Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Heading Home
Sorry guys! Haven't had a chance to update in a little while with all the travel and debrief stuff I've had to do. I'm boarding a plane out of Manila in 6 1/2 hours and looking forward to seeing you all. I love and miss you very much. See you soon!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 19, 2009 12:47 pm
Well, spent all day in bed on Friday and Saturday. I wasn't able to preach Friday night. Both of those days felt like the longest days of my life-- very little comfort and very little sleep.
Last night was better, I only woke up once. I was running a fever so I took some medication and immediately fell back asleep. It was a lot of res compared to the previous two nights.
I've felt much better today, which is a blessing because I'm officially out of medication. I still have a sore throat but that will heal with time.
I praise God that I felt well enough to attend the services today. They are the highlight of my week. Open Door Baptist Church is alive and working to expand God's kingdom. After the welcome they acknowledged our team and thanked us for the work that we had done this summer. This will be our last Sunday in San Pablo City because we will be travelling to Manila for debrief next Sunday.
I know that I am the missionary and I came to encourage this body of believers and teach them how to follow God closer, but I think I've learned more from them in these past few months.
Pray that this last week s glory filled and that God's love for the people is poured out through us. Pray that God comforts us and the people of Open Door as we prepare to leave. While I know I may never see many of these people again in this life, I am comforted in knowing I will spend an eternity with them in Heaven. Praise God for His faithfulness. Praise God for His goodness. Praise God for His loving sacrifice. Praise God because He is worthy to be praised!
Last night was better, I only woke up once. I was running a fever so I took some medication and immediately fell back asleep. It was a lot of res compared to the previous two nights.
I've felt much better today, which is a blessing because I'm officially out of medication. I still have a sore throat but that will heal with time.
I praise God that I felt well enough to attend the services today. They are the highlight of my week. Open Door Baptist Church is alive and working to expand God's kingdom. After the welcome they acknowledged our team and thanked us for the work that we had done this summer. This will be our last Sunday in San Pablo City because we will be travelling to Manila for debrief next Sunday.
I know that I am the missionary and I came to encourage this body of believers and teach them how to follow God closer, but I think I've learned more from them in these past few months.
Pray that this last week s glory filled and that God's love for the people is poured out through us. Pray that God comforts us and the people of Open Door as we prepare to leave. While I know I may never see many of these people again in this life, I am comforted in knowing I will spend an eternity with them in Heaven. Praise God for His faithfulness. Praise God for His goodness. Praise God for His loving sacrifice. Praise God because He is worthy to be praised!
July 17, 2009 6:11 am
Gosh, I feel worse than I have in a long time. My nose is congested and its hard to breathe, my throat is sore, and my muscles are aching in my arms and legs. I don't have a lot of medication with me but I'm using what I have.
This s not good because I'm supposed to preach at the prayer meeting this afternoon.
Pray that God removes this sickness if its in His will, or that He gives me a strong voice and clear throat for only twenty minutes so that I can deliver His message.
This s not good because I'm supposed to preach at the prayer meeting this afternoon.
Pray that God removes this sickness if its in His will, or that He gives me a strong voice and clear throat for only twenty minutes so that I can deliver His message.
July 16, 2009 9:13 am
First monthly exam testing day for the students. It's dead around here because all of the kids are locked away studying. The examinations begin at 12:30 today.
Be in prayer for me, I haven't felt very well these last few days. Runny nose, sore throat, headache. I took a long nap yesterday afternoon so hopefully that helps!
I also feel like I'm under attack from Satan. There are so many things going through my mind and nothing seems to make much sense.
My prayer today is Ephesians 6:12, without acknowledging my enemy I can't overcome Him.
Be in prayer for me, I haven't felt very well these last few days. Runny nose, sore throat, headache. I took a long nap yesterday afternoon so hopefully that helps!
I also feel like I'm under attack from Satan. There are so many things going through my mind and nothing seems to make much sense.
My prayer today is Ephesians 6:12, without acknowledging my enemy I can't overcome Him.
June 14, 2009 3:10 pm
Going to the mall in Lipa provided a nice break. I'm done with my shopping for people back home. We ate a Pizza Hut again for lunch. In the afternoon Krista and Hailey got massages and Jenny and I watched Ice Age 3.
This morning we got around and helped the kids with chores. I prepared my devotional for Friday while Hailey and Krista worked on their monthly exams for Christian Education. I'm breaking apart Acts 12 and discussing 6 major aspects of the power of prayer. I'm excited for this opportunity!
This afternoon we ran to the local market to get a few errands accomplished. I went ahead and got another haircut.
Rained ALL DAY again!
This morning we got around and helped the kids with chores. I prepared my devotional for Friday while Hailey and Krista worked on their monthly exams for Christian Education. I'm breaking apart Acts 12 and discussing 6 major aspects of the power of prayer. I'm excited for this opportunity!
This afternoon we ran to the local market to get a few errands accomplished. I went ahead and got another haircut.
Rained ALL DAY again!
July 13, 2009 9:26 am
Sunday Recap:
Sunday school went really well. I had 7 kids so it was very manageable. Jake was in Hailey's class and he got in trouble because he wouldn't listen to her. He would only stand in the corner and yell "Shut up!" He is one kids that needs a lot of individual attention. He has all the potential in the world but he is not in an environment that provides the structure he needs.
The service was very good. After the service one of the associate pastors asked me to preach a the next two prayer services. Pray that God uses me to encourage and build up His church body in San Pablo City.
Today we are going to the mall in Lipa to finish our souvenir shopping. School is cancelled and its pouring outside because another typhoon is in the area. Its very quiet around the Open Door complex.
Sunday school went really well. I had 7 kids so it was very manageable. Jake was in Hailey's class and he got in trouble because he wouldn't listen to her. He would only stand in the corner and yell "Shut up!" He is one kids that needs a lot of individual attention. He has all the potential in the world but he is not in an environment that provides the structure he needs.
The service was very good. After the service one of the associate pastors asked me to preach a the next two prayer services. Pray that God uses me to encourage and build up His church body in San Pablo City.
Today we are going to the mall in Lipa to finish our souvenir shopping. School is cancelled and its pouring outside because another typhoon is in the area. Its very quiet around the Open Door complex.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Prayer Request
Sorry, I only have a few minutes tonight so I won't have time to enter my journal entries for the week. I will update on Sunday evening.
I ask that you all pray for me, I am not feeling very well. I spent the day in bed and you wouldn't believe how long a day can seem if you are sick, but can't sleep.
I only have 8 more days at the orphanage and I don't want to waste a minute of that time in bed. Pray that the medicine starts working and that the Lord gives me strength like only He can.
I ask that you all pray for me, I am not feeling very well. I spent the day in bed and you wouldn't believe how long a day can seem if you are sick, but can't sleep.
I only have 8 more days at the orphanage and I don't want to waste a minute of that time in bed. Pray that the medicine starts working and that the Lord gives me strength like only He can.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
June 11, 2009 1:31 pm
This morning has been very calm. All of the kids are busy doing their Saturday chores. It gave us time to plan out our ministry schedule for the last two weeks.
This is kind of interesting-- supposedly there is a confirmed case of (A)H1N1 at a neighboring school. Open Door Christian Academy closed school next Monday-Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are monthly exam testing days so the kids will only come Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Filipinos are very nervous about an outbreak because they say their government is not prepared. They don't have any medication readily available.
Tomorrow is Sunday! I'm teaching the 5th and 6th grade Sunday school classes. In the afternoon we will go to Conception for Mission Points.
This is kind of interesting-- supposedly there is a confirmed case of (A)H1N1 at a neighboring school. Open Door Christian Academy closed school next Monday-Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are monthly exam testing days so the kids will only come Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. Filipinos are very nervous about an outbreak because they say their government is not prepared. They don't have any medication readily available.
Tomorrow is Sunday! I'm teaching the 5th and 6th grade Sunday school classes. In the afternoon we will go to Conception for Mission Points.
June 10, 2009 11:03 pm
So... I have to go buy a 2nd suitcase. I've already planned to shove Jake in the first one, and now I need room for Kenneth too.
Kenneth is five years old and the baby of the orphanage. By "baby", I mean the youngest, because he is one of the toughest kids here. He is a very independent child that does not give affection easily. Usually he entertains himself for hours chasing bugs or killing ants. Tonight I walked into the common room of the orphanage and he was sitting on the couch, alone in the room, crying. I sat down beside him and asked him if he was alright. He shook his head no and crawled in my lap, laying his head on my chest. In a matter of minutes he managed to cry himself to sleep. I couldn't help but imagine how BIG God's plans are for this little boy in my arms. I prayed over him as I rubbed his back. Eventually, I carried him upstairs and tucked him in.
While all of the orphans have needs, their greatest need is the need for love.
Lord, I stand amazed at the beauty of your creation. I know that you have plans for every single child in this orphanage. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their lives for the summer. You are my Rock and I praise You always.
Kenneth is five years old and the baby of the orphanage. By "baby", I mean the youngest, because he is one of the toughest kids here. He is a very independent child that does not give affection easily. Usually he entertains himself for hours chasing bugs or killing ants. Tonight I walked into the common room of the orphanage and he was sitting on the couch, alone in the room, crying. I sat down beside him and asked him if he was alright. He shook his head no and crawled in my lap, laying his head on my chest. In a matter of minutes he managed to cry himself to sleep. I couldn't help but imagine how BIG God's plans are for this little boy in my arms. I prayed over him as I rubbed his back. Eventually, I carried him upstairs and tucked him in.
While all of the orphans have needs, their greatest need is the need for love.
Lord, I stand amazed at the beauty of your creation. I know that you have plans for every single child in this orphanage. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their lives for the summer. You are my Rock and I praise You always.
July 9, 2009 8:56 pm
I had the opportunity to share the story of Jesus' death and resurrection in my classes today. I closed the lesson sharing the plan of salvation using the illustration of the cross becoming a bridge that allows us to have a personal relationship with God. Pray that the students are receptive to the message. The idea of a personal relationship is hard to grasp because the Catholic church has such a strong hold on this country.
Today has been a little rough, but I realize now that is because I've allowed it to be. I carried Wednesday's problem into Thursday-- no one showed up to the guys' bible study. My immediate reaction was hurtfulness or even embarrassment. It took me a day to put things in perspective. I'm making something about me when its not. It should only be about God.
God still has a plan, and even if I'm unsure of the plan now, I know that I will continually seek Him out. Instead of thinking about my own concerns, I should be asking myself what He's taught me through this struggle. God doesn't need me or my bible study to reveal His glory.
I'm really focusing on prayer these next few days and seeking the direction that He would have me go. I ask that you join me in this prayer.
I also ask for prayer tomorrow afternoon as I give the devotional during chapel hour to the school. English is not their first language, so pray specifically for understanding.
It's amazing how fast this week went by. I'll be home in 21 days!
Remember Ephesians 6:12, while it may be more evident in places like the Philippines, it is no less true in America. There is a battle being waged that can only be won through prayer. Are you in the fight?
