I AM LEAVING TODAY!!!!!

8:35 pm flight departs

Luggage - Check

Passport - Check

Tickets - Check

Chocolate - Check

Awesome Friends & Family Supporting Me - Double Check!!

Bye, Bye Brownie Bash

"Last chance" to say "Bye, Bye" to Helen Parks before she goes to Uganda

When: Stop by anytime between 7:00-10:00pm Tuesday Night

Where: 219 West Utica Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 ("UMC")

Activities Include:

> "Guess the weight ... of the luggage"

> "Bye, Bye Brownies" by Katie & Nikki

> An opportunity to give last minute travel advice, prayers, & hugs for Helen

RSVP: Give your name and a brownie count to helparks@yahoo.com

Merry Christmas from Colorado! I am spending some time with my family here in Colorado Springs before heading to Uganda next week. It has been an amazing time of spending time with the Lord and family. Also, lots of fun, snow, and yummy food! I hope you all have had a blessed day and season!

Merry Christmas from Colorado!

When do you leave?
Wednesday December 30th!
How are you feeling?
Every emotion possible...excited, nervous, happy, sad, thankful ... everything!
What will you be doing?
I will be training at the New Hope Institute of Childcare & Family and serving where needed.
What's the weather like?
When I arrive it will be summer, so hot and dry.
Is there anything you need?
Prayer...Prayer... and more prayer! Also, I have have raised my startup support for the first six months, but now need to work on monthly support.
Will you have internet access?
Yes! It will definitely be slower and more sporadic, but stay tuned for updates, stories, and pictures!! I am very excited to share the journey with everyone!

Praise Report!

• Injunction put on British Airways strike!
• Hotel in London layover booked!
• Plan set up for logistics when land in Uganda!

Thank you all for your prayers and support!!

Prayer Please

So as the time draws near things just get crazier and crazier. I am working on logistics for travel and arrival in Uganda. There are few things that I would greatly appreciate extra prayer for:

• British Airways Cabin Crew Strike
• Layover in London Hotel
• Arrival in Uganda -transportation to New Hope

Thanks!!

What A Weekend!!

#1 - Refuge Ladies Luncheon Christmas Boutique featuring:

Jewelry by Joanna of New Hope Uganda & John Biedler Photography

#2 - Holiday Bake Sale supporting:

Ferguson Four & Helen Parks

Praise GOD!!! Both events were a HUGE Success!

Check out the updated Support Thermometer --------->

ALSO - If you still need Christmas presents....

Jewelry & Photography are still available!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you,

John Biedler Photography

John is an amazing man of God and gifted photographer who is

serving along with his family at New Hope Uganda in East Africa

I have partnered with John, to sell his photography here in the States. I will be showcasing some of his work at the Refuge Ladies Christmas Luncheon Boutique next Saturday December 12th. However, if you are unable to make it and see a photo you would like, please contact me and we can make other arrangements.

Merry Christmas!

Countdown

31 Days, 3 Hours, and 30 Minutes

Wow! I cannot believe in a month I will be moving to Uganda. The reality of everything is beginning to register as I prepare, pack, and party!

I am very thankful that I get to spend this holiday season with my friends and families, not only for the awesome fellowship, but chances to connect with so many before I head out.

May your CHRISTmas season be filled with love and joy!

The Garage Sale was so great and exhausting

that I have no words left in my brain.

$ 850

Praise GOD!!!

This Weekend!

Saturday - GARAGE SALE!!!
(219 West Utica, HB)
Thank you to all that have donated items, our garage is stock full and ready to sell.
If you would like to help, I am still in need of some extra hands on Saturday.

Sunday - BAKE SALE
(Refuge CCHB)
Help support the Ferguson Four who are serving in Kenya.
Bake, eat, and be merry!


I cannot believe I head out next month!! AHHH!! It has all happened so fast, but I continue to trust in Him who has set it in place.

I am very excited for this opportunity to share

where the Lord has been guiding me.

All are welcome!!

Potluck, worship, and learning about Uganda ...

sounds like a perfect Friday night to me.

Hope to see you there!

Praise God!!!

So how does $1080 sound?

Awesome huh?

Praise God, that is what was raised today!

I would like to say "THANK YOU" to a wonderful group of people that made this weekend such a sucess. This simple expression of gratitude does not do justice to my appreciate for all of your help and support.

