The Adventure Continues Pt. 2

When I arrived in Papua New Guinea we had to wait about a half hour before departing the plane. because of the weather. I had been seated at the back of the plane so I was the last to get off. When I exited the plane I was hit by a heat wave of humidity, but thank God He provided me with transportation without me even asking. so I didn't have to walk all the way through the airport to get my luggage. A young lading was given to assist me past all the other passengers waiting in line to get through security and immigration. I was treated like a VIP and went through every spot with just a wave and then we waited for my luggage. She helped me with finding and loading my luggage and then made our way out of the exit doors. I showed her where I was staying and she told me to wait there at the curb, where there were taxis and vans picking up people to take to their destination. When she came back we waited for a little while and then a van pulled up that was shrink wrapped with a large Hideaway Hotel ad. She motioned for me to get in as the driver was loading my luggage in the back of the van. I was so happy I didn't know what to say other than to thank her and bless her and give her a nice tip for all her help. I did not have to pay anything for the ride when we got to the Hotel.. Everything had gone very well up to this point. But, that was about to change. When I asked to stay for three nights I was shown a fee much higher and the quote given on line back in Australia The manager came up and I explained and then he honored the quote. That fee would be about $75 per night, which was better than other hotels in the city. But, when I went to pay with my bank cards they didn't know how to complete the transaction. So I offered to pay in cash for one night until I could go to an ATM machine the next day and that was fine with them. My room was on the third floor again but it was not like a regular hotel, but a maze of rooms with outdoor stairs going everywhere and tropical plants and tall trees along the way spread over a large area and there was a swimming pool on the ground floor and a restaurant off the main lobby. My room was nice with an old wall mounted AC but there were no towels in the bathroom. I immediately turn on the AC. I had not experienced this kind of heat before. I had brought some food with me and also had what Sharmila had sent with me. So I was set for a few days. I also asked those at the front desk if they could help me find a room to rent at someone's house and explained my ministry to help poor people. The next morning about 8:30 I was taken back to the airport with a staff member to help me find an ATM machine. But when we got to it had a sign saying no cash was available so we went to another one in the airport and that ATM said the same thing and we talked to a bank guard standing there and they said money would be would be there the next morning. So we went back to the hotel and he explained and I told them I would be staying at least another day longer and would pay when I could get more money and that was fine with them. The staff and house keepers are all very kind and friendly. However, earlier the next morning there was a knock on my door that woke me at 5:46 When I poked my head around to slightly opened door and there was a male staff member with a big smile on his face and I told him to wait just a minute so I could get dressed, but when I open the door again, he was gone. I actually swore, I was so upset. Later that morning, a young female staff member went with me to the airport ATM machine and I was able to withdraw money on both my debit cards and now I had enough money to stay ten days if necessary. I have been sleeping better, and I watch programs on Youtube about people serving God in very difficult situations and at great sacrifices and incredible miracles of God stepping in at the last minute to display his love and power. However, maintaining wifi connection here at the hotel is very challenging, plus I have to enter a new access code every two days. With God's help I will get through all this. because He is faithful and always with me and He has plans for me to fulfill here in the country and all that I go to. I'm just glad to be a part of it despite the challenges, frustration and any other circumstance. It is all meant for our good and He is in control over every aspect of my life and I thank Him everyday and I will continue to trust Him with all my heart and life.

The Adventure Continues

I stayed three days in Australia after I left Fiji, leaving behind friends that I had made for the past six months that I will greatly miss. Everything at the airports regarding my flight went smoothly. However, there was an hour delay on the plane leaving because of thunderstorms. But Sharmila was still there to pick me up along with her daughter when I arrived waiting at the exit area. I was glad I was able to go through immigration so quickly Then they took me to a hotel that she had booked for me. When we got there I met her other daughter and they helped me get my three suitcases up to the third floor, because there were no elevators. When we got to my room Sharmila unload a bag that she brought that had a ton of food for me to eat since the room came with a mini fridge. Then her daughter setup Wifi connection on my laptop computer. Wow, what a blessing and then she invited me to have dinner for the next two night with her family at their house which turned out to be just about a mile away. She brought over a dozen items for me to eat--a loaf of mixed grain bread, butter, four small yogurt tubs, apples, lettuce, chunks of watermelon bits, and rice. sliced cheese, some hindu meals,in plastic containers and much more than I could eat, plus I was having dinner with them which turnout to be a lot more food, plus strawberry Ice cream for dessert both nights. I had a wonderful time with them as we learned more about each other. Then they took me to an ATM machine to get money to pay her back for booking my hotel room.Then at six the next morning Sharmila with a friend, met me to take me back to the airport. She then brought me some more food to take on the plane and hid some of it in my laptop bag Because I was not expecting to have a meal on the short flight of three and a half hours, but I was wrong. They offered a hot cheesy pasta dish or a chicken salad. I chose the pasta, then they came back later and asked if we wanted more. I have never been on an airline that offered seconds. I was seated on the last row at the back of the plane with the two only empty seats left next to me. And they still had more food to serve, so I went for the chichen salad this time and it was incredible. Then they passed out some milk chocolate balls for dessert and they gave me two. Wow, what a blessing and I still had the food Sharmila packed for me to eat later when I got to my hotel in Papua New Guinea that Sharmila's daughter found online, which turned out to be more of a blessing then I realized when I got to the Hideaway Hotel. Sharmila has turned out to be an incredible friend and I will look forward to seeing her and her daughters in a couple months. They are a real blessing from God and have a special place in my heart.

