A Transition That Keeps On Going :)

Hello friend!
These past few months have flown by so quickly, and I've so much to tell you! Thank you for your prayers for the City Director leadership conference. I was able to connect with and follow up with almost all the directors across the US after this conference to learn more about what God's doing out in the field. 


*Here's a SPECIAL VLOG (video blog) on life in Orlando, possible overseas travel, and family news:

                       

*CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW for the

March-April 2012 NEWSLETTER: "Life Change Story: Evan"

Please PRAY

1. For the staff and students involved with the ministry of Cru's teen division, Student Venture. Pray for more people to be raised up to disciple young people!
2. The Lord grants me wisdom and inspiration as I evaluate my conference call notes and make plans for next season's recruitment efforts. 
3. For our new director and our current staff as we gear up for this next season of whatever God has planned for us as a ministry.
4. For my summer placement! (See video for details) :)

THANK YOU again for your continued love, prayers, and support - - it's an honor to be an extension of your hearts...

For His glory,
Kar-Lai

"Someone Pinch Me!" (January 2012 Newsletter)

NEWSLETTER for JANUARY 2012

CLICK HERE FOR NEWSLETTER

Me with the Philadelphia
SV+Cru team members!

{BONUS NOTE:}
"Someone Pinch Me!"

Today, I talked on the phone with my first potential recruit (yay!) over the phone and was humbled all over again by everything.

Me with the Pittsburgh area
SV alums & staff

It's been a whirlwind these past 8 weeks since I tearfully left Syracuse on a chilly morning (Dec 7th) and trekked down through several cities to arrive in sunny Orlando (Dec 14th). Since then, God has blown me away by accelerating so much of this transition time - He got me plugged into a church and worship team the FIRST weekend I was in town, I've a beautiful house and phenomenal housemates, amazing co-workers...and best of all, I have finally started doing what I know I was made to do "for such a time as this." 

With our Student Venture Leadership Development team at headquarters having dwindled down to only 3 full-time staff (myself included), transitioning into my new role has been a challenge--but I've embraced it all head-on with the understanding that God knows what He's doing!

Nathan & Kendra McNutt:
amazing SV workers in Pittsburgh
(he's the dairy farmer!)

Please pray for our team and the potential recruits that we (and me specifically!) will be handling this upcoming year as we regroup, restructure, and re-energize recruiting efforts...there are so many teenagers out there whose eternal lives are depending upon our prayers and efforts.

I'm SO excited for what's yet to come - and believe me, YOU are always on my mind and in my prayers...THANK YOU for your prayers and partnership - all for His glory!

                                  In His service,

                                  Kar-Lai

Here are a few more photos from the "epic NY to FL trip" :)

Jared & Dominique Dawson,
SV Atlanta staff who happened to
be in Indy the same time as I was!

SV staffers CJ & Anika Neal treat me to
"famous" breakfast at their
home in Indianapolis

SV Chattanooga based friends

SV Atlanta teens gather for their
final meeting of the year

Orlando's Crosspointe church:
Christmas eve worship team! :)

Kar-Lai's Reporting Trip - from NY to FL! :)

Hey friends!!

It's finally time...I'm getting my bags packed, my driving trip planned, and my heart is (almost!) ready to start the transition as I drive from Syracuse to Orlando to report to my assignment at headquarters. How exciting!! :) I'll be driving from Wed 12/7 till Wed 12/14, and am so happy to be able to mark this new season of my life with this momentous trip.

Here's a look at the map of my driving trip (see below). You can interact with the map by clicking and dragging on the map anywhere, or clicking on any of the colorful pins to see notes on when and where I'll be in a particular city.

Please be praying that all goes well as I stop at various cities to meet with friends, partners, and Student Venture staffers. I'm looking forward to hearing and sharing about what God's doing all throughout these places in the lives of those I'll see. I'll try to keep you posted on things via facebook and e-mail when possible, so stay tuned! I want you to feel like you're on the trip with me :)

Thank you for your prayers, support, and encouragement. It is an honor to go forth as an extension of your hearts, hands, and feet for the glory of our amazing God!

Love,
Kar-Lai


View KL Reports from NY to FL! :) :) in a larger map

Much to be Thankful for! (Sept-Nov2011 newsletter)

Exciting times are ahead - praise God! 

This newsletter is very special as it covers the past few months of exciting family updates (weddings, travels to Korea & Hong Kong, etc.), travels, and ministry updates...i.e. if you're in the Syracuse area, it's time to make room on your calendars for my "send off" party next Sunday!! More details inside...So, right click on this link to download the PDF of my latest newsletter "Arrivals & Departures" (Sept-Nov 2011 newsletter) or view the attachment to this e-mail above.

I can't thank you enough for your prayers, friendship, support and love - - truly, you are a blessing and I think of and pray for you daily, dear friend :) Please do write back even a few sentences to let me know how I can be praying for you. 

For His glory,

Kar-Lai

P.S. if you think you can make it to the send-off party (Sun the 27th, 2-6pm at 650 James Street), please let me know. It'll be informal, come & go as needed, photo-booth/scrapbook memory making time...I'd love to see you one last time!! :)

"The Brains Behind The Training" (June2011 Newsletter)

June-July 2011 Newsletter
CLICK HERE 
(not on image)

As you read this, I'm in sunny Ft. Collins, CO for the annual U.S. Campus Crusade for Christ all-staff training conference. Wahoo!

The past two days have been dedicated solely to gathering the Student Venture (SV) staff together. There've been really encouraging presentations about different ministries like the SV Ethnic Field Ministries, Global Venture (International Projects), and the direction of SV overall.

