will be an early day as we head to the airport to come home.

Your prayers have made a difference! The health of the team has been good; attitudes have stayed right; and weariness is at a minimummmmmmmmmmmmmmm....sorry about that - I fell asleep at the keyboard! :) Just kidding. The Lord really has been with us every day and we attribute that to all of you praying so faithfully. We look forward to sharing our heart and what God has done in and through us on Sunday morning.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Here are the long awaited pictures I promised! I'm not very good at formatting on blogger but I know that you'll enjoy seeing just a few of the things we've been doing this week. I won't be able to post pictures again - as I had to come into the city to do this. I'll post more tonight about our day today. Talk to you later! Blessings, Pastor Arlena :)

It ain't paint by numbers, folks!

Hello everyone! Yep, you guessed it - we (most of us, at least) spent the day painting. A team of 10 of us headed up to the third floor of the boys dorms to paint the rooms that the Master's Commisson students sleep in. I wish I could say that more paint ended up on the walls than us, but I'm not sure! :) Just kidding - as Pastor Bryon would say, "We rocked it!" painting one large room (30 x 30), two smaller rooms (15 x 12), and two bathrooms (15 x 12). We also painted the outside deck (30 x 20). It was messy, hot, and a tad smelly (OK...it was very smelly since we used oil based paint). As Kim Mickel says, Jimmy Carter was right - "Let's ban oil paint!" We made sure to take lots of "air" and water breaks but we wanted to get this important job done for the ministry here. We will be doing more of the same tomorrow.

Two of our team members, Kim & Ericka, "ministered" in the sweetest spot on the campground - an air-conditioned, music filled, atrium where they sewed. Seriously, we were a bit jealous but we know that they helped a key ministry here at Kings Castle. They made cloth bags that are filled with food, gifts, and necessities that are given to people throughout the country. The sewing room produces thousands of bags that can be given to those in need. They also make all of the costumes and puppets that are used in the programs that the evangelism teams use in ministering to children.

Michele & Minerva continued to work in the clinic. They saw 147 patients today between 8am and 4pm. Michele shares that she has used more Spanish than she has ever used before and has learned a lot. Both her and Minerva dealt with many heart-breaking situations but they prayed with and loved on tons of people. Patti worked in the same area with them in the pharmacy. She was kept extremely busy with barely enough time to break for lunch. Patti loved observing the doctor and how he treated each patient with respect, compassion, and the love of Christ.

We had a team meeting immediately following dinner and shared some of the things that we are learning and experiencing and what God is doing in each of our hearts. You'll get to hear all about that on Sunday morning when we share it with you.

Tomorrow morning, I'm planning to head into the city so I can post a few of the amazing pictures we have taken here. Plus, I'll have another text post at the end of our final day of work here.

Continue to pray for our protection from sickness. The Lord has helped us so far and we are believing that God will continue to strengthen us.

Thanks for your prayers! A HUGE shout out to my buddy RJ for hooking me up with how the Yankees are doing! Thanks, friend!

Love to all of our friends and family,

Pastor Arlena :)

p.s. The quote of the day by Dustin Smith (said completely out of the blue): "For next year's missions trip, I'm totally feelin' Iraq!"

Here are the prayer focuses for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as I will be out of town!! Let's rally together behind our team these last few days!!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Focus Topic: Divine Appointments

Focus Scripture: Psalm 32:8

Focus Team Members: Minerva Villareal, Michelle Romaniello

Prayer: God, Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Please guide each team member with Your eye today. Allow them to see things only as you see them. Provide them situations and interactions that only you can supply. Be with Patti and Michelle today. See what they need from you today and meet them in the way that only you can. Provide them with divine appointments that testify to your power and love for the people of El Salvador. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Focus Topic: Wisdom

Focus Scripture: James 1:5

Focus Team Members: George Mickel, Georgie Mickel

Prayer: Jesus, you say if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask. I pray today that you would flood our team and its leaders with your wisdom; that they would hear your voice and follow it. I pray that you would grant them wisdom in every situation they face today. God, be with George and Georgie today. Speak to each of them today in a new way. Allow them to see you and understand you in a way that they never have before. Use them to pour out your love and wisdom on every person they meet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Focus Topic: Safety