Sleepwalking

This past week I had a most unusual experience happen at about 2am. I was getting ready to go to bed and was sitting at the foot of the bed when the door suddenly opened without anyone knocking first. In came Ravi's 17 year old son, Krishav, he just walked past me with his eyes open, but in a daze and laid down perpendicular at the head of my full size bed with his back to my pillow. He didn't say a word as I tried to talk to him, but he just laid down and went to sleep. His bedroom is just across the hall from mine, but for some unknown reason he was now sleeping in my bed. I decided to let him sleep and see just how long it would be before he woke up. I had just been reading on my laptop about the power of prayer of a missionary in Africa that had experienced an incredible lifesaving miracle. So I took this situation to heart regarding what had just happened in my room. So I prayed over Krishav as I laid my hand on his leg that God would make Himself real to him and that it would change his life forever. I prayed the same thing. again over his whole family. After couple hours I felt I need to get him up, but he refused to move, and I didn't want to get more forceful, so I went to get his parent but his dad is the same way when it comes to waking him up, so I nudge Sanjeeta leg to gently wake her up, but there was very little light in their room, and she was unsure why I was in their bedroom at about 4 in the morning.I told her I needed her to come with me to see something. When we got to my room she was surprised to see her son in my bed and I told her he had been there a couple hours. She laughed at the sight and then tried to wake him up. When we finally did he was surprised to see himself in my bed and struggled to make his way back to his bedroom. I realized he had been sleepwalking and ended up in my bed. My mother had told me many times that she had found my dad outside for no reason and led him back into the house, because of sleepwalking. The next morning I saw them both in the kitchen and said that he had been sleepwalking. He said he didn't remember any of it and that it was the first time it had ever happened. I then shared my dad's experiences.I think this also happened with my daughter when she was very young. There are many other people who have had this happen to them, but they usually don't remember the experience other than someone else who helped them. I don't believe it has ever happened to me, but I am glad I took the opportunity to pray for him and I only wish I had taken a picture of him on my bed.

