Of all the things I expected upon entering the Philippines spiritual pain and suffering was not one of them. I flew to this nation three days ago with the expectation to experience sadness over the poverty and desperation that infects the societies in this area in the world. I expected to be struck by the need for Christ and for the hope that working with Kids International brings. And in a small way I did, I see the poverty and I smell the sewage but I feel something more.
Here in Manila I feel war.
This city is a battlefield in the war being fought over the human soul. Instead of shacks there are prisons, and instead of light there is slavery. Yesterday I was standing on the rooftop of a school that is full to capacity and looked down at other children on the street staring at the gate with longing. There is so much need here, so much pain, and so much potential for the expansion of the kingdom; but Satan is doing everything he can to keep that from happening.
Right now on the streets the enemy is playing dirty, he is lashing out with both claws and he thinks that this place is his. But what Satan doesn't realize is that he makes mistakes. In fact that is one of the most important things to realize about the enemy; he makes mistakes. One day King Jesus is going to bring justice back to this earth and Satan will pay for everything he has done. He is going to be forced to look and see all of his mistakes. Right now he believes he is winning, of that I have no doubt because his pride has blinded him to the truth.
Right now he is whispering lies into my ear, trying to make me believe that the situation here is hopeless, urging me to give up fighting. But what he doesn't realize is that every lie he tells me is a mistake because I choose to let them do nothing but drive me closer to God. And the same is true of my fellow racers, and the missionaries who live here among these people. Picking on us is Satan's mistake because it will only make us stronger, it will only make us more determined to follow and share Christ.
Yes this city is at war, and the soldiers are on the ground but instead of weapons they are bringing love.
