Some affirmation that God is working and love the world even in the poorest and destitute of places came today. We went to the church in the dump and there were about 300 kids in attendance. They sang so loud and with such zeal it was so refreshing. At one point they sang loud and with arms in the air, “one way, Jesus — you’re the only one that I can live for!” It was so great, it was almost overwhelming. After the kids sang, they were separated and I was able to help with the ten year olds. I attempted to learn a verse in Tagalog, but my pronunciation is still a work in progress. We are going to be able to help out with the youth group on Wednesday night and I’m looking forward to that as well. Remember, these kids have no material possessions, but they have the JOY OF THE LORD!
On my run and during my devotions this past week, I really could not get the idea of ‘abandoning everything’ out of my head. I don’t know how many times I have sung “I surrender all” in one form or another, and I know I have meant it, but I don’t know if I really completely understand what it means. Many times I have felt like I have surrendered everything to God, but I really have surrendered most and only in situations that are easy to surrender. If God asked me to abandon everything and come here to live in the Philippines, work in the dump and minister to these people would I really be willing? Honestly, now, I would not want to do this indefinitely. Conversely, I do want to be in a place of complete surrender to God, but I don’t know exactly how this surrender manifests itself. I do know that right here right now is here God wants me and that’s all I really have to know.