An Amazing Week

Last Saturday as I was walking with Ravi's family to a nearby restaurant to celebrate Fijian Father's Day, when Sangeeta started talking to me about something that involved $2,000 and I told her I didn't completely understand her, and after I had just spent $650 earlier that week for an unexpected electrical repair to provide power to their house in which we had to do without until the next day to be completed, plus a current electric bill of $465, which I also paid. So I was not in the mood to hear anything more about money. At the restaurant there were six family members, two friends and myself, and we had a wonderful fried chicken dinner, three buckets, some large chicken burgers, chicken nuggets and a lot of french fries and coke to wash it all down with and some ice cream sundae to share. I was completely stuffed. Anyway I didn't hear any more about the $2,000 which was a relief. But the next day it came up again as we were all gathered in their bedroom. As the story unfolded, apparently someone in their extended family was offering them a car that was almost new for $2,000, that was worth over $10,000. I told them I would have to see it before I would make any commitment. That night I talked to God about it, and I felt it was something he wanted me to do, along with a few stipulations I wanted to add. The next morning we all met again after I finally got the sleep I needed. I told them the stipulation. First is that they all had to acknowledge that Jesus Christ, the God of Israel David was the one who was ultimately buying this car for them. Next, any repairs or work needed and the gas they would have to provide. And lastly, they would have to provide a title with Ravi name as the new owner, plus not ask me for any more money. They all agreed that that was fair. The next afternoon they brought the car for me to see. I was surprised, it was an all white toyota mini wagon, and in very good condition with no cracked windows, or body damage. I was told it was four years old and had low mileage. They said I could put half down and the balance when the title was completed in 2-3 weeks and that was fine for me. However, I noticed a check engine light was on and he said it could be fixed for a little money. I asked how much and he said maybe $250. and i knew he had no money. But we had already gone to the ATM machine and returned home when I paid the $1000 and all I had left was $!70, and I gave it to him and he thought that would be enough. I really felt good about all this in seeing how God was already blessing them and wanting to show them His great love by this act of my giving. And I would trust Him to protect our investment and this beautiful family. The next day, Sangeeta's sister from Brisbane, Australia came to visit for five days and that will open the door for another story to share. She has already offered to let me stay with her when I leave here on the 26th of October. and she will pick me up at the airport and then three days take me back to the airport for my trip to Papua New Guinea. This is such an unexpected blessing. God is so good. Then last night at 6pm I got to meet Sangeeta's sister, Sharmila, for a hindu family wake dinner that they celebrate six months after the death of a parent who was her father and it was held at her mother's house next door about 120 feet away. Over the evening about fifty people had gathered, most of them sat on the ground with their small children and some teenagers. The women sat together near me on tarps. I sat in a chair along with Sangeeta's sister and her new fiance. While the men about 50 feet away sat on tarps and played hindi music. Then at about 8:30 they serve the food in large bowls in which all hindu eat with their fingers along with some small tortillas and paper cups of warm cream tea. During all of this I prayed that this was why I was brought here, to bring the presence of God's love and power to this community. Before I left to go back to my room, I told Sangeeta that a year from now things would be a lot different and surprisingly she seemed to agree. As I walked back I blessed them and touched some of their beautiful children. This has been an amazing week for me. But there was also a painful weekend for the world and myself with the assanation of Charlie Kirk.I can't say how I truly feel, other than to agree with his wife, that the killer has "no idea of what they have unleashed". God knew this would happen and He would use it to display His power and glory and the retribution on all those tied to the enemy's camp. Just to remind my blog readers, the Fijian currency is about twice as much in American currency, so this car for Ravi is a really good deal for everyone, including me. Please, continue to pray for Charlie's family and friends in this time of great sorrow and he will enjoy meeting his Lord and Savior face to face. There will be a great harvest from the seeds of faith he has sown

Crazy Week

