Fri. July 29 – We started our morning visiting Aris Balala – who manages a Christian farmers coop of around 135 families. He is helping the farmers transition into organic farming! I mentioned that I had observed a lot of goats around and that quality goat milk and yogurt is very popular among people interested in healthy nutrition. I explained that making yogurt is rather easy and that I had never seen organic yogurt in the Philippine stores. Doy was all ears! Convinced that they would like the idea, he plans to talk with those in governing positions about organic yogurt production as a livelihood for village people! We stopped at the Economic Department to set up an appointment for Doy to visit with them about these ideas! Doy & Ann are also good friends with the Christian Governor of Cabanatuan. We stopped to visit with Maris at the school she founded and is the principal of. She is a college mate of Doy’s. Her husband is the National Treasurer of the Filipino Police and her family owns a lot of farming property. They plan to convert to organic growing principals! Weaving through the trees down a narrow muddy road in the mountains, we made our way to a beautiful spot over-looking the valley! This is the new home of Rod and Lolite who have recently moved to the country from Manila. They were very wealthy Realtors when the Lord told them to leave their business and go minister to the village people. They have a very quaint home, a large hut for fellowship and a separate home for those who might be in immediate need for a place to stay. They own a large amount of farm land and are also converting to organic growing! We were scheduled for fellowship with a number of brothers and sisters this evening, however, a brother in a desperate situation called for help. We cancelled the fellowship in order to be with him and his wife. We spent the evening listening as they poured their hearts out to us. This man “just happened to be” from Alabama. It was helpful to him to have a brother and sister from America as part of his support and encouragement! God’s timing is perfect once again. He has only been home for a short while and will be returning to Afghanistan in a few days!
Sat. July 30 – Doy’s cell phone wasn’t working, consequently he couldn’t make the contacts for us that he hoped to. Instead, of being out and about as planned, we spent the morning watching the movie Facing the Giants with his daughter, Jaimie. As always, the Lord’s plan and timing is perfect. Considering the possibility that God may be leading us to be in the Philippines more permanently is somewhat unsettling for “old folks” like us! Thoughts of learning a new culture, language, etc…. can be somewhat overwhelming for even a young person! We’re not young! There is tremendous work that needs to been done and we know that we don’t have the energy that we used to have. Without Jesus these can seem like giants! As the movie unfolded the Lord spoke clearly to me that He is not done with us, that we can’t quit and with Him nothing is impossible! The brother whom we encouraged and prayed with last night owns a massage parlor and treated us to a massage this afternoon! We had fellowship at Doy’s with a number of people. The Spirit led our evening fellowship into a very powerful discussion about attempting to institutionalize God’s Kingdom work and uniting it with the world’s governments. We shared until 2 AM! The Holy Spirit’s presence was clearly leading the conversation. We certainly have the evil one’s attention!
Sun. July 31 - Brkfst @ Jun (June) & Mayetta’s (Myet) Savior’s. They made tea from guava leaves to use on Gary’s wounds. We had fellowship with local brothers & sisters who meet in one another’s homes. We met a Filipino couple who are home for respite from mission work in Saudi Arabia. We celebrated positive results with a young couple who have been trying to get pregnant for 11 years!
Mon. Aug 1 – Driving to Angeles City with Doy and Dong was a wonderful time of fellowship. We prayed, sang praises and shared hearts about many things. The car was filled with God’s presence! We stopped at Charisma Natural Farms run by Cynthia who was formerly a medical doctor who’s passionate about organic farming and organic Kingdom life! What a precious sister in the Lord! We have much in common and were thrilled to connect hearts! Spent some time sharing singing praises and praying with Dong’s pastor friends Eric & Elsa Domingo who minister to former drug addicts, prostituted women etc Shelter Power house. Arrived @ May & Paulo’s late in the evening. It was fun to reconnect. Some of you might remember my prayer requests for Feng when I was here last winter. PTL Feng went home, has a job and is doing quite well!!!! Thank you for your prayers for her! Gary’s wounds are mucho better! Thanks for your prayers!
Tues. Aug 2 – We ran errands in the AM and spent the afternoon with three of the girls at the RENEW shelter where Dotty & I spent 4 wks last winter. Kim met us at the gate, jumping for joy as she hugged me! As we entered into the shelter, it was obvious that Kim had something on her mind that she had to share. Even though she said she was nervous about trying to share in English she knew that the Lord was nudging her to share her heart with me. She poured out her heart for over an hour about how she felt the Lord had used me in her life, where she is now and where she desires to be in her life and walk with Jesus. Her love and passion for Jesus left me speechless. I was so humbled that the tears just started flowing as I praised Jesus in my heart for His Spirit’s work in her life! All glory is His!!! It was so cute when she said, “I’m shocked that I am speaking such good English!” Kim has started college since I was here this winter. She is studying Hotel Management. She is very excited and serious about her studies! RENEW has temporarily moved to a much smaller bldg and hoping to begin to build on their own property later this yr! They are excited! They also have purchased two new computers. The 100# box of knitting supplies that we mailed before leaving home has not arrived yet. I’m disappointed, but I’m reminded that God’s timing is perfect. I’m told that the delay is likely due to the typhoons. The girls gave me a small boxful of bags and purses that they’ve knitted and want me to sell for them in the states. They are beautiful! We went for a walk around the new neighborhood with the girls and children who were home for the morning. We spent an hour or two catching our breath and went back to RENEW to see the girls who were at school earlier in the day. Although he was not comfortable going into the bars, we went to Field’s Avenue in the evening so that Gary could get a glimpse of the Red Light District. Two of the girls from the shelter went with us. On our way back to the shelter, a group of fellas on the jeepney had schemed to pick pocket Gary. After an extended dramatic display in an attempt to distract Gary from his belonging, they gave-up in frustration. When we got off the jeepney a young man came up to us and asked if we were ok and if we had everything. He had overheard the “team” saying before they got on the jeepney, “Let’s get the old man!” All of Gary’s belongings were secured. I assured him that not only is he not “old” but that they didn’t know who they were messing with, for he is a child of the most High King!
Wed. Aug 3 – I went to the shelter this morning and was greeted by Kim who handed me a card that she’d made for Gary & I. It was great to reconnect with Loida, the social worker @ RENEW. She has taken on the role of learning more about knitting and teaching the girls! I am so thrilled! We went to the college with Paulo where he is the director of the social services department. It was fun to reunite with some of the people there and to introduce them to Gary. I learned today that RENEW has provided 40 students with scholarship! PTL!!! We ate lunch with a number of staff and students before returning to RENEW. Paulo remained with us for the rest of the afternoon visiting with some of the girls at the shelter before we had to fly out in the evening to return to Cebu. We were greeted at the airport by a truck full of our family members from Cebu! What a blessing!