Today has been a little rough, but I realize now that is because I've allowed it to be. I carried Wednesday's problem into Thursday-- no one showed up to the guys' bible study. My immediate reaction was hurtfulness or even embarrassment. It took me a day to put things in perspective. I'm making something about me when its not. It should only be about God.
God still has a plan, and even if I'm unsure of the plan now, I know that I will continually seek Him out. Instead of thinking about my own concerns, I should be asking myself what He's taught me through this struggle. God doesn't need me or my bible study to reveal His glory.
I'm really focusing on prayer these next few days and seeking the direction that He would have me go. I ask that you join me in this prayer.
I also ask for prayer tomorrow afternoon as I give the devotional during chapel hour to the school. English is not their first language, so pray specifically for understanding.
It's amazing how fast this week went by. I'll be home in 21 days!
Remember Ephesians 6:12, while it may be more evident in places like the Philippines, it is no less true in America. There is a battle being waged that can only be won through prayer. Are you in the fight?
June 8, 2009 12:40 pm
It has been very hot today!! That is usually a good sign that it will rain this evening.
I'm very excited, but also nervous for the bible study this afternoon. We are going to play a few team building games and then read over the "Parable of the Soils" with them. While I fear the unknown, I know that my unknown is where God shines brightest.
I'm so grateful for this summer.
I'm very excited, but also nervous for the bible study this afternoon. We are going to play a few team building games and then read over the "Parable of the Soils" with them. While I fear the unknown, I know that my unknown is where God shines brightest.
I'm so grateful for this summer.
June 7, 2009 9:39 pm
Prayer Requests:
-That God speaks through me as I lead the guys' bible study tomorrow.
-That I rely on God and He prepares my heart to lead the devotional at the chapel service on Friday afternoon. Pray that the kids understand the message.
-Pray for the kids in my first year class, that they are receptive to the message I shared about God's love and their need for a Savior.
-Rachel, as she goes to MD Anderson for a follow up MRI.
Prayer Praises:
-The encouragement that I receive from my church family.
-The doors of opportunity that God has opened to myself and my team.
-The love that He has given me and the ability to share that love with the people around me.
-A family that supports me and loves me.
-That God speaks through me as I lead the guys' bible study tomorrow.
-That I rely on God and He prepares my heart to lead the devotional at the chapel service on Friday afternoon. Pray that the kids understand the message.
-Pray for the kids in my first year class, that they are receptive to the message I shared about God's love and their need for a Savior.
-Rachel, as she goes to MD Anderson for a follow up MRI.
Prayer Praises:
-The encouragement that I receive from my church family.
-The doors of opportunity that God has opened to myself and my team.
-The love that He has given me and the ability to share that love with the people around me.
-A family that supports me and loves me.
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009 8:44 pm
Thank you to everyone who is following my blog and praying for me! It is really encouraging to get comments and I apologize for not having time to respond to them.
God is doing amazing things and my hope is to share those things with you so that you can be a part of the Great Commission too. Whether that is praying, sending, going, or mobilizing-- we are all called to participate. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
God is doing amazing things and my hope is to share those things with you so that you can be a part of the Great Commission too. Whether that is praying, sending, going, or mobilizing-- we are all called to participate. God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.
July 6, 2009 6:39 am
Quick recap of Sunday:
The girls slept in until 9:30, but I got up at 8:00. I had my quiet time on the beach and then went for a swim in the ocean. I love when you can just sit back and take in God's creation. He is amazing.
After breakfast, Hailey and I kayaked through the mangrove forest. It started to rain so we didn't get any pictures but the rain also cooled us down. Our guide, Jeff, was very down to earth and friendly. The mangrove forest reminded me of a scene out of the movie "Anaconda"-- large trees growing out of swampy water with very little sunlight breaking through the forest canopy. We saw a few stingrays and Jeff pointed out a three foot shark but we missed it.
We left Subic Bay at 12:45 and arrived back in San Pablo City by 9:30. I did laundry, took a shower, and went to bed.
After I went to bed, I had a very interesting experience. Remember those "neighbors" I talked about a few weeks ago-- they came for a visit. The rats are too large to get inside the bedrooms unless we leave the doors open. So you are supposed to always close the door when you come and go. While we were gone, the kids cleaned our rooms and left the doors open all day. Not good. I had only been laying down for 15 or 20 minutes when I heard a rat under my bed. I decided to just ignore it. A few minutes later it was rustling through my trash can so I had to do something about it. When I shined my flashlight at it, it took off running back under my bed. Not a big deal. I went back to sleep. About an hour and a half later (12:30pm) it wakes me up as it runs across my body in bed. After this, I can not sleep. Call me a wuss, I don't care. :) The rest of my night consisted of shining the flashlight at it every 30 minutes or so to get it to leave and sleeping in 15 minute segments. It wasn't fun. I was having nightmares about it carrying me off in my sleep. haha. I left my bedroom door open all morning hoping that I would lose one rat instead of gaining three more. I let you know how it goes tonight but I've already made preparations to sleep on the couch in the heat. I'd rather sweat than share my bed.
The girls slept in until 9:30, but I got up at 8:00. I had my quiet time on the beach and then went for a swim in the ocean. I love when you can just sit back and take in God's creation. He is amazing.
After breakfast, Hailey and I kayaked through the mangrove forest. It started to rain so we didn't get any pictures but the rain also cooled us down. Our guide, Jeff, was very down to earth and friendly. The mangrove forest reminded me of a scene out of the movie "Anaconda"-- large trees growing out of swampy water with very little sunlight breaking through the forest canopy. We saw a few stingrays and Jeff pointed out a three foot shark but we missed it.
We left Subic Bay at 12:45 and arrived back in San Pablo City by 9:30. I did laundry, took a shower, and went to bed.
After I went to bed, I had a very interesting experience. Remember those "neighbors" I talked about a few weeks ago-- they came for a visit. The rats are too large to get inside the bedrooms unless we leave the doors open. So you are supposed to always close the door when you come and go. While we were gone, the kids cleaned our rooms and left the doors open all day. Not good. I had only been laying down for 15 or 20 minutes when I heard a rat under my bed. I decided to just ignore it. A few minutes later it was rustling through my trash can so I had to do something about it. When I shined my flashlight at it, it took off running back under my bed. Not a big deal. I went back to sleep. About an hour and a half later (12:30pm) it wakes me up as it runs across my body in bed. After this, I can not sleep. Call me a wuss, I don't care. :) The rest of my night consisted of shining the flashlight at it every 30 minutes or so to get it to leave and sleeping in 15 minute segments. It wasn't fun. I was having nightmares about it carrying me off in my sleep. haha. I left my bedroom door open all morning hoping that I would lose one rat instead of gaining three more. I let you know how it goes tonight but I've already made preparations to sleep on the couch in the heat. I'd rather sweat than share my bed.
July 4, 2009 10:16 pm
Happy Fourth of July!!
I celebrated the fourth swimming with two dolphins (Tonka and Zac), holding tigers, feeding crocodiles chicken, hunting for starfish, holding an anaconda, and snorkeling at sunset. Today has been non-stop. We didn't have time to make it to Treetop Adventure (ziplining).
The food at the resort is amazing and cheap! I ordered grilled chicken kebabs for lunch AND dinner that are made just like Dad makes them at home. They were under $2.00.
I thin I'm going to wake up at 7:30 or 8:00 and have my quiet time on the beach. We plan to stay through lunch and then begin our trek to San Pablo City (8-9 hours on a bus). Yay!
I celebrated the fourth swimming with two dolphins (Tonka and Zac), holding tigers, feeding crocodiles chicken, hunting for starfish, holding an anaconda, and snorkeling at sunset. Today has been non-stop. We didn't have time to make it to Treetop Adventure (ziplining).
The food at the resort is amazing and cheap! I ordered grilled chicken kebabs for lunch AND dinner that are made just like Dad makes them at home. They were under $2.00.
I thin I'm going to wake up at 7:30 or 8:00 and have my quiet time on the beach. We plan to stay through lunch and then begin our trek to San Pablo City (8-9 hours on a bus). Yay!
July 3, 2009 11:10 pm
Today went really smooth, but I'm starting to think that this vacation is going to wear me out. This morning we slept in until 8:30. By 9:30 we were in the Mall of Asia eating Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast. I got a lot of souvenirs at a few stores while Krista and Hailey went on a hunt to find swim suits since they forgot to pack one. We had lunch at Subway, but it just wasn't the same. They didn't offer monterrey cheddar bread, turkey, ranch dressing, or cheddar cheese. :)
We got on the bus at 3:30 and headed to Subic Bay. After 4 1/2 hours we finally arrived. We grabbed a quick dinner at McDonald's and then took a taxi to our hotel (Cayaman Beach Resort). The hotel is amazing! It's right on the beach and offers kayaking, snorkeling, water tubing, boat rides, water jousting, beach volleyball, and more.
Go to subicboard.com for some information about the area.
As much fun as everything has been, I wish I had the people that I love here with me to enjoy it. It's just not the same when you can't experience it with the people most important to you.
We got on the bus at 3:30 and headed to Subic Bay. After 4 1/2 hours we finally arrived. We grabbed a quick dinner at McDonald's and then took a taxi to our hotel (Cayaman Beach Resort). The hotel is amazing! It's right on the beach and offers kayaking, snorkeling, water tubing, boat rides, water jousting, beach volleyball, and more.
Go to subicboard.com for some information about the area.
As much fun as everything has been, I wish I had the people that I love here with me to enjoy it. It's just not the same when you can't experience it with the people most important to you.
July 2, 2009 11:31 pm
This has been a long day. Here is a little recap:
6:00 am Wake up
7:30 Class
9:00 Went to the bank to make a deposit for the dolphin swim
10:45 1st Year Education class
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Left San Pablo City on a public bus heading to Manila
3:00 Arrived in Manila and checked into Atrium Hotel
4:00 Headed to Mall of Asia (largest mall in Asia)
5:00 Ordered sizzlin' chicken and shrimp at TGI Fridays
7:30 Watched Transformers 2 on IMAX screen
11:00 pm Arrived at hotel
I'm going to take a minute and brag on myself. I have mastered public transportation in the Philippines. 1 bus ride and 6 jeepney rides in one day and I didn't get lost once! Thank you Lord.
6:00 am Wake up
7:30 Class
9:00 Went to the bank to make a deposit for the dolphin swim
10:45 1st Year Education class
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Left San Pablo City on a public bus heading to Manila
3:00 Arrived in Manila and checked into Atrium Hotel
4:00 Headed to Mall of Asia (largest mall in Asia)
5:00 Ordered sizzlin' chicken and shrimp at TGI Fridays
7:30 Watched Transformers 2 on IMAX screen
11:00 pm Arrived at hotel
I'm going to take a minute and brag on myself. I have mastered public transportation in the Philippines. 1 bus ride and 6 jeepney rides in one day and I didn't get lost once! Thank you Lord.