This past week started off with three days with no water from the public utility. I have always had to deal with water conservation just to help out with the family I live with, so I just flush my toilet just once a day since I am the only one that uses it in my living area. The four other members of the family share the other bathroom, which I am sure they flush more often. From my bathroom there's a small opening in the wall about head height, that I can look out and see their 500 gallon water storage tank. From time to time while I have been here I have had to let Ravi know that the tank is full and water is flowing out of the top and onto the dirt ground below so he can go out and shutoff the inflow of water. This is becoming a serious issue since I have notice the water tank tilting more, because when they installed the tank they did not build a sturdy concrete fountain to support all the weight of that much water, and in time it will fall off it 3 foot height concrete block support base which was never cemented together, and damage the tank. Ravi is aware of the problem, but has done nothing to correct it other than to use some short wood beams to support the tilting tank which they just sink into the soft ground also and water continues to flow out if not stopped. Now that the city water is flowing again I have had to wake Favi up at 6am to go out and shut the water off because he had not installed an automatic shut off valve. However, he finally told me later that day he just installed one, but the very next morning water was flowing out again and I had to wake him again. Now the he finally correct that problem we had more water presser, but I have notice another problem out in the front yard next to the Poga where there is a water fauset that was never put together correctly and the shut off valve keeps blowing off and I have had to push it back on otherwise it just pours out and floods the front yard and waste more water. I told Ravi about the problem and he need to use some wire to tie the fauset more securely but I didn't do it, and the next night valve was blown off again early in the morning while it was still dark, and I tried to push on the valve but the pressure was too great and it was just spraying water all over my clothe and I was standing in a pool of water. So at 2:30 that morning I went in there bedroom and woke him up and he finally came out, but with no wire and I watched his peel off some old tape from the PVC pipe and push on a shut off cap and stop the flow and I asked if that it would hold with the pressure and he said it would. I just left him and went and changed out of my wet shoes and clothes, wondering why he had not done it the day before. That week I became aware of another problem. I had paid Rave $800 plus for my monthly rent on the 4th when I got back here in Fiji. However, a few days later Sanjeeta came to me while I was still in bed after knocking asking for $20 to give Rachel. I said what happened to the $900 I gave Ravi, she said he only had $10 left. I was furious. After I gave the money and she left, I got dressed and went to their bedroom. The whole family was there and just stared Ravi down and without a word turned and went back to my room trying to figure out how he spent all that money, I later learned he had to pay a lawyer $500 and then spent the money on other things that were needed. So I gave them another $200, but after a week went by I could tell they were out of money again when the Wifi went down and needed more money. It was still ten days before my next month's rent was due, however I thought I could just give them the last $300 I had and then I would give them the balance of $500 on the 4th of next month when I went to the ATM machine, and they agreed to that when I told them and gave them what I had left. Fine, I thought. But the very next day Sanjeeta came to my room and wanted to talk. This was not going to be good I thought. I said, is this about money and she said, no. She told me about the other friend I helped and gave her money that she promised to repay in a couple days when they would pay her, but they never did and I told her I forgave them and her for not keeping their promises. So what was the issue now and she told me that they wanted the balance of the $500 now and not next month. I could not believe what I was hearing, I told her, don't make me regret coming back here. You're just using me as your personal ATM machine. I finally offered to give the balance on the 1st of the month instead of the 4th. of September. I told her that I loved them, but I would not let them use me anymore, She still was not happy with that and so I said, "then go to your other friends who owe you or to your gods for the money." Then I said, "we are done here", and left the livingroom we had moved to. She finally got up and left. Later that night  she fixed my dinner and the next day everything was fine, just like the event never happened. One other irritating problem that has continued this week, is mice and rats. They don't have regular traps like in America, so I bought a can of Glue for those kinds of issues and two flat round trays that come with your purchase, then you pour the glue it. This had work before in my room, but they had issue in their kitchen also where we would see the mice run around every day on the kitchen counter and often in food if left out. So I put one pan on the kitchen counter and one in my room one the floor, where I had caught a rat before. The next day, we caught two mice and a rat in the kitchen, but the rat in my room has manage to avoid my trap for over a week regardless where I  put it. This has been my crazy and frustrating week. I know God has called me here, yet I never dreamed I would have to deal with some of the issues I have. I know someday I will look back on all this and laugh, but right now it can be very frustrating. However, I thank God for His love and faithfulness that keeps me going forward to share His love to another generation..