• Ross and Linda Anderson
• Les, Susan, and Kelly Robinson
• Bernie and Steve Rothert
• Katie Burke and Nikki Madigan
• Tara Maloney and Family
• Jessica Hinrich
• Sonia Lazo

AND - Each Person that Prayed

AND - Each Person that Bought a Taco Plate

**Check out my updated support status ------>

Mmm... Tacos

Taco Plates - this Sunday @ Refuge

Support Your Taste Buds

AND

Helen as she heads out to serve in Uganda

Prayer Cards

I was helping a friend finish moving yestarday and as I packed up some things I discovered two prayer cards. Each card had a student's name from New Hope's P7 class. Before I left in August I had offered the cards to friends so they could pray for the students as we worked and traveled with them. The interesting part of yestarday's discovery were the names on the cards. Their faces flashed to my mind as I held the cards and stared at my friend. She had been praying for these girls completely unaware of anything in their lives beyond their names. I could not help smiling at God's handiwork as I shared the connection between them.

Each girl is a beautiful child of God that has been hurt. Yet, they have responded to that pain in different ways. While one is shy and insecure of almost every aspect around her, the other is bold and misguided in her strive for love and attention. In a strikingly familiar scenario I witnessed her alienate and mock the shy one. I was struck by the hurt and pain unfolding before me, but also by the situation itself. It reminded me of my own childhood and that of the girls I have worked with in youth group over the years. Even on a different continent, in a different culture kids go through the same troubles.

I love that God put those two names together for Jen to pray for. I am glad I could share a bit of insight for direction for her to pray for them. I am grateful for the Lord's call as I head back to Uganda and see these girls again.

Join me in praying for:

The Winscotts who are heading to New Hope Uganda this week with the Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa team.

This just in - Helen is going back to Uganda!

That's right I received notice this morning and am headed back to Uganda, East Africa THIS January. In 81 days I will be boarding a plane (again) for a LONG (38 hours) journey to New Hope (www.newhopeuganda.org). I will be at New Hope for five months serving and attending their Institute of Childcare and Family. The plan after that is still in the works, we shall see how the Lord guides.

The next two months are going to be a whirlwind of planning and preparing, your prayers would be GREATLY appreciated.

Upcoming Events:

• Refuge Missions Fellowship - Friday November 6th @ 6pm
• Garage Sale - Saturday November 14th
• Refuge Ladies Christmas Luncheon Craft Boutique - Saturday December 12th

Come Join Us!

Uganda Post-Trip Celebration

@ Calvary Chapel Downey - THIS SATURDAY

CC Downey "Mini Chapel"

12808 Woodruff Ave

Downey, CA 90242

THIS SATURDAY - Oct. 10th at 5pm

Hosted By: Calvary Chapel Downey '09 Uganda Missions Team

We are going to look back at what the Lord did in Uganda on our trip in August.

* We will be sharing yummy food, so come hungry!*

Please RSVP with either:

Becky Lopez (562) 803-5631 ext. 114

cdmission@calvarydowney.org

OR

Me! (helparks@yahoo.com )

Prayer Request

Hi Everyone,

I thank you all for your prayers and support as I am traveling the path the Lord is setting before me. Uganda was such a wonderful, amazing, eye opening, heart healing time.
Part of my trip was to explore and see if and how the Lord may be calling me to full time missions in Uganda and boy did I receive confirmation.

The next step for me is going back to Uganda, to New Hope's Institute of Childcare and Family. It is a five month program that trains and sends over 20 committed servants of the Lord each year into the “harvest field” to work with orphaned and destitute children across the world.

The Urgent Prayer Request is this: I have been offered a possible opening to come THIS January! Yes - all I can say is WOW. As I fervently pray for this can you help me too? There are a lot of factors to be considered but I trust in God's plan for me. I have to give an answer as soon as possible and will keep you guys posted as well.

If you would like to know more about the Institute, some of mine friends at New Hope have posted some information on their blog: http://calebalair.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-hope-institute-of-childcare-and.html

Thank you again!!

Love and Blessings
Helen

The Fergusons (Nairobi, Kenya)

Ferguson Four!
God has called our family to serve in Nairobi, Kenya alongside a church known as Living Water Christian Fellowship pastored by Robbie Gorden. Jonathan will be assisting at the church and teaching at the Bible College, also headed by Pastor Robbie Gorden. After a three year commitment to the church & Bible College we are praying about planting another church where God leads.

http://www.fergusonfour.blogspot.com/

Riots in Uganda

September 10-11

At least two people have been killed in Uganda's capital, Kampala, in clashes between police and rioting supporters of a traditional king.

Police fired tear gas at the protesters who hurled stones and burned tyres. One report said at least seven people died. The demonstrators protested against the government's attempts to stop the king of Buganda from visiting a region near Kampala where violence was feared.

