Its long days, fast nights. Its exhilarating, its exhausting. Its a blessing, its a lesson. Its a refinement of my character, and a refresher for my soul. Its being a father to the fatherless, a friend to the friendless, a helper to the helpless. Its discovering who I am in the kingdom of God, and relying on the one Father who knows all. Romans 8: 38-39 reads, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rules, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This trip is about finding that love and running with it wholeheartedly. Its a very difficult race to pursue, but without a doubt a race worth running. Its ministry as powerful as holding a baby, to building a house. Its limitless possibility to make disciples of all nations(Mathew 28:19).
A.E.Hotchner states, “Of course we all have our limits, but how can you possibly find your boundaries unless you explore as far and as wide as you possibly can. I would rather fail in an attempt at something new and uncharted than safely succeed in a repeat of something I have done“. This trip is about reaching that border and realizing that stepping past it requires more than our strength and understanding Joshua 1:5, “I will not leave your or forsake you”. Its realizing that its better to give it all to God, than a small part for him to work with. He likes it all, not a foot in the water, but a full out dive. Its being vulnerable and being comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Its about community and loving others before yourself. Its about playing with kids before you go find internet, and accepting along with building up fellow brothers and sisters. Its about making 3 pots of coffee with a high spirit before you finally get a cup, and being ok with getting one bite of the chocolate you bought. Its about listening, comforting, and encouraging.
My race along with many others, are completely and utterly to, for and about God. And when you make it about Him first, many other things fall into place. You feel full, you feel free. You can confidently fear the Lord, and love Him like you never have before. You realize how he is really all around you all the time.
I have the awesome opportunity to serve the Philippines in an assortment of ways. I do two feedings a week, which is driving out and serving the community with food. I have construction twice a week as well, which builds me physically and I love it. I get to be in the pool and play with kids three times a week and as much as they love it, I love it more. I have a day in the nursery to be with babies and toddlers and I have street ministry as well. Street ministry is just going out into the community and talking, encouraging and praying over anyone and everyone. Although I have a busy schedule, I still have time to spend with and think about my Lord. That is my favorite ministry as he pours into me every day.
As I am just now getting used to my ministries here and loving the people, in a couple of days, I will be headed down to Tacloban on October 1st. I have decided to write this blog and be done for a while, so I can finish strong here in Manila. While there I wont have access to internet and you probably will not hear from me too much for awhile. Its 6 weeks, so I hope you all stay healthy and safe. I love you all and all the comments you leave. They are encouraging and make me feel extremely loved. Stay in the word. God Bless