Change of Plan

It was July 31st. and I had a plane ticket to fly back to Australia, because my 90 day visa was about to expire. Ravi, my friend and landlord had arranged for a taxi to take me to the airport. His wife, Sangeeta and son would come along and see that I got there, while he stayed behind. My flight departure was at 4:10pm and we were leaving at 12:30, so we had plenty of time to get there. Just a half hour drive, but along the way the car was stalling and then go. I soon realized we were running out of gas, and I prayed. The car finally stopped for good just 200 feet from a gas station. I gave the driver money and he came back with a container of gas and we were off again. At the airport, I said goodbye and hugged my friends one last time and then they went off to do a little shopping before returning home.Everything at the airport went smoothly and then I waited to board the plane. When I got to Australia I got a hotel that was $200 a night and that was the going rate in the city of Brisbane. I prayed I would find a cheaper place to stay. That night, I had my first hot shower in three months and took my time enjoying it and then I had a good night's sleep, But after trying to find a cheap place to stay the next two days, evey opption didn't pan out and I asked God that night, what was I to do? I then felt I heard Him say, go back to Fiji. I had not planned on going back to any country that I had left, but I felt this was the direction I was to go and I knew my friend in Fiji would be happy, because they all wanted me to stay longer. I also had seen information regarding immigration in Fiji that allowed for a 12 month visa, but you had to leave the country every 90 days, just like Australia, I was so excited that I could hardly get to sleep, but I manage to get about 5 hours, before I checked out of the hotel at 10:30 the next morning, and paid my bill with my debit card. However, the man who I paid was not nice to me the night before when I asked if he could help me find out what time the next flight left for Fiji. When I went to pay,I noticed a cab waiting at the hotel so when I pulled my luggage out the door he motioned for me to take his cab. After he loaded my stuff in the trunk and got in the car I studied his face more closely and he looked just like Jesus from the program, The Chosen, but not as neatly trimmed. However, I told him that he looked just like Jesus, and he said, I am Jesus, that is my name, Jesus and I am from Nepal where Mt. Everst is. This was amazing, God has used taxi drivers to help me in the most unique ways and I all started with my taxi driver in Argentina, named Angel.  When I arrived at the airport I learned that a flight to Fiji was just about to leave and the next one out would not be until 9:40 the next morning. A kind young lady at the information booth was willing to help me book my flight and use my debit card to pay for it. She also helped me get my laptop connected to the airport Wifi. When I sat down on some hard plastic chairs to wait, another kind lady that worked there, told me that down stairs there was an area with soft chairs and sofas where I could spend the night with other passengers and there were food stands and restrooms. I pulled my three suitcases, still on a cart to the elevator and staked out my spot for a long day and night. It was just a little before noon. The airport provides 24/7 Wifi and I checked out the news and then my email. It was there that I had a notice from the hotel where I had just left, that I had booked another night stay at the hotel. The night clerk had just cheated me for whatever reason and it would cost me my $100 deposit that was to be returned in 5 days.  There was a reply area on the email and I stated I did not make that booking and that I forgave him for what he did. I still had my luggage with me and in one of them I had a half a loaf of multigrain bread, a small jar of peanut butter and one of jam that I had used at the hotel to have some food to eat there, and now I had food to eat while I was waited. I blessed people who helped me and those I met waiting to leave and also let the presence of God touch lives in ways that only He can. There were over forty people spending the night there, who were able to sleep in every position you could imagine. Some even had a blanket from their backpack to cover them. But I was not able to sleep, except for an hour from 4:30 to 5:30 and so I spent most of the time walking and praying. I was finally able to check-in with the help from people who work there, every airport seemed to have a different arrangement regarding weighing luggage and security, but God always provides the people, for an old man like me, who needs help. I still had two hours before my flight left and I had spent the last of my Australian currency except for some change and I was hungry, and I had a Snicker candy bar that I would have on the plane. There was a vending machine where I could buy a drink or some chips for $4, but I was short 40 cents. So I went over to a family that was also wait for their flight and asked for the extra change but they didn't, however the wife took me back to the machime and used her card to pay and I got my onion and vinegar chips and I thanked and blessed her. Then I ate half of the bag and saved the rest to have on the plane, beside I had no water to quench my thirst. On the plane I had a window set and I put my coat against the window and laid my head on it as I watched the plane take off and that was the last thing I remember. When I woke up about an hour later, so I had the rest of my chips and my candy bar as a flight attendant passed by with beverages and I asked for a small cup of water and then drank it. I had emailed Sangeeta when my flight would arrive in Fiji and they said they would be there to meet me. It was hot and humid when the plane  landed in Fiji, but at least I would have a place to stay with friends with A/C. When I got through immigration and had my luggage, Sangeeta and Ravi were there to meet me with a big hug and a big plate of warm french fries and four grilled hotdogs with spicy grilled onions on top, along with a cup of pineapple juice they had poured from a carton of juice. I was stuffed and I noticed a receipt left on  the table and I took a quick look at it to see what they had paid for my meal, it was a little over $10, which was a good deal at an airport. We walked out of the airport and there was the taxi man who had brought me there four days earlier. They loaded my luggage and went to pay the parking fee at a pay booth for the time they had been there. The fee was $5 in Fijian or about $3.50 in American. However no one had any more money, they had spent the last they had on my meal and the driver had no money either. I had no Fijian currency except my Debit card which the attendant at the booth suggested we could use it to pay the parking fee, and then the steel arm bar would rise and let us out. After we left there, I said since nobody has any money, I guess our next stop will be at the ATM machine near Ravi house and we can do a little shopping while we are there. And I could also pay the taxi man. Welcome to Fiji. My home for the next three month. It will be interesting to see what wonderful plans God has for all of us.

