Kids International Ministries is in the middle of a small village in Manila. Right outside of the gates are markets that line the streets- busy long before I awaken at 5:30 am. People sit outside their houses, made of boards nailed together any which way. Kids run after us, grabbing our hands-their eyes begging for attention. Little boys sing American songs and talk about the tallest MBA players and the precious little girls twirl and spin and dance with us, giggling their way into our hearts.
About a twenty minute van ride away, through busy streets full of jeepneys and motorcycles, is an evacuation center. Many families are living in shelters constructed out of bed sheets, because of the monsoon that flooded their homes. Kids come running out with their bowls, as we yell "feeding", ready for their meal. Babies play without diapers, laughing in the streets and women motion us over to talk. We take silly pictures with them, saying "wacky wacky", and laugh uncontrollably, before we pray for them and give the best group hugs.
Later, after a couple hours of prayer and worship, little 8-12 year old girls come in the gates to spend the afternoon with us. We paint their little toes, do puzzles, and talk about their favorite things. Angel sings worship songs in the sweetest voice and Samantha smiles shyly-her eyes beaming when she finds another piece that fits just right.
(Maria Georgia Angelica or "Angel" and I)
It was those images that floated through my mind as I went to sleep last night and the same ones that woke me up this morning with a smile, ready to do it all over again. I love it here. I love this country, I love these people, and I absolutely love that everything we are doing is glorifying to Jesus.
I want to show these people the love of Jesus. I want to love these children with smiles, hugs, songs of worship, and laughter. I want to live out the scripture I have been reading this week. It has become my prayer for the Race. It is from Isaiah 61:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has tanointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and uthe opening of the prison to those who are bound;
vto proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
wand the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
xto give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
ythe oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
zthat they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, athat he may be glorified.
bThey shall build up the ancient ruins;
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
Pray this over my Race and especially over the next two weeks in Manila.
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PS- I AM FULLY FUNDED!!!!! PRAISE JESUS 😀 He promised me a year ago that I would be funded before I left and the day before I got on a plane to leave America, an anonymous $1300 check came in. I am overwhelmed with thanks to everyone who gave so generously and so overjoyed that we have a God who keeps his promises.
