Two days travel. 25 hours in flight. 1.5 hour bus ride. Hardly any sleep. Arrive at KIM (Kids International Ministry) in Manila, Philippines. Absolutely surreal. So far beyond my ability to conceptualize, so far outside my comfort zone. Our squad (R) joined up with Q squad for a week of what we call Launch. More ministry training, teaching, equipping, and times of prayer and worship. I feel so unable to even begin processing what is going on. I have no idea what is happening! But here I am in the slums of the Philippines, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of poverty. I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I must say we have it good here, maybe too good, but I’m not complaining. The ministry here is headed up by the Jeff Long family, family of 5, been here since 1991, incredible people of faith. They have had a huge impact on the community. Primary functions of the ministry include a special needs children’s home (about 50 kids), a school, worship facility, and discipleship of local believers. I fell in love with the kids at the children’s home. We played all kinds of games. I learned how to play some serious patty cake with the girls, hooped it up with the boys, and dominated them in a couple games of tag… I had a pretty big advantage. Well, actually, they dominated me. I became a human sponge, soaked with sweat,, surrendered to their youthful energy. One thing I did not participate in, however, was spider fighting!! Which deserves its own post! After this week, we will receive our ministry assignments for the month!! Praise the Lord!
my brother Cody Nelms took this pic.. last night in Manila, blessed with a sunset!
