So, here we are on the last Friday before Spring Break (for our school), and I have a good bit of information to pass along. This will be less devotional and more informational, so I apologize if it's not what you're used to...
I received an email from Pastor Rushing this morning stating that they have indeed solidified the house for rent in Martinez for our family. This, in and of itself, is a huge answer to prayer. So, praise the Lord! Concerning start-up costs for renting, the landlord is only asking the first month rent. So, there will be $2,500 left of the money the church is providing for relocation expenses to help get the car ready to go and to help off-set some of the shipping costs! If that weren't enough, he also said that the house will come with a dining room table and chairs, refrigerator, stove, 2 twin beds, and a queen-sized bed, and that some church members have set aside 2 recliners, a love seat, and an easy chair with a footstool for us. I was taken aback, to say the least. I never imagined that this much furniture would be provided for us!
So, I shot an email to the fellow that did the shipping estimate for our household goods, and told him that we wouldn't be shipping as much as we originally thought. About half an hour later, I recieved an email back from him with a new quote. Not shipping our dining room table/chairs, kid's bed, and king-sized bed knocked no less than $606 off our shipping costs, bringing the quote to $2,389.30! Another huge praise!
Additionally, we also recieved support checks from both my father and my grandparents in Texas. So, God continues to provide things at just the right time. Thank you all so much for your prayers for us as we continue to prepare for the trip back to the US.
Now, for some more prayer requests that have presented themselves recently:
1. Our school is sending out no less than 4 missions teams to different areas over Spring Break. One is going to help a couple UBC missionaries in Manila, Philippines, another is going to help a UCC missionary deep in the jungles of Palawan, Philippines, still another is going to Bangkhok, Thailand to help the Baptist Student Center there run a Vacation Bible School, and finally, one team is headed to an island off the eastern coast of Korea, named Ulleongdo, to minister in a number of different ways to the people who live on the island. All of these teams have multiple teachers going as chaperones and team leaders, not to mention all the students. In all, there are approximately 58 people associated with our school travelling to these different missions. Please PRAY that God's hand of safety will be upon them, that God's hand of power will be with them, and that these trips will be instruments of spiritual encouragement and rekindling.
2. This is a praise that I would like to join me in praising God. Our soccer team in the last two weeks have shot from 2nd to last place to 3rd place! We have won our last three division games in commanding fashion. I know that this is solely due to the prayers of you all reaching the ears of God, and His hand working in their hearts. The spirit of the team has done a complete 180 degree turn for the better, and they have finally decided to play together as a unit. It is, once again, a pleasure to coach soccer for my assistant and I.
3. About 2.5 years ago, we turned in our old desktop computer, and purchased a refurbished laptop to be used as our family computer. Well, the laptop is on the way out, now. It is still working, but the display is on the fritz, and we can barely read what it is that we do on it. I knew that we would have to replace the laptop soon, but I was hoping it would last until we returned to the US. It doesn't look like that's going to happen. Please PRAY that God will guide me to the perfect replacement.
Well, that's about it for now. Thank you again for everything that you all have done in prayer and support. It is entirely appreciated, to say the least.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
"My cup runneth over..."
Psalm 23 states, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Each week, the faculty members here at ICS-Uijongbu meet in groups of 3-4 teachers, called 'Barnabas Groups', to pray for each other, the school, and any other personal prayer requests that are shared. This week, as we came to a close, my group leader slipped me a Post-It note with a few words scribbled on it. It contained these words: "Where God guides, He provides." You see, I've been sharing in our group how God has been explicitly providing for our needs during our transition to California, and this phrase is something that he has said aloud many times.
I've told you about the Cadillac, and the house for rent that have been set up. I've mentioned how God provided uncharacteristically inexpensive airfare for my family and I. I've shared about how Bethany Baptist is going to provide $4000 in transition expenses. And it has been communicated how my Grandparents in Texas are going to be helping by sending us the surplus from the life insurance policy from my Aunt Beth. And here is where we come to the title of this post..."my cup runneth over."
I recieved another email from Pastor Rushing this past Sunday in which he said that some church members want to give us their Mitsubishi pick-up truck as a second vehicle. I replied and told him my initial response was yes, but that I would need to talk it over and pray about it with Dulcy, my only reservation being the cost of insurance and fuel for a second vehicle. I also asked if there would be any furniture in the house for rent that had been set up. Then, on Monday, I recieved his reply which said that a number of church members are saving furniture items in the event that we would need them upon arrival in California.