Thurs. Aug 4 – We had fun catching up with Molong and some of our other family this morning. Before leaving for Luzon, I’d contacted a couple who developed a ministry called Project Mercy to arrange meeting with them. They are ministering to vulnerable over-aged youth These youth do not fit the standard curriculum available to students their age. Project Mercy has developed a curriculum that fits their needs. These students have been in gangs, convicts of various crimes, known addicts, prostituted, homeless, etc. They are using organic farming as training and teaching tools, as well as a possible means of livelihood for the students. Biblical literacy is integrated into the studies. Parents are also included in the curriculum. Through their curriculum they have discovered that they meet their discipleship goals in 6 mths vs. the three yrs. that they were exp. before they changed from the standard curriculum. They are not a private school, instead the government has recognized them as a research school designed to test programs for those who do not fit the standard curriculum. Their school has been opened for 2 yrs. There are no expenses for the students who attend Project Mercy’s school! We had a great visit over lunch about producing organic herbs and making health products from them as livelihood projects. I shared several samples of the products that I make. They are interested in learning more and we’ll go to visit the school and farm tomorrow. I’ve wondered through the yrs. why I’ve had such a strong interest in and spent so much time researching organic gardening and how to make these products. It seemed that there had to be more than a personal reason. I think I’m discovering why the Lord has had me on such a mission to learn. The Philippines seems to be a wide open opportunity for this. The people are in need of healthy food and products, the interest to learn is there and with more and more tourists coming in there is also a market.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Saturday, August 6, 2011
FINDING OUR HEARTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Fri, July 22 – We returned to riverside to fellowship and teach more knitting. The girls had been working diligently on their knitting projects and were very excited to consider the various products they could make and how to market them! Before we left, Eman asked the girls if there as anything they wanted to share with Gary & I. One of the young girls thought for a minute how to express her heart in English before she said, “All I can say is, ‘Thank you for teaching us!’” I tried to express to her how blessed I was to have the honor!
A young lady by the name of “Lot” is an active helper and encourager of the riverside people. She wanted us to see her home way down at the rivers edge. I was very skeptical about the stress that the journey would put on my back, but she was so excited that I simply couldn’t say, “No!” Without any prompting, Lot and her friend Grace, took my arms to help me along and together we made our way through the rocks, sandbacks and potted pathway to Lot’s home! I’m not very good at being on the receiving end. Their love and concern was so humbling! The Lord is using the Filipino’s to “teach me a few lessons” and learning to receive is one of them!
Eman shared that the river if full of human and animal waste. However, along the riverside there were people who were washing out big sheets of plastic in the river. Once it is cleaned, a buyer pays them 5 pesos per kilo.
I had knitted a sample bag to show the women what their finished product could look like and gave it to Lot as a gift of thanks at the end of the day. I’ll treasure her smile, hug and soft “I’ll miss you” in my heart for a long while!
Most of the people there claim Catholicism as their religion. However, Eman is slowly ministering to them about the freedom in Jesus and talking to them about developing a house church community there. Eman is also visiting with local pastors who are finding the institutional church to be binding and dissatisfying about developing house church communities. He shared that it is a very slow process, but that God is revealing truth about what He desires for His people!
I ate a fish head with eyeballs still in it today! Eman had friend it until it was very crispy and said that the whole thing is very good! I closed my eyes, took a big gulp and bit the head off! Much to my surprise it didn’t taste any different that the rest of the fish! IT was very good! We also drank pop from a plastic bag that we purchased from a vendor. They pour pop from a bottle in to a plastic bag and put a straw in it. I’m sure this protects their refundable bottles, plus it stretches the amt. that is in one bottle among more than one customer.
We brought several Global Edition youth Bibles with us. It is a very easy to read English version. We have been giving them as gifts along the way and the young receivers are thrilled! What joy it is to share God’s Truths with them in this way!
Some of you may recall that we had thought that the Lord was leading us to leave from Cebu to go to India before heading home. However, as we’ve continue to seek Him, we believe that we are to use all of these wks to remain in the Philippines and will be spending our last 2.5 weeks in Cebu.
Sat, July 23 – Art DiMalanta, another regional House church leader in the Philippines. Art picked us up early this morning and took us to Payatas. Payatas is “famous” for it’s garbage dumps. Some of you may recall that Dotty Zens and I visited there this past winter. This is the place of Marivic Goloy’s ministry. The ministrty time was being led by several young ladies who Marivic has ministered to through the yrs. They are now college students returning to help! These young ladies and Art invited us into the wonderful opportunity to minister to the children. Considering that their hearts must be trouble by Marivic’s recent tragic accident our focus was to encourage them through reminders of God’s wondeful promises through lots of fun actions songs! Our hearts were blessed while listening to the children recite their memory verses.
Art was anxious to hear our testimony about why and how we left the institutional church. As a result he is planning to arrange an opportunity for us to share with a number of pastors whom he feels would be blessed by our story.
Sun. July 24 – Art picked us up to go to Baguio City (up in the mountains) today. Jomie, a young disciple came with him. We are staying at Art’s sister’s vacation home way up in the mountains. It is a very spacious, elaborately decorated home! What a contrast to the shanties along the riverside! Art is an inventor of an organic fertilizer which he is introducing to the farmers. I felt prompted to share with him some thoughts about teaching the women to make organic lotions, gels, soaps etc. He was so interested and excited by the idea that he immediately got on the phone to arrange an opportunity for me to teach while we are in Baguio. Because of his skill in marketing, he is willing to help them market their products! I’m very excited!
Mon. July 25 – In the morning we went to Kalinga Cross Over Ministries. They are connected with the Social Hygiene Clinic where the “entertainers” go to be checked for sexual diseases. When the girls arrive for their hygiene check-up, the staff from Kalinga befriends them. For those who are ready, Kalinga helps them in taking steps to get off the streets.
The social hygiene clinic in Baguio has been awarded as being the best in the nation for its cleanliness, requirements, dress code, complete service and referrals.
The M.D. at the clinic shared with us that the owner of largest and most lustful bar in Baguio went out on the streets to recruit women for his bar. Instead, women witnessed to him about Jesus. As a result, he became a follower of Jesus and closed down his bar! On the building he placed a banner which read, “This place is closed to the glory of God!”
We met a young lady who had traveled 8 hours to get to the Kalinga ministry site. The staff had ministered to her some time ago, but had lost contact with her. However, Red felt a strong need to come to the ministry site this morning. She shared that she knows Jesus, but has been confused about many things. She shared her heart about many things. What a precious opportunity we had to encourage and pray for her. We shared with her that freedom in Jesus is found not in a bldg once a week where there is little intimacey with others, but in close daily relationship with other brothers and sisters in Jesus. Before we left she shared that she came with many questios and has now received answers and that her confusion is now gone!
We were invited to attend a prayer mtg for the Philippines. It was an interesting exp.
