We have just returned from our first "discovery trip" to the Philippines (Cebu, more specifically)...where we spent 8 very full days serving, speaking, and engaging in the lives of all we came into contact with while there.
We arrived on a Tuesday mid day and had lunch with Bo, Cynthia, and Brent (WV Missionaries) after they picked us up at the airport. We had been in transit for over 24 hours from Phx to LA to Hong Kong to Cebu and were a bit punchy. After we got settled at the Ralstons home with our things and showered up - Brent and i were off to the Manduae City Council meeting where I gave a 45 minute speech on Integrity and Influence. The council was pleased with the engagement and has asked for more Character training in the future to expand to all city employees...so please pray that can take place.
A good nights sleep and we were off to our Wednesday agenda where Cheryl went to the school where Brent & Christine have enrolled their daughter Hannah in. Christin and Cynthia teach a 30 minute lunch time bible lesson and story and Cheryl was able to assist them in the set up, prep, and deliver of that message for a few hours. While Cheryl was at the school Brent and I ventured into a Barangay (village) to disciple some new believers in a one on one bible study. After that I was part of his staff meeting at the local church and then it was off to the hospital were a local Pastor's daughter (Chloe) was under observation for possible Dengi fever (very deadly if not treated quickly). We prayed with the family and also spoke about the ministry they run in a different part of Cebu. From there we ventured to Greenhill's Christian Fellowship where we spoke with an assistant pastor about the possibility of partnering to reach the "A" class in Cebu for Christ.
We extended our Testimonies at a prayer meeting this same evening and enjoyed fellowship with the congregation at WOL (Word of Life) Church in Cebu with Bo.
Day 3 took me to a small and very rudimentary tennis court facility with pastor Wilford @ 6am to play with some of the locals in the area (most of which are business men and owners from around the city). We had the opportunity of meeting several men during our matches and enjoyed the fellowship with them before breakfast. A great avenue to start and build relationships should we return under God's will to this area for ministry. After breakfast and a shower (you can imagine the amount of liquid I expended in 90+ humidity and temperature on the court) and we were off to "house hunting" to get a feel for expenses and where we might be living if God wants us to minister here. we saw several communities but a common theme of "would this be acceptable accomodations to the people we are trying to reach?" came into play almost all morning. After speaking with Bo, he agreed we should be looking into housing in a few select communities where the majority of the group we are trying to reach resides. So, we headed back out to some of those communities for a look and idea of monthly cost to the ministry. We also discussed possible "ins" for the ministry to get businessmen out of the "work" environment and actually get them to enjoy some time out with and sometimes without their family.
Our 4th day took us to more housing areas as well as a Women's bible study and a visit for me to the "barracks" or what they refer to as the really hard area of the city. I met with 6 young men who had given their lives to Christ after being the leaders and members of Gangs that number in the thousands. One man had been shot 6 times, bled out, and was placed for dead in a morgue for over 2 hours until his grandfather told the authorities to just check him again. They found a pulse and 19 bags of blood later he recovered. He was led to Christ alone by an English Bible he found and started reading (even though he does not speak english and found verses that led him to the saving knowledge). They now lead a daily devotional and meeting in the same building and area where numerous gangs met and where over 30+ people have been killed. God works in amazing ways......Later that evening we had a really neat Catered dinner and time of sharing of our testimonies and the message at Jimmy Chua's home (who works for PLDT - Philippine Lond Distance Telephone) where he opened up the evening to his employees for a time of fellowship and food. We really made some good contact and one gentelman in particular asked if we could meet again to discuss some of the things I said in my testimony. His name is Oamar and please pray he makes a decision for Christ soon as he is so close. We never got to meet again due to some texting problems and communication but pray I can reconnect over email.
Day 5 led us to an area of the city where the extremely impoverished people live and where a fire had ripped through there community that has been reportedly started by the mayor to reclaim land for construction. These folks were so kind and led us into there home for a few minutes to see how a small bible study was progressing and what he needs of the families were. Our hearts were just torn open as most of these folks were living just inches above stagnate, bacteria, and infection ridden waters were convening under them. They have no plumbing, no real means of any kind, but yet still find Joy and smiling a major part of their attitude daily. We have a lot to learn about a Joy filled spirit....Also this afternoon I was able to share a message with the Youth at WOL based on Matthew 5 where Jesus gives the Sermon on the Mount. It was the first message where I felt all cylinders clicking and really enjoyed the way God had allowed me to share his word. I think the difference here was my letting God do the speaking and trying less to speak for him......
Day 6 was a wonderful day filled with worship at WOL in Cebu with Bo and Cynthia. Again we shared our testimonies and why were in Cebu with the congregation. We also had lunch with pastor Arnold Yee and his wife and shared experiences and dreams in the ministry. After lunch we ventured back to the church for a young professionals bible study that was been led by an IJM representative who was engaged in investigative activities pertaining to child sex rings in the Philippines. We had a great study and also wonderful fellowship with all the young adults and Pastor Julius's family.
Day 7 - our last day was a bit of a break from all the activities....Bo, Cynthia, Brent, Christine and Hannah all accompanied us to a fish sanctuary off of Mactan island for a little rest and relaxation. We were able to snorkel a bit around some very pretty reefs and enjoyed some local lunch on the boat. Cheryl unfortunately got stung by a jellyfish but luckily it was not too serious and the pain was gone after a about 2 hours. The day was Sunny and bright and we really were able to enjoy some time out, but more importantly provide an avenue for the rest of our group some much needed time of rest.
We arrived back at home on Tuesday Night @ about 8:30pm and in 3 weeks we will be on our way to the Middle East for our second "Discovery Trip" coming up on Nov 2nd. Please pray for us to gain clear direction from the Lord as to where we are to serve and be an extension of HIS ministry. We are so thankful for our church and its members and all our friends and family for praying and supporting us in our efforts to be discerning and to truly be diligent in finding exactly where we fit and can be most effective for Christ.
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