Yesterday I woke up so excited. Saturday's are the day that Jo Jo goes out into the local communities and teaches Bible. We visited the Mangyan tribe in the morning, White Beach, Minolo 2 and Baltero Maniknik in the afternoon. Each place was different and so was each group of kids, but there was an underlying similarity between them. There was this eagerness to learn and to play. We would watch at each place as Jo Jo taught the lesson of Peter Simon and John recognizing the Messiah (John 1). Like all children they were restless, wiggly and figgity,but they were so enthusiastic about singing songs and identifying which one in the pictures Jesus is. Looking into their beautiful faces I fell in love, the Spirit reminded me that we are all children of God made in his image. It's easier for me to see God in the face of a child, the innocent joy that comes from singing about being in the Lord's army (in Tagalog) and playing duck-duck-goose. I wish I could have transported you to the moment, to holding one of these wonderful children, to running around the circle fast because the kid you goosed is faster than you anticipated. Some of the kids from where we're staying came and helped, it's so encouraging to see the impact that Jo Jo is having on the youth here. She is proof that God will use everything you give to Him to spread His kingdom and to bring Him glory. Jo Jo uses pieces of paper that are colored pictures of Jesus with His disciples, songs that they have memorized and her Bible. Since I've been here I've realized that hot water, air conditioning, and toilets that flush themselves aren't a necessity; that flat screens, comfortable seats, and a big band aren't what makes a church great. I'm learning that passion, interest, joy, and a real investment in the future of the faith are what makes a church a house of God. This morning we attended church, there were roughly 750 people there, of that 200 of them were children and teens. I taught this mornings lesson to around 150 teens. How many of them were actually listening, I have no idea. I was so stoked to teach them one of my favorite lessons, Luke 5, the calling of the first disciples. This is applicable to everyone because it's Christ calling us into a deeper relationship with Him and challenging our faith in Him. Are we going to trust Him? Are we going to give up everything and follow Him? What is God telling you? What do you really need? Thanks so much for reading and please pray for my team and I. I love you all very much!
