Rest House

Today the team got to experience, first hand, what it is like to live like the native philippino's live. We have been staying in a home with windows, tile floors and fully insulated walls and a roof. A lap of luxury. Most every home within the barrio of Anda was made up of dirt floors, bamboo walls and a partial covering with a tin roof. Running water and flushing toilets are a novelty! Cooking is done outside over a coal burning stovetop, and a well can easily run out of water if naive missionaries take a slightly longer shower. So on this day, the team went over to thier new temporary home, and "set up camp." The men slept in a tent outside of the house, and the woman made thier beds on the bamboo floors. The women drapped mosquito netting over thier blankets and pillows, as there are many mosquitos out during the evening. Some areas of the philippines are known to have mosquitos that carry the disease malaria. Although this barrio was not known to have that problem, the team decided not to take chances with disease, or any uncomfortable itchy bites. For a team of 9, scrunched into a small tiny hut, it was easy to see why the philippino people were so physically close to one another. In there culture, it is not uncommon to have friends walking down the street holding hands. Many of the locals would walk shoulder to shoulder with us just to be close to us. A very sweet, family and God centered lifestyle. To show love in a real and tangible way was very apparent here, through visible interaction alone. That night, God hushed us to sleep with the soft, gentle tapping of rain upon our tin roof. Continuously, watering our souls, never leaving us in a drought. God is so GOOD! Unfortunately for the men in the tent, they were learning a deifferent lesson. Long suffering, and self sacrifice. Their tent was slightly saturated from the rain and got to wake up in a puddle of fresh rain water! Praise God in all circumstances! The women thanked the men for thier sacrifice, and giving them the dry and safe shelter. Noble, loving and God fearing men always do! The team then woke the next morning, and thanked the Lord for another day of life, and a better understanding of how blessed we truly are for the things we have, and do not have.

Gods Way, Not Our Way!

Today we went to a high School on the other side of the island. Mike, Micah, Matthew, Brooke, Janene, Claudia, Cherre', Sherlyn and Joseph, all piled into a truck and started thier journey. After a thirty minute ride, scruntched into the back of the open bed truck, the missionaries made it to the school. Upon arrival, dozens of children ran up to the truck, and greeted the missionaries with bright smiles and tiny handed high fives. "What's up dudes?" they all exclaimed. The students were from an elementary school that was right next to the highschool we were schedueled to visit. The schools shared a giant, green, open field where children would play, walk and talk. Most children would stay under the roofed topped benches to stay out of the sun. After the missionaries unloaded from the truck, they began greeting the children with hugs, high fives, and singing songs. Before the team knew it, they were surrounded by a whole school yard of children, and those were not even the children that we had planned on having an outreach with! God always seems to show us that our ways are not His ways! Amen! The team then began to set up the music equipment at the highschool. Mike Terrell began warming up to lead worship, as the highschool students began to file out of their classrooms and lined up around the plaza. Anointed, and prepared to serve God, Mike Terrell led not only the 500 highschool students, but ALL of the elementary school students that God brought over. The elementary school teachers were curious what the "U.S. Foriegners" were doing, and inturn, dismissed class, bringing more children to hear of the good news that Jesus has to offer. Praise God! During worship, all the women of the team went tinto the crowd, and invited the children to praise God while clapping thier hands and dancing. For most Native Philippino's, that kind of worship is uncommon. But by the looks of the children, and judging by thier smiles and laughter, it seemed as though it might begin to be more common than not; especially with the enthusiastic, and spirit filled songs orchestrated by Mike Terrell. After worship, Micah and Matthew gave messages of Gods love! Some students had never experience the kind of love that God offers freely everyday. And because we know of that love, we inturn rejoice, give thanks and pray unceasingly to our Father in heaven. No matter the circumstances. Circumstances do not change God's love, Circumstances change us, to be more in the image of His son Jesus Christ. Who is faultless and all loving! After the message, dozens and dozens of children accepted Christ as thier personal Lord and saviour. Trusting God, in every parts of thier life.

1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.

Girl Day with the Pastors' Wives!

On this very special day, the women of the team took the wives of the pastors out for a day of shopping. Sherlynn, Claudia, Brooke, Janene and Cherre' picked up the wives one by one. Sherlynn and Claudia explained to the women that they were to be given 2,000 Pesos to spend on anything, as long as it was for them! The women were elated and these women instantaneously turned into young giggling girls again. They began to sing worship songs, clapping thier hands, and began to speak of the things that they might buy. It was so sweet to see these women who sacrifice everything they have of themselves, have the opportunity to be lavished with love and attention. After a wonderful afternoon of buying clothes, shoes and accessories, the team including the Men, regrouped for lunch at McDonalds!A fancy treat for these women who normally cook all thier meals from scrap over a coal burning stove. After our meal we dropped the ladies and all thier new treasures at thier homes and said goodnight.

