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.
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