Every Thursday evening we have what we call The Ohana Gathering. This is a time where the entire campus comes together for a time of worship, and then there is usually a message that follows.
Every Thursday is also open to the public, so anyone who would like to come and listen may do so.
Because I was running the technology aspect of things during the community development school, I was also asked to help run the live-streaming for our Thursday night meetings. During my time as an IT person on the campus, I discovered that I am interested and am ok at working with technology. The IT people there are trying to recruit me to work with them.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Community Development (Online)
The time for this school has come to an end. During the last 3 1/2 months, I have had the privilege to staff the masters-level Community Development school in Kona. this particular school was done completely online, which made for some very interesting dynamics.
We had about 30 students total,10 face to face and about 20 online. Our students came from Samoa, Canada, Amsterdam, the US and several Asian and African countries.
Running this type of school, presented its challenges. This school was the first one that we ran completely online.
What was my role? When I first arrived in Kona, the school leaders came up to me and said basically that this school is all online and we need some one to run the technology part. and we want you to do it. when I first heard this I about fell out of my seat! I knew nothing about the kind of technology that was required, but with a smile on my face and butterflies in my stomach I said... "Uuuhhhh Okaaayy?!?!?!?"
I was seriously thrown into this job without any experience. But with God's grace I ran the livestream, sound system, microphone set and two online-learning programs. Plus I carried many other responsibilities relating to the school.
Because this was a pilot project, we did not know what the outcome of the school would be, and how the students were going to be changed. God miraculously came through and we saw transformation take place in the lives of our students through the internet.
God can work through any form of medium!
Monday, December 6, 2010
The Closing of a Chapter
For the last 3 months I have had the privilege to be the department leader of the housekeeping department. I have been challenged in many different areas of my leadership and have grown a lot.
tThere are a few things that I was able to start and change while the department leader. One of the things that I accomplished was getting the base to recycle. In addition to recycling, I am in the process of changing over all of the chemicals we use in order to save the department money.
Something that God has shown me during this last quarter, is that when He leads me into something different that is more challenging, he will be right there with me to guide me through the steps that I need to take in order to accomplish what needs to be done.
I have had the privilege to be able to work alongside 19 students and two staff, all of whom did a wonderful job at cleaning. As a result of their hard work, and God's help in guiding them, leaders of the base have been impressed with how clean things have been and how nice everything smells.
There have been some challenges. Something I noticed early on was that when you work with so many different people, you have that many different opinions on how things should be done. Still, as the leader you are to listen to their opinions and value them, but sometimes play the "leadership" card by making the final decision. At times that is difficult.
I am glad that I was able to lead this department and begin new things, and I hope and pray that everything will continue when I am gone. I thank the Lord that He has challenged me even more in the area of leading.
tThere are a few things that I was able to start and change while the department leader. One of the things that I accomplished was getting the base to recycle. In addition to recycling, I am in the process of changing over all of the chemicals we use in order to save the department money.
Something that God has shown me during this last quarter, is that when He leads me into something different that is more challenging, he will be right there with me to guide me through the steps that I need to take in order to accomplish what needs to be done.
I have had the privilege to be able to work alongside 19 students and two staff, all of whom did a wonderful job at cleaning. As a result of their hard work, and God's help in guiding them, leaders of the base have been impressed with how clean things have been and how nice everything smells.
There have been some challenges. Something I noticed early on was that when you work with so many different people, you have that many different opinions on how things should be done. Still, as the leader you are to listen to their opinions and value them, but sometimes play the "leadership" card by making the final decision. At times that is difficult.
I am glad that I was able to lead this department and begin new things, and I hope and pray that everything will continue when I am gone. I thank the Lord that He has challenged me even more in the area of leading.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A follow up and a request!!
Hey everyone,
I hope all of you are doing well, and that God is revealing more of his incredible kindness to you every day.
I mentioned in my latest news letter that I have been invited to go and be apart of the Foundations in Community Development staff in Kona, Hawaii, for a season. I am excited and honored to be asked to be a part of the team. Things are beginning to come together and I am making preparations to go.
If you would like to give a one time gift, or become a monthly supporter you can
1. send a check to:
YWAM
501 Blacktail Rd.
Lakeside, Mt 59922
2. And in the memo line write the numbers 3459- (That is my project number)
3. The money that is sent is then processed through our accounting department, and then the entire amount is deposited into my bank account.
ANOTHER- way you can support is by either sending a check to me directly- made out to me- however this will not be able to be taken off on your taxes
OR- you can go to my blog, cubeinsky.blogspot.com and follow the instructions that are given at the bottom of the site, if you would like to donate money via "Paypal".
Yes I understand this is a very bold e-mail, but I feel strongly that God is asking me to be apart of this school in Kona. I am also aware that times are hard financially for many people, and that this request seems daunting, but I also understand that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and all it contains." - Ps. 24. And I also understand that this is not just a "Matt only job", but it truly does require a team effort, and I am asking if you would be willing to join the team.
If you would like find out more information about the YWAM, University of the Nations campus, I have attached a link that takes you to their site. Enjoy.... uofnkona.edu
Following is another link that takes you to the page specifically discussing the FCD school it is as follows:
FCD school
With lots of love and gratitude;
Matt Farrell
I hope all of you are doing well, and that God is revealing more of his incredible kindness to you every day.
I am requested to be there by the 28th of Dec. THAT IS ONLY 6 1/2 WEEKS AWAY! And to be honest I need more financial support to get there, mainly money to buy a plane ticket. I have been looking at prices for plane tickets, and they are anywhere from $600 - $800. I would like to invite you to be a part of this adventure God has me on, in bringing more of the kingdom of heaven here on this earth. Will you consider either a one time financial gift or becoming a monthly supporter, even if it is just $1 a day ($30 dollars a month), that would help out tremendously.
1. send a check to:
YWAM
501 Blacktail Rd.
Lakeside, Mt 59922
2. And in the memo line write the numbers 3459- (That is my project number)
3. The money that is sent is then processed through our accounting department, and then the entire amount is deposited into my bank account.
ANOTHER- way you can support is by either sending a check to me directly- made out to me- however this will not be able to be taken off on your taxes
OR- you can go to my blog, cubeinsky.blogspot.com and follow the instructions that are given at the bottom of the site, if you would like to donate money via "Paypal".
Yes I understand this is a very bold e-mail, but I feel strongly that God is asking me to be apart of this school in Kona. I am also aware that times are hard financially for many people, and that this request seems daunting, but I also understand that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and all it contains." - Ps. 24. And I also understand that this is not just a "Matt only job", but it truly does require a team effort, and I am asking if you would be willing to join the team.
If you would like find out more information about the YWAM, University of the Nations campus, I have attached a link that takes you to their site. Enjoy.... uofnkona.edu
Following is another link that takes you to the page specifically discussing the FCD school it is as follows:
FCD school
With lots of love and gratitude;
Matt Farrell
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