Tomorrow will be crazy as over 8,000 CCC staff kick off off the start to our 2 week long conference - wow! I'm looking forward to sharing more with you about all this next time...and till then, check out my latest newsletter HERE (June-July 2011 Newsletter) and go to the SV Stories tab for a Bonus story about Caleb, the 7th grader who impressed me in Utica... :)
                                        
                                           Blessings to you!
                                           Kar-Lai  :)

Here & There & Over Where?!

Hello friend!

So much has been happening over the past two months, I didn't get around to writing a newsletter for May/June till now...so stay tuned for the latest newsletter coming out hopefully within this week!

There are some really exciting things opening up in the Utica, NY area with the local churches and future Student Venture partnership or training conferences. I can hardly wait to see what God does as this networking, connecting, and 'door-opening' continues here in Central NY!

CCC Conference, Ft.Collins Colorado
Every year, Campus Crusade has all their staff members attend a training conference in Ft. Collins, CO...and the time has come where I get to go to my first one! Please be praying for me as I am in Ft. Collins for the "CSU Campus Crusade for Christ All-Staff Conference" (i.e. CSU) from July 13 - 28th.

This also happens to be a big thing because it takes up a large chunk of the month of July - - and I'm still finishing my support raising season. So, please pray that the Lord completes my financial support team even while I'm at the conference so when I return at the end of July, I can finally begin actual preparations for reporting to my assignment in Orlando, FL. :)


FAMILY NEWS 

David and Kar-Man ^^

My sister, Kar-Man, recently got married in Korea to her (now) husband David. Family members weren't present at that time for the festivities, so both sides of the family are coming together mid-September in Korea to celebrate with a lovely wedding reception for the newlyweds...how exciting!! :)

Wai-Yip

My brother, Wai-Yip, has successfully moved to Denver, CO to continue working with Lockheed Martin and gotten his own apartment. He's still transitioning into this new place and though he's met lots of new people, we're praying he gets plugged into a good group of 'deeper friends' soon. Till then, he's having fun decorating his new space and I'm happy I'll get to visit him in CO for two days before my conference begins in July.

Kar-Kate and Marc

My youngest sister, Kar-Kate, is still in Boston, MA along with her boyfriend Marc and is doing super well as a designer at Tank Design. She's been working very hard on various big projects and getting some great recognition - so we're all very proud of her!

Mom and Dad are gearing up for the trip to Korea and getting used to the idea of the empty nest...though I'm still here for now, and Wai-Yip and Kar-Kate will be returning to visit Syracuse at the end of July, which will be a lovely mini-reunion for us all. :)

THANK YOU!
Thanks for following me in this adventure! I'm excited for what God's doing, and so anxious to finally report to Orlando and begin the work in Leadership Development in earnest. Your prayers, partnership, encouragement and support mean the world to me...THANK YOU.

For His glory,
Kar-Lai

"A Little 'Hello' Goes A Long Way" - (April 2011 Newsletter)

Spring is FINALLY in full bloom here in Syracuse - with rainstorms, sunny days, flowers, and clear starry nights...oh, how glorious the change in seasons can be! And change is not just in the seasons, as even my home in Syracuse is different now that my brother Wai has moved to Colorado for his job. It's very strange to have all my siblings elsewhere (Wai in Colorado, sister Kar-Man in Korea, & youngest sister Kar-Kate in Boston) and our house so quiet - and know my dear parents will have to deal with having an empty nest once I move to Orlando. But such is life! Though I'm soaking up time with my friends and loved ones here in Syracuse while I can, I'm also SO ready to be in Orlando soon to start serving with Student Venture headquarters.


God is so good and I've been seeing my time in Syracuse getting shorter as my support team is almost complete. (More details in this newsletter.) May this newsletter story be encouraging to you as you read about how even one little action can ripple out to impact many...

Click here for April 2011 NEWSLETTER: http://db.tt/3GuQgxB

(*FB Page Bonus = Photos from ministry times...check them out at www.facebook.com/goinggahlai!)

For His glory,

Kar-Lai

New Facebook Page up!

Hey Friend!! 


Thanks so much for following me in this adventure as I press forward as an extension of your hearts, hands, and feet for God's glory. :) This message is for those of you who have Facebook... 

With all the advances to FB, I've discovered that a Page may be the best way to keep all of us connected - so I'd like to invite you to make the easy switch by going to https://www.facebook.com/goinggahlai and click "LIKE" to join. Once the majority of you join, I will probably delete the old Group.

BONUS: There is a JUICY piece of NEWS on the wall of this new Page that is not posted on this blog yet...so make sure to check it out as you join the GGPage! (i.e. Going Gahlai Page)

WHAT's DIFFERENT: The new Page will show up in your newsfeed so your friends can also see it and join to learn about what God's doing in and through Student Venture and me. This is a great way to get involved as my Networking/Street Team - spread the word about what God's doing through SV by clicking "Share" in the GGPage to post on your wall and encourage people to get in the loop too!

I thank God for you and am praying each day that He would bless you greatly...

For His glory, ♥
Kar-Lai (a.k.a Gahlai)

2011 Feb - March newsletter up!

Click HERE ON THIS TEXT 
(not the image above) 
to access Newsletter!

Hello friend!

I'm so excited for you to read this newsletter and hear how God's been stirring up the hearts of young people to think of themselves as missionaries to their schools here in Central NY. 