We met up with Mila, a young Filippina missionary who is just now coming out of the institutional setting desiring to learn more about HC
Tues. July 26 – I can’t even begin to describe the beauty that we saw as we drove out of the mountains today on our way to meet another house church leader, Doy. On our way down the mountain we stopped in a village for lunch. When we arrived, lunch was ready for us under a little hut, prepared by brothers and sisters in Jesus. Gary had a wonderful unexpected opportunity to share about our journey out of the insstitutional church into the freedom of organic church. One of the men whom he shared with was a pastor who had recently left the I.C. It was wondeful to see him and Gary encouraging and praying for one another! We were taken to a small “church” building where I taught the village women and a few men how to make organic hand sanitizer using essential oils. They are very excited and ready to get started on making and selling their new product! Gary was provided an opportunity to share our testimony with them. As we made our way down the mountain it started to rain. When we arrived at the spot where we were to meet Doy and his wife Ann, we sat under an awning eating chicken that been cooked over an open pit. It started to rain harder and harder and harder until the streets were flooded. We received report via text mail that we were experiencing a #2 Typhoon! We laughed, told stories and shared hearts as we watched it rain, ate Filipino style – with our fingers and prayed for Doy & Ann. We rejoiced when we spotted their vehicle! It took them 2 hours to drive what would normally take 30 minutes! Knowing it would not be good for me to walk through all that dirty water with an open wound on my foot, we scouted out some plastic bags to wrap around my foot. It worked perfectly! We loaded our luggage into Doy’s truck and off we went. The rain had nearly stopped , however we came to a small village that was totally flooded. Ann explained that all the rain from other areas runs toward this village and that flooding there is very common. Many families were standing outside their flooded homes watching as the rain continued to come down. My heart hurt for them. As we slowly made our way through the flooded streets, we approached a spot where the water was very deep and flowing freely across the road! As we creeped through our truck was pulled off the road by the current! Holding our breath in anticipation of what was to come next, the Lord gently steered us back up onto the pavement! Within a few feet was higher ground on our way to Doy & Ann’s home in Cabanatuan!
Wed. July 27 - We took Ann to her work place as a biology professor. While waiting for her, Doy showed us a power point presentation that he has prepared called F.R.E.E. – Foundational Restoration for Easy Education. He is working to develop community educational opportunities for the children who live outside the city and have great difficulty pursuing their primary education. I was all ears!
Because Doy had lost his cell phone with all his contact numbers in it, he took us around to make connections with other contacts to no avail. While driving along, we had great visits. Doy is a brother in the Lord who left his position as a pastor some time ago. He now works for Art distributing fertilizer. They are using organic fertilizer as a tool to visit with farming families about Jesus and organic church! I shared with Doy some of my ideas regarding making organic products using essential oils as a way of livelihood for the people. I shared that the herbs can be grown in the Philippines year around, however we need a way to extract the oils from the plants. He is very interested in learning more and shared that he has relatives who are chemists and can help us to obtain distillers for extracting oil for plants!
We made an unannounced visit to Dong’s home. Dong is also a former pastor who not only left his position, but converted his “church” building into a place for his daughter to teach preschool! As we were visiting, Dong looked at me and said, “Don’t I know you?” As it turns out we are “friends” on Facebook through my articles! Dong plays the guitar and Ann plays the keyboard. We had a wonderful time or fellowship and singing praise songs! Dong is an Alternative Learning System Coordinator, helping those who have not completed their high school education to get what we know as a G.E.D. Dong also is a volunteer in the Red Light District. He hold a Bible Study in the home of a bar owner’s parents! Even the bar owner has attended a number of times. Dong also has a pastor friend where I was this past winter in Angeles City who helps the bar workers – Shelter Power House.
Thurs. July 28 – Doy and Dong took us to Port Dingalan. The view of the ocean and mountains was breathtaking! We purchased seafood at a roadside stand and took it to roadside café to have it cooked! Sitting at a picnic area overlooking the ocean with mountains surrounding us, we shared hearts I was telling them about my previous trip to the Philippines and after arriving home a friend told me, “Yes you are physically in America, but your heart is in the Philippines.” Doy was speechless. He shared that the night before he and Ann had asked the Lord what He wanted them to do for us. The Lord told them clearly, “Take them in, show them around and introduce them to other brothers and sisters. They are finding their hearts in the Philippines!”
A young lady by the name of “Lot” is an active helper and encourager of the riverside people. She wanted us to see her home way down at the rivers edge. I was very skeptical about the stress that the journey would put on my back, but she was so excited that I simply couldn’t say, “No!” Without any prompting, Lot and her friend Grace, took my arms to help me along and together we made our way through the rocks, sandbacks and potted pathway to Lot’s home! I’m not very good at being on the receiving end. Their love and concern was so humbling! The Lord is using the Filipino’s to “teach me a few lessons” and learning to receive is one of them!
Eman shared that the river if full of human and animal waste. However, along the riverside there were people who were washing out big sheets of plastic in the river. Once it is cleaned, a buyer pays them 5 pesos per kilo.
I had knitted a sample bag to show the women what their finished product could look like and gave it to Lot as a gift of thanks at the end of the day. I’ll treasure her smile, hug and soft “I’ll miss you” in my heart for a long while!
Most of the people there claim Catholicism as their religion. However, Eman is slowly ministering to them about the freedom in Jesus and talking to them about developing a house church community there. Eman is also visiting with local pastors who are finding the institutional church to be binding and dissatisfying about developing house church communities. He shared that it is a very slow process, but that God is revealing truth about what He desires for His people!
I ate a fish head with eyeballs still in it today! Eman had friend it until it was very crispy and said that the whole thing is very good! I closed my eyes, took a big gulp and bit the head off! Much to my surprise it didn’t taste any different that the rest of the fish! IT was very good! We also drank pop from a plastic bag that we purchased from a vendor. They pour pop from a bottle in to a plastic bag and put a straw in it. I’m sure this protects their refundable bottles, plus it stretches the amt. that is in one bottle among more than one customer.
We brought several Global Edition youth Bibles with us. It is a very easy to read English version. We have been giving them as gifts along the way and the young receivers are thrilled! What joy it is to share God’s Truths with them in this way!
Some of you may recall that we had thought that the Lord was leading us to leave from Cebu to go to India before heading home. However, as we’ve continue to seek Him, we believe that we are to use all of these wks to remain in the Philippines and will be spending our last 2.5 weeks in Cebu.
Sat, July 23 – Art DiMalanta, another regional House church leader in the Philippines. Art picked us up early this morning and took us to Payatas. Payatas is “famous” for it’s garbage dumps. Some of you may recall that Dotty Zens and I visited there this past winter. This is the place of Marivic Goloy’s ministry. The ministrty time was being led by several young ladies who Marivic has ministered to through the yrs. They are now college students returning to help! These young ladies and Art invited us into the wonderful opportunity to minister to the children. Considering that their hearts must be trouble by Marivic’s recent tragic accident our focus was to encourage them through reminders of God’s wondeful promises through lots of fun actions songs! Our hearts were blessed while listening to the children recite their memory verses.
Art was anxious to hear our testimony about why and how we left the institutional church. As a result he is planning to arrange an opportunity for us to share with a number of pastors whom he feels would be blessed by our story.