I've been quoting, reading, and mulling over Psalm 23 for the better part of my Christian life, as it is one of the first passages that my parents and grandparents began drilling into my head (in a good sense) as a young child. But it is only now that I truly realize the reality of its truth. This is my angle, here: It is one thing to experience the blessings God gives us as a result of our using the gifts He has given us to serve Him. It is a completely different galaxy from that in which I find myself now. God is providing my family's needs solely within His riches, and through no device that can be logically explained by any thing that we have done. He is providing our needs, and we aren't lifting as much as an eyelash to "help" Him. All we 'did' was say, "Yes, Lord."
Now you may be thinking, "Sam, how can you just be realizing this now?" Well, it is true that this is God's M.O. He provides for our needs, and whether we 'help' Him or not is inconsequential. But being across the Pacific Ocean, we truly begin to have the very real sense that we are not in control. And with that realization, we begin to appreciate more and better understand the idea that God is laying out our table before us, and we can see how our cup is running over. Indeed, we will be in the presence of those who oppose our God and King, but He is showing us that we already have a close-knit battalion with which we will be joining in waging spiritual warfare. And with that knowledge, we are ensured that goodness will follow us all the days of our lives, and that no matter what may happen or where we may be, we will dwell in God's presence.
I am currently talking with two schools in the Martinez area. Faith Christian Learning Center in Oakley, CA., and Tabernacle Baptist School in Martinez, CA. Ms. Margaret Bridges contacted me again today saying that there is a possibility of a 6th Grade position at her school, and that she would need to meet with me as soon as we arrive this summer. I am still waiting to hear back from Pastor Roche on what my responsibilities would be at FCLC. So, please continue to PRAY that God will guide me to just the right position.
Please PRAY that God will give Dulcy and I wisdom concerning this offer of a second vehicle. While we understand that having two cars is 'almost' a necessity, we don't want to overtax our budget.
We had to put our Husky, Loki, to sleep yesterday. He had been struggling with poor health, and we had been working with him. But yesterday, Dulcy took him to the vet, and we found out that he had cancer, which was the reason he was having so much difficulty. The vet told us they had treatments they could administer, but after they were finished (at least $400 later), there was no guarantee that he would get better. So, since he was in so much pain and discomfort, with no likelyhood of improvement, we decided to put him down. Michael was really attached to Loki, as their personalities were well matched, and he is taking it pretty hard. Dulcy was the one physically with Loki at the vet, so it was a rather emotionally taxing time for her, too. PRAY that Michael will be able to put this behind him, and remember Loki for all the good times they had together. The silver lining is that we have been praying about what to do with our dogs (we still have a cocker spaniel that is in good health) and the move. So, this is an answer to prayer, albeit not the one we were expecting.
Another praise I haven't shared in its entirety, I think, is that Randy Lounds, our high school principal, and I have been asked to convert our presentation on love and school/classroom discipline, that we gave at the teacher's conference in Hong Kong, into a magazine article to be published in the Fall '09 edition of ACSI's Christian School Education magazine. Originally, it was going to be their online publication in which it would be published, but that has changed. The deadline has changed, too, from April 15th to August 15th. So, that is an additional praise, as we are both VERY busy right now. Continue, though, to PRAY that we will meet this deadline in good fashion.
That's about it for now. God is good. If nothing else comes through these posts, I pray that truth will resonate in your hearts and minds by reading them. It's one of the devil's chief tools to get Christians thinking that God doesn't care, and desires to be uninvolved in our lives. It's also very easy to selfishly fall into that trap. I pray that you will not.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Each week, the faculty members here at ICS-Uijongbu meet in groups of 3-4 teachers, called 'Barnabas Groups', to pray for each other, the school, and any other personal prayer requests that are shared. This week, as we came to a close, my group leader slipped me a Post-It note with a few words scribbled on it. It contained these words: "Where God guides, He provides." You see, I've been sharing in our group how God has been explicitly providing for our needs during our transition to California, and this phrase is something that he has said aloud many times.
I've told you about the Cadillac, and the house for rent that have been set up. I've mentioned how God provided uncharacteristically inexpensive airfare for my family and I. I've shared about how Bethany Baptist is going to provide $4000 in transition expenses. And it has been communicated how my Grandparents in Texas are going to be helping by sending us the surplus from the life insurance policy from my Aunt Beth. And here is where we come to the title of this post..."my cup runneth over."
