Monday, April 30, 2007

Happy to Bid the Tarp Farewell

The tarp had had it. It was only about 6 months old, but between the heat, pollution, and heavy rains it was falling apart and could no longer shade us or keep us dry. During the rainy season the water would fill the tarp like a balloon till it gave way under the weight and pour out on some body's head. The last time I saw it, it was in shreds and could not longer be nailed to the block wall from which it used to hang. Some of brothers from Manalo bridge were more than willing to build a stronger, semi-permanent roof to keep us cool (as cool as you can get in the Philippines) and dry.

So Jessica and I jumped in our van along with Kuya Edwin and Kuya Tony to go the a local hardware store. We bought the metal sheets for the roof, nails and some wood for the frame. The men quickly built the frame, fastened it to the block walls and placed the roof on it. This has made our bible studies and fellowship time at the bridge much more enjoyable. It is also a testimony to the community. Next month I plan on getting more material so that we can extend the roof even further.

Just the month before we added some concrete steps to make the climb down the dirt embankment safer. Soon we will have a generator to power lights and a projector so we can show movies (like the Jesus film) for monthly out reach events. God is continuing to move and bless this community and as it responds to the gospel. Pray that leaders will continue to emerge and grow and that God will give me wisdom in shepherding them and loving these precious people.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Testimony from a Missionary to Muslims

At a conference on the Island of Mindanao in the Philippines I was challenged by several testimonies given by Filipino missionaries working among Muslims. It took me several hours and to edit the audio and is by no means a studio job, but I think it is worth listening to and I hope that you will take the time to down load and listen to it. You will hear some of the reality that our brother live with everyday. What you won't hear is that these men and women are going out with a lot of love and zeal, but very little solid training.

People like the man giving the testimony are just the kind of people I desire to come along side of and train. These workers are passionate and ready to give their lives for the Lord. I want to sharpen them so that they will bring God more glory as He uses them more powerfully and stragically. Be blessed.