Angels Rejoicing

In four days I will be leaving Fiji and going back to Australia for three more months. I have made wonderful friends here.In every country I have gone to, the journey has become better than the one before, it seems. God, in His infinite wisdom, is able to lead me to the ones He wants to help and bless for many generations to come. I have been staying with a Hindu family and I have eaten most of my meals with them. This situation has been different from any of my previous living arrangements. I have a separate living quarter with a bedroom, that was the husband and wife, because it had an A/C that was just installed the week before, and I really needed that. And they were glad to give it to me since I was paying them rent. And they had another bedroom to sleep in. However, I learned that the husband, Ravi, had just finished spending four months in jail for five different fist fights and he now had no job, and unemployment is very high here in Fiji. So God had me become their sole provider for everything including helping other friends in need. I also ended up paying for the A/C unit, and their electric bill. Sangeeta, the wife told me I had become their banker, or ATM machine, which I made withdrawals weekly to buy food for all of us, and pay for internet service. The ATM was next to a supermarket, a couple miles away, and we took a taxi every time, because they had no car, which they had to sell to provide for Ravi's family while he was in jail. Paying these expenses allowed me to eat and use my laptop to watch Zoom meetings, listen to worship music and to see news, plus movies and Near Death Experiences, which I have used to minister Christ to the family also, including their teenage son and daughter. Sangeeta had a sensitive heart for spiritual matters and we often talked and shared my faith, event in my travel, and Jesus Christ. Plus, the truth about her gods that were displayed in a cabinet hung on the wall of their living room and a large one out in their front yard under a kobota type of shelter. I had offered to buy her a Bible for her birthday and she liked that, so we got one in town when we went to one of Ravi's court dates. Then a couple weeks later we got one for Ravi also and he kissed it when I haded it to him and thanked me. Then one evening Sangeeta came to me in my room crying. We talked for a bit and then I suggested we go outside in the dark and sit in two chairs next to each other, under the stars in the Fijian sky. She was very upset about a family matter that involved her mother that lived next door, in a smaller house, and her sister who was better off financially in caring for their mothers needs. However, Sangeeta's daughter was living with the grandmother inorder to help, but didn't want to do that any more. I told Sangeeta that I would pray over that situation and took her hands and I prayed for God's peace and help. Then I did something I had not planned, but felt led to do, and I asked her if she would like to ask Jesus Christ into her heart and she said, "yes" nodding with her head. I asked her to repeat after me and she did. When we were through, she had a big smile one her face. I told her things were going to get better and we gave each other a big hug. It was hard for me to go to sleep that night, I told God that the ball was now in His court, and He said, "I have her and she is mine," I was so excited. The next morning when I went to the kitchen and asked how things were, she said, "Everything is good, thank God." She then showed me a small silver cross on a necklace that she found and put in the cabinet where she had put a crucifix in a week earlier, next to their other gods. She is still young in her faith. I told her that I wanted to buy her a new phone, because her son had broken his and so they were sharing hers and we would put a Bible app on it. I also asked her if she had told anyone about what she did last night and she said, her mother and her husband and they had no problem with her decision and new faith. Because they all knew me and loved me for the love I had shown them. So the next they all wanted to go into town to get the phone. On the walk to catch a transit van to town I noticed the silver cross necklace was now on her daughter's neck and I asked Sangeeta, if Rachel had made a confession of faith, and she said, no. But I said she willin God's time. She was not ashamed to be identified as a Christian, by wearing a cross. God is working on this family. I also wanted to stop by the Computer store where the Koran man who had fixed my laptop to get a business card with his email address, an tell him that God had wanted me to Bless him and that is why I had the computer problen, and had to come to him, and that he would have a great influence on the Korans people in Fiji. He then wanted to have a picture taken of me with two workers there and then I asked him to send it to me and I would keep in touch with him through our email. That night Sangeeta's son set up her new phone and had the Bible app put on it, and then he read to me the first chapter of St. John, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God..." And now the Word was in their house and lives in my beautiful Fijian family. Both of their children actions prophesied their future, and it was their sister, Michelle who I also blessed, and manage at the hotel where I spent my first three nights in Fiji. She called her parents to see if they would like me, an old American, to come live with them for the next three months. It was all a part of God's amazing plan.

Computer Problem

A couple weeks ago I had another problem with my computer. My free AVG security showed that I was at a critical point and needed to upgrade, plus as I watched my worship music on Youtube, it was taking longer to download and a notice for me that I needed to restart. So I tried. However, when I did that my laptop screen showed only the new Microsoft Logo and to upgrade to Window 11, which I didn't want to do at this time But it didn't give me that option and I could not even shut my computer down. So I had to power off and restart but the same screen came up again. So I still had peace and knew God would help me get it fixed. I talked to Ravi, my landlord, and his son if they knew someone who was good with computers. The son said yes and they would call them. So I went to sleep that night and no worship music, which I usually do from midnight to about 1:30 in the morning. But before sleeping I prayed to God to lead me to the right person to help me with my laptop, and had a peace knowing He would and then I went to sleep right away knowing everything was in God's control. Plus He knew I needed my computer on this journey. The next morning Ravi said they would take me to a computer store in town that he had seen the week before and just thought of, and had said to himself, that if I needed help with my computer that was where I should go. So we, the whole family took a taxi, just to get out of the house and go to the city. When we got there, it was a small store sandwich between many other small businesses. The owner was about 60 years old, and met me at the counter and I explained my problem. While he worked on it, he told me he was from South Korea. Then he told me I needed to upgrade my security for $30 plus labor, a total of $50, in Fijian currency which is twice American, so I said okay. and paid him. Then I asked if he could increase my power on the computer, and he said yes and that would cost me $75 but before he started on that I asked if he could also clean my computer which was very dirty and had never been cleaned. Then I asked if he could fix my gmail site which had crashed over two months ago, and was I had not figured out how to get it back up.So when I have him my password, Jesus Saves, he realized that I was a Christian, and he told me he had come to Fiji as a missionary and was now a part of a fellowship of about a thousand members, but he was not the pastor. Wow! This Korean was a genius with computers and a love for God, and restored everything on my laptop. Then I gave him a $100 bill for the increased power. He went back toward his office to get my $25 change, but I said "stop", you keep the change. He had not even charged me for the cleaning or for restoring my gmail site. He was surprised, and came back to thank me and give me a big hug. While we hugged each other I prayed for him and placed my hand on the top of his head and gave him a double blessing and then he prayed for me/ Wow again. I felt so blessed after I left that store and its owner. My Fijian family who had come with me and had waited outside the small store, all got back in the taxi and headed back to our little house in the country. Now I can listen to my worship music again and now I can see the Zoom Meetings and write my Blogs with my gmail site restored for free, by a kind and godly man from South Korea. God is so very Good.

