Hey guys,
Just wanted to update you quickly on some things. You may or may not know, but about 2 weeks ago we moved from Manila to Tacloban. Last year, Tacloban was hit by one of the largest typhoons(hurricanes) ever recorded. KIM has been ministering to the people here since Typhoon Yolanda hit on November 8th, 2013. As you can imagine, Yolanda left wide scale devastation. Many people died. Few families made it through Yolanda and the aftermath without losing a family member. There was looting, rape, and killing, in the confusion that followed. Almost a year has passed since Yolanda, order has been restored, the tears in the landscape and society are healing, but many people are still broken, scared, and in need of love…luckily we can provide just that. The 1 year anniversary of the storm approaches, and as the same fears and heartbreak begin to resurface, we will be here to help. Here at KIM’s base in Tacloban, called The Lighthouse, we are planning a memorial and commemoration service that will span the anniversary. That being said, there is so much that has to get done in order for that to happen. Tons of construction and planning are going into this. Tons of hours of work. But seeing the heart of the people here at KIM has been so inspiring it does not even feel like work. It’s been so encouraging, and I’ve really been able to jump on board with all that I am, and Father has shown me so much of Himself because of it. I’ve learned to start choosing joy, despite my body aching, or being frustrated, or just so tired I feel like I can’t lift another bucket of sand to make concrete. He’s showing me what it means to really start diving into community with my team mates, and what Christian community needs to look like. He’s showing me parts of my character that need work. He’s speaking life through me to others on my squad, and on the staff here at the Lighthouse. He’s forcing me to draw closer to Him, because this is hard, and the only way I can find joy at all times is if I’m clinging to His presence. He’s developing my giftings, and making me bold in them. He’s refining me, and I love it.
Life here in Tacloban is marvelous. We’re nestled right between the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. We’re literally 100 yds from the beach. The weather here is cooler than in Manila, might have to do with the sea breeze, but it’s still hot nonetheless. Bottom line, it’s beautiful here, and if you’re like me and really experience the Lord through what He has created, it’s absolutely fantastic. Speaking of fantastic, the staff here are just that. They immediately welcomed the 25 of us into their every day lives, which is a big step as we can be a little overwhelming. They made us feel so welcomed. Since then those relationships have grown, which has been so encouraging to see. From the first day, I made it a priority to really get to know the Filipino staff here and become a part of their lives. It just so happens that the Filipino Homeless World Cup team is also staying here, working and training. The first day here they invited me to come train with them and I accepted, despite the 30hr bus ride I had just went through. I had immediate connection with one of the guys, Mheko. We stayed up late that night, playing guitar and just talking about each other’s lives, and that’s when I started praying for his soul. Time went on, I continued developing that relationship, playing soccer with him, doing construction with him, investing my time in him, and I continued praying. One day, we took a break from construction because it was raining, and went and swam in the ocean. We were about to get out when I asked if we could just pray and thank God for the rain bouncing off the ocean top, the mist over the mountains, and just take a snapshot of what God had made. So I prayed. And then Mheko prayed. He talked to us about Yolanda and the devastation it left on his family. How he was now the main bread winner, at 20, for his mother, father, and sister. He opened up and was vulnerable with us, and we were able to pray for him and speak life into him. It was a beautiful moment. I knew Mheko hadn’t accepted Christ as his savior yet, but I knew Father was working in His heart, and that He was using me to do so. A few days later, we had a worship night as a squad. Mheko came, and I saw Father move. He ran out in the middle of it, I gave him a few minutes, and then followed. When he saw me coming towards me he came to me, tears streaming down his face, and said with the biggest smile I’ve seen on his face, “God loves me. He loves me!”. I cried, we hugged, and right then and there he spoke “Lord, I give my life to You. I surrender all that I am. I’m Yours”. It will be a moment I will never forget. I gained a brother that day, and most importantly, Mheko gained a Father. Two days ago, he told me he wants to be baptized before my squad and I leave, and he wants me to do it. I’m amazed and so filled with joy over what the Lord has done through me, and so thankful for the opportunity that He gave me to see Him work.
So yeah. The past couple of weeks have been amazing. I’ve seen God move in so many ways, in so many hearts. I get to play soccer on a daily basis and use it for His glory. I was even able to play in a local tournament with Mheko and the rest. God has shown me so much of His face through what we’re doing here. I want to close this post with a request for prayer. I ask that you all would continue praying for my squad and I as November 8th and the commemoration service nears. There is a TON to get done. And I ask that you would prepare hearts, ours and the people’s we will reach. Thanks so much for your prayers and support, they really do mean so much. Love you all.
