Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the authorand perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
– Hebrews 12:1-3
Sunday morning’s English service started out with some sweet time of worship to the Lord. Next, we read the verses above and joined a group to discuss our thoughts and reactions. How appropriate – verses about running with perseverance, encouragement to endure til the end. As I sit in the common room to type this out, there are 7 full days left on the Race. In 8 days we’ll be on a plane and the morning of the 9th I will give my family members huge bear hugs at baggage claim in Charlotte’s airport. Home in 9 days. Leaving America over 320 days ago, this is a big deal. My time on the Race is ending and I want to finish well.
The whole time I’ve been in the Philippines I’ve been sort of restless. I can’t exactly put my finger on what it is, and I’m sure there’s more than one thing but some days it’s tough to focus. It is month 11, I’ll be home in 9 days, I don’t sleep well here and the opportunities are overwhelming. The first day when our contact told us all that was available to us I thought I was sold. I am moving to the Philippines for life! Many people have said that this is one of their favorite months, if not the best of all.
As the days started up and we got to work, I tried to make myself love it here, to fit in like all of my squadmates. There’s no reason that I shouldn’t. The truth is the people here are amazing. They are beyond wonderful, hospitable, friendly and warm. Each Sunday at church we’re met with nice smiles and sweet handshakes. Walking down the street it is easy to catch eyes with your neighbors and they offer an eager wave and small laugh. The people are amazing. This ministry is amazing. KIM does everything to reach the people of Manila. There is a children’s home and nursery around the corner, another home for teenage girls who were previously abused, feeding programs in local neighborhoods, clothing distribution to families living at dump sites, construction projects, reading with kids, organizing the store, and a weekly pregnancy center. This ministry is exploding with God’s blessings and they turn all of it back in thanks to glorify Him.
There is no reason why I should be “off” this month, but it happens to the best of us. I’m a very detailed and scheduled person, so this is extremely different from my personality. You think I’d be used to that on the Race! Anyway, because I haven’t really found my niche in a specific place, the Lord has used me in several places. Maybe I need to quit being a groucho with no specific role and thank the Lord for allowing me to see all these different facets of ministry!
In the past three weeks I’ve been able to:
- Visit families in the dump and help distribute food, clothes and medicine for the children.
- Visit “Tent City,” a new neighborhood built by the Red Cross after a typhoon in 2009. We gave out soup to all the children who came running.
- Help pass out school supplies and start up a game of basketball with the kids of a local disadvantaged neighborhood.
- Help with the process of demolishing, building and painting shelves for various projects.
Before
After
- Played in the nursery with some hyper kiddos down the street.
Somehow kids stories about cows and trains are always intriguing.
With "Little Hannah" as she enjoys her cookie and questions my camera.
- Had a movie night at the teenage girls home and had my hair braided by sweet Anna Rose.
Silly picture with Joann
- Played basketball with some former street boys who now love Jesus and share Him with their friends.
It is my last month and last week of ministry and though it’s different than expected, it’s good. I was so encouraged by the verses on Sunday. I want to always fix my eyes on Jesus. This journey has been long, hard, sweet, unforgettable. Coming in I knew it would be a test at some points, that endurance would be necessary. Reading those verses in Hebrews brought my mind to Christ.
Not only did He come to earth laying aside his home in heaven, he came with the cross in mind. Jesus knew he was born to die for the sins of the earth. With each step, each miracle, each day, the end was drawing closer. Still, that didn’t keep Him from living, loving, laughing and leading His people. Why did Jesus endure the cross? For the joy set before Him. He was focused on what was to come, not the troubles of this life that would eventually pass. When I consider my Lord and what he conquered at the cross, I won’t grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews tells us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I looked up the definition of perseverance and it read: “steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.” It can also be “continuance in a state of grace to the end.” Endurance is similar: “the ability or strength to continue or to last, especially despite fatigue, stress or other adverse conditions.”
I love when the Lord uses daily examples to teach me something from His word. We studied these verses Sunday morning. The previous day, my teammates Kelly, Steph and Ben woke up early and ran a 5k with me. This may have been a little more difficult than the one we tackled in Thailand. There are hills in this beautiful land of the Philippines. Conveniently, one was located on the return stretch of the race. I wanted to run a decent time, but was more concerned about my goal of running the entire way. The Lord knew just how to encourage me. He placed my teammate Steph right in front of me with her new bright purple Adidas shirt. I was able to follow and draw encouragement from her. I was able to take the hill because I saw Steph take it first.
After the 5k. Sweat much? That's thanks to the Filipino humidity!
Christ has already conquered the cross. He has already scorned its shame and taken His seat at the right hand of His Father. When we have that image in our minds, when we really do sit and consider what Jesus has done, how can we not keep going? How can we not run with perseverance and endure to the end? That’s why Paul tells us to set our minds on things above. When you think of heaven, what troubles can compare to the greatness of being with Christ forever?
One last thought…I really like the first verse of the passage as well even though most of my group overlooked it.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Why should we throw off the hindrances, our sin, and run with perseverance? Because we’re surrounded by many witnesses who have already done it! Hebrews 12 follows Hebrews 11 – the hall of faith. All the great giants of the faith are listed and the Word says:
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God,for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13-1
I’m glad to be wrapping it up and going back home. I’m thankful for America, as well as all the countries the Lord has brought me to these last 11 months; still, those can’t compare with the heavenly country to come.
