For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
John 12 23-25
The month of November went by so fast. I cannot believe it has been so long since I have posted a blog. God is at work here in the Philippines. We have been witnesses to some great fruit. As well as scattering seeds among the people.
Who am I with?
There are ten of us this month. Kari, Renee and I are working with Seven-Eleven. Most of the days we are all going in different directions. From construction sites to working with Pastors and everything in between.
Where are we staying?
We are in Dumaguete City, Philippines! We are staying with a couple that teaches at the Bible College in town. They have been such a blessing. Sherry and Lloyd have been missionaries here in the Philippines for four years. They have the gift of hospitality. I have felt completely at home. It is a joy to have their support and encouragement with ministry, cooking, cultural information and fellowship.
What are some happenings during the day?
I spent a couple of days with an ICM(International Care Ministries) worker named Annie. She is an amazing woman of God who is in charge of the three preschools that ICM funds and partners with the local churches. She also lives at the ICM orphanage. She is not only busy aiding the preschool teachers, she is also helping start seven more preschools that will open this summer in other surrounding churches. I had received an opportunity of going with her to visit the preschools and orphanages. We have become good friends and I am so thankful for her encouragement. We visited a church the same day and shared what the Lord put on my heart and two people shared with the church for the first time what God was doing in their life. During a time of prayer God healed a woman’s crippled leg! Praise God.
International Care Ministry- Where there was 7 churches competing by singing two songs. Cam, Sarah and I judged-giving a first, second and third place.
I have been going to another orphanage that is not through ICM it was started by several churches coming together seeing a need. It is called Rainbow Orphanage – we took the babies to the doctor and spent time with the toddlers.
I spent some days going with Pastor Attos and some members from his church on outreaches to the local community. The first time we went out two ladies from the church took me to visit a man named Elmer who was dying of cancer – watch for the next blog about his healing! – I also got an opportunity to share my story and hear a couple of other women’s stories. It has been incredible seeing God break down walls and heal the sick!
As well as, construction sites, worship services, medical outreaches, feeding programs, teaching a seminar, visiting Pastors and speaking in front of churches.
What have I been up to in the evenings?
Renee, Cam and I went to a worship concert. It was called One Desire. A bunch of churches gathered together and put on a huge worship, sermon, prayer and fellowship time in this gigantic arena – next week four others and I will be performing a Drime here in front of approx 5,000 people – so I have been practicing for that! nervous-a bit!!! It was four hours of amazing worship and I was floored by the hunger and desire that the body of believers in the Philippines demonstrated to God. God moved in a powerful way that night. Words cannot describe it!
I went with Lloyd (Lo Lo) and Brandon to a College Bible study. Again it was exactly where I was suppose to be.
We have a gathering most nights checking in with each other and going over the next day who is going where.
Cooking meals some nights and cleaning up after some other nights.
Hanging out with Jesus and teammates.
Days of rest?
We have one day of rest a week. We were able to go to Apo Island and go snorkeling. Lloyd and Sherry came with us, it was a blast. We were also able to go to the sand bar and walk in the middle of the ocean! We met some locals there and they fed us snails and fish. God’s creation is incredible. During this time I met locals and tourist and had some great conversations.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!!