July 1, 2009 7:46 am
Its July! Wow. I will be leaving San Pablo City in 25 short days and heading to Manila for debrief.
The girls had their first bible study last night and it went well. They had 25-30 girls and only a handful were girls from the orphanage. While the orphanage is our primary ministry, most of those kids are already Christians. The school, on the other hand, services a large number of students with a variety of beliefs and perspectives. It's those kids who my heart breaks for-- kids who haven't taken a step of faith and placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
I feel like God is really leading me to start a guys midweek bible study. Pray that He gives me words to share. Pray that He leads me to the right scripture and uses me to impact these guys.
My Christian Education classes are going really well. I'm starting to feel like time is running out though. Would it have been better to talk about the cross the very first day so that I had more time to find out what my kids believed? Am I being as effective as possible with the time that I have left?
This is where I have to take a step back and acknowledge that God is in control. Nothing is done without Him and He doesn't worry about time because He created time. In my own strength I pray that I am nothing.
Lord, I thank you and praise you for this opportunity that I've had to come to the Philippines. I pray that I surrender to you daily. You are my Savior. I love you. Thank you for the heart that you gave me for the nations. I pray that you give me a faith like Job's and that I never hesitate to trust in you. You are my first love, my provider, my protector, my comforter, and my God. Amen.
The girls had their first bible study last night and it went well. They had 25-30 girls and only a handful were girls from the orphanage. While the orphanage is our primary ministry, most of those kids are already Christians. The school, on the other hand, services a large number of students with a variety of beliefs and perspectives. It's those kids who my heart breaks for-- kids who haven't taken a step of faith and placed their trust in Jesus Christ.
I feel like God is really leading me to start a guys midweek bible study. Pray that He gives me words to share. Pray that He leads me to the right scripture and uses me to impact these guys.
My Christian Education classes are going really well. I'm starting to feel like time is running out though. Would it have been better to talk about the cross the very first day so that I had more time to find out what my kids believed? Am I being as effective as possible with the time that I have left?
This is where I have to take a step back and acknowledge that God is in control. Nothing is done without Him and He doesn't worry about time because He created time. In my own strength I pray that I am nothing.
Lord, I thank you and praise you for this opportunity that I've had to come to the Philippines. I pray that I surrender to you daily. You are my Savior. I love you. Thank you for the heart that you gave me for the nations. I pray that you give me a faith like Job's and that I never hesitate to trust in you. You are my first love, my provider, my protector, my comforter, and my God. Amen.
June 30, 2009 6:29 am
I missed a few days so I will give you a quick recap:
SUNDAY
Church was awesome! They sang a song that I really liked but wasn't familiar with. It's called "I'm Singing" and one of the parts says, "I'm singing to the God who wrote the book on our creation." It was very good. Some of the other songs that we sang included: "Shout to the Lord", "Power of Your Love", and "Heart of Worship." We sang "Heart of Worship" all the way through without any instruments.
The church is ahead of the game and already started two house churches in rural areas around San Pablo City. They send groups to both locations every Sunday afternoon. Jenny, Laura, and I went to Conception and Hailey and Krista went to the other location. Conception reminded me of my first Nicaragua trip-- very rural, very poor, lots of animals, lots of kids, a HUGE need. Getting there was kinda interesting. I took my first "trike" or tricycle ride. Basically its a small motorcycle with a side cart. We fit three people on the motorcycle and four people in the side cart. It was a lot of fun! Through this ministry I've been able to form better relationships with some of the youth that attend.
MONDAY
Monday just flew by! I wrote a blog for nehemiahteams.blogpot.com about being the only guy on a team of girls. Check it out...
TUESDAY
Tuesday went by even faster than Monday. I led the devotional tonight for our team. I read 1 Thessalonians 3:11 where it talks about encouraging one another. I'm getting tired and I know the others are too. We love being here and singing God move. We are so grateful to be a part of it, but we miss our friends and family very much. We need to make an effort to encourage each other regularly to keep our ministry going.
SUNDAY
Church was awesome! They sang a song that I really liked but wasn't familiar with. It's called "I'm Singing" and one of the parts says, "I'm singing to the God who wrote the book on our creation." It was very good. Some of the other songs that we sang included: "Shout to the Lord", "Power of Your Love", and "Heart of Worship." We sang "Heart of Worship" all the way through without any instruments.
The church is ahead of the game and already started two house churches in rural areas around San Pablo City. They send groups to both locations every Sunday afternoon. Jenny, Laura, and I went to Conception and Hailey and Krista went to the other location. Conception reminded me of my first Nicaragua trip-- very rural, very poor, lots of animals, lots of kids, a HUGE need. Getting there was kinda interesting. I took my first "trike" or tricycle ride. Basically its a small motorcycle with a side cart. We fit three people on the motorcycle and four people in the side cart. It was a lot of fun! Through this ministry I've been able to form better relationships with some of the youth that attend.
MONDAY
Monday just flew by! I wrote a blog for nehemiahteams.blogpot.com about being the only guy on a team of girls. Check it out...
TUESDAY
Tuesday went by even faster than Monday. I led the devotional tonight for our team. I read 1 Thessalonians 3:11 where it talks about encouraging one another. I'm getting tired and I know the others are too. We love being here and singing God move. We are so grateful to be a part of it, but we miss our friends and family very much. We need to make an effort to encourage each other regularly to keep our ministry going.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Media Person
Our media person is here. Check the nehemiahteams.blogspot.com site for updates about our team. She has posted a few pictures! I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow if possible too!!
There are six different media people so you'll just have to look through the recently posted blogs. Our orphanage is Open Door.
There are six different media people so you'll just have to look through the recently posted blogs. Our orphanage is Open Door.
June 26, 2009 6:14 am
In exactly 30 days I'll be leaving San Pablo City and heading to debrief in Manila. This summer is flying by!
We are leading chapel today at 3:45 for the school. Jenny is teaching the devotional for this one. I will be leading the chapel service on July 10.
11:24 pm
I just walked out of the girls' room and saw a rat running across the living room floor. I literally thought it was a squirrel at first because it was so big. Then I walked in my room to find a cockroach in my shoe. After taking a shower, I was brushing my teeth at the sink with the bathroom door open. I looked into the living room and that same rat was in the middle of the floor eating something. It was less that 10 feet from me-- checking me out as it ate it's meal. I can't say that its not exciting here. :)
We are leading chapel today at 3:45 for the school. Jenny is teaching the devotional for this one. I will be leading the chapel service on July 10.
11:24 pm
I just walked out of the girls' room and saw a rat running across the living room floor. I literally thought it was a squirrel at first because it was so big. Then I walked in my room to find a cockroach in my shoe. After taking a shower, I was brushing my teeth at the sink with the bathroom door open. I looked into the living room and that same rat was in the middle of the floor eating something. It was less that 10 feet from me-- checking me out as it ate it's meal. I can't say that its not exciting here. :)
June 25, 2009 2:49 pm
Well the typhoon reminded me of a few snow days that I've experienced in Oklahoma. Nothing happened. Kuya Jeff said it was delayed by Filipino traffic. ;)
I taught Christian education today. I wish I had more time with the students. Only one hour every Tuesday and Thursday is not a lot of time to build relationships. We covered the Savior's birth this week.
Prayer Request:
I'm looking at starting a guys' bible study. Pray that the planning and timing work out and that guys are interested in coming. Pray that this is used as a tool to expand God's Kingdom.
I taught Christian education today. I wish I had more time with the students. Only one hour every Tuesday and Thursday is not a lot of time to build relationships. We covered the Savior's birth this week.
Prayer Request:
I'm looking at starting a guys' bible study. Pray that the planning and timing work out and that guys are interested in coming. Pray that this is used as a tool to expand God's Kingdom.
June 24, 2009 9:15 am
Woke up to a surprise today. A typhoon is expected to hit later this afternoon so school was cancelled. I got to sleep in until 7:30. Jenny is betting that if it hits today we won't have school tomorrow. That would kinda stink because I wouldn't see my students in Christian education for a whole week.
A Typhoon hit last summer and San Pablo City didn't have electricity for three days. That would mean no showers. We would be kinda stinky.
This is a down day for us. Since it's pouring outside, the kids are all hanging out inside. Ate Aia and several other ladies made a trip to the grocery store to stock up in case we are on our own for a few days. We are far enough inland that we would only experience heavy rain, high winds, and possible power outages.
Laura, our media person, is supposed to be arriving tomorrow but she might get delayed due to the weather. She'll stay with us for a week and blog every other day. Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates about our team.
A Typhoon hit last summer and San Pablo City didn't have electricity for three days. That would mean no showers. We would be kinda stinky.
This is a down day for us. Since it's pouring outside, the kids are all hanging out inside. Ate Aia and several other ladies made a trip to the grocery store to stock up in case we are on our own for a few days. We are far enough inland that we would only experience heavy rain, high winds, and possible power outages.
Laura, our media person, is supposed to be arriving tomorrow but she might get delayed due to the weather. She'll stay with us for a week and blog every other day. Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates about our team.
June 23, 2009 12:50 pm
Just got done with my lunch and I have an hour until my next class. I just got done grading my 1st years quizzes and they weren't very pretty. I'm going to have to decide if it was too hard or they just didn't study. Two or three made 100% out of 19. I'll wait and see how my 2nd years do at 1:45.
JM, Ben Mark, Krista, Hailey, Lemwell, Olen, and I stayed up until 10:30 last night talking and singing. We went to the roof of the church (4 story building) where we could see the majority of San Pablo City.
Yesterday afternoon Jake was wearing a shirt 10 times his size that had stains and make-up all over it. The collar was stretched to his waist. I was told that he found it in the dumpster. I made him take it off and he wasn't very happy. he told me he wanted to keep it and wash it but I didn't let him. We went to the guys dorm to get him another shirt. ALL of his clothes consisted of 3 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 1 pair of long pants. That explained why he always wears a white muscle t-shirt that is stained brown and hard from dried sweat. I don't know what to do. I could afford to buy Jake new clothes, but there are also 40 other orphans. Not all of them are as bad off as Jake, but they all have needs. I can't help them all.
Pray that God gives me wisdom and understanding. I also pray that He gives me peace. He is in control and He loves Jake, and every other orphan, more than I could ever imagine. Regardless of worldly circumstances, God is good.
JM, Ben Mark, Krista, Hailey, Lemwell, Olen, and I stayed up until 10:30 last night talking and singing. We went to the roof of the church (4 story building) where we could see the majority of San Pablo City.
Yesterday afternoon Jake was wearing a shirt 10 times his size that had stains and make-up all over it. The collar was stretched to his waist. I was told that he found it in the dumpster. I made him take it off and he wasn't very happy. he told me he wanted to keep it and wash it but I didn't let him. We went to the guys dorm to get him another shirt. ALL of his clothes consisted of 3 shirts, 2 pairs of shorts, and 1 pair of long pants. That explained why he always wears a white muscle t-shirt that is stained brown and hard from dried sweat. I don't know what to do. I could afford to buy Jake new clothes, but there are also 40 other orphans. Not all of them are as bad off as Jake, but they all have needs. I can't help them all.
