Good One God…..:)

Yesterday, I walked by Faith and not by sight. I listened intently to God and learned what it means to just surrender to his grace.

 

In the morning I headed out to walk the streets of Dumaguete City and search out some other ministry options, something Pastor Sam (contact) had encouraged us to do. I was in search of an organization called LCP- Little Children of the Philippines, and had been trying to get in contact with them for over a week. I had set my mind on this day and was determined to find them. I also told my teammate Karen that I would check out a place called Word International Ministries, that we had seen earlier. Basically, I just prayed that God would lead me down the right streets that day.

 

First dead end was Word Ministries, as the gate was locked……onward I walked and prayed.

I eventually sat in Cafe Antonio’s to write out some people’s testimonies from days before and to pray/beg God to help me find LCP. It was by chance that I had come across their website one morning when I was researching information about the street children here…..my passion for this issue rose. The day wore on…..

 

Still not having much luck, I met with some girls from Ignitus and Tara for lunch. As we were talking, I told them how strongly I wanted to find LCP, but that I was starting to believe that it was a lost cause. My one last effort was going to involve finding a trike driver and hoping he would know where they were located. Then I would go check on Word ministries one more time. They thought it was a great idea and our conversations continued. Then that voice……the voice you hope is God’s because you are going to trust it, crept in. It was telling me “no” on my plans. It said to go back to Word ministries first. So, I said okay and took off walking back to this place…..I get there and the gate is unlocked.

 

It made a metal screeching noise as I opened it and I entered somewhat hesitantly…..no one was around. As I walked around to the back, I got a sense of dullness, like this place was crying out for a revival of a sorts. Nearing the back, a voice called out from a building: “Yes, can I help you?” Awkwardly, I launched into my speech and began asking questions about what their ministry was about. The voice formed a body in the doorway, and I noticed he wore a shirt that said Silverton, Colorado (my home state) on it.

 

He explained to me that they were a church and weren’t actively doing any ministries at the moment, Then, by chance, I asked him if he knew of LCP and where they were located. With a yes to both my questions, I next found myself on the back of this strangers motorcycle, zipping through town.

 

A short trip later, we arrived at the LCP base. He went into the office with me and we found a nice lady named Rosalie to talk to. She gave us the full low down on their programs and on possible opportunities for ministry. I was left in awe of everything they do and what they have already accomplished. The stranger seemed to perk up as well and voiced his interest in partnering with LCP, as he wanted to start a discipleship/scholership program for the street kids. Rosalie told me to try to return and talk to the administrator (she was out) and we exchanged information. I said I would return the next day.

 

The stranger and I then realized that we didn’t even know each others names, so laughing, we also exchanged contact information. On the ride back, Andrew (strangers name) filled me in on the social issues in Dumaguete. He has lived here 9 years with his Filipino wife, so has a lot of knowledge about some of the things happening.

 

It really is brilliant how God answers our knocks sometimes, in his own creative way. How he led me to LCP through a ministry my teammate was curious about and my offer to look into it for her. Nothing in this journey to LCP was by chance, it was by God. It’s also funny how he made me patiently wait a week to find them, no matter how hard I tried. Yep…..good one God:)

 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7