Sun. July 24 – Art picked us up to go to Baguio City (up in the mountains) today. Jomie, a young disciple came with him. We are staying at Art’s sister’s vacation home way up in the mountains. It is a very spacious, elaborately decorated home! What a contrast to the shanties along the riverside! Art is an inventor of an organic fertilizer which he is introducing to the farmers. I felt prompted to share with him some thoughts about teaching the women to make organic lotions, gels, soaps etc. He was so interested and excited by the idea that he immediately got on the phone to arrange an opportunity for me to teach while we are in Baguio. Because of his skill in marketing, he is willing to help them market their products! I’m very excited!
Mon. July 25 – In the morning we went to Kalinga Cross Over Ministries. They are connected with the Social Hygiene Clinic where the “entertainers” go to be checked for sexual diseases. When the girls arrive for their hygiene check-up, the staff from Kalinga befriends them. For those who are ready, Kalinga helps them in taking steps to get off the streets.
The social hygiene clinic in Baguio has been awarded as being the best in the nation for its cleanliness, requirements, dress code, complete service and referrals.
The M.D. at the clinic shared with us that the owner of largest and most lustful bar in Baguio went out on the streets to recruit women for his bar. Instead, women witnessed to him about Jesus. As a result, he became a follower of Jesus and closed down his bar! On the building he placed a banner which read, “This place is closed to the glory of God!”
We met a young lady who had traveled 8 hours to get to the Kalinga ministry site. The staff had ministered to her some time ago, but had lost contact with her. However, Red felt a strong need to come to the ministry site this morning. She shared that she knows Jesus, but has been confused about many things. She shared her heart about many things. What a precious opportunity we had to encourage and pray for her. We shared with her that freedom in Jesus is found not in a bldg once a week where there is little intimacey with others, but in close daily relationship with other brothers and sisters in Jesus. Before we left she shared that she came with many questios and has now received answers and that her confusion is now gone!
We were invited to attend a prayer mtg for the Philippines. It was an interesting exp.
We met up with Mila, a young Filippina missionary who is just now coming out of the institutional setting desiring to learn more about HC
Tues. July 26 – I can’t even begin to describe the beauty that we saw as we drove out of the mountains today on our way to meet another house church leader, Doy. On our way down the mountain we stopped in a village for lunch. When we arrived, lunch was ready for us under a little hut, prepared by brothers and sisters in Jesus. Gary had a wonderful unexpected opportunity to share about our journey out of the insstitutional church into the freedom of organic church. One of the men whom he shared with was a pastor who had recently left the I.C. It was wondeful to see him and Gary encouraging and praying for one another! We were taken to a small “church” building where I taught the village women and a few men how to make organic hand sanitizer using essential oils. They are very excited and ready to get started on making and selling their new product! Gary was provided an opportunity to share our testimony with them. As we made our way down the mountain it started to rain. When we arrived at the spot where we were to meet Doy and his wife Ann, we sat under an awning eating chicken that been cooked over an open pit. It started to rain harder and harder and harder until the streets were flooded. We received report via text mail that we were experiencing a #2 Typhoon! We laughed, told stories and shared hearts as we watched it rain, ate Filipino style – with our fingers and prayed for Doy & Ann. We rejoiced when we spotted their vehicle! It took them 2 hours to drive what would normally take 30 minutes! Knowing it would not be good for me to walk through all that dirty water with an open wound on my foot, we scouted out some plastic bags to wrap around my foot. It worked perfectly! We loaded our luggage into Doy’s truck and off we went. The rain had nearly stopped , however we came to a small village that was totally flooded. Ann explained that all the rain from other areas runs toward this village and that flooding there is very common. Many families were standing outside their flooded homes watching as the rain continued to come down. My heart hurt for them. As we slowly made our way through the flooded streets, we approached a spot where the water was very deep and flowing freely across the road! As we creeped through our truck was pulled off the road by the current! Holding our breath in anticipation of what was to come next, the Lord gently steered us back up onto the pavement! Within a few feet was higher ground on our way to Doy & Ann’s home in Cabanatuan!
Wed. July 27 - We took Ann to her work place as a biology professor. While waiting for her, Doy showed us a power point presentation that he has prepared called F.R.E.E. – Foundational Restoration for Easy Education. He is working to develop community educational opportunities for the children who live outside the city and have great difficulty pursuing their primary education. I was all ears!
Because Doy had lost his cell phone with all his contact numbers in it, he took us around to make connections with other contacts to no avail. While driving along, we had great visits. Doy is a brother in the Lord who left his position as a pastor some time ago. He now works for Art distributing fertilizer. They are using organic fertilizer as a tool to visit with farming families about Jesus and organic church! I shared with Doy some of my ideas regarding making organic products using essential oils as a way of livelihood for the people. I shared that the herbs can be grown in the Philippines year around, however we need a way to extract the oils from the plants. He is very interested in learning more and shared that he has relatives who are chemists and can help us to obtain distillers for extracting oil for plants!
We made an unannounced visit to Dong’s home. Dong is also a former pastor who not only left his position, but converted his “church” building into a place for his daughter to teach preschool! As we were visiting, Dong looked at me and said, “Don’t I know you?” As it turns out we are “friends” on Facebook through my articles! Dong plays the guitar and Ann plays the keyboard. We had a wonderful time or fellowship and singing praise songs! Dong is an Alternative Learning System Coordinator, helping those who have not completed their high school education to get what we know as a G.E.D. Dong also is a volunteer in the Red Light District. He hold a Bible Study in the home of a bar owner’s parents! Even the bar owner has attended a number of times. Dong also has a pastor friend where I was this past winter in Angeles City who helps the bar workers – Shelter Power House.
Thurs. July 28 – Doy and Dong took us to Port Dingalan. The view of the ocean and mountains was breathtaking! We purchased seafood at a roadside stand and took it to roadside café to have it cooked! Sitting at a picnic area overlooking the ocean with mountains surrounding us, we shared hearts I was telling them about my previous trip to the Philippines and after arriving home a friend told me, “Yes you are physically in America, but your heart is in the Philippines.” Doy was speechless. He shared that the night before he and Ann had asked the Lord what He wanted them to do for us. The Lord told them clearly, “Take them in, show them around and introduce them to other brothers and sisters. They are finding their hearts in the Philippines!”
Thursday, July 28, 2011
BACK TO THE BASICS
Father continues to reveal His perfect plan as we travel about the Philippines.
Fri., July 15 – We spent the day at Samaritana which is a transformation community for women trapped in prostitution. It was a day for training women coming off the streets to learn be to servent leaders to other women on the streets! We had the opportunity to personally pray with two of the women. What an honor!
We went out to the streets in the evening and were introduced to a number of women whom Samaritana staff have befriended and visit regularly. We were blessed to be included in interacting with and encouraging them.