Pray that God gives me wisdom and understanding. I also pray that He gives me peace. He is in control and He loves Jake, and every other orphan, more than I could ever imagine. Regardless of worldly circumstances, God is good.
June 22, 2009 12:40 pm
6:00 am came early this morning after three days of sleeping in until 7:30. Jenny and I finished our lesson plans for the next two weeks and we are going to go to the market after school to make copies of our lessons. We also plan to do a little research for our vacation.
July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th is considered our "mid-summer vacation" and we are free to travel anywhere in the Philippines during that time. We are looking at traveling about 6 hours north (by bus) to Subic Bay where there is a beach resort. Hailey wants to swim with dolphins and I want to zip line through the jungle-- supposedly they offer both. We would travel Thursday afternoon to Manila and stay in Manila Thursday night. Friday we plan to go to the Mall of Asia all day. We would head north to Subic Friday night and stay there through Sunday morning.
I tried durian (spelling?) last night. It is a popular fruit that smells worse than most road kill. It's shell actually resembles a porcupine. Whats worse is that it doesn't taste much better than I imagine road kill would taste like. It was bad...
I was told that I won't be able to eat chicken head or pig intestine because of the way that it's prepared. Kuya Jeff said I would get typhoid fever. :)
Prayer Requests:
- The FBC Choctaw group in Nicaragua this week and their ministry there.
-My Christian education classes as I prepare to share my testimony and the plan of salvation.
-The orphans, that they always feel loved.
-My "home sickness" as I'm at the halfway point.
-Team unity and a shared vision.
- and most importantly, that God's will is done.
James 1:2-4 is my prayer today.
July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th is considered our "mid-summer vacation" and we are free to travel anywhere in the Philippines during that time. We are looking at traveling about 6 hours north (by bus) to Subic Bay where there is a beach resort. Hailey wants to swim with dolphins and I want to zip line through the jungle-- supposedly they offer both. We would travel Thursday afternoon to Manila and stay in Manila Thursday night. Friday we plan to go to the Mall of Asia all day. We would head north to Subic Friday night and stay there through Sunday morning.
I tried durian (spelling?) last night. It is a popular fruit that smells worse than most road kill. It's shell actually resembles a porcupine. Whats worse is that it doesn't taste much better than I imagine road kill would taste like. It was bad...
I was told that I won't be able to eat chicken head or pig intestine because of the way that it's prepared. Kuya Jeff said I would get typhoid fever. :)
Prayer Requests:
- The FBC Choctaw group in Nicaragua this week and their ministry there.
-My Christian education classes as I prepare to share my testimony and the plan of salvation.
-The orphans, that they always feel loved.
-My "home sickness" as I'm at the halfway point.
-Team unity and a shared vision.
- and most importantly, that God's will is done.
James 1:2-4 is my prayer today.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
June 21, 2009 12:15 pm
Just got out of church. I love Sunday mornings. The people have a passion for the Lord that is contagious. Some of the guys in the praise band knew I loved "Mighty to Save" so they sang it this morning.
Lord, I'm amazed daily at how You reveal Yourself to me. I pray that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and that I earnestly desire to tell others about You. Thank you for loving me.
I want to give you a little background on one of my favorites-- Jake.
When Jake was younger, he lived in Manila with his father, mother, and six older siblings. His father was a businessman and made enough money to support their family. One day, when his dad was at the airport, he was killed in a bombing. Jake's mother struggled emotionally and never really recovered. She stopped providing and caring for the kids. The family moved to the mountains and lived on the streets. The kids became street beggars in order to survive. While on the streets, Jake and his three older brothers caught a rare skin disease that causes light spots to appear on your skin. It will kill you if left untreated. Two of his brothers died from the disease before they came to live at the orphanage. Jake and his older brother, Junior, show the effects of the disease but are being treated so it is not progressively getting worse. Jake is a handful. Some would label him as a "terror". He pees in the middle of the courtyard, says "yes" if I say "no", and constantly climbs on me; but that doesn't change the fact that I love him. One minute he frustrates me so much, and the next minute he is kissing my cheek and hugging my neck. When I walked outside this morning, he was waiting for me with a flower that he had picked (from the neighbors flower garden). He ran to me yelling "Kuya Sean, Kuya Sean" and I picked him up in my arms. He told me "Happy Father's Day" and gave me the flower.
God has taught me so much in these few weeks through this six year old boy. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me this summer! God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Lord, I'm amazed daily at how You reveal Yourself to me. I pray that I'm filled with the Holy Spirit and that I earnestly desire to tell others about You. Thank you for loving me.
I want to give you a little background on one of my favorites-- Jake.
When Jake was younger, he lived in Manila with his father, mother, and six older siblings. His father was a businessman and made enough money to support their family. One day, when his dad was at the airport, he was killed in a bombing. Jake's mother struggled emotionally and never really recovered. She stopped providing and caring for the kids. The family moved to the mountains and lived on the streets. The kids became street beggars in order to survive. While on the streets, Jake and his three older brothers caught a rare skin disease that causes light spots to appear on your skin. It will kill you if left untreated. Two of his brothers died from the disease before they came to live at the orphanage. Jake and his older brother, Junior, show the effects of the disease but are being treated so it is not progressively getting worse. Jake is a handful. Some would label him as a "terror". He pees in the middle of the courtyard, says "yes" if I say "no", and constantly climbs on me; but that doesn't change the fact that I love him. One minute he frustrates me so much, and the next minute he is kissing my cheek and hugging my neck. When I walked outside this morning, he was waiting for me with a flower that he had picked (from the neighbors flower garden). He ran to me yelling "Kuya Sean, Kuya Sean" and I picked him up in my arms. He told me "Happy Father's Day" and gave me the flower.
God has taught me so much in these few weeks through this six year old boy. I can't wait to see what else He has in store for me this summer! God is good all the time. All the time God is good.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
June 20, 2009 7:46 am
I just finished my QT over Acts 8 and I'm getting ready to head downstairs for breakfast. I need to do some laundry today so that i have clean clothes for the first of next week.
The computer at the orphanage has a virus so we are going to the computer cafe to connect today. It kind of stinks because we have to go as a group. I'm getting on for an hour tonight and an hour tomorrow evening.
The plan is to play some organized games with the older orphans today. We learned some at orientation that we are going to teach them.
I'm up to 9 verses now and it is starting to get more challenging to remember them with accuracy. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 13:7, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and 1 John 1:9.
10:50 am
Just discovered that I had $300 stolen from me. Ate Aia found 5,000 pesos ($100) on one of the orphans and knew it was not his. He is older, 13 or 14, and has a reputation of stealing. He traded the $300 on the street for 6,000 pesos ($120) and spent 1,000 pesos. I'm upset with myself that I left the money out and caused the situation. I won't go into detail about his punishment but it is severe. Pray that I get a chance to let him know that I forgive him and that God works good into this situation.
The computer at the orphanage has a virus so we are going to the computer cafe to connect today. It kind of stinks because we have to go as a group. I'm getting on for an hour tonight and an hour tomorrow evening.
The plan is to play some organized games with the older orphans today. We learned some at orientation that we are going to teach them.
I'm up to 9 verses now and it is starting to get more challenging to remember them with accuracy. Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 13:7, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, and 1 John 1:9.
10:50 am
Just discovered that I had $300 stolen from me. Ate Aia found 5,000 pesos ($100) on one of the orphans and knew it was not his. He is older, 13 or 14, and has a reputation of stealing. He traded the $300 on the street for 6,000 pesos ($120) and spent 1,000 pesos. I'm upset with myself that I left the money out and caused the situation. I won't go into detail about his punishment but it is severe. Pray that I get a chance to let him know that I forgive him and that God works good into this situation.
June 19, 2009 11:25 pm
The day went as follows:
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 QT and World Christian Bible Study
10:00 Took a van to SM Mall in Lipa
12:30 Ate at Pizz Hut (and it was awesome!)
1:00 Bought 2 O'Neil bathing suits for $6.00
3:00 Headed back to San Pablo
4:15 Arrived at Open Door
5:30 Church Prayer Meeting
7:00 Dinner
7:30 Team Devotional
8:00 Played with the kids
9:00 Kids went to bed
9:15 Hung out with older guys
11:30 Going to bed
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 QT and World Christian Bible Study
10:00 Took a van to SM Mall in Lipa
12:30 Ate at Pizz Hut (and it was awesome!)
1:00 Bought 2 O'Neil bathing suits for $6.00
3:00 Headed back to San Pablo
4:15 Arrived at Open Door
5:30 Church Prayer Meeting
7:00 Dinner
7:30 Team Devotional
8:00 Played with the kids
9:00 Kids went to bed
9:15 Hung out with older guys
11:30 Going to bed
June 18, 2009 12:39 pm
I'm slacking... I did not journal yesterday.
Yesterday was a good day. It was very busy.
Both yesterday and today it has rained a lot. The Filipinos are so funny-- for living in a country where it rains constantly, they hate getting wet. We "Americans" will just walk out in the rain and enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the rain. They look at us like we are crazy.
We just finished lunch and I teach Christian Ed. to my second years at 1:45. We all stayed up late last night so we will probably crash early tonight.
There is no school tomorrow (another random holiday) so the plan is to go to a mall about an hour from San Pablo in the early afternoon and hang out with the kids and youth in the evening.
Yesterday was a good day. It was very busy.
Both yesterday and today it has rained a lot. The Filipinos are so funny-- for living in a country where it rains constantly, they hate getting wet. We "Americans" will just walk out in the rain and enjoy the cool breeze that comes with the rain. They look at us like we are crazy.
We just finished lunch and I teach Christian Ed. to my second years at 1:45. We all stayed up late last night so we will probably crash early tonight.
There is no school tomorrow (another random holiday) so the plan is to go to a mall about an hour from San Pablo in the early afternoon and hang out with the kids and youth in the evening.
June 16, 2009 6:15 am
I had a rough night and did not sleep very well. Right now I have a lot on my mind. A few days ago Lana shared Psalms 20 with me and I make that my prayer today.
8:39 pm
I just tried balot. It wasn't all that bad but I don't think I'd choose to eat it again. The liquid in the egg tasted like a warm chicken broth and the bones and feathers were a little weird. Now I'm supposed to try chicken head and pig intestines. I think I'm going to wait a week or two before I do that...
My first Christian education classes went really well. The kids are kind of rowdy but they are eager to learn. I discovered that I need to start with the basics at the beginning because they have zero knowledge. I have 22 in my 1st years class and 30 in my second years class. The kids that I know from the orphanage really helped me out.
