God is so good. Even in the face of disappointment yesterday, He still managed to provide open doors into the lives of people and an opportunity to share His love.
A few hours after the hearing, still processing disappointment, I went to the prison to be with Junard and the men. When I walked in, I could tell everyone in cell 2 had mixed emotions. They were all sad their friend didn’t receive his freedom, but still somewhat excited their leader had returned. It was a fun opportunity to share with all the men about the burden of leadership and how God calls us to it and equips us for it. It’s time for someone else to step up in that cell and maybe that’s the reason Junard is still around.
As I was talking with the men, a comforting face walked in to join. He introduced himself to me in his thick country accent (which is appreciated while over here…) as Casey, the man that was in charge of a few of our volunteers visiting us, and then turned to the men and spoke in perfect Viscayan. It was pretty cool to hear the slow southern draw drop out completely when he spoke with the men. I looked forward to spending time with this guy.
We drove around town for a little while after and I was able to hear all about the program he was working with called the Nehemiah Project, and his vision for his time in the Philippines. It seems that he is helping with this program as a coordinator for college students from the States who give up a couple of summer months to nanny in childrens’ homes in the Philippines, as well as working on a few projects of his own. We talked a little about the volunteers that were staying with us and it was clear to see and hear his heart for providing opportunities for people to come and help overseas.
After hearing a little about the program, I wanted to hear more about what he was doing over here on a personal level and it was quite an encouragement and blessing to hear what God had put on his heart. He was just recently approved for a pretty sizeable loan to begin a business opportunity to help some of these farmers get out of debt and become self-sustaining workers. The hope is that within 5 years, he can work himself out of a job as a middle man and turn over a successful business to well prepared Filipino workers and allow them to support their families. If any of it fails, it falls on his shoulders. Not the locals.
This is quite a task to take on for this man and I pray his vision becomes a reality. Until then, he is leading and training these people into how they can better support themseves and financially provide for the families. Please pray for this man as the money comes in and this business deal begins to flesh out.