I recieved another email from Pastor Rushing this past Sunday in which he said that some church members want to give us their Mitsubishi pick-up truck as a second vehicle. I replied and told him my initial response was yes, but that I would need to talk it over and pray about it with Dulcy, my only reservation being the cost of insurance and fuel for a second vehicle. I also asked if there would be any furniture in the house for rent that had been set up. Then, on Monday, I recieved his reply which said that a number of church members are saving furniture items in the event that we would need them upon arrival in California.
I've been quoting, reading, and mulling over Psalm 23 for the better part of my Christian life, as it is one of the first passages that my parents and grandparents began drilling into my head (in a good sense) as a young child. But it is only now that I truly realize the reality of its truth. This is my angle, here: It is one thing to experience the blessings God gives us as a result of our using the gifts He has given us to serve Him. It is a completely different galaxy from that in which I find myself now. God is providing my family's needs solely within His riches, and through no device that can be logically explained by any thing that we have done. He is providing our needs, and we aren't lifting as much as an eyelash to "help" Him. All we 'did' was say, "Yes, Lord."
Now you may be thinking, "Sam, how can you just be realizing this now?" Well, it is true that this is God's M.O. He provides for our needs, and whether we 'help' Him or not is inconsequential. But being across the Pacific Ocean, we truly begin to have the very real sense that we are not in control. And with that realization, we begin to appreciate more and better understand the idea that God is laying out our table before us, and we can see how our cup is running over. Indeed, we will be in the presence of those who oppose our God and King, but He is showing us that we already have a close-knit battalion with which we will be joining in waging spiritual warfare. And with that knowledge, we are ensured that goodness will follow us all the days of our lives, and that no matter what may happen or where we may be, we will dwell in God's presence.
I am currently talking with two schools in the Martinez area. Faith Christian Learning Center in Oakley, CA., and Tabernacle Baptist School in Martinez, CA. Ms. Margaret Bridges contacted me again today saying that there is a possibility of a 6th Grade position at her school, and that she would need to meet with me as soon as we arrive this summer. I am still waiting to hear back from Pastor Roche on what my responsibilities would be at FCLC. So, please continue to PRAY that God will guide me to just the right position.
Please PRAY that God will give Dulcy and I wisdom concerning this offer of a second vehicle. While we understand that having two cars is 'almost' a necessity, we don't want to overtax our budget.
We had to put our Husky, Loki, to sleep yesterday. He had been struggling with poor health, and we had been working with him. But yesterday, Dulcy took him to the vet, and we found out that he had cancer, which was the reason he was having so much difficulty. The vet told us they had treatments they could administer, but after they were finished (at least $400 later), there was no guarantee that he would get better. So, since he was in so much pain and discomfort, with no likelyhood of improvement, we decided to put him down. Michael was really attached to Loki, as their personalities were well matched, and he is taking it pretty hard. Dulcy was the one physically with Loki at the vet, so it was a rather emotionally taxing time for her, too. PRAY that Michael will be able to put this behind him, and remember Loki for all the good times they had together. The silver lining is that we have been praying about what to do with our dogs (we still have a cocker spaniel that is in good health) and the move. So, this is an answer to prayer, albeit not the one we were expecting.
Another praise I haven't shared in its entirety, I think, is that Randy Lounds, our high school principal, and I have been asked to convert our presentation on love and school/classroom discipline, that we gave at the teacher's conference in Hong Kong, into a magazine article to be published in the Fall '09 edition of ACSI's Christian School Education magazine. Originally, it was going to be their online publication in which it would be published, but that has changed. The deadline has changed, too, from April 15th to August 15th. So, that is an additional praise, as we are both VERY busy right now. Continue, though, to PRAY that we will meet this deadline in good fashion.
That's about it for now. God is good. If nothing else comes through these posts, I pray that truth will resonate in your hearts and minds by reading them. It's one of the devil's chief tools to get Christians thinking that God doesn't care, and desires to be uninvolved in our lives. It's also very easy to selfishly fall into that trap. I pray that you will not.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Addendum Update...
Back on March 18th, I posted a note about an opportunity to talk to a Pastor Bob Roche of Faith Christian Learning Centers in Oakley, CA. I wasn't able to talk to him that day, as when I called he was unavailable. I was able to call him today, though, and we had a very good conversation for about 20 minutes.