My morning didn't start well but fortunately I have a God that is bigger than all my problems and worries. As I continue building relationships with these kids and learning their stories, I begin to wonder how I will ever tell them goodbye at the end of the summer. Fortunately, God is in control when I feel lost.
8:39 pm
I just tried balot. It wasn't all that bad but I don't think I'd choose to eat it again. The liquid in the egg tasted like a warm chicken broth and the bones and feathers were a little weird. Now I'm supposed to try chicken head and pig intestines. I think I'm going to wait a week or two before I do that...
My first Christian education classes went really well. The kids are kind of rowdy but they are eager to learn. I discovered that I need to start with the basics at the beginning because they have zero knowledge. I have 22 in my 1st years class and 30 in my second years class. The kids that I know from the orphanage really helped me out.
My morning didn't start well but fortunately I have a God that is bigger than all my problems and worries. As I continue building relationships with these kids and learning their stories, I begin to wonder how I will ever tell them goodbye at the end of the summer. Fortunately, God is in control when I feel lost.
June 15, 2009 6:25 am
I'm tired this morning because I stayed up until 10:30 pm talking with JM, Ben Mark, Lemwell and Olen. Ben Mark had questions about Muslim beliefs so I pulled out my apologetics workbook that I got from Walter Nusbaam a few years ago at Super Summer. They all really enjoyed reading through it. I was asked to pronounce and explain a lot of words. :) I'm going to try to get it copied so I can leave it here with them.
I started teaching Christian Education this week. My classes are at 10:45 and 1:45 on Tuesday and Thursday. My schedule does not change on MWF. We will not take over Sunday School classes until the 4th of July so we are currently attending the youth class.
As the second week starts, I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that Acts 20:24 show through in my every thought and action. I stand amazed at Your grace and mercy. How awesome is it that the Rock of Ages desires a personal relationship with me. You are my God and you are in control.
I started teaching Christian Education this week. My classes are at 10:45 and 1:45 on Tuesday and Thursday. My schedule does not change on MWF. We will not take over Sunday School classes until the 4th of July so we are currently attending the youth class.
As the second week starts, I pray for strength and wisdom. I pray that Acts 20:24 show through in my every thought and action. I stand amazed at Your grace and mercy. How awesome is it that the Rock of Ages desires a personal relationship with me. You are my God and you are in control.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
June 14, 2009 7:30 am
Its Sunday morning. Breakfast is at 8:00 and Sunday School starts at 9:00.
Sometimes I wonder how early the kids wake up. Whether my alarm goes off at 6:00 am or 7:30 am, I can always hear screams and laughter coming from the courtyard.
The church service is from 10:00-12:00 and is preached in Tagolag. The praise band sings for almost and hour and plays a lot of Hillsong, Desperation Band, and Chris Tomlin. After church, we are going with Kuya Alan and Ate Aia (pastor's daughter and son-in-law) to South Supermarket. It's about fourty minutes away but its supposed to have "everything." Hailey is very excited about the prospect of pop tarts! They make Sunday trips to buy groceries and we are going to tag along.
The Pastor and his wife, Kuya Pio and Ate Nennette are vacationing in California and won't be back until early July so I have not met them yet. For dinner last night they served an American meal-- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. It was very good but it was definitely "philippino style."
Last update for a few days. I won't have internet access until 6/21. I'm praying for you guys and I love you.
Sometimes I wonder how early the kids wake up. Whether my alarm goes off at 6:00 am or 7:30 am, I can always hear screams and laughter coming from the courtyard.
The church service is from 10:00-12:00 and is preached in Tagolag. The praise band sings for almost and hour and plays a lot of Hillsong, Desperation Band, and Chris Tomlin. After church, we are going with Kuya Alan and Ate Aia (pastor's daughter and son-in-law) to South Supermarket. It's about fourty minutes away but its supposed to have "everything." Hailey is very excited about the prospect of pop tarts! They make Sunday trips to buy groceries and we are going to tag along.
The Pastor and his wife, Kuya Pio and Ate Nennette are vacationing in California and won't be back until early July so I have not met them yet. For dinner last night they served an American meal-- fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. It was very good but it was definitely "philippino style."
Last update for a few days. I won't have internet access until 6/21. I'm praying for you guys and I love you.
June 13, 2009 3:57 pm
My first Saturday here. Saturdays are their cleaning days and it took most of the morning. Everyone has chores-- from Kenneth who is 5 to Rommer and Oliver who are 18. We helped where we could and tried not to be a distraction.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but I do. Ron Ron, Jake, and Clark are definitely my favorites. I will try to upload pictures soon. It is difficult because the USB port does not work on the orphanage computer.
They bought us food for lunch and we ate with the kids. I tried Halo Halo today. Jenny described it as dumping the entire contents of your refrigerator in a blender. It wasnt very good but the kids enjoyed our leftovers. We snuck out and had McDonalds for lunch and I tried spaghetti and chicken.
9:56 pm
Didn't to bed as early as planned-- Krista, Hailey and I played hide-and-go-seek and sardines with the older guys. You are never too old for those games. The youngest person was 18 and the oldest was 27.
Rommer and Oliver are 18 and live at the orphanage. Chuckie, Elon, Ben Mark, Lester and JM are 20 or 21 and play at the praise band. They all hang out around the church and orphanage every night. Lenwell is older-- 26 or 27 and dates Ma'am Olen (one of the teachers that live here). He hangs out with us though.
I promised them I would try ballute. It is a raw, developing fetus of a duck or chicken served in the egg. I told them it had to be dark because I didn't want to see what I was eating. It's served by street vendors on bicycles so I pray I don't get sick.
One thing I haven't written about yet is our neighbors-- rats, cockroaches, and lizards. The cockroaches are as long as my index finger and the rats could eat my cat at home. The lizards are just everywhere. Hailey was taking a shower yesterday and I heard screaming. A cockroach climbed up her leg; she knocked it off and it chased her around the shower until she smashed it. I had to go in and do the clean up work.
I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but I do. Ron Ron, Jake, and Clark are definitely my favorites. I will try to upload pictures soon. It is difficult because the USB port does not work on the orphanage computer.
They bought us food for lunch and we ate with the kids. I tried Halo Halo today. Jenny described it as dumping the entire contents of your refrigerator in a blender. It wasnt very good but the kids enjoyed our leftovers. We snuck out and had McDonalds for lunch and I tried spaghetti and chicken.
9:56 pm
Didn't to bed as early as planned-- Krista, Hailey and I played hide-and-go-seek and sardines with the older guys. You are never too old for those games. The youngest person was 18 and the oldest was 27.
Rommer and Oliver are 18 and live at the orphanage. Chuckie, Elon, Ben Mark, Lester and JM are 20 or 21 and play at the praise band. They all hang out around the church and orphanage every night. Lenwell is older-- 26 or 27 and dates Ma'am Olen (one of the teachers that live here). He hangs out with us though.
I promised them I would try ballute. It is a raw, developing fetus of a duck or chicken served in the egg. I told them it had to be dark because I didn't want to see what I was eating. It's served by street vendors on bicycles so I pray I don't get sick.
One thing I haven't written about yet is our neighbors-- rats, cockroaches, and lizards. The cockroaches are as long as my index finger and the rats could eat my cat at home. The lizards are just everywhere. Hailey was taking a shower yesterday and I heard screaming. A cockroach climbed up her leg; she knocked it off and it chased her around the shower until she smashed it. I had to go in and do the clean up work.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 13, 2009 10:51 am
Prayer Request:
We've been asked to take over Christian Education classes for the older kids. I've been assigned the 1st year and the 2nd year class (1st year=12-13 and 2nd year=14-15). We have no set curriculum. Pray that God shows us how to effectively communicate and that we are able to be used by God to teach these kids. Many of the kids in this school are not Christian. Their parents have money and send them here because it is better than the government schools. I'm being placed in a position to strategically influence these kids and I have an open door to evangelize. Praise God.
We've been asked to take over Christian Education classes for the older kids. I've been assigned the 1st year and the 2nd year class (1st year=12-13 and 2nd year=14-15). We have no set curriculum. Pray that God shows us how to effectively communicate and that we are able to be used by God to teach these kids. Many of the kids in this school are not Christian. Their parents have money and send them here because it is better than the government schools. I'm being placed in a position to strategically influence these kids and I have an open door to evangelize. Praise God.
June 12, 2009 12:30 pm
I'm so excited for Sunday. I look forward to worshipping and learning with my new Philippino friends.
We went to the San Pablo Mall today-- it is more like a bazaar or flea market but they do have some cool things. Then we took some of the youth to McDo (McDonald's) and treated them. Did you know that McDonalds also has spaghetti and fried chicken in the Philippines?
We went to the San Pablo Mall today-- it is more like a bazaar or flea market but they do have some cool things. Then we took some of the youth to McDo (McDonald's) and treated them. Did you know that McDonalds also has spaghetti and fried chicken in the Philippines?
June 11, 2009 7:42 pm
We just got done with breakfast and I'm sitting in science class. Sometimes I feel like I'm more of a distraction then a help because the kids always want to sit next to me and talk rather than learn. There are 13 kids in my second grade class and they range from 7 years old to 14 years old.
The majority are 7 or 8. There is no school tomorrow because it is Independence Day in the Philippines (one of several-- they have a Chinese Independence, American Independence, and I think French Indepence Day). I get to sleep in until 7:30 am.
I wish I could speak Tagolag because I would like to be able to understand the kids better. They know basic english but it is kind of difficult to communicate at times.
So far I have memorized 5 scriptures-- Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, and Jeremiah 6:16. By the end of the summer I will have 26 down.
The majority are 7 or 8. There is no school tomorrow because it is Independence Day in the Philippines (one of several-- they have a Chinese Independence, American Independence, and I think French Indepence Day). I get to sleep in until 7:30 am.
I wish I could speak Tagolag because I would like to be able to understand the kids better. They know basic english but it is kind of difficult to communicate at times.
So far I have memorized 5 scriptures-- Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:14, Acts 20:24, and Jeremiah 6:16. By the end of the summer I will have 26 down.
June 10, 2009 6:13 am
I took my first afternoon nap yesterday! It's a cultural thing that almost everyone participates in. My schedule for during the week is as follows:
6:00 am Wake Up
6:15 am Quiet Time
7:00 am Missionary Biography/ Bible Study
7:15 am Breakfast
7:30 am Schol Begins- Science with Ma'am Olen
8:30 am Math with Ma'am Zyra
9:30 am Recess
9:45 am English with Ma'am Len
10:45 am Break
11:45 am Lunch
12:45 pm Computers or Christian Education with Ma'am Olen
1:45 pm Nap Time
3:45 pm School Dismissed
Hang out with youth and kids until dinner at 7:00 pm. I spend a lot of time launching kids into the air and spinning them by their hands.
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Team Devotional
8:00 pm Hang out with older youth. They can all play the guitar and sing so we do a lot of that.