God's Perfect Timing

When I arrived in Fiji, I didn't have any contact as to where I would go or stay and I was delayed at the immigration office for about an hour waiting in line and then explaining to a lady why I was there and if I had enough money to stay in the country. Which I did, and showed her a bank receipt. And then told her I trusted God to provide a place after I stayed at a hotel for a few nights. I then went and got my three suitcases that were now sitting on the floor by themselves and so I loaded them on a cart nearby and then went looking for a taxi cab. I chose the cab at the front of the line and asked the man to take me to the cheap hotel nearby. The sign out front said $65 a night which was good, which is half the price in American currency. However, I was told they had only one room available, but that it was twice the price and had A/C. I said fine, and the next day I could get one for less. But the next morning she showed me the other room it was just a bed and a bathroom with no A/C, no table and chair nor a TV. I was shocked so I paid for another two nights for the same room I was in and I asked her if she could please help me find a place to rent, just a bedroom with A/C and what I was willing to pay. I was frustrated and my attitude could have been a lot better, however she was kind, and said she would try. I then went looking for an ATM machine, because I was running out of Fijian currency that I had got at the airport exchange counter. I found an ATM a couple blocks away, but when I entered my card, but it was declined. However, at least I got my card back. So I entered my other card and it was also declined. Now I was in real trouble, but I knew God was in control. So I got a taxi that was just leaving a hotel next door and asked him to take me to the nearest bank. About 4 or 5 miles away there was a bank and I went in and waited for help, finally I was able to explain my problem and showed her a deposit slip that showed I had money in the bank and my passport which they always ask for. Then we went outside and used their ATM machine and both cards worked as I withdrew money from both accounts to see that they both cards worked and then she explained what I need to check on when I use an ATM machine, and I have had no problem since then. So now I had to pick another cab and found one across the street and asked him to take me back to my hotel. On the way I asked if he knew a cheaper hotel or a place to rent just a bedroom. We went into a place that was across from my hotel and a Burger King on the corner. She offered a room for $1,500 which was $1,800 a month, that's about $700 american and the cab driver said that it was a good deal. Then he gave me his name and phone number if I needed him again. So I went back to my room and prayed. I really didn't want to stay in a place by myself and it was still expensive. I asked God to send the lady manager downstairs to come to my room and knock on my sliding door with a different place to stay. A couple hours later she came to my door and told me she found a place from a relative for $750 per month, again that Fijian currency which is twice american, and it had A/C. So I gave her the phone number and name of the taxi driver I would like to use, because he had been very helpful. She later said they would pick me up the next morning after I checked out at 10:30am. When my taxi driver arrived there were two others in the car. I thanked the hotel manager and blessed her. and another lady who cleaned our rooms that I prayed for and gave a generous tip. She was in a bad marriage and the husband was lazy and didn't work at this time. When I got in the taxi I saw two other passengers were friends of the driver and that he lived in the same neighborhood as they did and it was their house that I would be staying at. Wow, I was amazed how God was working. We drove for about a half an hour and arrived in a very rural area. The house was a small one story and it was about five hundred feet from the paved road and the road was very rutted and we had to go very slow. I thanked the driver and blessed him with a big hug. God had me pick a taxi driver across from the bank that would end up being an almost neighbor and friend of the people I would be living with for the next three months. I also learned that the young hotel manager was their 22 year old daughter, Michelle who was engaged and soon to be married. This family was also Hindu in their faith, but born and raise in Fiji their whole life. Howeven their grandparents were from India. They gave me a room that was their master bedroom that they had just installed an A/C the week before. There was a small market at the entrance across from their driveway where I bought some food to eat. However, Sangeeta the wife told me she would do all the cooking for me and I would eat with her husband, Ravi and their son,Krishav. They also had another 18 year old daughter, Racheal, that lives next door and takes care of her grandmother, in a smaller house, but you can't see it, because of all the brush, just a path that goes to it. The grandmother had just lost her husband early this year. There were a few houses in the area that looked like they were on a 3 acres lots, with tall grass, brush and some coconut and banana trees plus some beautiful floral trees In their front yard there is a large concrete pagoda 10x10 with a cover dome roof, a statue of onr of their gods inside and it is lite-up at night.The next day they moved their large refrigerator with a separate freezer into the living are next to my bedroom and added a small microwave in that room too. There is also a separate toilet area and a shower room next to it that they cleared out so they could install a new faucet with a shower wand and cord, but the water pressure is so low that it barely comes up to my height, but enough to still get wet and rinse off. However in their shower area the family just scoop water from a 5 gallon bucket and pour it over their head and body. There was also a mouse that got into my food so I try to keep it in drawers, then there are lizards in my room too, and sometimes even large spiders. Then they install a 40 inch flat screen TV on the wall the next day, but I don;t use it. A month later they repainted the living area with a fresh coat of hot pink and the room next to it. I have a small table and chair where I eat some meals and watch things on my laptop. However a week after being here Ravi told me he needed $850 to pay the man for the A/C to pay the man for the air conditioner he bought when he had a job and that he would not charge me for rent the next month, but with him not having a job it look like God had me here for a special reason, to provide for this family, who also included Ravi's brother who was also living them. He was a skinny man who liked to poke me or do fist butts. Then about another week later Ravi came to me with another problem. He had spent four month in jail, for five separate fist fights and he still had court date and lawyer fees to pay each time he had to go for each offence. I told him I would help some but not all at this time. God btought me here for a reason and now as the sole provider to a beautiful Hindu family that has shown me such kindness and love, and is open to hear me share Jesus Christ and his awesome love for them and his power and miracles. I have spent a lot of time with Sangeeta who has come to me to hear me talk about Jesus and His love for her and her family. When they came to my room to use the refrigerator thaey would leave the door open leting out the cool air thinkg nothing about that. but I would onter jump up and close the door. The later they got their electric bill, $708 due the next day or the shut off their eletrisity, and guess who paid it. I am glad God is my banker and He provides for all his children. And I am happy to be His hand extended. Now they try to close the door more often when the come threw my room. Am learning that every delay is all a part of God's perfect timing. Then a couple weeks later I had another problem with my computer. My free AVG security showed me that I was at a critical point and needed to upgrade, plus as I watched worship music it was taking longer to load and I needed to restart my computer. However, when I did that my screen then showed only the new Microsoft Logo and to upgrade to Window 11 which I didn't want to do at this time, but it didn't give me that option and I could not even shut my computer down. So I had to power off, but the same screen came up again. I still had peace and knew God would help me get it fixed. I talked to Ravi and his son if they knew someone who was good with computers. the son said yes and they would talk to him. So I went to sleep that night and no worship music, which I usually do from midnight to about 1:30 in the morning. But before sleeping I prayed to God to lead me to the right person to help me with my laptop, and had a peace knowing He would and then went to sleep right away knowing everything was in God's control to work this all out, because He knew I needed my computer on this journey.