Sat, July 16 - We visited with David Lim, the chairman of the Philippine House Church movement. He shared his extensive acedemic background and his efforts to transform Asia. He states, “We're encouraging each house church leader to be entrepreneurial (if possible, set up their own business), and if possible corporately set up businesses, cooperatives, foundations… We have already clearly decided never to incorporate as a house church network or movement - since the beginning.” However, he said that a number of them involved are establishing a foundation that will allow the house church network to receive funds to help scholars etc. We challenged him on this thinking using Jesus and His disciples as our example – who never considered registering their ministry with the worldly government (http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/church-living-organism-or-legal.html, http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/spirituality-response-to-church-living.html ).
Sun. July 17 - Yesterday was laundry day and rest. We've postponed our journey to deal with health issues before we move on. Our wounds are looking much better! No more diarrhea! YEAH! However, I'm now having back problems, which is an intermittent issue at home. So... please keep praying! I know that God is sovereign over all things and that He uses all things for His glory! So.... I've been praising Him in the midst of it!
Sharing such things is a challenge for us. We both tend to quietly endure, but.... we're learning that this is not good. Instead, we need to share with those who love us and can pray for us!
Mon. July 18 - Because of their schedule, we’ve not had much of a chance to visit with Ferdi & Toni, but they have freely opened their home to us and Ferdi spoils us with his wonderful cooking!
We are scheduled to move on to Laguna today, but I’m not sure that my back is ready. I’m wrestling with whether or not satan is trying to hold me back and that I need to press through or…if God is trying to tell me that my schedule is not His and that I need to stay put!
Even though I’m wrestling through what I believe is a spiritual attack, I know Who is sovereign over all and that He has a beautiful purpose. While icing my back, Gary has been reading a book to me called Back to the Basics (yes, he’s a blessing!). It is about Kingdom living. I see the importance of reading this book even before moving on in our journey.
As we read Back to the Basics, I have mixed emotions:
1) I have longed for years for this kind of transparency and accountability and knew of no one who was ready or seemed interested. I’m saddened by what seems like “wasted” years! Yet I know God’s timing is perfect!
2) I’m relieved to know that I was not off-base in my thinking and that I was truly desiring that which God desires for His people.
3) I’m excited to know others who desire this way of living – kingdom living!
Tues. July 19 - The Lord always has a purpose! Because of our "delay" we've had time to rest in our Lord without the busyness and the extra time here provided an opportunity to have a wonderful conversation with Toni & Ferdi that we would have missed out on had we moved on sooner. Once again, I see Gary's tender heart toward the next generation as he visits with Ferdi! Although my back is not totally back to normal, it is more manageable. My wound is nearly healed. Gary's still has a ways to go, but we are feeling more comfortable about moving on.
Thurs. July 21 - We traveled Wed. by bus to Laguna. Our host family is Eman & Elvie Abrea and their 3 children. Eman is the house church leader in this region. Wed. eve we met with Norma who is another house church leader and community developer. Thurs. morning I taught Elvie to knit and we visited with Eman about organic gardening, making herbal soaps, lotions etc. as livelihood opportunities for his family and others. He is very interested in learning and teaching others.
In the afternoon we went to the riverside where approximately 300 families live in poverty. We had around 15 men and women who came to observe as I taught knitting. The men were just as excited as the women. In fact, they are already planning how they might make more knitting looms for the women and got some wire and began to make more hooks. The women learned very quickly! Although I brought yarn, we talked about recycling items such as plastic bags, old clothing, ribbon from VHS tapes, etc. into “yarn”. They were already thinking very creatively!
Gary was delighted to have the opportunity to interact with several children while I taught knitting! This is like heaven for him!
We had the privilege of praying for a young girl who is very ill.
We observed Ernie making concrete stoves which are used for cooking with charcoal.
Eman crushed and placed moringa leaves on Gary's leg wound. We’re anxious to see the results! I was a bit concerned about the amount of walking we had to do along with riding on bumpy roads in jeepnies and trikes. But... the Lord protected my back and I really felt pretty good by the time we arrived back to Eman's.
Norma is full of fire and energy. I think she knows everyone in the Philippines and half the people in the USA! She is full of helpful information and has helpful contacts all around!
“The world MUST see us loving each other. They cannot see through the walls of a room once a week. They see us loving each other when they see us carrying each other’s loads,… This is how all men will know that we are His disciple – not just by what we believe, but how they see us love each other.” – Back to the Basics
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Fri., July 15 – We spent the day at Samaritana which is a transformation community for women trapped in prostitution. It was a day for training women coming off the streets to learn be to servent leaders to other women on the streets! We had the opportunity to personally pray with two of the women. What an honor!
We went out to the streets in the evening and were introduced to a number of women whom Samaritana staff have befriended and visit regularly. We were blessed to be included in interacting with and encouraging them.
Sat, July 16 - We visited with David Lim, the chairman of the Philippine House Church movement. He shared his extensive acedemic background and his efforts to transform Asia. He states, “We're encouraging each house church leader to be entrepreneurial (if possible, set up their own business), and if possible corporately set up businesses, cooperatives, foundations… We have already clearly decided never to incorporate as a house church network or movement - since the beginning.” However, he said that a number of them involved are establishing a foundation that will allow the house church network to receive funds to help scholars etc. We challenged him on this thinking using Jesus and His disciples as our example – who never considered registering their ministry with the worldly government (http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2010/12/church-living-organism-or-legal.html, http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/2011/01/spirituality-response-to-church-living.html ).
Sun. July 17 - Yesterday was laundry day and rest. We've postponed our journey to deal with health issues before we move on. Our wounds are looking much better! No more diarrhea! YEAH! However, I'm now having back problems, which is an intermittent issue at home. So... please keep praying! I know that God is sovereign over all things and that He uses all things for His glory! So.... I've been praising Him in the midst of it!
Sharing such things is a challenge for us. We both tend to quietly endure, but.... we're learning that this is not good. Instead, we need to share with those who love us and can pray for us!
Mon. July 18 - Because of their schedule, we’ve not had much of a chance to visit with Ferdi & Toni, but they have freely opened their home to us and Ferdi spoils us with his wonderful cooking!
We are scheduled to move on to Laguna today, but I’m not sure that my back is ready. I’m wrestling with whether or not satan is trying to hold me back and that I need to press through or…if God is trying to tell me that my schedule is not His and that I need to stay put!
Even though I’m wrestling through what I believe is a spiritual attack, I know Who is sovereign over all and that He has a beautiful purpose. While icing my back, Gary has been reading a book to me called Back to the Basics (yes, he’s a blessing!). It is about Kingdom living. I see the importance of reading this book even before moving on in our journey.
As we read Back to the Basics, I have mixed emotions:
1) I have longed for years for this kind of transparency and accountability and knew of no one who was ready or seemed interested. I’m saddened by what seems like “wasted” years! Yet I know God’s timing is perfect!
2) I’m relieved to know that I was not off-base in my thinking and that I was truly desiring that which God desires for His people.
3) I’m excited to know others who desire this way of living – kingdom living!
