Today was our first official day of ministry in the dumps of Manila, and I can honestly say that I am already falling in love. I am changed after spending only one day in this place and with these precious people. I hardly have the words to tell you what I’ve seen and experienced today, so bear with me as I attempt to do so.
This place is one that cannot be described in words. It cannot be captured in pictures or videos. You must see it with your own eyes to even begin to understand the life these 5,000-some people live. These are the despised of the world, as were the lepers in Jesus’ day. These are the unclean and unwanted. It’s rather humbling to ponder the similarities.
We had barely set foot on the ground when I was overwhelmed. I had anticipated to be overwhelmed by the sights and smells in particular, but instead I was overwhelmed with a love that came not from myself. I was amazed to feel such peace and comfort in this place where the poorest of the poor dwell. It was truly amazing how JOYFUL the children were. Their joy was infectious! They have so much to teach me at giving thanks in each and every circumstance.
Yes, the place is filthy. It’s hot. I’m sure it has millions of infectious bacteria swarming in it. It’s the trash heap, for heavens’ sake! None of that mattered today, however. Today I saw families working together to survive. I saw tight-knit communities and relationships. I saw children playing in the streets. I saw and experienced joy in their precious little faces as they lit up my world with their smiles.
I saw extreme poverty, and I saw extreme love; the extreme love the Father has for this place and these people. This kind of love is life-changing. It’s radical.
Talk about real. This stuff is REAL! I honestly feel so blessed to be here in the dumps with these people. This is the kind of thing Jesus was talking about when he said,
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
It’s a calling to go lower and to give up everything you have and more.
When have I ever stepped so outside of my comfort zone? Yet, it felt like home. It SHOULD feel like home, because this is the kind of life we have been called to! As children of the living God who profess, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we must be seeking to bring his kingdom realities to earth! We are called to love those the world has thrown by the wayside, and love takes action.
I have so much to learn from these people.
So, stay tuned for further updates on the way they are changing my life!