9:00-10:00 pm Bed Time
Yesterday afternoon we went out and explored a little. We found an internet cafe and our ministry leader as nice enough to give us thirty minutes. Normally we are allowed 2 hours on the weekend and no time during the week. I also took my first jeepney ride. It was made for eight but we fit 20 people. As we were getting out, one of the Philippino ladies commented on how fat we Americans are. :) It is a cultural thing to be very open and honest (in America we would think it was rude). She meant nothing by it was smiling as she said it. The girls were not very happy.
We went to Pure Gold, which is similar to a WalMart, and carries American brands. I bought some body wash and chips-ahoys!
Last night we crashed right after dinner.
8:37 am
Right now I'm sitting in classand getting a refresher course on cardinal numbers. This morning our bible study focused on missionary callings and stated that there is no such thing because we are all called. It said we should be called to stay. I disagreed and we had a good discussion. The girls sided together wo I was outnumbered. I think I need to get used to that this summer.
6:00 am Wake Up
6:15 am Quiet Time
7:00 am Missionary Biography/ Bible Study
7:15 am Breakfast
7:30 am Schol Begins- Science with Ma'am Olen
8:30 am Math with Ma'am Zyra
9:30 am Recess
9:45 am English with Ma'am Len
10:45 am Break
11:45 am Lunch
12:45 pm Computers or Christian Education with Ma'am Olen
1:45 pm Nap Time
3:45 pm School Dismissed
Hang out with youth and kids until dinner at 7:00 pm. I spend a lot of time launching kids into the air and spinning them by their hands.
7:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Team Devotional
8:00 pm Hang out with older youth. They can all play the guitar and sing so we do a lot of that.
9:00-10:00 pm Bed Time
Yesterday afternoon we went out and explored a little. We found an internet cafe and our ministry leader as nice enough to give us thirty minutes. Normally we are allowed 2 hours on the weekend and no time during the week. I also took my first jeepney ride. It was made for eight but we fit 20 people. As we were getting out, one of the Philippino ladies commented on how fat we Americans are. :) It is a cultural thing to be very open and honest (in America we would think it was rude). She meant nothing by it was smiling as she said it. The girls were not very happy.
We went to Pure Gold, which is similar to a WalMart, and carries American brands. I bought some body wash and chips-ahoys!
Last night we crashed right after dinner.
8:37 am
Right now I'm sitting in classand getting a refresher course on cardinal numbers. This morning our bible study focused on missionary callings and stated that there is no such thing because we are all called. It said we should be called to stay. I disagreed and we had a good discussion. The girls sided together wo I was outnumbered. I think I need to get used to that this summer.
June 9, 2009 6:53 am
It's Tuesday morning here in the Philippines.
Things that I've experienced:
- On the last day of orientation everyone competed in Adventure Recreation. My group of 11 won the competition with a time of 26 min 10 sec. A full 9 min faster than the second place team. Sometimes I wish my entire group was working together this entire summer.
- I discovered that the campground was hit by a monsoon while we were there. That explains the rain.
- Last night I was almost eaten alive by our "guard dogs" in the courtyard. They don't like white people. : )
-I froze last night in my room because I didn't realize my window a/c unit had a lower setting.
Everyone is very friendly here and really go out of their way to make us feel welcome. This is definitely a learning process. I'm trying to memorize names. It is hard to build friendsjips with people if you can't greet them by name.
I've been assigned to the 2nd grade class as an assistant teacher. All of the teachers are very nice.
Things that I've experienced:
- On the last day of orientation everyone competed in Adventure Recreation. My group of 11 won the competition with a time of 26 min 10 sec. A full 9 min faster than the second place team. Sometimes I wish my entire group was working together this entire summer.
- I discovered that the campground was hit by a monsoon while we were there. That explains the rain.
- Last night I was almost eaten alive by our "guard dogs" in the courtyard. They don't like white people. : )
-I froze last night in my room because I didn't realize my window a/c unit had a lower setting.
Everyone is very friendly here and really go out of their way to make us feel welcome. This is definitely a learning process. I'm trying to memorize names. It is hard to build friendsjips with people if you can't greet them by name.
I've been assigned to the 2nd grade class as an assistant teacher. All of the teachers are very nice.
June 8, 2009 2:28 pm
The day started at 2:45 am. Had to have bag loaded on bus by 3:00 am. Left campground and headed to Manila at 4:00 am. Arrived at Manila at 9:00 am. Waited on pick up by Open Door Orphanage at 10:00 am. Arrived at Open Door at 1:30 pm.
This has already been a long day...
I met a few of the kids and they are awesome! Many of them already know my name and are climbing all over me. This is going to be an amazing summer.
I'd write more but I'm to overwhelmed to put it into words. God is Good.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in, and how can they believe i the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14
This has already been a long day...
I met a few of the kids and they are awesome! Many of them already know my name and are climbing all over me. This is going to be an amazing summer.
I'd write more but I'm to overwhelmed to put it into words. God is Good.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in, and how can they believe i the one of whom they have not heard, and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?" Romans 10:14
June 7, 2009 5:32 am
I never thought that waking up at 5:00 am would be easy, but these last few days it has. Everyone goes straight to bed as soon as they can-- usually 8:00 or 9:00 pm.
It hasn't rained this morning and I heard someone say they thought the sun would come out. Sounds like the cool air that comes with the rain could be absent today.
This is the last full day of orientation . Looking back, it has been very beneficial and fun. I am ready to get "on site" and get to work. We've covered evangelism training, cultural testimony workshops, basic language skills, security protocols, house church bible studies, cultural foods and traits, and we've developed friendships. It kind of stinks because we won't see these people again until debriefing.
I've already had to step out of my comfort zone and I've only been in country for 3 or 4 days. Everyone back home would get a kick out of the skit that my group performed. We had to come up with a group name (our group consists of 2 orphanage teams and 3 media people) and someone suggested the Red Sticky Lemurs. Don't really know why... Our skit had to revolve around our group name so we danced crazily on stage saying "boom shock-a-locka, shock-a-locka; we're the Lemurs and we're gonna rock-ya, rock-ya". Skit night-- fun stuff.
Tonight, my same group is supposed to lead worship for everyone (every group rotates). Fortunately we had Ben, a media guy, that could play the guitar. So far we've decided on "All in All", "God of this City", "Amazing Love", and finishing with the Doxology.
It hasn't rained this morning and I heard someone say they thought the sun would come out. Sounds like the cool air that comes with the rain could be absent today.
This is the last full day of orientation . Looking back, it has been very beneficial and fun. I am ready to get "on site" and get to work. We've covered evangelism training, cultural testimony workshops, basic language skills, security protocols, house church bible studies, cultural foods and traits, and we've developed friendships. It kind of stinks because we won't see these people again until debriefing.
I've already had to step out of my comfort zone and I've only been in country for 3 or 4 days. Everyone back home would get a kick out of the skit that my group performed. We had to come up with a group name (our group consists of 2 orphanage teams and 3 media people) and someone suggested the Red Sticky Lemurs. Don't really know why... Our skit had to revolve around our group name so we danced crazily on stage saying "boom shock-a-locka, shock-a-locka; we're the Lemurs and we're gonna rock-ya, rock-ya". Skit night-- fun stuff.
Tonight, my same group is supposed to lead worship for everyone (every group rotates). Fortunately we had Ben, a media guy, that could play the guitar. So far we've decided on "All in All", "God of this City", "Amazing Love", and finishing with the Doxology.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Nehemiah Teams Updates
Check out nehemiahteams.blogspot.com for updates from different teams by our media people.
June 6, 2009
I was woken up this moring at 5:00 am. We're required to watch a demonstration on clothes washing in buckets and bucket baths. I'm thankful for washing machines and the orphanage has one so I will never have to use this newly acquired skill. : ) We will only have to hang our clothes up to dry.
Right now I'm sitting under a large pavillion watching fisherman cast their nets into the bay. Orientation is starting to feel like it may never end. Maybe I'm just ready to get on site and get to work. God is going to amazing things this summer! Yesterday I was talking to Jenny and got a better understanding of our ministry this summer. Not only will I be working with 40 orphans but I will also have the opportunity to minister to over 200 students in their private school and work with a youth group of 30-40 students.
I don't know what the food will be like at the orphanage but the food here is very good! They spoil us. Rice is served with every meal and there are 2-3 meat and vegetable options that you put on top of the rice. The fruit is awesome-- very fresh and ripe. Everyone should try mango.
The rain is different from the last few days. It is constant and steady. Normally it comes in thirty minute waves. Sometimes it comes down so hard that we have to stop what we are doing because we can't communicate to the person next to us.
Today we start out first Nehemiah Teams quiet times. They've developed 52 days of devotionals studying the book of Acts. Every two days we break apart a chapter.
Prayer Needs:
- That I seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
- Team unity and a shared purpose and vision.
- Strength, despite little sleep.
Prayer Praises:
- The rain, it brings new creations of God.
- The opportunity to serve in this capacity.
- The facilitators, missionaries, and journeyman that are here with us and passing on their wisdom and experiences.
- A family and church that support me through prayer.
Right now I'm sitting under a large pavillion watching fisherman cast their nets into the bay. Orientation is starting to feel like it may never end. Maybe I'm just ready to get on site and get to work. God is going to amazing things this summer! Yesterday I was talking to Jenny and got a better understanding of our ministry this summer. Not only will I be working with 40 orphans but I will also have the opportunity to minister to over 200 students in their private school and work with a youth group of 30-40 students.
I don't know what the food will be like at the orphanage but the food here is very good! They spoil us. Rice is served with every meal and there are 2-3 meat and vegetable options that you put on top of the rice. The fruit is awesome-- very fresh and ripe. Everyone should try mango.
The rain is different from the last few days. It is constant and steady. Normally it comes in thirty minute waves. Sometimes it comes down so hard that we have to stop what we are doing because we can't communicate to the person next to us.
Today we start out first Nehemiah Teams quiet times. They've developed 52 days of devotionals studying the book of Acts. Every two days we break apart a chapter.
Prayer Needs:
- That I seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
- Team unity and a shared purpose and vision.
- Strength, despite little sleep.
Prayer Praises:
- The rain, it brings new creations of God.
- The opportunity to serve in this capacity.
- The facilitators, missionaries, and journeyman that are here with us and passing on their wisdom and experiences.
- A family and church that support me through prayer.
June 5, 2009 4:55 am
First morning in the Philippines. When it's dark outside and there is a cool breeze, I almost forget this is the Philippines. Last night I woke up about every hour-- finally got out of bed around 4:00 am to take a shower and get around. We do hae running water for showers and I was told the orphange would too. There is no such thing as hot water, but that is a good thing with the heat and humdity. The climate, area, and people remind me a lot of Nicaragua-- bright colors, green landscapes, and friendly faces. It rained all night long. During the day it downpours for five minutes then stops, then downpours, then stops, etc.
This campground is very nice-- right on the beach with large trees and lots of meeting space. It's 5:07 am and the roosters are crowing, looks like the sun is starting to show itself.