The king has a big influence among the Baganda, Uganda's largest ethnic group.
At least two people were killed in Thursday's riots in central Kampala, police and witnesses said.
But a photographer working for the Associated Press news agency said he had counted seven bodies, adding that all the victims appeared to be civilians.

The protesters fought police from behind burning barricades
King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II - who is constitutionally barred from taking part in national politics - had wanted to visit a hostile part of his community to the north-east of Kampala.
The issue is so sensitive that ethnic Baganda members of parliament walked out of the legislature on Wednesday.

There has also been a long history of tension between the king and central government, particularly over land reform proposals that the Baganda say threaten their community, the BBC's Peter Greste reports.

Buganda is one of four ancient kingdoms in Uganda. It was abolished in 1966 but then restored in the 1990s.

This is a video I quickly put together for sharing at Refuge.

The song is performed and written by Joel Kisayke, a New Hope Student.

Here is what happened....

A little adventure as told by Joel Kisayke and translated to Luganda by Jeremiah Musisi

Hear about my time in Uganda

I will be sharing about my time in Uganda tomorrow (or tonight...depends on when you get this message) at Refuge Calvary Chapel Huntington Beach. Stop by or check out the live Live Stream at http://www.cchb.org/live/ .

Service is at 7 pm, hope to see you there!

I'm Back!

Greetings!

I am now back from Uganda.

I just wanted to say "Thank You" again for all of your prayers and support.

I had a wonderful time truly blessed by the Lord.

Prayer Requests

Things are going well here in Uganda, however there are a few things that could you help with by praying for.

I came to Kampala on Monday to stay with friends for a few days, however I devoloped a strange rash/bumps on Tuesday. Also, my friend Jill who I am staying with has been fighting stomach problems.

We are both working on getting better,

but your prayers would be greatly appreciated.

Funny Moment

Yestarday I was able to visit with friends and had one of the funniest moments since being here. I ended up standing in the middle of a pig pen, in the mud, while it was raining, chasing after a sow and her piglets trying to clean her and give her medicine. Do not worry, they are many pictures that I will hopefully post soon!

I am on my way

I am on my way to Uganda, I cannot believe the time has finally come. I just wanted to take a moment and thank each and every one of you for everything over the past few months. Your prayers and support have meant so much. I am excited for all that I will be doing, seeing, and hearing from the Lord. I will try and keep in touch as much as possible, stay tuned for updates.

Sample Platter

Getting a taste of East Africa in LA

You are cordially invited...

OUCH!!!!

Another step closer on the Road to Uganda. This one included seven shots with a few to go. Wohoo!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Check it out ------------------------------->
only 60 days until I leave!

Things have been busy lately, but very exicting:

1) So very close to being completely funded. Just a mere 9% ($348) left to go

2) Dates are set and tickets are bought. I received my flight schedule last week, it is so exhilirating and scary at the same time.

Please continue to pray for:

- The children and staff of New Hope I will be working with

- Logistics and preparations of the trip

- a construction worker to be able to join the Downey team

- the Downey team ( it is down to two other girls and myself)

Thank you for all your support and prayers!!! I am still amazed that God is letting me do this and I am beyond blessed that I get to share it with you all.

Mission Commission

A Time of Worship and Prayer

Saturday May 16th
(this weekend)

6:30-8:30pm

Calvary Chapel Downey

Fellowship Hall
12808 Woodfruff Ave.

Downey, CA 90242

What a weekend!

Praise Reports:

• It did not rain, so...........


• The Garage Sale was awesome! We raised $810! Thank you to all who helped and donated AND Prayed!!
  
• The Ferguson Four (who are leaving for full time missions in Kenya) also had a fundraiser this weekend and raised more funds needed for their move! God is so good.


• I am very, very close to being fully funded for the trip!! Only $693 left to go.
  
  Prayer Requests:


• My brother in-law passed away on Friday morning quite suddenly. Please pray for my sister, nephew, and all of the family.
• Four year old Daniel, a boy at New Hope Uganda, is in the hospital with cerebral malaria
• The official title to the land and Ugandan staff of New Hope's Musana Camp.


• For continued guidance as I start to prepare for the logistics of the trip.

I would like to give special thanks to all of those who directly helped with the Garage Sale:

Bernie & Steve Rothert & Family, The Banoczi Family, The Maloney Family, Nikki Madigan, Katie Burke, Amber O'Brien, Jonathan Stoner, Dina Iskander, Sonya Lazo, Michelle Williamson, and all those who prayed for God's provision ... and no rain :D

Rain, Rain

Rain, Rain Go Away!

I just read that it is suppose to rain Friday night/Saturday morning...Oh no! Please pray that it holds off until after the garage sale.

Blessings!

Garage Sale

When:

Saturday, May 2nd


Where: 219 West Utica, Huntington Beach


Why: Fundraiser for Uganda Mission Trip


How:

1. Pray


2. Help Out at Sale*


3. Donate Items*

*email or call for more information


Click Here for Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=219%20west%20utica%20huntington%20beach%20ca

I'm Waiting

I’m sure there are few people who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait. Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.” - John Waller

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waitingI will serve You
While I’m waitingI will worship
While I’m waitingI will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24

Thumbs Up

I have received official approval from work

to take the month of August off

for the trip to Uganda !

What a blessing and confirmation.

Thank you for all of your prayers & support.

Stay Tuned for: “These shoes were made for walking”

Praise God!

The bake sale was a HUGE success this past weekend raising :

$1400.00

My Thanks to:

- God for all that He supplied.

- Everyone who helped bake and serve!!

- Diana Olague for video editing

- All who bought and ate the goodies.

Mmm, Mmm Good!

Bake Sale
Date: Saturday April 4th- Sunday April 5th
Location: Refuge CCHB

Stop by for a treat!!

The Countdown has begun...

With dates set and plans made, Uganda is a mere four months away! Now more than ever PRAYER is so important. Please join me in praying for the following:

- A safe and blessed visit to Uganda (August 3rd-28th)
- Me to be open to God’s plans during this trip and the future
- New Hope Uganda (the staff and children)
- Calvary Chapel Uganda (the staff and congregation)
- Continued trust in God to provide all that I need
(mental & physical preparation, financial support, etc.)
- For the Calvary Chapel Downey team I will joining (3rd-17th)

Divine Appointments

Patsy Balinda, Capt. Daniel Musinguzi, Me, Barry Kashambo

Divine Appointment
[di-vahyn uh-point-muh nt]
–noun
A meeting set for a specific time or place proceeding from God
Origin:
From Latin dīvīnus apoynt(e)ment
Example:
Helen has encountered numerous divine appointments, further confirming her call to Uganda.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Two weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting Barry Kashambo, Patsy Balinda, and Captain Daniel Musinguzi of Uganda. Though they were here on business, the Lord blessed me with their fellowship and friendship throughout the week. I look forward to keeping in touch with them and seeing them again this summer in Uganda!

Up Next: Prayer

My Announcement!

Headed to Africa

Katie Burke interviews Helen

Question #1: Africa? Really?
Yep! Can you believe it? I know I have certaintly questioned the Lord a time or two throughout this process. Africa? Really? Just like Moses I have put my fears and inadequacies before the Lord but He has answered back "GO".


Question #2: When did you know you wanted to go?
Well, when I wanted to go and when I knew I was going were two different dates. I have been praying about missions for a couple of years, but I knew I was going to Africa when the Lord spoke to me at a special service back in October. However, I had some anxiety about being called and it was not until recently that I was ready to answer the call.


Question #3: When do you think you will go?
Summer 2009. There are a couple possibilities, so I am praying and seeking the Lord's guidance on when to go. *Prayer Point*


Question #4: What did your family say when you told them?
Awesome! We want to go too! I have a very supportive and wonderful family.


Question #5: Are you afraid of bugs?
I am not afraid of bugs, as long as they are not on me! Now snakes and spiders are another story!! But I have been assured that I will probably not see any snakes, but knowing my luck I am going to see lots of them.


Question #6: What will you be doing there?
Seeing if and where the Lord wants me to serve!! I hope to visit New Hope Uganda, Calvary Chapel Kampala, friends in Kampala and Entebbe, and friends/ministries in Nairobi, Kenya.

Question #7: How long will you stay?
For this first trip, one month. Most of the time I will be in Uganda, but also in Nairobi, Kenya to visit friends and ministries there. I feel the Lord calling me to full time ministry so I am excited to see where God guides me.


Question #8: Do they have a Bank of the West there?

No, but I think this is a grand opportunity for branch expansion!

Question #9: Where's the nearest Target?
Unfortunaly there are no Target stores in Uganda and sadly I read that Target is not pursuing expanding internationally. However, I do believe the closest geographic location would be Miami, Florida.

Question #10: Can I come with you?
Sure! Check with my travel agent. His name is Jesus and he can be reached anywhere, anytime!

Question #11: Will you have to celebrate Kwanza?
I do not think so... I think it is more of an American tradition.

Stay tuned for the next Post:

"Divine Appointments"