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: Kim Mickel, Dustin Smith

Prayer: Father God, you have surely sustained our team through this trip. I pray for safety as they travel home. Be with them as they begin and end their journey home. Place them on the right flights with the right pilots and be the hand that guides them safely home. Thank you for all that you have accomplished through this trip. Keep watch over Kim and Dustin today. Be everything that they need today. Give them opportunities as they move through the airports to speak into the lives of people they meet. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Focus Topic: Unity/Peace

Focus Scripture: Philippians 4:6-8, Isaiah 54:17

Focus Team Members: Pastor Ray Tate, Patti Tate

Prayer: Father God, I come to you today on behalf of our mission team. You said in your word that praying brings Peace. I pray today that each team member will seek you today more than ever before and as they do that you would bring them a peace and unity that will bind them together. I stand on your word that says that “no weapon turned against you will succeed.” Jesus put a stop to every weapon Satan would try and send against this team. I lift Pastor Ray and Minerva to you today asking that you would touch them in a special way. Give them peace and allow them to be examples of Unity within the team. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

What's in a Day?

Buenos Noches para El Salvador! (Good evening from El Salvador - for all of our non-Spanish speaking readers!)

We've had another full day here at Kings Castle Ministries. After breakfast at our favorite time (6:30am), we loaded onto the bus to travel to a local school. There, about 75 kids waited for us to do our program. A word about the programs that are planned for each ministry site: they are composed of songs (which we do motions to - which are a lot like high-impact aerobics), skits, and a presentation of the gospel. At every program, kids are asked if 1) they want to invite Jesus into their hearts, 2) they want prayer for problems at home, with their family, or at school, and 3) they want prayer for someone that they know is sick. It's the best part of what we do when we gather around them to pray for them individually. We literally circile around them and each of us puts a hand on a little girl's shoulder or a boy's head. You'd be surprised at how sincerely they close their eyes and receive from the Lord!

So, we got to the first school and did the program I described above. While we are ministering, part of our team is praying - interceding for us as we sing, dance, do skits, and pray for the kids. After the program and prayer time concludes, we have opportunity to hug them, talk to them, ask them their name, play with them, and give them lots of candy and a gospel tract. We're careful to say adios to each child, because in Salvadoran culture you say a proper goodbye to those who have become your friend.

We did four programs today - all in schools in local neighborhoods. It was hot, wet (it rained in the morning), and we all drank lots of water to stay hydrated. Here's a few words about what each person did today:

Michele Romaniello worked in the clinic treating patients, helping the doctor triage patients.

Minerva Villareal also worked in the clinic. Her job was do intake - asking why people wanted to see the doctor and taking their vital signs.

Ray Hooley rested his ankle and worked with the eye doctor in the clinic. He was especially useful as a translator and though not able to serve on the evangelism team, God still had him in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time. He'll have to tell you about his day when he gets back! By the way...his ankle is sore but he is in good spirits, determined to help out any way that he can.

Those working with the medical staff here are doing such amazing work. They have been separated from the rest of us for the last couple of days - staying on the camp while we have left to do ministry. But, the ministry staff is so grateful for medical personnel who can bring so much help to the people in the community.

Everyone on the ministry team participated in the skits, dramas, and human videos. Plus, we all had the opportunity to pray with kids, intercede for whichever team was ministering, and just love on every kid we met. Here are a few of the highlights:

Pastor Ray played Noah in one of our skits; plus, demonstrated his mad dance skills in the song, "My King Jesus!" (Just call him Spice!)

Patti missed out on our training yesterday so she wasn't as up to speed as the rest of us (which isn't saying much) but by the end of the day, felt confident enough to dance a few moves in the song, "My King Jesus" and then made her way to the sidelines to laugh at the rest of us.

George was Pastor Ray's back up dancer (just call him Flavor!) and played a mean bull in the " "Noah's Ark" skit.