Tues. July 19 - The Lord always has a purpose! Because of our "delay" we've had time to rest in our Lord without the busyness and the extra time here provided an opportunity to have a wonderful conversation with Toni & Ferdi that we would have missed out on had we moved on sooner. Once again, I see Gary's tender heart toward the next generation as he visits with Ferdi! Although my back is not totally back to normal, it is more manageable. My wound is nearly healed. Gary's still has a ways to go, but we are feeling more comfortable about moving on.
Thurs. July 21 - We traveled Wed. by bus to Laguna. Our host family is Eman & Elvie Abrea and their 3 children. Eman is the house church leader in this region. Wed. eve we met with Norma who is another house church leader and community developer. Thurs. morning I taught Elvie to knit and we visited with Eman about organic gardening, making herbal soaps, lotions etc. as livelihood opportunities for his family and others. He is very interested in learning and teaching others.
In the afternoon we went to the riverside where approximately 300 families live in poverty. We had around 15 men and women who came to observe as I taught knitting. The men were just as excited as the women. In fact, they are already planning how they might make more knitting looms for the women and got some wire and began to make more hooks. The women learned very quickly! Although I brought yarn, we talked about recycling items such as plastic bags, old clothing, ribbon from VHS tapes, etc. into “yarn”. They were already thinking very creatively!
Gary was delighted to have the opportunity to interact with several children while I taught knitting! This is like heaven for him!
We had the privilege of praying for a young girl who is very ill.
We observed Ernie making concrete stoves which are used for cooking with charcoal.
Eman crushed and placed moringa leaves on Gary's leg wound. We’re anxious to see the results! I was a bit concerned about the amount of walking we had to do along with riding on bumpy roads in jeepnies and trikes. But... the Lord protected my back and I really felt pretty good by the time we arrived back to Eman's.
Norma is full of fire and energy. I think she knows everyone in the Philippines and half the people in the USA! She is full of helpful information and has helpful contacts all around!
“The world MUST see us loving each other. They cannot see through the walls of a room once a week. They see us loving each other when they see us carrying each other’s loads,… This is how all men will know that we are His disciple – not just by what we believe, but how they see us love each other.” – Back to the Basics
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Thursday, July 21, 2011
SUCH SWEET INDULGENCE
Fri. July 8 – Gary spent the morning visiting with Peter while Molong and I chatted. about many deep things. Molong’s wisdom is far beyond his years! I taught Lisa how to knit. She’s a fast learner!!! I promised to teach Lisa how to bake bread and to make an American dish. So... in the afternoon we went to the market to purchase supplies for bread making and beef stew. I had a great visit with Albert about organic gardening and canning! It is so refreshing to visitng with a young man so eager to learn!
Sat. July 9 - We have had many deep and intimate conversations with Molong & Lisa. Even after such a short time my heart over flows with love for them. Lisa calls me “Mommy” and my heart leaps every time I hear her say it. I’ve noticed that I can’t help but “mother” them – it seems so very natural to embrace them under my wing.
The evening was spent with extended family and community “members”. Lisa finished knitting a cell phone carrier. She’s so excited! She already has “customers” wanting her product!
Sun July 10 - A few days ago, I wrote “I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I treasure this response from a dear brother –
“I know someone who traveled from the glory of His Father,
to be with people, talk about life within the kingdom of God
-- such idle indulgence, don't you think? ”
We received word this morning that the Philippine House Church “movement” is seeking incorporation! My heart hurts! I cried for the people whom God has so powerfully moved among here. Can we expect to remain organic while registering to be institutionalized? Can we expect the Spirit of God to remain among us when we marry ourselves to the world’s systems? When we begin to select kings (presidents, board members etc) to rule our activities have we not rejected the Kingship of God? How is it that we can see the destruction of institutionalizing our Kingdom fellowship but not our Kindgom work? Attempting to incorporate the kingdom work of God will always lead to establishing a kingdom outside of the Kingdom of God.
Once a movement crystalizes into an institution the radicalness of the movement’s founder is discouraged. Most founders do not mean to reform or dismantle one institution only to establish another. Their task is to question authority, to deconstruct the powers and to confront government.
When preachers say, “Be like Jesus!” they usually don’t mean this one.
The morale is: Question authority, even if it hurts.
I had the thrill of cooking an American dish for the community here and extended family members. The afternoon and evening was filled with wonderful fellowship, testimonies, tears and laughter! What joy there is to look one direction and watch the children play and hear them laugh! How exciting it is to look another direction and observe young men and women tenderly discipling one another. What pleasure there is in visiting with brothers and sisters from around the world about what Jesus has accomplished for us and the freedom there is in experiencing it in Kingdom living together.
Molong was attempting to teach me a few words in Cebuano. I should have known better than to trust him! One of the words he had chosen was “handsome” - or so I thought. In my efforts to learn, I clearly and cautiously pronounced the word while looking at the young man sitting next to me. As it turned out, Molong was teaching me to say, “ugly”! Yep…. I looked this precious young man in the eye and announced, “You are U.G.L.Y”! Everyone started laughing and the young man said in English, “You are ugly!” Now….I’m thinking that I had just complimented him and in return he’s telling me that I’m ugly?! Like a momma, I told him that he needed to respect his elders! As we recalled this scene later in the evening, we all laughed so hard that I thought we were going to fall off our chairs!
We had the honor of meeting Molong’ spiritual mother and Albert from Uganda. Albert left his postion of “honor” in a royal family to follow Jesus! We were blessed by his testimonies, gentle spirit and most importantly His passion for Jesus!
July 11 – Mon - I snorkeled for the first time today! All I can say is “WOW!” and I know that I saw only a taste of the beauty of God’s under water creation!
Gary’s tenderness and open heart toward the young disciples that come and go daily warms my heart. It is fun to simply sit back and observe as they share their hearts with him!
We went to the open air market with Lisa. It’s fun to see all the vendors with fresh produce, sea food etc. Although I can’t understand a word of Cebuano, it’s also fun to listen to them barter back and forth! I must learn! I think I’d be good at it!
Every day that we are here with these precious people we get a fresh taste of what it is like to disciple those whom God calls you to in daily activities. I simply marvel over the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s moving and preparing a heart to receive all that God has to offer! The love and compassion that Lisa and Molong demonstrate to those they father and mother spiritually is beyond words. I’ve learned much from them already and will miss them greatly as we move along to Luzon tonight!
July 12-13 - Our host family here in Quezon City is Toni & Ferdi Dy and their little daughter Robyn.
We spent this time getting settled in and making arrangements for our visits while here in Luzon.
Thurs, July 14 –We had an opportunity to visit with a number of people who were interested in learning more about organic church. Many good questins were stirred up and some are seeking to learn more! We left them with some helpful resources.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Sat. July 9 - We have had many deep and intimate conversations with Molong & Lisa. Even after such a short time my heart over flows with love for them. Lisa calls me “Mommy” and my heart leaps every time I hear her say it. I’ve noticed that I can’t help but “mother” them – it seems so very natural to embrace them under my wing.
The evening was spent with extended family and community “members”. Lisa finished knitting a cell phone carrier. She’s so excited! She already has “customers” wanting her product!
