Today was the last day at the Tondo dump in Manila for Teams Libre and Judah. My theme verses for this last month have been Romans 12: 11-13 which say, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Maintaining zeal, joy, and patience can get difficult at times when work is being executed in a lackluster environment. It’s more difficult to complain about this though when you remember that this environment is all some people know. Regardless of this, they still have the joy of the Lord. In terms of worth, knowing that God is glorified through our work trumps all other reasons to be here.
It’s easy to leave the smell of mold, mildew and garbage. It’s easy to leave behind the hot and bumpy ride through muck and mud. It’s easy to not miss the library where we spent countless hours compiling, alphabetizing and then covering books in plastic. What’s hard is leaving behind the staff that welcomed us with open arms and then ministered to us through their lives more than we could have ever imagined. What’s hard is saying goodbye to the teachers with whom we have formed relationships merely by being someone with whom they can speak English. What’s hard is saying goodbye to a youth group that is so awesome, but not too cool to play “duck, duck, goose!” What’s really hard is saying goodbye to the kids knowing that this may be the last time we ever see them on this earth. It gets even more complicated by not even having the ability to dictate your departure to them in their own language.
Meet my friend Adan. He is 10 years old and a student here at PCF Community School. He and his family are scavengers and live here in the Tondo dump not far from the school. He speaks very little English, but sings out loudly during praise and worship time on Sunday mornings. I don’t know what the years ahead look like for Adan, but please pray for him and his family and those here at PCF like him. I rest in the promise that God is in control and that He has His hand of protection and banner of love over this young man. If you would like more information about the Philippine Christian Foundation, please visit www.pcf.ph.
Due to the nature of our next location, I will not have access to the internet in any way from Halloween until Thanksgiving Day. We will be traveling to Hong Kong this weekend for debrief and training. I’m looking forward to reuniting with our entire squad of approximately 50 and hearing and sharing what the Lord has done. Currently, my support level is approaching 50%. I still need around $6000 to complete all 11 months of the World Race. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.