Kim joined the Coast Guard and dutifully informed Noah (a.k.a. Pastor Ray) that it wasn't time to leave the ark yet.

Ericka and Liz served as the only two members of the Kingsway team coordinated enough to dance on the front row.

Allie & Nicole were both clowns today - a stretch from their normal behavior.

Dustin, in one of the human videos, was the only Kingsway member to remember to do the "L" move at the right point in the song.

Pastor Bryon & Georgie both played Jesus (at different times, of course!)

Ryan got his groove on and by the last program had worked his way up to the front row.

Pastor Arlena...well, she played a dove in the "Noah's Ark"skit. And, trying to make a dove funny....not as easy as it sounds.

Well, now you've heard about a few of our adventures in ministry. Let me tell you about our adventures in riding a bus on unpaved, broken, rock-filled, holes the size of craters road. Our bus driver, Hermano, is THE MAN! We are not sure how he is able to get a school bus, packed with about 30 people, up and down these hills but he does it with a smile. We, however, have found our prayer life enhanced as he drives the downhill curves with the same fierceness as he plows through the holes.

We can't believe it is only Tuesday and we have so much to share. Imagine what stories we'll have by Thursday. Keep reading. I hope this extended post gives you a taste of what we are doing, seeing, and experiencing here in El Salvador. You are all such an important part of our team and we want to keep you "in the loop."

Thanks for your prayers! Keep them coming! I hope to put some pictures up but the Internet connection here at camp is barely fast enough to post this text. It may take me a few days to get them there but I'll do my best.

Everyone is well! Love to all, Pastor Arlena

p.s. Tomorrow, we all stay on the campground to do construction, painting, and cleaning work. Hopefully, I'll post tomorrow night how our day went.

Team Update

Good morning, family and friends! Yesterday was a FULL ministry day so I was unable to post. We are about to embark on another full day of ministry so this post will be brief.

Our two nurses, Michele and Minerva, are working all week with the clinic. Patti helped the dentist yesterday as an assistant but will be with the rest of us today as we go out to do evangelism in neighborhoods. The rest of us spent all of yesterday morning learning human videos and skits. It was a full aerobic workout for many of us and a tad humbling as our team (collectively - we have a few individual standouts) aren't the most coordinated! :) Then, after lunch we went out and did two full programs in a community called New Hope. We came back in time for dinner and afterwords, headed up to the Prayer Fortress for an intense time of prayer and intercession. After a 6:30am start, we all tumbled into bed around 10:30pm.

I hope to go into more detail in another post but know that the missionaries, staff, and core of nationals who work with Kings Castle ministres have heart and passion to see kids reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. All of us had opportunity to smile, share God's love, and hug on tons of kids. We're told that, beyond the ministry of drama and skits, that is the most powerful way we can represent Jesus. So - we will do that all day today!

Continue to pray for us! Your prayers are sustaining us. Keep Ray Hooley in prayer - he sprained his ankle yesterday and is helping around the campground today to give his foot some rest. We love and miss you all!

Blessings, Pastor Arlena

p.s. I hope to have some pictures up tonight!

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Focus Topic: Health

Focus Scripture: Isaiah 53:5

Focus Team Members: Liz Kondras, Allie Mickel

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Great Healer. As you walked on the earth, died on the cross, and were resurrected, you were, are and always will be the greatest example of healing. I pray that today and throughout this trip, you would be the Great Healer for our team members and those they encounter. Touch Liz and Allie in a special way today. Meet each of their needs that they have today God. Strengthen them and empower them to be vessels of your power today and throughout the rest of this trip. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Good morning! As you have read today is the first ministry day for our team! Today's prayer focus is Endurance! Keep our entire team in prayer! By committing to pray, you are a huge part of the team and the mission God has assigned to them! Enjoy the day!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Focus Topic: Endurance

Focus Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Focus Team Members: Pastor Bryon White, Ryan Innaurato

Prayer: Your Grace is sufficient God! I believe that today. God help each team member feel your strength being made perfect in his or her weakness. Allow each person to delight in his or her weakness, trusting only in your strength. I lift up Pastor Bryon and Ryan to you today entrusting them into your hands. Protect them and safeguard them as they move through their day and bless them in Jesus Name, Amen!