Lord, I pray for strength and wisdom. You are a mighty God and I wait in anticipation of seeing Your hand do wonderous things. I ask that you strengthen my weaknesses-- I'm pray I'm nothing without you.
This campground is very nice-- right on the beach with large trees and lots of meeting space. It's 5:07 am and the roosters are crowing, looks like the sun is starting to show itself.
Lord, I pray for strength and wisdom. You are a mighty God and I wait in anticipation of seeing Your hand do wonderous things. I ask that you strengthen my weaknesses-- I'm pray I'm nothing without you.
June 4, 2009 8:36 pm
Arrived in the Philippines at noon today. We took a four hour bus ride to a Baptist Campground were we'll be going through orientation for the next few days. It's been raining all day long. It's not like a normal rain though... for five minutes you'll feel like you're in a hurricane and then it will stop as soon as it starts. Sleeping arrangements aren't too bad. It's similiar to a Falls Creek cabin without the airconditioning, matress, and warm water in the shower.
I met a lot of people today travelling. Andrew is from Tennessee and will be trekking across southeast Asia going to remote villages and sharing with the villagers, some who have never heard. He spent a summer with a Journeyman in the Andes Mountains who was part of Xtreme Teams. His stories are very interesting-- all around nice guy who loves the Lord. Justin and Clayton are friends from Mississippi. They will be working on a farm teaching agricultural skills while sharing their faith.
We've been given a scripture top memorize before breakfast tomorrow-- Ephesians 2:8-9. I just took a "wipey" bath and will take a shower tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
I met a lot of people today travelling. Andrew is from Tennessee and will be trekking across southeast Asia going to remote villages and sharing with the villagers, some who have never heard. He spent a summer with a Journeyman in the Andes Mountains who was part of Xtreme Teams. His stories are very interesting-- all around nice guy who loves the Lord. Justin and Clayton are friends from Mississippi. They will be working on a farm teaching agricultural skills while sharing their faith.
We've been given a scripture top memorize before breakfast tomorrow-- Ephesians 2:8-9. I just took a "wipey" bath and will take a shower tomorrow morning. I'm exhausted.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Psalm 66
Isn't it amazing how God chooses to reveal himself to us. Man, today was just a good day!
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praises glorious. Say to God, "How awesome are Your works!"
Psalm 66:1-3
Monday, April 6, 2009
Worry
Worry.Who doesn't worry every now and then? Right?
God has really been showing me that He is sick of my worry. What is all of my worrying accomplishing? How is it increasing my witness for Christ?
Simple answer-- It isn't.
I really knew that God was trying to get my attention when I came across Philippians 4 today.
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7
Sometimes I feel like the trials and pressures in life make it impossible to be happy, but Paul didn't tell us to be happy. He encouraged us to rejoice in the Lord. Its importance is evidenced when Paul chose to use it twice in verse 4. Paul was an excellent example of one who had inner joy even when external circumstances such as persecution, imprisonment, and the threat of death were against him.
When Paul says, "be anxious for nothing, " he is not implying a call to live a carefree life. To care and be genuinely concerned is one thing. To worry is another.
Then I flipped over to Matthew 6:25-33 (sidenote: study bibles are awesome) and read where Jesus warns against worry because it obviously eliminates trust in God.
Sometimes I have to be reminded that God is my ultimate provider and He wants to guide me through life's trials.
I have a feeling that my "worry problem" will go away, if I'm willling to surrender control to Him daily.
That is my prayer today.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Heaven
Lately, I've had Heaven on my mind a lot. I try to imagine what its going to be like in Heaven. I am excited to see people I've lost in this life-- to meet people I've only read about in the Bible. I'm ready to leave all of the hate and suffering of this world. I'm ready to be free of fleshly desires. I'm ready to devote every ounce of energy to praising God.
My problem is that when I think about Heaven, I feel selfish. Since I'm still here, I know that God still has a plan to use me to reach people for Christ. Am I being effective in that calling? How many people do I come in contact with that I know are not headed to Heaven if they died?
What right do I have to long for Heaven when so many people are still heading for Hell?
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
-John 14:1-6
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sorry-- Haven't updated in couple weeks. God continues to amaze and challenge me each day. I pray that I never take for granted the fact that I am able to worship and praise such a mighty Creator.
God has lead me to apply for a mission trip to the Philippines this summer. I would be going through the International Mission Board and the dates are June 4-July 27.
A few prayer requests...
1. That the application process goes smoothly and I am accepted to participate in this trip.
2. That I am able to trust in God to provide, both spiritually and financially.
3. That God is glorified through this opportunity.
4. That God uses this opportunity to teach me more about Him and grow my love for Him.
5. That I am willing to say yes to whatever He asks.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I'm excited for church tonight! I pray that my ears are prepared to hear from God and my mind is ready to absorb new knowledge, leading to a deeper understanding and love for Jesus Christ.This last weekend was awesome, but I pray that lifestyle changes took place that will be evident in the way that students live their lives. A revival is needed throughout the world and I pray that our students at FBC are a part of that revival.
I pray that Choctaw become ground zero of a revival that spreads like fire across the state and throughout our nation. It is only through the power and grace of Jesus Christ that this is possible. I pray that we are ready and seeking Him, so that we can be used by Him to change our world.
I'm excited for church tonight because I'm expecting to meet with God. I'm expecting true worship. I'm expecting relevant and relational teaching. I'm expecting God... and He is looking forward to spending time with me.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Nicaragua Update
I really feel like God is putting the brakes on Nicaragua. I've sought Him in prayer and have several people praying on my behalf and I feel like He is saying, "Wait-- trust in me, I will provide."
I want to go back to Nicaragua...
but I will trust in God. He has never failed me and He knows what I am capable of accomplishing through His strength and He will continue to challenge me to push my faith to new limits. God is my provider and comforter.
I thank God for the peace that He has given me about this decision. I was so close to paying the deposit and jumping on board, excited to go back to Nicaragua, but God is showing me that He has bigger plans to use me somewhere else.
Whether it's interning at FBC and devoting a summer to reaching even one person for Christ or travelling to Africa for the entire break-- I can rest knowing God is controlling my destination and He is with me through it all.
I changed the title of my blog.
I will go, to make you known.
That is the desire of my heart, going to make Christ Jesus known to a lost and dieing world.
That's my prayer...
I want to go back to Nicaragua...
but I will trust in God. He has never failed me and He knows what I am capable of accomplishing through His strength and He will continue to challenge me to push my faith to new limits. God is my provider and comforter.
I thank God for the peace that He has given me about this decision. I was so close to paying the deposit and jumping on board, excited to go back to Nicaragua, but God is showing me that He has bigger plans to use me somewhere else.
Whether it's interning at FBC and devoting a summer to reaching even one person for Christ or travelling to Africa for the entire break-- I can rest knowing God is controlling my destination and He is with me through it all.
I changed the title of my blog.
I will go, to make you known.
That is the desire of my heart, going to make Christ Jesus known to a lost and dieing world.
That's my prayer...
Monday, February 2, 2009
Focus Reflection
Wow.
God is so good. Thats all I can think to say that could possibly cover everything. What happened this weekend was only possible through Christ Jesus. Everyone was challenged to live out their faith through lifestyle changes. I got to see prayers answered as hearts broke for their lost friends. God is so good. Thank you.
God is so good. Thats all I can think to say that could possibly cover everything. What happened this weekend was only possible through Christ Jesus. Everyone was challenged to live out their faith through lifestyle changes. I got to see prayers answered as hearts broke for their lost friends. God is so good. Thank you.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Nicaragua Mission Trip
I'm writing this because I need to get some of these thoughts out of my head. Hopefully they will make more sense to me when I put them into words.
I don't know what God wants me to do.
I've been to Nicaragua three different times over the last few years-- why am I questioning if it's God's will that I go back this year.
I feel like I am taking advantage of the resources God has given me. Do I have the money to cover the trip? Yes, but it will completely drain my "emergency" account and I feel like this is the time that I should be saving everything.
I know that God has plans for me to work internationally for His kingdom. I feel God leading me to apply for the Journeyman Program in a few months. I knew that God was directing me to go to Nicaragua over the last few years, but this year is different...
Why is it different?
Am I trying to control something that I have no business controlling? Am I struggling to trust in God wholly to provide for me? Or is it that God has something else in store for me this summer?
Do I wait for confirmation to go or do I push ahead and trust in God to close the door for me if it is not in His will?
I'm going to ask you to spend a few moments in prayer on my behalf. I believe in the power of prayer. Pray that I am given a peace about this trip. There is a $300 deposit due ASAP that I have not paid. If I am given a peace, I won't pay the deposit and I will begin to seek out what God has planned for me this summer. If this trip continues to stir in my mind and I don't have a peace about staying home, I will pay the deposit and push forward in preparation for the trip.
God, I ask that you give me a peace if this is not what you desire for me. I pray that I have the strength to lay everything at your feet and follow you in any direction you lead. You are holy and I desire to seek you in every moment. I pray that you give me understanding. I love you God and I thank you for the opportunity to be an ambassador of Christ to so many people who have never had the opportunity to place their trust in you.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Focus '09
All good things must come to an end... I have class tomorrow. : (BUT, I have Focus Weekend to look forward to in a few days. I am excited to see how God is going to use this weekend to change the hearts of everyone involved.
I'm thankful for the parents and volunteers that freely give up their weekend and invite kids into their houses. I'm thankful for the leaders that come from all over to minister to our students. I'm thankful for a church staff that supports our ministry with prayer. I'm thankful for a church body that provides the financial means to carry out an event of this magnitude. I'm thankful for students that are involved and eagerly anticipating a weekend of worship and study with God. I'm thankful for Brandon, Rick, Amy, and Shanna for all of the time and energy that they have put into making this weekend wonderful. Most importantly, I'm thankful for a God that allows us to worship Him and eagerly anticipates spending time with each of us.
This weekend is going to heavily emphasize evangelizing the lost. This is so important today. This is something that I struggle with and I am excited to be challenged with this weekend. As sad as it is, sometimes I have to remind myself that Hell is a very real place and that the consequence of not sharing Christ is Hell for so many people that I come in contact with. I shouldn't say I care for someone, or even that we are friends, if I don't know where they are going to spend their eternity.
Being a Christian involves so much more than living a "good" life-- it requires sharing what you have inside with a lost world around you.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Love God. Love People.
Okay, I've got to post some more thoughts on an excerpt from "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. If I haven't mentioned it before, this is a must read book.
"Is loving God-- and, by extension, loving people-- what you are all about? Is it what being a Christian means to you? Do you live as though faith, demonstrated through love, really is the only thing that counts?
There is often a great disparity between how we feel about faith and how we are meant to feel. Why do so few people genuinely find joy and pleasure in their relationship with God? Why do most people feel they have to either pay God back for all He's done (buy His love) or somehow keep making up for all their inadequacies and failures (prove their love)? Why are the words of Psalms 63:1-5 not an honest reflection of our lives on most days?"
