As we drove away in the jeepney, my constant sweat mixed with tears fell down my face. As the stench of Tondo lessened, the tears increased. So many children and friends I didn’t get a chance to say bye to…so many people that had yet to accept Jesus and I was already leaving.
This has by far been the most uncomfortable month of my life. It was 90 degrees most every day with no A/C which meant sweat poured 24/7. Children enjoyed pointing out that I had a big nose, often…I shared a twin mattress. No toilet seats and manual flushing. Bucket showers (which I actually enjoy). Streets that would flood with sewage water at night which was known as “high tide”. Can’t forget the stench of the place. Also, I saw poverty like I’ve never seen before.
This easily could have been the worst month of my life. I was homesick and missing friends and family during the Holidays. God showed up more this month because I asked for him, I begged for him. Everyday I had to ask for His strength, joy, and love to overflow.
Ministry this month was scattered and powerful yet it was easy for burnout. It’s never a lifestyle I could live but it was life changing for this month.
We crowded into tiny homes and pray for the people there.
Filipinos love karaoke so we made friendships by going to do karaoke with them! Karaoke ministry is the best.
We visited a hospital and saw God provide funds for children who needed medicines.
We were taken out to dinner by a Congressman of Manila and we went to a Senator’s house for lunch.
I loved on children everyday as they ran up to me.
We were able to feed hundreds of children and share Jesus with them because of the generosity of people back home who donated money.
We held a youth rally where many children came as well as adults to hear that God wants them and is pursuing them.
Went to a funeral where my friend Jake preached and I prayed; people came to know Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We fed prisoners, gave them Bibles, saw their tears, prayed for them, and saw many accept Jesus.
I loved this month. It was hard. Nothing in my flesh wanted to be there but everything of Christ in me wanted to be there. My dependency on the strength of the Lord dramatically increased this month as well as my faith in Him to provide everything I need when I need it.
I’m praying that I never forget this month in Tondo. God doesn’t want me to forget it. He's tattooed "Tondo Never Forget" on my heart. He put me in this exact place for a reason. Let me remind you that we were supposed to go to Tent City up until we left the airport. Still not sure what God has in store for me in remembering Tondo but for now I pray for the community and share with friends like you all about this place.
Philippines I sincerely hope we meet again.
Cheers to ministries, generosity, prisons, bucket showers, and uncomfort,
Jen