Here's the Pictures I Promised

Our First Day in El Salvador

Thanks for your patience in awaiting our first blog. I'm sitting in a coffee shop that has Internet access and is air conditioned! God is good! 

FYI...we had tremendous favor as we traveled yesterday. Smooth flights...on time and all of our luggage arrived safely! Unfortunately, once we landed in El Salvador we had about a two hour drive to the campground where we are based for the week. It made for a late night (and for those who got the phone call at around 1:30am know what I'm talking about) but we got settled into our respective dorms and went right to sleep.

It was an early morning as breakfast is served promptly at 6:30am (every day). After we ate, we had a brief orientation about our week here (lots of good advice) and then, we loaded onto the bus for church. Dream Center Church of Kings Castle Ministries is located on property that was recently purchased by the ministry. They don't have a building yet so we had church under a tent! There, under the yellow and white striped evangelism tent, we enjoyed joyous worship and a powerful message by Pastor Ray. Although the service was conducted entirely in Spanish, we all still sensed the same Spirit that we know in our own services back at Kingsway.

After service, they packed us off to lunch at Pizza Hut and shopping at a local market. These are all traditions that every team that comes to work with this ministry enjoys. Now, we are enjoying these few moments in the cafe (where I can post to all of you) and will soon head back to the camp.  

Tomorrow will be a ministry day. In the morning, we will be trained for the street evangelism that they do here. In the afternoon, we will go out and minister.  

THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers! We feel them and we need them! Continue to pray for us...for strength, protection, anointing, and favor. Pray to for our host missionaries, Gerritt & Tara Kenyon. They are shadowing us for the week and our busy schedule means that their schedule is busy! 

Love to everyone! And, enjoy these few pictures that I've taken since we've been here.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena :)

Greetings! Our team is well on their way to El Salvador. Here is the prayer focus for today, Saturday July 26, 2008 and tomorrow, Sunday, July 27, 2008 as well! Thank you for visiting and for praying for our team!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Focus Topic: Protection

Focus Scripture: Psalm 91

Focus Team Members: Pastor Arlena Corzine, Nicole DiFelice

Prayer: Father God, I come to you in the Name of Jesus, asking you to cover my brothers and sisters with your protection. I pray that you would command your angels concerning our team, to guard them in all their ways. I lift up to you specifically Pastor Arlena and Nicole. God, Help them find refuge in you today. I pray these things through the power in the Name of Jesus, Amen!

Sunday, July 27, 2007

Focus Topic: Salvation for Souls

Focus Scripture: John 3:16-17

Focus Team Members: Ericka Foluke, Ray Hooley

Prayer: God, Thank you for sending your Son so that we may have eternal life. I pray that you would cause our team to minister salvation to those to whom you have sent them. Allow the message of John 3:16 to flow freely from our team members in their words and in their service. Place people in their paths who need to hear about you. Be with Ericka and Ray today. Strengthen them as they come and as they go. Allow them to minister your salvation to those they encounter today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Something to Smile About

Pastor Ray shared his fear of monkeys this last Sunday and promptly found this cartoon in the newspaper. He thought it deserved a spot on our missions blog and I agreed.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena

God's Provision

Yesterday's message was the sixth in our series, "What's In A Name?" We talked about Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD, who provides. I just wanted to share a few memories of how God has provided for us to go to El Salvador to serve Missionaries Don & Terri Triplett and King's Castle Ministries. Kudos to Kim Mickel for the car wash photos. THANKS to everyone who gave towards the Bowl-A-Thon and the Car Wash. We apprecaite you so much!

Welcome

Welcome to the missions blog for Kingsway Church in Cherry Hill, NJ! On this blog will be updates about our teams traveling to serve missionaries and ministries around the world. And, we'll also post news and pictures to help keep you informed about the missionaries that Kingsway Church supports. Checking the updates on our blog makes you a part of the missions team at Kingsway. Remember: Kingsway Missions seeks to make a difference by leading people in our world into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ!