Sacramento Trip Update:

A case of mistaken identity, Mercedes Benz, "honk if you love Jesus" signs, a near fatal car crash, vomit, a flooded bath tub (that nobody knew except for 3 certain individuals), a softball game, cops, barbeque, and family were just some of the things our MOMUSA group experienced on their trip to Sacramento. It was trip for the trail blazer, the frontier explorer not because Sacramento was something new, but a friendship encompassing Micronesians, in that area: Northern California, was. It was a trip worth every soul and every photo albums—online albums.

So it began on an early Friday morning, the Suka resident was bombarded with well-wishers and trip goers. The hassle of packing, loading, and trying to stay awake was there. Unkempt hairs, puffy eyes, drowsiness and coffee, too much of it, were also in the mix. Micronesians, Belizeans, and Samoans came together and while the neighborhood was still sleeping, we” quietly” packed our vans, and off we go.

We arrived in Sacramento a little over 8 hours of driving. Though tired but excited, we were welcomed into the house of Mr. Allen Setser and his wife, Esther. We are most grateful for their hospitality, for hosting our group in their home for most of our time up there. That evening as the Setser household was packed with the MOMUSA group and with islanders mostly from Chuuk and Yap, present, there was joyful fellowship, and lots of singing. Our brother Happiness shared the gospel message to all who was there. It was an introductory night with promises of a successful weekend written all over it.

The next day we were ushered to one of the many parks in the city. Soon after, a volleyball game ensued. There was barbeque, local food, rice, and everything necessary for an island party. And it was an Island party! It was one that would rival any parties to come. There was a Bible trivia game going on, and we are pleased to announce that one of our own won a free Starbucks coupon.

That celebration was short-lived though by our MOMUSA boys as the Kosraeans invited them out to a game of softball. At the end of the game, the score was 20 to 7. Though slipping and sliding with an RBI here and there, and some backward home runs, our MOMUSA boys couldn’t overcome the All-star agility and expertise from our Kosraean brothers. Also featured on that day were hula dancing that some of the islanders up there prepared for the event.

That evening the worship was led by our MOMUSA group, and our very own Sato Suka shared the message. No life was untouched that night. Tears flow freely, arms were raised, and hearts were open, even some within our MOMUSA rank felt the need for spiritual renewal. It was a testimony of God’s awesome control in all that MOMUSA does. And we will be forever grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love to people.

Even when the program was over, many more still wanted to share of how God had touched their lives. The miracle that night was the many different places represented, Kosraeans, Yapese, Palauans, Chuukese, Americans, El-Salvadorans, Asians just to name a few. God’s goodness was clearly evident. And prove of that was later shown, when American David Trussell and his wife, Aileen Trussell open their "50" bedroom house (according to J-Two) for our boys to spend the night. And we barely met them!

Sunday morning, at the house of the Trussell family, many more showed up for our worship service. Featuring the famous Kosraean choir type singing and Palauan heartfelt worship singing, the fellowship continued even to that day. Our brother Happiness shared from the book of Timothy, encouraging everybody to share “the things commanded;” To be a good example, in speech, in life, in faith, in purity; to preach and teach the Bible, and to be diligent and watchful. He contends that the best sermons are the ones our lives portray.

But then, like every other trip, the end had to come. Hugs, kisses, phone numbers, emails, and the promise to meet each other again in the future were exchanged. Then into the vans we go and what was supposed to be a short 8 hours drive back home, turned in to an 11 hours of driving with half of our group missing their first class in school. A bit of a bittersweet ending that was worth every minute. Praise the Lord!

So the MOMUSA family would like to thank everybody who contributed to make the trip possible. Although we cannot remember everybody's name, we know that our God will richly reward each and everyone. We especially want to thank the Setser family and our sister Merlyn Landaker for their support and for orchestrating the event. Our gratitude also includes the Calvary Chapel Church in Sacramento, to Pastor Bob and his crew for their willingness to house our event. We thank the Trussell family, once again, and our prayer is that we keep in touch, and start working on a chapter two Sacramento visit. Amen? ...of course.