Part of me doesn’t really want to explain what life is like for these people. Because I feel like it’s too easy for us to look into poverty and assume that somehow because we have more money or education in North America or other parts of the world, that we’re somehow better. Even in the few days that I’ve been here, I’m seeing that these people definately have so much that we don’t! Cities in America usually frustrate me because we isolate ourselves in our homes. I feel like I’m in a prison of concrete and buildings, and I’m always trying to get back out into the mountains. Most people in the United States hardly know their neighbors, and even in church we often keep our relationships at a “safe” level, far from intimacy we truly desire. Yet here, I haven’t felt in that prison at all! I’ve found four other locals to work with here on a construction project, and it’s been so much fun — these guys always smile and seem to enjoy life together! They may not have much, but they’re intelligent and are skilled at creating with very little. And even though they speak little English, I get the feeling that working as a team is part of enjoying life for them. I think I have much to learn from these people!
For those of you who are praying for us!
- Pray for the Philippines! There are churches here and people definately know God, yet so many people need Jesus. There is a lot of money here, but there’s a sharp divide between the rich and the poor with very little middle class. Just a few blocks away, a gate seperates two very different worlds — very wealthy housesholds and the very common “squatter” villages. And behind the poverty or the money lies a desperate need for intimacy with Christ.
- It’s tough to adjust here — we’re always sweaty, hot, and dirty, and there’s no where to get any relief. I’m learning to share life and serve in the midst of lacking some of the comforts of the United States. And this will probably be one of the easiest places on the World Race for us! I hope to be able to look past discomfort month after month and see the life and joy of God flowing through us as far more significant than the dirt and sweat!
- Pray that I continue to learn to come to Jesus for life. For most of my life I’ve learned to try and operate in my own strength. But to show and give true life, love, and strength to others I to need to be filled constantly with our God. I’ve been told many of the people in the Philippines have heard about Jesus for a long time. And yet just like in the United States, many people here don’t know Him! I wonder if that’s because we preach the life Jesus offers, but often don’t really know it ourselves! I think what Jesus said to the Pharisees is so often applicable to our church, and so we miss how amazing life with Jesus really is! He says in John 5:37-40, “You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Convicting, isn’t it?
Manila at Sunset
