GR seems to be a very popular place with the Filipino people we’ve met. As soon as I mention I’m from Michigan there’s a coincidental connection directly to Grand Rapids. For me, it started in Manila when our whole team got a chance to go to a large church held in a mall. Walking up the four floors of escalators reminded me of Mars Hill. Then came the Children’s Bible Hour radio program here that they say comes from Grand Rapids as well as the Friendship Mission Society which our ICM staff work with. And the pastor we met yesterday mentioned that some go all the way to Grace Bible College for training.
We’ve been spending our “work days” meeting and encouraging the pastors on the island. The ministry fund part of our budget has allowed us to bring guitars, Bibles, or food to the pastor or people we meet. I have loved hearing their stories, struggles, praises, and prayer requests. The connection as brothers and sisters in Christ stretches the ocean that separates our ‘normal’ lives. They are a huge blessing to us and the faith they live by is an inspiration. I know I will forever treasure working together for this short time to do God’s will.
One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at lat to see you. For I long to visit you so I can share a spiritual blessing with you that will help you grow strong in the Lord. I’m eager to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. In this way, each of us will be a blessing to the other.
Romans 1:10-12
Now, I’ve only been in and through GR a handful of times but know a few great people that have come out of the city. Being away from the familiarity of the states has made me more aware of the needs of home, having a compassion and prayer for the people across the ocean. So its been an encouragement for me to experience blessings from Grand Rapids to Bohol, South Lyon to Tagbilaran City, Michigan and the states to the Philippines and nations…and hopefully back again. Supporters and friends: your financial gifts and prayers are doing so much to build and further the Kingdom. Hope is growing, faith is being restored, souls coming closer to the Savior, prayers are being heard. (And that’s just in my life not to mention the dozens of people I’m blessed to meet and talk with everyday.) Thank you again so much for partnering with me in this adventure!
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace. We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all…
Ephesians 4:1-6
