2008 Youth Ministry Trip to the States of Oregon and Washington

On August 28, 2008, the MOMUSA Youth ministry along with a few members of the leadership paid a visit to the Yapese and Chuukese communities in the states of Washington and Oregon.

At about 6:45am on a Thursday morning, we all got into our vehicles and started off with our journey to the north. Geographically, San Diego is on the very southern part of California, bordering Mexico. The ride felt endless just to pass through California on the long Interstate 5. Fortunately, we’d planned enough traveling time so that helped us out big time. We stopped when it was necessary and spent as much time as we needed to rest.

Entering Washington, we pulled off at a gas station to stretch and get our dose of coffee for the morning. We got there earlier than expected, so we decided to go to visit Priscilla Cleland, a relative, and fellowship with her and the family. Her house is only a couple exits away north from the place where we were expected. We got there, washed up, ate and some took a short nap while the rest stayed up chatting with the people of that house.

At 11am, we got back into our vehicles and headed to the home where we were to meet the Washington group. This home belongs to one of the Yesiki family members named KS. The family welcomed us so well that it seemed like we’d known them for a long time.

Later that Friday evening, our first event worship service took place at a local church that the group had arranged for that evening gathering. Although the room was a little smaller to accommodate the people that showed up, for the most part, those that came were able to fit into the room. The program started off by music lead by the MOMUSA Worship team. After the sharing of the message, about 10 young men and women responded to the invitation. Those that stood up were called to meet up with two of our team members for counseling. It was a very emotional yet very joyful moment as few of those that stood up shared their experiences of what took place in their lives that evening. What a joy to see someone being saved! Praise God for His loving grace!

The next day, which was a Saturday, the hosting group treated us with a picnic at a park. Some played the games of basketball and volleyball, while the rest enjoyed the fellowship amongst each other. Later that evening, the second worship service took place at the same facility we had our worship the evening before. Again, more individuals responded to the message. In all, there were about 20 new born again Christians and some who have rededicated their lives to the Lord. It’s been such an overwhelming experience and blessing for the hosting group as well as our ministry team.

Followed that Saturday evening service, we said our farewells to our friends from Washington and headed for Bremerton City about an hour and a half driving distance southwest from the place we were. We spent the rest of that evening there with the Rannells and Suka families. That was an icing on the cake as I have longed to meet my siblings and their families that live there. This wasn’t even part of the ministry plan, but it worked out well as we were able to spent quality family time with them and most importantly, had a chance to share them God’s love.

The next morning, after just a few hours of sleep time, we somehow managed to get up, refreshed ourselves and got our group in order for the day’s event. After breakfast, the youth presented to the family a beautiful song entitled “He made them all.” What a blessed treat for me and my family! After that, we had a moment of prayer and then we said goodbye, got back on the road headed south to Oregon to meet with the ICC family (Island Community Church). We got there just a few minutes before the Sunday service started. Everyone was pleased to see us there. Some didn’t even expect us to be there.

The worship started off with a dynamic worship team lead by Pastor Fred Moses. I’ve never experienced such an explosive worship service as this one. From the children to the adults, they all sang from the top of their voices with hands lifted high as they worshiped. ICC rocks! Senior Pastor, Andrel Yamamoto approached the podium and addressed the congregation with his opening remarks and welcomed and introduced our visiting group. After a few encouraging words, he turned over the service to us.

Mr. Lawrence Yinolang opened up the program by conveying our greetings and then gave a brief purpose of our ministry trip. Our Youth group presented a couple songs followed by a personal testimony by Washington Petrus. After my sharing of the message, Pastor Yamamoto stood up and challenged the congregation. Numerous individuals came forward to receive and rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ. What a revival that was!

We’ve experienced God’s greatness and wonders through ministries we’ve undertaken this summer through which we have been grateful and humbled just to be part of.

On behalf of our MOMUSA Family, I want to convey our appreciation and sincere thank you to our hosting families in both Washington and Oregon. You have welcomed us warmly and made us feel like family. You have blessed us so much. For those that came to know the Lord for the first time, we pray that God will continue to guide you and protect you as you begin your new life. We do encourage that you find a healthy bible-based church that will help you as you begin your spiritual journey. You may contact us by email or meet us in our family forum.

Until then, may the Lord richly bless you and be with you always.