This past Feb and March brought me into Utica multiple times, both for music and sharing with young adults and teenagers about Student Venture. Read all about it here in my Feb-March 2011 Newsletter: "Who Will Reach Me?"  (Note: this PDF is large, so for text only, go to Newsletter tab)

Thank you for your prayers, partnership, and support. I'm still in Syracuse sharing with people and completing my support team - and God has been adding to my team. For more details about my Ministry Partnership Team, visit the "Partner/Give" tab in my blog.

Love, Kar-Lai :)

Updates!

Yes, I'm still here in Syracuse...but I'm getting closer and closer to becoming able to report to my assignment in Orlando, FL! Stay tuned for more details as I get closer to being 100% supported. For ways to partner with me in ministry and give financially so I can report to my assignment, visit the Partner/Give tab in this website.

In the meantime, here's a moving video with statistics that shout to us just how greatly in need this generation of young people need someone to reach out to them:

  Reach Me
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Thank you!

Kar-Lai

----------
P.S. Here is a video montage of the Student Venture 2010 Getaway conference in Myrtle Beach, SC that I attended back in July. You can read about it in my July 2010 newsletter too!

  Student Venture 2010 GETAWAY
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

2010 Conferences: SV Getaway & SV LIFT

2010 SV GETAWAY CONFERENCE: "UNSTOPPABLE. UNAFRAID."

It's only been about two weeks since I returned from the Student Venture (SV) Getaway conference that was held in Myrtle Beach, SC...but my mind is still reeling from it! What an amazing time of getting to know the high school teens that are being impacted by SV in many cities across the US. They came from Chattanooga, Atlanta, Orlando, Raleigh, West PA, Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and N. Michigan. This having been my first ever full 6 day long SV conference, I literally jumped into any and every activity I could to get the most out of the 6 day long conference from a staff member's perspective...like a mini-boot camp =)

It might be easy to forget that high school teens have this crazy energy hiding beneath their "cool" exteriors. But getting to see how pumped up the teens got over inspiring speakers with challenging messages, and how they rushed the stage to sing and dance to the heart-stoppingly loud, energetic and worshipful music led by Tenth Avenue North was a treat. I couldn't help but find myself right in the front of the crowd with them, soaking up the messages and crying out with songs of worship as one voice...Wow. The week pounded into our brains the theme two high school guys had come up with: being "Unstoppable" and "Unafraid" for the sake of the gospel for the glory of God all the days of our lives.

It was worth it to get the few hours of sleep I got each night. I was thrilled to see how the staff came together from everywhere and worked for the good of the high schoolers in attendance. I loved personally interacting with and encourage some teens as I helped lead a small group discussion time with fellow SV staffer Kelly Emerick. And, my own faith and boldness was tested as I joined a small street-evangelism group in the sweltering heat and a bus load of people heading through the beaches to gather people together for beach-based evangelism using a staged battle.

Everyone was exhausted by the time the conference finished - and it was clear amazing things had happened by the end of it all. As teens got up one by one in their city groups to share testimonies of how God had worked in their hearts that week, one story of a high school football captain started a string of other tear-jerking testimonies.

This young man had cried as he confessed to his small group that even though he looked like he was living the perfect life on the outside, he'd been struggling a lot with thoughts of suicide. His fellow football teammates rushed over to him and cried with him, holding him and comforting him...and when other teammates heard, they had rushed into the room and joined the huddle. From stories of teens finally coming to forgive parents who'd cursed them during divorces to teens with stories of overcoming heavy drug use, God worked in beautiful and miraculous ways through the conference and SV staff!

WHAT'S NEXT:

My next conference will be the 2010 SV LIFT conference for staff and other SV workers. I'm excited to get to meet and know many more fellow SV workers from all across the US, and would love for you to be praying for this. You can find the prayer requests below as listed from headquarters.

Thank you for following me in this journey! I hope and pray you are blessed...

Love,
Kar-Lai

----------------------------------------------------------------------

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR UPCOMING
Aug 2010 LIFT CONFERENCE
Psalm 121:1-2: “I LIFT my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
2 Cor. 4: 16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs then all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Eph. 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us....”

• Pray that all who attend the conference will connect deeply with the Lord, have focus, find rest and encouragement in the battle, and believe God for things yet unseen.
• Pray that God would be calling and providing for many volunteers, community people, interns, hourly workers, and part time field workers to attend. Pray that people could get time off work or be able to come for a few days.
• Pray that God would raise up people in the Asheville community to come and cover this conference in prayer.
• Pray for the speaker Gene Mathis and the band Living Anthem as they prepare their message and music for the week. Pray for them to hear from the Lord in leading us.
• Pray for program details (Lee C.), administration details (Amy U.)
• Pray for Stephanie C., Kristie W., and Peggy B. as they meet again next week to work on childcare details. They need God’s direction for the spiritual content that will best serve our middle school and high school students attending the conference. Pray that all the children and students attending the conference would grow in their faith and be well taken care of. Pray that they would find enough workers and the right workers to lead all of the children and students.
• A financial ask has gone out for scholarships for college students to attend. Pray for those who have been asked, that God would speak to them about giving and they would be able to make a decision. Pray for God to meet the financial needs of all attending. Pray for God to put in on the hearts of personal ministry partners to give.
• Pray for God to design all the break out sessions to meet the equipping needs of everyone attending. Pray for wisdom for Mike Crandall as he puts details into place for these.

...Thank you for your prayers!

