Team Karis (which means GRACE) has taken on “the Tunnel” as their main ministry while in the Philippines. (Read more …) The Tunnel is a dark place – physically and spiritually. The people who live there are poor, and many have lost hope. Team Karis has gone out daily to meet the families, to bring them food, medicine, the healing power of prayer, and to develop relationships.
But when Team Karis leaves, who will visit these families? Who will love them, care for them, and offer them what they need most? …
My teammate on Aletheia (which means Truth) Melissa has been praying desperately for God to move in an obvious way outside the doors of this Center. He honored the desire of her heart yesterday morning. She and Angi went “visiting” in the Tunnel along with some local women we have met at church and Bible Study in the hopes of bridging the gap in the Cuatro community.
They met a young mother named Launi, who is notorious for her hazardous drinking habits. They presented her with the reality of life and death. Melissa confronted her with the consequences of her actions and the hope of salvation. Launi prayed to accept Jesus as Lord of her life.
Some of my squadmates from Team Dunamis (which means Power) were also wandering around nearby with pamphlets explaining the Gospel in the Tagalog language. They entered Launi’s house, and she cried out for them to give her whatever they had in their hands.
Launi has agreed to come to the Bible Study at church tonight. Hallelujah! She is connected with the Body. As with all of our ministry connections this year, we are admanant that ongoing discipleship opportunities be in place, so that when we leave, our work is not in vain. Team Hephzibah (which means means God Delights in Her) may also do a follow-up visit tomorrow.
GRACE assured Launi that she could never do anything so horrible as to separate her from the love of God. She was not forgotten, but there was a Better Way. TRUTH confronted her with some harsh words, spoken in Love. She had to choose between Life and Death. She received the POWER of the Spirit to accept it and make changes. And we can say with confidence that GOD DELIGHTS IN HER.
Ministry truly is a team (squad) effort. Praise the Lord that Team Karis didn’t feel possessive over the Tunnel but rather invited the rest of us to be involved. After all, it’s GOD’s project, His people, and He gets the glory.
I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.
It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering.
What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7
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Our squad coaches, Gary & Lisa Black, commented on our chosen names, saying we were “asking for it” – whatever that means! – and I agree with my squadmate Lindsay, who boldly proclaimed, “I am asking for it. I don’t even know what I am asking God for except for more of Him!”
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