Go get your bible. Open it up to Psalms 63:1-5 and read it.
That passage was the deepest desire of David's heart displayed in words. He was in the wilderness of Judah, separated from the sanctuary in Jerusalem, worshipping and crying out to God. David had experienced a taste of God's love and desperately sought more.
I want my heart to always seek God's love with that passion.
I struggle with the concept of love. Love has so many definitions and meanings-- not one truly describes the love that God has for us. His love is impossible to fathom in the human mind. Sometimes I think that is how God intended it to be. If we could truly understand it, then we could analyze it and place conditions on it.
We try to apply the same criteria of our love for others to our love for God. In the world we live in today, our love for others is very conditional, even in the realm of marriage and family. Divorce is everywhere-- do you not think those people loved each other at one time?
I think this failure of love in our culture is leading to a misunderstanding of God's love. We place conditions on His love for us. We hear things like, "I've made to many mistakes for God to ever love me" or we put our energy into useless tasks in order to earn God's love.
Francis goes on to say, "...the solution isn't to try harder, fail, and then make bigger promises, only to fail again. It does no good to muster up more love for God, to will yourself to love Him more. When loving Him becomes obligation, just one of the many things we have to do, we end up focusing even more on ourselves. No wonder so few people want to hear from us about what we ourselves feel is a boring, guilt ridden-chore!"
One of the best parts about God's love (and most misunderstood) is that God doesn't expect us to have it all together. He wants us, as messed up and dirty as we are.
"He wants to change us; He died so that we could change. The answer lies in letting Him change you. Remember His counsel to the lukewarm church in Laodicea? "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20) His counsel wasn't to 'try harder' but rather to let Him in."
It's funny, I just spent 45 minutes thinking through this and writing it out when the answer is to simply "let Him in." That's how God works, that's an example of His love. He doesn't care that we don't understand everything.
He only asks that we make ourselves available to Him so that He can do the work needed in our hearts to grow our love for Him.
I'll close with this last section from the book, "The fact is, I need God to help me love God. And if I need His help to love Him, a perfect being, I definitely need His help to love other, fault-filled humans. Something mysterious, even supernatural must happen in order for genuine love for God to grow in our hearts. The Holy Spirit has to move in our lives."
I hope this post makes sense. It's getting kinda late and there are a lot of things going through my mind. Darn it, now I'm not going to be able to go to sleep anytime soon. No more posts after 9:00. : )
Ice Storm '09: Good or Bad?
I'm having a hard time making up my mind. Is this ice storm more good than it is bad, or more bad than it is good?
Positives:
Classes were canceled starting at 1:30 today and no class tomorrow, which means I get to sleep in! I got to catch up on my "Friday Night Lights" episodes I've missed over the last few weeks. I don't have to give a tour tomorrow morning in the cold!
Not So Positives:
"Reconciled" Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference is cancelled and I don't get to hear Afshin Ziafat or David Platt speak. I also think I'm going to be bored tomorrow, not being able to get out of the house.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Choctaw
I love Sundays.
I love going back to Choctaw and spending time with my family; also getting to worship and fellowship with people that I look to for spiritual guidance. Many of these people are the same people that I have gotten to experience God with for so many years.
I know their strengths and weaknesses-- they know mine.
I know their spiritual gifts and get to witness them used-- they know mine.
I know their heart and what causes it to break-- they know mine.
Lord, I thank you for a church family that holds me accountable to your standards. I pray that you continue to bless FBC Choctaw. I pray that our church is consumed with the community surrounding us-- that our hearts break for the salvation of others. I pray that we seek your will in any decision. I pray that we become your hands and feet, that we remain your church in our places of work, on our school campuses, and in our homes. I pray for revival in Choctaw. I pray that we are prepared for a movement that is only possible through your power. I pray that we are able to be a part of it.
Amen.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
In Christ Alone
This song conveys what it's all about.
In Christ alone I find my strength. In Christ alone I learn to love. In Christ alone I am given comfort. In Christ alone I am given grace. In Christ alone I can overcome sin. In Christ alone I am promised eternal life. In Christ alone I can have hope. In Christ alone I discover a best friend. In Christ alone I worship God. In Christ alone I am given breath. In Christ alone I am challenged to be a better person. In Christ alone I place my present and future. In Christ alone I find freedom from temptation. In Christ alone I am given a heart for missions. In Christ alone I place my trust. In Christ alone I find rest. In Christ alone I overcome fears. In Christ alone I anticipate tomorrow. In Christ alone I am given a reason to speak. In Christ alone I see others burdens. In Christ alone I am able to serve. In Christ alone I am given the ability to walk. In Christ alone I discover my true gifts. In Christ alone I find love. In Christ alone...
I am nothing without Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me; from life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Baptist Collegiate Ministry
So-- I've decided that since I am now a junior it's time to begin branching out and getting involved in organizations on campus. I'm a little slow...
More importantly, I am seeking a Christian group that I can get involved in (without getting to involved because that would only to make my original intentions of joining the group pointless) and I can worship God among my peers-- the same people that I spend the majority of my week with.
I love serving at FBC and I know that is where God wants me and is using me, but it's hard at times to truly worship when you are doing so many things: running around getting things setup, making sure the lights are working, putting the songs into MediaShout, encouraging the kids, taking money, or even straightening chairs. I believe that all of those things are vital to the ministry and I enjoy doing them, but it is a constant struggle to effectively transition from those tasks to the more important task of worshiping and learning from my Lord and Savior.
With all of that said, I need to find something, in addition to Wednesdays and Sundays, that will "feed" me spiritually. A place where I can place all of my focus and energy on my Lord and Savior, without having to think or worry about the business side.
This week I visited CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Paradigm (a ministry of the BSU) to see how God was using these ministries. While they are both active, thriving ministries reaching different segments on our campus, I feel God drawing me to Paradigm.
You know it's God and His perfect will when everything just feels right. Jessica and I, not knowing anyone, were hesitant at first; but the hesitancy was replaced with assurance and familiarity when we were greeted by a former classmate in our freshman English class. Vanessa went out of her way to make us feel comfortable.
Sitting through one service, I could see how God was using this ministry to lead and direct the lives of Christians on our campus while also reaching out to those who are in need of a Savior.
I thank God for His loving protection over me. I pray that He continues to reveal Himself to me in new ways daily as I seek His heart in worship and study.
More importantly, I am seeking a Christian group that I can get involved in (without getting to involved because that would only to make my original intentions of joining the group pointless) and I can worship God among my peers-- the same people that I spend the majority of my week with.
I love serving at FBC and I know that is where God wants me and is using me, but it's hard at times to truly worship when you are doing so many things: running around getting things setup, making sure the lights are working, putting the songs into MediaShout, encouraging the kids, taking money, or even straightening chairs. I believe that all of those things are vital to the ministry and I enjoy doing them, but it is a constant struggle to effectively transition from those tasks to the more important task of worshiping and learning from my Lord and Savior.
With all of that said, I need to find something, in addition to Wednesdays and Sundays, that will "feed" me spiritually. A place where I can place all of my focus and energy on my Lord and Savior, without having to think or worry about the business side.
This week I visited CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) and Paradigm (a ministry of the BSU) to see how God was using these ministries. While they are both active, thriving ministries reaching different segments on our campus, I feel God drawing me to Paradigm.
You know it's God and His perfect will when everything just feels right. Jessica and I, not knowing anyone, were hesitant at first; but the hesitancy was replaced with assurance and familiarity when we were greeted by a former classmate in our freshman English class. Vanessa went out of her way to make us feel comfortable.
Sitting through one service, I could see how God was using this ministry to lead and direct the lives of Christians on our campus while also reaching out to those who are in need of a Savior.
I thank God for His loving protection over me. I pray that He continues to reveal Himself to me in new ways daily as I seek His heart in worship and study.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Faith Requires Action
This morning I spent part of my quiet time reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. If you haven't read it yet-- get it and read it.A few sentences spoke directly to me and challenged my faith:
"If life is a river, then pursuing Christ requires swimming upstream. When we stop swimming, or actively following Him, we automatically begin to be swept downstream. Or, to use a metaphor more familiar to city people, we are on a never-ending downward escalator. In order to grow, we have to turn around and sprint up the escalator, putting up with the perturbed looks from everyone else who is gradually moving downward. I believe that much of the American churchgoing population, while not specifically swimming downstream, is slowly floating away from Christ. It isn't a conscious choice, but it is nonetheless happening because little in their lives propels them toward Christ."
After reading that, I began questioning what propels me toward Christ. My faith in Him alone is not adequate by itself, it requires action.
James 2:17 says, "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
My prayer is that I never have a dead faith; that I am continually propelled toward Christ through a manifestation of a real and active faith.
My prayer is that, because of my faith in action, people look at me with "perturbed" glances just as they would a man sprinting up an escalator.
My prayer is that people are challenged by my love for Christ, displayed through action, and are motivated to turn and run up the escalator alongside me in pursuit of that same love.
God deserves nothing less.Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Details
God is Good. Sometimes that is harder for me to say than at other times.
God is Good. God is Good.
It's not that I don't believe that He always has my best interests in mind-- that He has a perfect will for my life. It's more about the fact that I don't always know what that will is, when I want to know it.
God is a God of details. He chooses to slowly reveal the direction He has planned for our lives. He works more like a GPS then a road map. Maps reveal the big picture, while the GPS gives us turn-by-turn directions when we are in need of direction.
I want to know the big picture. At least I think I want to know the big picture. I trust that God doesn't reveal the big picture because it would be incomprehensible to me as of where I am now. He has the big picture in mind, when He directs my every turn.
So... where does that leave me? Right where He wants me to be-- living a life dependant on Him.
God is Good... All the Time. All the Time... God is Good.
I'll continue seeking Him in the details, trusting that He directs my every move.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Yearn
Don't you love it when the song that you are needing to hear comes on the radio at just the right time. God is Good.
This Sunday Bro Ray's sermon was entitled "Today's the Day." He covered two basic choices that every Christian is faced with: Choose to hear God speak or refuse to hear.
Simple as that. Right?
God chose to use something that seemed so simple to wake me up inside. There are sins in my life, big and small, that I have chosen to keep inside. No one knows so whats the big deal? It doesn't change the way that I live. Right?
Wrong again.
God has shown me these last few days, partly because I have chosen to hear, that I stopped growing in my faith long ago. I've been desperately struggling to hold on when His hand has been stretched out the whole time-- easily within in reach.
I want to yearn for God again.
I know it won't be easy. I don't want it to be easy. I want to fight for my faith again. I want to overcome this sin that has had it's claws in my back for so long. And the best part-- God is right beside me.
I've started out simple, trying to stay in constant discussion with God. It's amazing what a simple prayer such as "God, I pray for your strength to overcome the temptations of this world and Satan," can do for my soul. I feel Him beside me and he is glad to be there. Isn't that good to know.
Lord, I want to yearn for you. I want to burn with passion.
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