Church Hopping

Today we went and visited all ten of the pastors' churches. Pastor Aguido managed to fit all 9 team members into the back of his truck, as they made their way into the remote barrios of Anda. Some churches in the open rice fields of Anda, some hidden away in the remote jungles, and others lining small fishing towns near the shore. Every single church had a need. Some lacked walls, roofs, windows, floors, lighting fixtures, and more. Some of the churches could hardly be called a building because of the devastating destruction the typhoon caused. However, there was one thing that every church did maintain, the Love and the Hope of Jesus Christ. The walls that withstood the storms "coincidently" were the walls with painted scripture on them. These people have built their hearts upon a solid foundation found in Jesus, and no matter how horrible the storm, no matter how traumatic the situation, their faith withstands. Similarly to our own personal lives, when we build our lives on the promises of God, our lives may be shaken and disfigured, but never beyond repair. God will always repair, restore and revive us during our times of need.
At every church the team was greeted by the Pastor and the pastor's wife. A cold "sparkle" soda, rice cake and small meal was offered upon arrival. We would then receive a tour around the land, and then gathered inside each sanctuary to pray for the church body and every soul that might enter through its doors.
At one of the churches, Sherlynn,Joseph and Cherre' were able to pray for a 81 year old man who was laying on his death bed. He had not eaten for 3 days and all his organs were slowly shutting down. On the open bamboo bed, Sherlynn laid her hands on him and delivered him the message of the Gospel. She lovingly explained to him the urgency to accept Christ as his Lord and savior, and the promise of a life in heaven, with Jesus and also his wife who had passed away just months before. With a few exasperated answers and nods of his head, he accepted Christ into his heart. Two days later we were informed that are beloved friend had passed away, and made his way home to meet Jesus. If not for Sherlynns boldness and care for this man’s acceptance of Jesus Christ, as he lay just days from death, He would have missed out on a eternity in heaven with the Father. It's as if the Lord was keeping him alive long enough to have His daughter Sherlynn come and bring his dying son home. Praise the Lord for his grace and mercy. Another church held the mute and immobile daughter of a pastor. For 25 years she could neither speak or walk. The pastor, her father, explained that she brought him more joy than any other person on this earth. Whenever he was low and contrite in spirit, the pastor would pick up his daughter, and in return lift his spirit. The pastor's love as a father perfectly demonstrates the love that our eternal Father has for us. Though incapable of moving, and at a loss of words, our father picks us up, blessing us and by our praise and gratitude, we bless the Father.

Pictures Delayed

We apologize that we are unable to upload our pictures at this time. The internet connection available to us is limited. We do however have MANY pictures to add to each blog. They will be added once we enter the city of Manila during our trip, so keep checking!

Thank you!

100 Islands

Creation. What better way to see and experience God than to be wrapped in His beauty? This Monday the HSE team took the Pastors and their wives onto a boat, and over to see the Philippines 100 Islands! Even though the Pastors have lived in the Philippines their entire lives, few had ever gone to see these exotic islands. 100 Islands is seen as a luxury, and out of their budget from their humble lifestyle. This was truly a blessing for these Pastors and their wives to enjoy the beauty of their own country, and to fan the flames of the romance between husband and wife.

Upon arriving to one of the lush green islands, the HSE team and company explored the island and its crystal blue waters. To see the wives laughing and playing in the water, as the men admired them from under the shade of the cabana, was truly a heart warming sight. These men and women have dedicated their entire lives to the Lord, living in tin roofed homes, with dirt floors and concrete walls. They have gone without dinner, in order to feed others in need, even though they themselves are in the same situation. They have watched their churches turned to rubble by the seasonal typhoons, and have diligently rebuilt them without complaint. They have worn the clothing that has been patched and repaired for years, and have only adorned themselves with Gods strength and dignity. This is why, a day of rest to these wonderful and fearfully made people, meant so much to them and the Team.

After a fair amount of recreation, the group ate lunch as Joseph made an announcement. Prior to the outing, the HSE men had a meeting with every pastor. There, a list of needs and repairs for each church was formed. Praise the Lord, our God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and His grace is sufficient to supply for all our needs. With prayer and U.S. fruit sharing opportunities, the pastors were blessed with supplies to repair and rebuild their churches. 10 pastors, 10 churches and a multitude of members will all see the love of God and His blessings in a tangible and real way.

The group then boarded the boat to move to the next island. There, the group of island hoppers took portraits of each couple, hiked up to the lookout point, and basked in the amazing sights and sounds of the island. Shortly after, everyone boarded the small wooden boat and headed back to the main island. With the wind at their backs, the ocean waters misting sun kissed faces, and the Pastors humming and singing familiar hymns and psalms, they made their way home.

The vine of life

This Sunday the team went to the church for service. Matthew, Micah, Booke, Claudia and Sherlynn gave a testimony and the entire team performed the skit. Mike led worship for the first time within the Church, setting the tone for a day of reverence. Joseph went onto the stage and was accompanied by Pastor Aguido. Joseph shared with the church, a message of Gods love, and how we are called to love one another as ourselves. We love ourselves perfectly, and God knew that we would understand that kind of love. Joseph explained the importance of husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the Church. He also addressed how many of us have broken relationships amongst our family members, and that forgiveness is required from us, just as Christ has forgiven us. Pastor Aguido translated Josephs message line by line, and then invited the Church to come to the alter, and ask the Lord to restore their marriages and relationships. The ENTIRE Church came forward, and the HSE students laid their hands upon them, and prayed. The Holy Spirit was clearly ministering to every single person there.

Later on that evening, the HSE team joined the youth of the church for games and fellowship. They played Bible charades, pulling out names of Bible figures from a bowl. A HSE student would accompany one of the church youth, and silently act out the chosen character. It was both fun and educational!

The youth then made their way over to the basketball courts to hear a message from Micah VanDover. He explained how Jesus is the vine of life, and we are the branches connected to Him. Jesus is the life source of all that we are. If a branch is not connected to the vine, the branch will die and not bear any fruit. If we are not connected to Jesus, we are then spiritually dead, lacking the love of God, that is necessary to love one another. Without that connection with God, we will be incapable of growing spiritually and loving others. The youth gave Micah a very enthused applause and gave thanks to God for a wonderful day of teaching, admonishment, and fellowship.