A Change in Student Venture

(Letter from Mike Crandall, Student Venture Director, to all ministry partners:)

Thank you for all you do to reach kids for Christ. We rejoice at all the ways God has honored Himself through you this year and into the lives of kids. Your investment is yielding great fruit in the Kingdom. As a parent of kids involved in SV, thank you for all you have done this year.

I wanted to make you aware of a big transition in our ministry. Warren and Misty Bane have served as our Venture Corps (recruiting) director these past 7+ years. Warren has done a great job helping us move ahead in this area and our new staff, part time field worker, and intern applications continue to grow. We’ve seen over 40 new applications so far this school year, and over 50 last year. Warren has faithfully served to move us ahead in this area and we are very grateful for his investment and leadership.

Warren and Misty are feeling led of the Lord to move back to a field role and will move to Raleigh, North Carolina this summer to train and equip a growing team of college students who are leading Student Venture outreaches in the area. They will serve with Kevin & Alisa Bentley in the ministry the Bentleys started 2 years ago. At present, over 30 college students are involved in helping to lead Student Venture, and the campus ministry partnership there has opportunity to continue to grow.

This will be a great gain for our partnership there, yet there is a sense of loss for our Leadership Development team here in Orlando. Yet, we are all in full agreement that this is God’s leading and next step for Warren and Misty. Please pray for God’s next plan for Venture Corps. And, please pray that Kar Lai Leung (new staff raising support to work with Venture Corps) will see her support come in quickly. In the mean time, Mike Crandall will be the point person for Venture Corps efforts in the national office and available regarding our recruiting and Venture Corps efforts. Let’s continue to pray that God will raise up much more manpower.

Mike Crandall
Student Venture Leadership Development
100 Lake Hart Drive
Orlando, FL 32832
407-826-2819 office
407-460-8990 cell
mike.crandall@studentventure.com

Feb/March 2010 Newsletter & Update

Living the Dream: Returning to Syracuse (?!)
"I close my eyes and can still see the minty green and bright yellow shades of El Caribe - the hotel in Daytona Beach where I spent an intensive 35 days with about 100 people during our New Staff Training for Campus Crusade for Christ. Now, I open my eyes each morning to a field of snow and ice, heavy snowflakes falling like raindrops wherever I look...and I feel like it was all a dream."

Fortunately, things have warmed up since I last wrote these words. Syracuse is finally showing signs of Spring as the 55 degree weather has revealed the grass again and the air smells like new. I've been plugging away at my MPD (minsitry partnership development) and meeting with wonderful friends to share about my ministry with Student Venture and seek their support through prayers, finances, and other ways.

How amazing to know that God has enabled me to share over and over again about how He's called me into full-time ministry. And, with every time I share my story, I also end up sharing about my past and how God helped me go from a lukewarm Christian in high school up through the struggles in college into the joy of having a strong and growing relationship with Christ today.

Times are good, and I'm learning how to adjust to change. I subletted my apartment near campus and have moved in with my parents. True, I've cluttered up their entire basement with my oodles of stuff and taken over their last spare room, but it also has meant more time to see them. My brother and youngest sister are also living at home - although they're so busy, I hardly see them! But, nonetheless, it's been wonderful being with family again...and it doesn't hurt that I get to enjoy mom's home cooking! Wahoo! (mmm...Chinese soups, stews, and more!)

I've got my Feb/March 2010 Newsletter available here, and would love for you to read it for a fun story and my prayer requests.

Thanks again for your encouragement, support, and prayers. Till next time, God bless!
Gahlai

*~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Phil 3:14

The Start of Something New & Exciting..

The Surreal Life; It Has Begun...

"For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. The wild animals in the field will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed." ~Isa 43:19-20

What 6 months ago I would've never imagined I'd be doing and had seemed impossible before has now begun to take shape and become a reality as I see how God's unveiling his "I'm doing something new in your life" plans for me: I'm finally here in Daytona Beach, having completed my first full two days at Campus Crusade for Christ's New Staff Training (NST)conference! Really...I can hardly believe I'm actually phyiscally here in Florida!!

The night before my flight was to leave on the 4th, it was about 10 degrees and snowed about 8-10 inches in Syracuse, the travel warning was set to go till 6am and my flight was leaving at 5:30am...thank God I didn't get snowed in! With all the packing and unpacking and repacking (for 5 weeks at NST) I had to do after completely moving out of my apartment (more on that later), I actually didn't get to sleep but 1 hour on the plane and 1 hour when I arrived at the hotel (when I fell asleep texting =P ). So, needless to say, these past few weeks and days have been a blur!

But, I got here alright and was able to settle into the room without the other 3 roommates having arrived yet. Admittedly, I was a bit surprisedat my surroundings because not only did my hotel look really old from the outside and small from the inside, it's quite cold here too with 35 degree weather and wind that chilled me quickly. But, as I've spent time with people, bonding with them over food (yes, I took photos of my food...hehe) and kind of camped out in the conference room (more on that later too!) doing music, this place is growing on me as I'm seeing oceanic/beachfront beauty all around me, and "re-seeing" God's presence with me as a friend reminded me that I'm here not for vacation but to do God's work - so I've learned a good lesson about perspective and thankfulness already, within the first few hours of arriving here. =)

(Click here for my 1st picture posts!)