Playing Golf

I just saw a report on the news network about President Trump playing golf while dozens of people, including children, died in Texas from a flash flood event. I didn't even want to read the article. I already read that he made a comment and I know what he and his wife did.. They prayed, just as I did, that God would comfort the souls of all who lost friends and loved ones in these awful events. But I know one thing for sure, that many if not most of the lives are in a much better place now, and they would not even want to come back to earth if given the choice. Heaven is real and so is hell, pain and suffering, and death. But we need to look to the One who sees the heart and has the answer for every situation, and it is always best to trust Him. He was there next to everyone of those victims who died and next to all those who are now suffering their loss. Evil still resided in this broken world and Jesus Christ is the only answer that can truly help, not the president nor the government,  or the medical systems or the financial institutions. Money can't save you. Only Jesus and He is the only one who can bring us the true peace, love  and joy that our soul truly longs for. As for Trump playing golf, I don't know a man who deserves a break more than he does, even if he is out playing a round of golf. Everyday he has to make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people, not only in America, but around the world. The weight on his shoulder is immense. And yet some people think they know better. Trump sees the same things and feels the same pain that many of us face. And he is doing the best he can. He prays every day, because he is God's choice to help turn things around and make this world a better place. Heaven is coming to earth one day and prayer at a time, whether you like it or not, because He's the one who has the power and is in control of every situation and decision that is made. In fact He does not care what most people think. He knows what's best, because He planned it long before this world began. In the Bible we are told that Jesus often took time off to pray and to rest and to help others, even when his friend Lazerauth. who he loved was dying. Because He knew who was truly in control of life and death. So to those who want to complain about almost everything that Trump does, just remember you don't know the day or the hour that your time on earth is up. Stop judging, stop complaining and help be a part of the solution, show love and kindness that helps, rather than hurt others with your cruel accusations and lies. Search your own heart and find the only One who can truly heal your pain and loneliness, and give you a peace and joy you never experienced.