Sun July 10 - A few days ago, I wrote “I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I treasure this response from a dear brother –
“I know someone who traveled from the glory of His Father,
to be with people, talk about life within the kingdom of God
-- such idle indulgence, don't you think? ”
We received word this morning that the Philippine House Church “movement” is seeking incorporation! My heart hurts! I cried for the people whom God has so powerfully moved among here. Can we expect to remain organic while registering to be institutionalized? Can we expect the Spirit of God to remain among us when we marry ourselves to the world’s systems? When we begin to select kings (presidents, board members etc) to rule our activities have we not rejected the Kingship of God? How is it that we can see the destruction of institutionalizing our Kingdom fellowship but not our Kindgom work? Attempting to incorporate the kingdom work of God will always lead to establishing a kingdom outside of the Kingdom of God.
Once a movement crystalizes into an institution the radicalness of the movement’s founder is discouraged. Most founders do not mean to reform or dismantle one institution only to establish another. Their task is to question authority, to deconstruct the powers and to confront government.
When preachers say, “Be like Jesus!” they usually don’t mean this one.
The morale is: Question authority, even if it hurts.
I had the thrill of cooking an American dish for the community here and extended family members. The afternoon and evening was filled with wonderful fellowship, testimonies, tears and laughter! What joy there is to look one direction and watch the children play and hear them laugh! How exciting it is to look another direction and observe young men and women tenderly discipling one another. What pleasure there is in visiting with brothers and sisters from around the world about what Jesus has accomplished for us and the freedom there is in experiencing it in Kingdom living together.
Molong was attempting to teach me a few words in Cebuano. I should have known better than to trust him! One of the words he had chosen was “handsome” - or so I thought. In my efforts to learn, I clearly and cautiously pronounced the word while looking at the young man sitting next to me. As it turned out, Molong was teaching me to say, “ugly”! Yep…. I looked this precious young man in the eye and announced, “You are U.G.L.Y”! Everyone started laughing and the young man said in English, “You are ugly!” Now….I’m thinking that I had just complimented him and in return he’s telling me that I’m ugly?! Like a momma, I told him that he needed to respect his elders! As we recalled this scene later in the evening, we all laughed so hard that I thought we were going to fall off our chairs!
We had the honor of meeting Molong’ spiritual mother and Albert from Uganda. Albert left his postion of “honor” in a royal family to follow Jesus! We were blessed by his testimonies, gentle spirit and most importantly His passion for Jesus!
July 11 – Mon - I snorkeled for the first time today! All I can say is “WOW!” and I know that I saw only a taste of the beauty of God’s under water creation!
Gary’s tenderness and open heart toward the young disciples that come and go daily warms my heart. It is fun to simply sit back and observe as they share their hearts with him!
We went to the open air market with Lisa. It’s fun to see all the vendors with fresh produce, sea food etc. Although I can’t understand a word of Cebuano, it’s also fun to listen to them barter back and forth! I must learn! I think I’d be good at it!
Every day that we are here with these precious people we get a fresh taste of what it is like to disciple those whom God calls you to in daily activities. I simply marvel over the sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s moving and preparing a heart to receive all that God has to offer! The love and compassion that Lisa and Molong demonstrate to those they father and mother spiritually is beyond words. I’ve learned much from them already and will miss them greatly as we move along to Luzon tonight!
July 12-13 - Our host family here in Quezon City is Toni & Ferdi Dy and their little daughter Robyn.
We spent this time getting settled in and making arrangements for our visits while here in Luzon.
Thurs, July 14 –We had an opportunity to visit with a number of people who were interested in learning more about organic church. Many good questins were stirred up and some are seeking to learn more! We left them with some helpful resources.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, July 14, 2011
And He Will Turn the Hearts of the Fathers to the Children
Throughout these next several weeks I will be sharing parts of my journal while here in the Philippines in an effort to share my heart and what Father is teaching me.
Sunday July 3: Oliver & Shirley brought Molong to pick us up @ airport.
Arrived “home” and sat in the bahay kubo (hut) with while it rained listening to frogs and drinking fresh picked tarragon tea..
Monday July 4: Before coming Brother Dan Hubbel shared with me that the Lord had spoken Mal. 4:6 through him to those attending the Philippine House Church. When he shared it really touched my heart. Molong had much to say yesterday about spiritual fathering and mothering. My attention was drawn this morning to an article in which a dear brother wrote:
"It has always been the plan of the Father to reveal His nature to man through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man. The Father understood human nature and how we need visible examples with skin on them. Today it is no different. For proper discipleship to take place, we need to see examples of Godly men who are following hard after Christ.
The Lord Jesus instituted no seminaries, he left no religious how to books, nor catechisms, nor baptism classes, and he left no Mecca for people to go to whether that be Jerusalem, Redding California or Kansas City Missouri. His discipleship plan takes time so there is no intensive available. The plan calls for a son to follow a father. Disciples need fathers and fathers are made for sons. No one can father himself!
Mal 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." NKJV"
We're listening Lord!
Tues July 5: We are meeting more and more of the people of this commnity. There is a young girl who has four holes in her heart but can not afford the healthcare that is needed for surgery. Father give us wisdom! She longs to learn but can not attend public school because of health issue. I visited with Molong about homeschooling and what I had learned about it in the Philippines so far.
We had a long visit with Molong & Oliver about their desire to establish a “Foundation” (non-profit incorporation) in order to help those in need, what God’s Word says about developing His Kingdom Work under the headship of the world’s government, what example Jesus set for us etc. It was a time of learning & re-evaluating for us all. We continue to ask Father to give them wisdom.
Molong, Gary & I rode the Molong’s motorcycle to the sea. While enjoying the water it began to rain. We could see the rain moving across the water toward us. The storm kept circling around us in such a fashion that the rain kept coming back to us until eventually we were enveloped by rain from every direction! It was beautiful & fun! We laughed and giggle like little children as we enjoyed being poured upon! We continued to share our hearts while literally and spiritually being emersed in the beauty and presence of our Lord.
Wed July 6 – Began to plan a rough draft of our schedule and making calls to our contacts in Luzon. Looks like our days are going to be full! Spent the afternoon and evening connecting hearts with those in the House Church community here, sharing, learning how God is moving, etc. We are being spoiled by the hospitality being offered to us and are blessed to see the coming and going of those in the family of God and those interested in learning what this thing called “the family of God” is all about! The spontaneity of fellowship is refreshing! Some of the ladies here are interested in learning to knit and bake. So… tomorrow may be a knitting day!
Thurs July 7 - I’m not sure I even know how to put into words what God is showing us that makes sense to anyone! We’ve had so many wonderful and deep conversations that I’m not even sure where to begin in sharing! Most of the day was spent learning from one another. One thing that we talked about is the reflection of Christ’s life within the Kingdom of God, how that is lived out among His people. We’ve talked about how there is no buying and selling among his people, rather giving and receiving
We spent the evening with Oliver & Shirley’s family at their home sharing and enjoying the reality that Jesus truly is in our midst!.