Still, it totally seems like a dream sometimes because it seems like only yesterday I was conducting student admissions interviews at Syracuse University - but, in truth, it's been a good few weeks now since the office threw me my official going away party (where I bawled unashamedly once I realized how much I loved working there and with such wonderful people). It first felt surreal when I cleaned out my office of all the things I'd accumulated over 5 years and looked at the empty room I'd gotten so attached to. =P

On top of that, my roommates and I had found someone to sublet the apartment for the Spring semester (through Craigslist - she's a PhD candidate at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, which is relevant to what my other 2 roommates are studying (Environmental Engineering)!), so the days after I cleaned out my office and was on "holiday break" were spent moving myself out of my apartment! And so, like deja-vu, I found myself looking into an empty room yet again once I'd cleared stuff out. I had about 5-6 carloads of stuff that I brought over to my parents' house, which is where I'll be staying while I raise support and develop ministry partners in order to reloate to Orlando.

Now, talking about surreal stuff...moving back into my parents' house was and has been interesting unto itself too - it's been both like being time warped back into high school days yet much better in different ways! I don't know if that makes sense, but I do love my family so much and know that as I make the move to FL, having this time to spend with them will be invaluable and precious. However, I started to realize just how carefully I'd have to budget my time as the last week in December was spent juggling time with family, and then learning that I have to prioritize the time being spent on prepping for this new staff position.

What I love about this phase of my new staff position is that my primary focus will be to connect with people and convey the heart and vision of what the ministry is that God's called me to. I've been able to connect with so many of you who say you'll be praying for me (THANK YOU!), and that you'll prayerfully consider partnering with me in this endeavor in other ways too. This is where I can humbly say I am in awe of what God's done to show me what love and support really looks like as I scroll through my contacts list and see so many names in there that say "Yes, I want to continue our friendship/relationship and support you in _____way." Words cannot express how grateful I am for you and for God showing His love to me through you =)

Being Humbled; Answered Prayer; Pray!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~Phil 4:6-7

One of the things I cannot help but do is "brag on God" as He's shown me during this last few weeks that He IS my Provider and is caring for my needs in ways I could've never imagined. I must confess that I while I said I was confident that God could fulfill His promises to provide for me, I don't think I really fully believed it because I found myself feeling quite anxious (like some people have also said) about just having quit a perfectly stable source of income and certainly anxious about my finding the funding I'd need to become full-time staff. But, friends, let me tell you - God is amazingly faithful to His promises, like the one listed above and what's promised in Jeremiah 29:11 ("For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..."). Because as I clung to those promises, I prayed earnestly and humbly, felt more at peace and pushed away my fears of asking for help and forged ahead and spoke to some of you about my needs. I didn't want to broadcast it because it's not just about finding funding - but it's about establishing partnerships with people who want to team up with me through prayer and resources to see lives changed and God's work done here on earth. I literally cried in amazement as God moved in many of your hearts in such a way that within the first 24 hours of my having said anything to a handful of you, ALL of my costs for coming to training in Daytona Beach were covered and the responses that came in (quickly!) thereafter from others have set the foundation for precious ministry partnerships and actual funding that is going towards what I need to raise in order to be full-time and relocate to Orlando - Praise God!

A Taste Of What Is Yet To Come
And so, I find myself here, 7 states away in Florida sitting at the table in the little kitchenette of the room I'm sharing with 3 other new female CCC staff members at a conference of about 90-100 people (also CCC new or senior staff) after having watched the moon and sun yesterday glistening over the waves of the Atlantic ocean. I woke up this morning to marvel at the beauty of God's handiwork when I looked at the rosy sunrise and listen to the surf pounding on the beachfront that's literally in my backyard...and I am BLOWN AWAY by truly, how surreal this is and how REAL God's faithfulness and love is. That I'd be here, going through extensive orientation and be rigorously trained up to become a fully commissioned missionary(yep - just found that out tonight) continues to boggle my mind!

Even on top of this, God knew how much I love to make music for Him and worship Him through the musical abilities He's given me, so I've been able to join the worship team for the conference and just helped lead the music for tonight's first official evening of the NST conference! And, with this bit of info, I ask for your prayers because the temporary worship leader guy asked me to take over the coordinating and leading of the worship team for the rest of the conference when he leaves tomorrow...and while I am excited for the chance to be stretched in this way, I'm also kind of scared out of my mind! I want to allow for the healthy dose of fear to exist in me because it'll keep me glued to God in prayer - but I don't want it to overtake me and prevent me from being effective, a good leader, etc. Thank you in advance for your prayers...and please know that I'm praying for all of you who are following my journey too! You are precious to me, and I'm grateful for your friendships.

Finally, THANK YOU...

...for joining me in this adventure! I've treasured each and every word of encouragement you've expressed to me, every gesture of support and partnership, and the continued connections I have with you through the wonders of modern technology plus face-to-face time we may have after training ends in February. I am so excited for what is going to transpire during these next 5 weeks at NST, and I'm looking forward to sharing with you about these things whenever possible. Please keep in touch and send me your updates too so I can stay connected with what's going on in your lives while I'm away.

Many blessings to you always,

Gahlai

So, what happens next?

Yes, now it's definitely official - I'm completely approved to join Student Venture! I was jetting around on my last SU recruitment trip in NYC and was so excited to get the word from Warren & Lynn that all my final paperwork (medical, psychological, and background check) was approved. Yep - I like to think I'm sane, healthy, and not a closet criminal...and the officials think so too! hahahaha =)

What happens next...
(Synopsis:)
1) *Tell the boss (done!)
2) *Tell the room mates (done!)
3) *Prep the move (doing now!)
4) *Go to FL for 1 month training (Jan 4-Feb 7, 2010)
5) *Return to Syracuse for MPD (Ministry Partnership Development)
6) Move to FL when full funding is secured
7) Only God knows...!