FCLC is a small Christian school operated on the renovated 1st floor of Pastor Roche's church. It uses the A.C.E. curriculum and currently has a student body of roughly 20-25 students (he told me the exact number, but I couldn't hear that well, as I was in the teacher's lounge here at school). Compensation won't be what I probably could get elsewhere, but as this would be a supplemental job which is intended to simply allow our children to attend a Christian school, the level of compensation is not our primary concern. Our children would be in a Christian learning environment, and as I would be an employee, the tuition would be free.
I asked Pastor Roche to send me an email concerning what my job responsibilities would entail so that Dulcy and I could talk about and pray over the decision. Please PRAY that God will continue to guide in this process, and that He will give us wisdom concerning the right choice.
On another note, I heard back from another Christian school today, and it was a, "We're cutting back because of the economy," response. So, God is still at work showing us where He doesn't want me to teach.
In His Service,
Sam
FCLC is a small Christian school operated on the renovated 1st floor of Pastor Roche's church. It uses the A.C.E. curriculum and currently has a student body of roughly 20-25 students (he told me the exact number, but I couldn't hear that well, as I was in the teacher's lounge here at school). Compensation won't be what I probably could get elsewhere, but as this would be a supplemental job which is intended to simply allow our children to attend a Christian school, the level of compensation is not our primary concern. Our children would be in a Christian learning environment, and as I would be an employee, the tuition would be free.
I asked Pastor Roche to send me an email concerning what my job responsibilities would entail so that Dulcy and I could talk about and pray over the decision. Please PRAY that God will continue to guide in this process, and that He will give us wisdom concerning the right choice.
On another note, I heard back from another Christian school today, and it was a, "We're cutting back because of the economy," response. So, God is still at work showing us where He doesn't want me to teach.
In His Service,
Sam
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
VICTORY AT LAST!!!
Thank you to all those who have been praying for our soccer team to play better and try harder. Last night we played a home game against a team that beat us 4-2 a couple of weeks ago, and WE WON!
The boys were in tip-top fashion yesterday. Both of our forwards combined for 3 goals. Mickey Kumar, our left forward, was involved in all three of them, with 2 goals and 1 assist. Jesse Park, our right forward, scored the other goal on the assist from Mickey. And our left mid-fielder, DongKyu Kim, assisted on both of Mickey's goals.
Our defenders also did their job well, allowing just 1 goal on 7 shots. Two of them, Japheth DeVries (center-back) and Joseph Rhee (right-back), greatly helped our goalie, Michael Freel, by combining for 3 saves of shots that were on target.
Yesterday was the first time they looked like a complete unit on the pitch for the entire 80 minutes. While there was one minor tussle between two of our mid-fielders near half-time. They pulled through it, and we played a very strong game, controlling the entire 2nd half.
On another positive note, our MVP from last year, Caleb DeVries, has been given permission from his chiropractor to begin practicing and playing with the team once again! Yesterday was just chocked full of blessings for the soccer team!
Please continue to PRAY that our boys will continue playing at the level they attained in yesterday's game and better. One of the best things about yesterday's win was that it was without our MVP from last year. Hopefully, this will give the team greater confidence going into the last half of the season, as we have 5 division matches, and 1 friendly, left.
In His Service,
Sam.
The boys were in tip-top fashion yesterday. Both of our forwards combined for 3 goals. Mickey Kumar, our left forward, was involved in all three of them, with 2 goals and 1 assist. Jesse Park, our right forward, scored the other goal on the assist from Mickey. And our left mid-fielder, DongKyu Kim, assisted on both of Mickey's goals.
Our defenders also did their job well, allowing just 1 goal on 7 shots. Two of them, Japheth DeVries (center-back) and Joseph Rhee (right-back), greatly helped our goalie, Michael Freel, by combining for 3 saves of shots that were on target.
Yesterday was the first time they looked like a complete unit on the pitch for the entire 80 minutes. While there was one minor tussle between two of our mid-fielders near half-time. They pulled through it, and we played a very strong game, controlling the entire 2nd half.
On another positive note, our MVP from last year, Caleb DeVries, has been given permission from his chiropractor to begin practicing and playing with the team once again! Yesterday was just chocked full of blessings for the soccer team!
Please continue to PRAY that our boys will continue playing at the level they attained in yesterday's game and better. One of the best things about yesterday's win was that it was without our MVP from last year. Hopefully, this will give the team greater confidence going into the last half of the season, as we have 5 division matches, and 1 friendly, left.