(*Read on for Details! Details! Details!)
1) Tell the boss: I actually told my boss the day after I got my acceptance (12/2/09) that I was putting in my 1 month's notice at work. It was both a scary and encouraging time as I heard my boss express his happiness for me, and as his "dad-mode" kicked in and he asked me lots of questions too. I was so touched, and very glad to have things out in the open. It did make it feel so surreal when the official memo went out to ALL the office staff about my having accepted a new position elsewhere. People were so encouraging and positive, it really reinforced my love for all these wonderful people I've come to know and treasure after working at SU for 5+ years.

My official last day in the office will be Dec 23rd. My official last day as a University employee will be January 1, 2010. WOW, huh?! It's kind of scary to think about leaving a job that seems so secure, certain, and the "logical choice" that society and family and others would say I should hold on to. But, what I know is that I told God I'd follow Him wherever he led, and I'm doing that regardless of the cost because He's worth giving it all up for - there's nothing I've found that satisfies and brings joy or fulfilment like what I've found in my relationship with God! So, here we go...onward!

2) Tell the roommates: I told my 2 roommates and they were happy for me...and then we realized the reality of our having to find someone to sublet the apartment in the Spring because my plan is to move back to my parents' house to save money during my upcoming support-raising months. We put an ad onto craigslist and got a bunch of possible leads. Things are looking good - but keep praying. I'm still trusting God to come through as He's promised.

3) Prepare the "move": My brain starts reeling a bit when I even think about having to move from my current cozy apartment to my parents' house. I have SO much stuff to move! And, after 3 years of living in my own place, it's going to be an adjustment living back at home. But, I know it's going to be important and good for me to spend time with my family before I move to FL. But, goodness gracious - I started to clean today, but didn't get far as I felt kind of daunted by all the stuff I'm gonna have to remove from this place. =P

4) Go to FL for training (Jan 4-Feb 7, 2009): I'm super excited about training!! I already bought most of my books online at Amazon, have joined the facebook group for the New Staff Training (and subsequently "friended" all the 37 people in that group! hahah - hope they don't think I'm crazy...hehehe), and took the leap and bought a plane ticket. Training will be in Daytona Beach, FL at a conference center. It's gonna be interesting, though, because I signed up for a 3-4 person room (it's much cheaper than the 2 person room), and I have NO IDEA who I'll be paired with. Also, the funds I need to raise (approx $4000) for Training will be covering things like food, transportation, books (for classes), and other ministry expenses. But, I believe that God has already been preparing financial support for me - and it's just about where it will come from...not if it will come in. So, I look forward to sharing praise reports with you about that as things unfold. =)

5) Return to Syracuse to start MPD: I'll return to Syracuse after New Staff Training ends in February so I can start talking with people (hopefully you!) to share more in depth about what this call to ministry means and see if you are feeling led to partner with me. This will be a precious time for me as I learn to trust God to put it on peoples' hearts to invest into this ministry He's called me to - either financially and/or in prayer. Regardless, I'd love at least the chance to meet or talk with you to share about what God's doing and will be doing in my ministry, see if and or how you feel led to partner with me, and keep in touch with you during and after my move to FL.

Let's keep in touch!
If you have not already done so, please e-mail me at gahlai@gmail.com with your mailing address and phone #, what you're up to, and any prayer requests you may have. Let me know what's going on in your life too! I hope to hear from you soon.

Thank you =)

In joyful pursuit of Him,

Kar-Lai

Praise God! It's good to move forward...=-)

YAAAAH! As of 10pm tonight (Dec 1, 2009) via an e-mail acceptance letter, I am now "pre-accepted" to join Student Venture! Which basically means I now just have to fill out a few more forms for the sake of making sure I've a clean bill of health (mentally, physically, & background check-wise) needed for this job. Regardless, I'm just so overwhelmed with excitement, relief, and a healthy dose of trepidation at the unknown - but most of all, I'm excited because it confirms for me that I am headed in the right direction and correctly following God's leading!

Honestly, I waited all of yesterday and today with pins and needles on my heart, waiting to hear whether or not my application had been accepted/approved. And, after a great bible study last night where we listened to Mike Bicklen of Kansas City IHOP (International House of Prayer) talk about waiting on God and allowing Him to intervene in situations, I was well prepared today to step back and be patient and show that I've really entrusted all of this to God. Admittedly, I was very tempted several times today to take control of the situation and call or text someone here or there to get an answer, but then I was reminded that I told God I'd trust Him to provide me with His answer in His timing in His way...so I held back. And it was so worth it!! Because I can now say that I have waited on the Lord to answer me, and He has come through with the answer!

Waiting on God"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." ~ (Micah 7:7, NIV)

At the beginning of this year, I had a strong feeling that "this would be a year of change" - but I had no idea what it would entail...all I could do was wait, like the verse says. I've actually had the Micah 7:7 verse on my wall for at least half a year now. Now, when I think back on the past year or two, I see that all the striving I'd done on my own to "take charge of my future, my career, etc." was so much more difficult (& unfruitful!) than allowing God to show me the direction to go in! It's like God allowed me to go through all the stubborn-headed strivings of interviewing for different jobs I thought I should go for, or striving for a master's degree in what I thought I'd want, and so on - just so I could exhaust my "to do" list and give up control of my future, career, relationships, etc. to Him and really begin to understand what it means to wait and watch in hope for God to hear and answer me.

Sure, if I didn’t get accepted to SV, the road might seem like a much easier and comfortable road because I’d stay in my comfort zone. However, now that I'm accepted to join staff, I know I’m not “in the clear” per say because the road ahead will be wrought with more struggles, nail-biting times of uncertainty and faith-stretching, trust-building situations. But I am confident that God will follow through on his promises like he said he would in Jeremiah 29:10-14 ~
“"10 This is what the LORD says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,' declares the LORD, 'and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.'"

I feel like God has allowed me to grow and learn in my season of wilderness these past few years, and now he has reminded me of the hope I can have in Him when I entrust my future and present and past to Him. And, if God’s promised that he's got a plan for my life, I’d much rather follow HIS big plan instead of my little plans! God dreams much bigger for us than we ever could...so I'm truly excited to follow His lead this time in an unforeseen adventure.

And here we go!
Thank you for walking with me through this adventure!! It’s just the beginning…so hang in there – it’s gonna be AWESOME to see what happens next! =) And please – do keep praying and asking me questions and keeping me accountable as I move forward with the Lord. I treasure your thoughts and prayers, and love to hear updates on your lives too.

Till next time, may we be found always...

In pursuit of Him,
Kar-Lai
gahlai@gmail.com

Waiting...Part of the "Great Adventure"

So, why is the waiting part so difficult after we take a step of faith and put ourselves "out there" for something big?

Yeah. Well, I'm both excited and a bit nervous about this waiting and "big changes" thing...it's been a good few weeks now since I submitted my application. There were a few loose ends to tie up (like getting 2 references resubmitted because they got lost somehow through the mail, but I had them send it via e-mail and that was quicker), but all in all, it feels good to have it in God's hands in this way. I've been finishing out my recruitment season with trips to Philadelphia (my parents spent that weekend with me, which was nice because it fell over my 31st birthday - so we celebrated together by having Chinese food (like in the photo) for dinner, instead of me being alone!) and one more to NYC (in December) as I await "THE DECISION" from Student Venture.

Actually, as part of (pretty) standard procedures, last Monday, Nov 23rd, I spoke with Lynn, the Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC) person who's reviewing my application. She had some questions for me about my application and I was glad to speak with her. She kindly clarified a few things that I'd answered as "I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's..." when I filled out the Doctrinal Questionnaire. (That Questionnaire has some tough questions in it - especially since you're not allowed to reference the Bible while you're completing the questions! hehe.) We spoke also a bit about some of the things I'd shared in the "Moral Convictions Questionnaire" and how I admit to still being a work-in-progress in God's hands at this time (as all of us are works-in-progress, eh?).

I also felt like God really gave me the chance to speak with Lynn so I could ask her some questions about her experiences as staff at CCC and SV - because she's worked both in the field as an SV staff worker in 2 cities and now as a staff member at the CCC Headquarters. She's also been working with CCC for 23 years through her single and married years (now married to someone in ministry too, and has 4 kids) - so she had some really helpful and encouraging insights as to how God's called her and brought her through all of these years and seasons of her life. Both for her and her husband over these years, they've seen God do wonderful things and provide in so many ways too. Just having that time to talk with her was really so nice! After the conversation, I can still say with confidence that I feel like the door still remains open and I will continue to walk forward and through that door as the Lord wills - or until he closes that door. (photo = doorway/entryway to SV Headquarters)

A cool thing is that I had been wondering about exactly when the dates are for the upcoming 5 week training, should I be approved to join as staff. Lynn didn't know the details, so she said she'd look into it for me. After we finished the hour long conversation, I saw that completely different CCC staff member had e-mailed me DURING the conversation with Lynn and provided me with all the information about the training session I needed! God does answer prayers even before we pray them =)

Of course, in the grand scheme of things, I understand that anything can happen, and for any various unforeseen reasons, my application could be turned down...so I'm trying to wait on God to give me that final green light that will unlock so many other things that are hinging upon this decision/piece of information: giving my 1 month's notice to my job, landing some part time work, registering for the January 5 week training session in FL, finding someone to sublet my apartment for the Spring semester, raising support and funding for the traning session and to become a full time staff person...and so on, and so forth. =P Needless to say, I can certainly use all the prayer anyone can spare...but at the same time, I know whatever happens, I still give God praise and glory for how he's sustained me and strengthened me throughout these past 5 months (wow! that flew by!) as all this was unfolding.

I still don't know what's going to happen, but I see that each time I tell someone about this and what's unfolding, I keep feeling this sense of "Wow, God, this is what it's like to have an adventure with you, huh?" =) How amazing to be reminded of how God leads us on adventures - like when Abraham left everything to follow God's call on his life into a new land, even when he didn't know where the destination was...or when Joshua followed God's call to enter into the Promised Land...or when the fishermen and tax collectors and other men were called by Jesus to leave everything and follow him - - they left everything to pursue what was greater!! And I want to live out faith like that! I want to pour out my life for God however he dictates and follow him because He's worth it!

I should hear from CCC/Lynn by this Monday, Nov 30th, about the decision on my application. Please pray that God's will be done. =)

Thank you for joining in my journey...till next time, may we always be -

In pursuit of Him,

Kar-Lai

The latest news - & btw: my app is finally out in the universe!

Praise God – it’s done; I finally finished my application! I FedEx’d it last week so the headquarters would get it on Friday the 30th. I spoke to Mike at headquarters and he says it might take around 2-3 weeks for a decision to be made on my application…so now, I wait and pray.