In His Service,
Sam.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The First Shipping Quote Is In...
Dulcy and I have had a shipping company (one that is supposed to be less expensive that others, but still reputable) come by to give us a quote on door-to-door service from Uijongbu, South Korea to Martinez, CA. The quote is 4,133,800KRW, which translates currently to 2,995.50USD. The KRW figure will stay the same for the next 30 days, but the USD figure will fluctuate with the exchange rate. This is almost exactly how much we were expecting, so it isn't at all a shock. The good thing now is that we have an amount for which to prepare. PRAY that God will provide for this significant expense, and guide us in our decision to either accept or reject this quote.
As you may remember, my Aunt Beth passed away on February 1st. I want to thank all of you who have since prayed from my Grandparents and Uncle Glenn, her husband, as they have weathered this unexpected loss. As God promised that all things work together for good, we have already seen a positive thing arise from this situation, and most unexpectedly at that. I recieved an email from my Grandparents in San Antonio in which they stated that my Grandpa had a "small" life insurance policy on Aunt Beth. They further stated that since all the expenses for her services and such had already been paid, they wanted to do what they think Beth would've done. So, they have decided to send us the remainder of the insurance money to help with transition expenses! I'm sure that this is not the 'ultimate good' that will come from my aunt's homegoing, but it is most definitely a good thing nonetheless! Please continue to PRAY that God's peace will overflow in their hearts and minds as they are still experiencing much pain and grief.
Not much else going on here. It snowed during soccer practice yesterday...go figure. More details to follow once we recieve them...we'll keep you all informed.
In His Service...Sam.
As you may remember, my Aunt Beth passed away on February 1st. I want to thank all of you who have since prayed from my Grandparents and Uncle Glenn, her husband, as they have weathered this unexpected loss. As God promised that all things work together for good, we have already seen a positive thing arise from this situation, and most unexpectedly at that. I recieved an email from my Grandparents in San Antonio in which they stated that my Grandpa had a "small" life insurance policy on Aunt Beth. They further stated that since all the expenses for her services and such had already been paid, they wanted to do what they think Beth would've done. So, they have decided to send us the remainder of the insurance money to help with transition expenses! I'm sure that this is not the 'ultimate good' that will come from my aunt's homegoing, but it is most definitely a good thing nonetheless! Please continue to PRAY that God's peace will overflow in their hearts and minds as they are still experiencing much pain and grief.
Not much else going on here. It snowed during soccer practice yesterday...go figure. More details to follow once we recieve them...we'll keep you all informed.
In His Service...Sam.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Yet Another Addendum...
I will be calling Pastor Bob Roche of Faith Christian Learning Centers in Oakley, CA, tomorrow to discuss opportunities for teaching. It is a smaller Christian school which uses A.C.E. curricula. He's the second to respond positively to my inquiries, and I am simply continuing to pursue each seemingly open door, trusting that God will close the doors through which He doesn't want me to walk. Please continue to PRAY for God's guidance and wisdom.
In His Service,
Sam.
In His Service,
Sam.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Update Addendum...
Just a quick note, here...
I heard back from another school in California last night. The name of the school is Tabernacle Baptist School, and the director's name is Margaret Bridges. She said that all her teachers have asked to renew their contracts, but that they are making some changes in their administrative staff which may open two positions, and that she wanted me to stay in touch. TBS was one of the first schools I contacted last fall, one of the ones with which I've had the most contact, and the first to reply somewhat positively. So, please PRAY that God will continue to guide in my search for a supplemental job and a way for my kids to be able to attend a Christian school. My only purpose in this email was to provide you with specifics for which to PRAY.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
I heard back from another school in California last night. The name of the school is Tabernacle Baptist School, and the director's name is Margaret Bridges. She said that all her teachers have asked to renew their contracts, but that they are making some changes in their administrative staff which may open two positions, and that she wanted me to stay in touch. TBS was one of the first schools I contacted last fall, one of the ones with which I've had the most contact, and the first to reply somewhat positively. So, please PRAY that God will continue to guide in my search for a supplemental job and a way for my kids to be able to attend a Christian school. My only purpose in this email was to provide you with specifics for which to PRAY.
Thanks so much for all your prayers and support.
In His Service,
Sam, Dulcy, Michael, David, and Katherine Healey.
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