App Stuff: Truly, it was quite a challenge, finishing this 70 page (!) application in the midst of a very busy recruitment and travel season at work. It was admittedly very difficult to find time in between the week long trips I’ve already had (Boston and San Francisco). Those weeks were always packed with high school visits and interviews that took me from 5:30am-8:00pm sometimes. By the time I’d finish with a day of visits and interviews, and managed to get a bite to eat, it would be time to go to sleep. Then, coming back into the office was a whole other type of crazy because so many other staff would be out traveling, we’d have a skeleton crew on tap to do the daily tasks of answering e-mails, phone calls, greeting the public with information sessions and conducting (yes) more interviews of prospective students. One would be lucky to find any time to get home and do some laundry during the week and repack quickly enough to be ready to go out again the following week to another city for more of the same. I’m in Princeton, NJ this week and then I'm off to Philly, PA the third week of November. (Fun fact: I’ll have the interesting privilege of turning 31 in the city of brotherly love…my goodness…how time flies. =P hehe)

Other Fun/Music Stuff: It’s been equally exciting these past few months as my band mates in the worship team I’m on have been practicing constantly in preparation for being the opening act for Lincoln Brewster…which took place this past Sunday, October 25, 2009 at Northside Baptist Church through CNY Crossroads (www.cnycrossroads.com). It was amazing and humbling to be able to play at a venue that was sold out with over 700 people in one place…the largest crowd I’ve ever played in front of! And I so thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being able to work on a handful of songs over a longer period of time and fine-tuning them till pretty solid. Needless to say, I’m quite tired these days and today, I found myself sniffling a bit – so I hope I don’t get sick!!

Aaaand, Back to App Stuff: Anyways – I’m just so glad to have persisted and persevered in the completion of my application to Student Venture. I so greatly appreciated the depth and breadth of the questions that were asked of me in the application. It’s a lot of work, but it’s been such a wonderful thing for me to go through because as I answer their questions about my doctrinal beliefs, background information and family dynamics, my employment and educational history, my ministry experience and more, I’ve learned a lot of things about myself. Truthfully, I’d never really stopped to do a “self-evaluation” of where I’ve come from and who I’ve become in Christ. It was great to be able to take the time to get to know myself better through these guided questionnaires.

“The Past;” a.k.a. Scary stuff: I must confess, though, that the Moral Convictions Questionnaire was a bit scary in some ways because it forced me to really think about how I approach some touchy subjects like boundaries and relationships between guys and girls, past messes and slip-ups, or my own “skeletons in the closet.” Admittedly, there was a part of me that still felt like I wanted to cover up my past and not have to air it out again. However, I knew that the only way to give God glory for healing and bringing me out of a messy past was to acknowledge it, and acknowledge the mercy and grace He’s shown me in spite of my mess. So, I wrote honestly in the application and prayed hard for God to do with it all what He will so as to bring Him the most glory in the end. All I know is that God has a purpose for every little thing that happens in our lives, as he’s promised. So, after completing the questionnaire with much prayer and care, I still thank God for this because it’s been a great way for me to revisit a lot of things God’s taught and shown me as he’s been delivering and fixing me up!

In Closing, (Finally!): At long last, once I looked over the application multiple times over the past few weeks, I came to the point where I no longer felt like I was forgetting something or not clearly answering a particular section/question. Being a bit of a perfectionist sometimes who can get hung up on specifics and details, it was hard to let go and stop tweaking the application and just finish it and get it out. However, I’m feeling at peace about how it all ended up and what I’ve included in there. It’s crazy how much I’ve prayed for God’s direction, longed for something to change, and now that something seems to be happening, I see how scary change can be at the same time as being so refreshing. Does that make sense at all?! It’s like I’ve finally gotten a drink of water and see over the hill to the open door – only to be a bit afraid that it’s not actually gonna happen and worry the door’s gonna close. You know what I mean? Kind of like when I have to fly to a new destination and I can hardly believe I’m going to get to go – and part of me only believes it when I touch down and arrive at that destination. *sigh* Oh, unbelief – be gone from me!

All 7 of my references should be in or on their way, and now that I’ve sent my application to headquarters’ human resources department, all I can do now is wait, pray, and trust in the Lord’s plans. In a way, because one never really knows how things will end up, I feel like I can’t fully celebrate about this open door until I get the approval and even go through the support raising process itself…but that won’t stop me from praising God anyways every step along the way. Regardless of what happens, I know I’ve already learned so much more about myself, about who I am as a Christian, and what a staff position with Campus Crusade/Student Venture and/or missionary job might be like. It’s not so foreign after all or out of the question for me to be considering missions work…which is amazing because I remember, many years ago when I was still a teenager, being resistant to ever considering missions work. But I distinctly remember being literally physically compelled by the Holy Spirit to go get prayed for and anointed with oil when the speaker did an alter call for anyone who might have missions in their future. I thought it was crazy and I’d never do missions work, but still found myself drawn up to the altar. I thought it would mean I’d be going to Africa, or elsewhere and living a modest life doing what? – I wasn’t sure. And now , here we are!

Just Keep Praying, Praying, Praying: I’m trying not to think too far ahead while thinking ahead a bit too – I still have to deal with putting in my resignation in the future, looking into part-time employment during support-raising season, moving from my apartment to my parents’ house again, and the continued process of trusting God in new, challenging, scary and yet exciting ways. But, regardless, God is so great! I can only look forward with anticipation and excitement as He unfolds the next chapter and season in my life. I hope and pray that whatever it entails, I’ll continue to bring Him joy and glory in everything.

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers…I’m so grateful for the chance to keep you in the loop and hear from you about what’s going on in your life too. Please do write me anytime at gahlai@gmail.com. I hope and pray you are well.

Till next time, blessings to you!
Kar-Lai