I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I’m feeling strongly that I need to write about our time with these precious ones being relational and not project oriented! God is showing me so much that I can’t keep up!
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Sunday July 3: Oliver & Shirley brought Molong to pick us up @ airport.
Arrived “home” and sat in the bahay kubo (hut) with while it rained listening to frogs and drinking fresh picked tarragon tea..
Monday July 4: Before coming Brother Dan Hubbel shared with me that the Lord had spoken Mal. 4:6 through him to those attending the Philippine House Church. When he shared it really touched my heart. Molong had much to say yesterday about spiritual fathering and mothering. My attention was drawn this morning to an article in which a dear brother wrote:
"It has always been the plan of the Father to reveal His nature to man through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the God-man. The Father understood human nature and how we need visible examples with skin on them. Today it is no different. For proper discipleship to take place, we need to see examples of Godly men who are following hard after Christ.
The Lord Jesus instituted no seminaries, he left no religious how to books, nor catechisms, nor baptism classes, and he left no Mecca for people to go to whether that be Jerusalem, Redding California or Kansas City Missouri. His discipleship plan takes time so there is no intensive available. The plan calls for a son to follow a father. Disciples need fathers and fathers are made for sons. No one can father himself!
Mal 4:6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." NKJV"
We're listening Lord!
Tues July 5: We are meeting more and more of the people of this commnity. There is a young girl who has four holes in her heart but can not afford the healthcare that is needed for surgery. Father give us wisdom! She longs to learn but can not attend public school because of health issue. I visited with Molong about homeschooling and what I had learned about it in the Philippines so far.
We had a long visit with Molong & Oliver about their desire to establish a “Foundation” (non-profit incorporation) in order to help those in need, what God’s Word says about developing His Kingdom Work under the headship of the world’s government, what example Jesus set for us etc. It was a time of learning & re-evaluating for us all. We continue to ask Father to give them wisdom.
Molong, Gary & I rode the Molong’s motorcycle to the sea. While enjoying the water it began to rain. We could see the rain moving across the water toward us. The storm kept circling around us in such a fashion that the rain kept coming back to us until eventually we were enveloped by rain from every direction! It was beautiful & fun! We laughed and giggle like little children as we enjoyed being poured upon! We continued to share our hearts while literally and spiritually being emersed in the beauty and presence of our Lord.
Wed July 6 – Began to plan a rough draft of our schedule and making calls to our contacts in Luzon. Looks like our days are going to be full! Spent the afternoon and evening connecting hearts with those in the House Church community here, sharing, learning how God is moving, etc. We are being spoiled by the hospitality being offered to us and are blessed to see the coming and going of those in the family of God and those interested in learning what this thing called “the family of God” is all about! The spontaneity of fellowship is refreshing! Some of the ladies here are interested in learning to knit and bake. So… tomorrow may be a knitting day!
Thurs July 7 - I’m not sure I even know how to put into words what God is showing us that makes sense to anyone! We’ve had so many wonderful and deep conversations that I’m not even sure where to begin in sharing! Most of the day was spent learning from one another. One thing that we talked about is the reflection of Christ’s life within the Kingdom of God, how that is lived out among His people. We’ve talked about how there is no buying and selling among his people, rather giving and receiving
We spent the evening with Oliver & Shirley’s family at their home sharing and enjoying the reality that Jesus truly is in our midst!.
I suppose it is difficult to understand why we would travel so far to "just be with people". I’m feeling strongly that I need to write about our time with these precious ones being relational and not project oriented! God is showing me so much that I can’t keep up!
Whole-Heartedly, Bonnie
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Could Cooperative Homeschooling Be a Part of the Solution?
While I was in the Philippines this past winter, I learned that not only are the children required to wear uniforms in order to attend school; there are fees to be paid, as well. Because most families are too poor for such “luxuries,” many children do not receive an education. Yet, in order for a person to obtain even the lowest paying jobs, such as working at McDonald’s (yes, they are everywhere!), they must obtain 1-2 years of college education! Needless to say, the unemployment rate is quite high!
Often, the eldest daughter in a family is held responsible to help provide for the rest of her family. She is often sold by her father into what he believes is “domestic work,” but in actuality she is trafficked as a sex slave or out of deep loyalty toward her family she sells herself to prevent them from starving! My heart aches over such horrible reality!
A number of weeks to go, I began to consider that homeschooling might be an answer for those living in such poverty. Through a little research, I discovered that homeschooling is not only legal in the Philippines, but that there are an estimated 4,000 being homeschooled. Having this information, many questions began to run through my mind:
• How can uneducated parents fulfill a teaching role for their children?
• How can they afford the educational resources necessary for homeschooling?
• What is the role of the House Church communities in helping to educate children within their communities?
• Are there ministries already established for this purpose that I might glean information from?
• Are there mission workers who can help train the parents and community leaders?
Considering our special concern for those at risk or enslaved in sexual exploitation, it seems that the safe confines of Christian fellowship and community would be a perfect place for them and their children to obtain a well-rounded education taught by a variety of community members!
Perhaps a homeschool cooperative through which families join together to educate their children would prove to be beneficial in many ways:
• low cost
• a safe environment
• multiple teachers with diverse skills and interests
• the ability to select learning methods, curriculum and most importantly Christian values
• high academic standards
A cooperative would enhance the homeschool experience by involving children in a community of friends and families, exposing them to a variety of academic topics and activities.
Something I learned in public school that is being confirmed in my adult life: if you color outside the lines you will Fail! What will you fail? You will fail to please the authorities, the conformists and the fearful. You must conform! Thinking outside of the box is punishable by “F“!
Rules are important. We need them. But sometimes they are used to our detriment, to prevent creativity and to keep things the way they are. - dhayward
Further research led me to information about The Master’s Academy in the Philippines. According to its director, Edric Mendoza, “Filipinos are still very open to biblical truth and generally have a religious outlook. They are becoming more open to the option of homeschooling, especially when it is discussed in light of character development.” Mendoza explains that “The public school system is not only wracked with practical problems—a ratio of 50 students to 1 teacher (at best), substandard curriculums, and a decline in the quality of teachers—but there is also a growing population of young people who are being lost in the noise of a media and technological age that seeks to erase God.”
The Master’s Academy is a homeschooling program that seeks “To provide families with a world-class, distinctly Filipino, family-focused homeschool experience via a Christian worldview and the Luke 2:52 model”!
TMA “created a Training & Receiving center based in Manila, to increase accessibility to its enrolled families who come for orientations, seminars, workshops, events, meetings with Academic Consultants, as well as the processing of enrollment. However, in the nature of homeschooling, daily instruction of their children happens in the home…”
After answering a few questions about what my vision is, Mr. Mendoza agreed to meet with us to discuss what might be done to help!
When I shared all of this with a dear friend, she suggested that U.S. homeschoolers could be drawn to support this mission and provide input/resources, sending their no longer needed materials and having their children as pen-pals for mission kids! What a wonderful vision!
Can you imagine the honor of praying for and rejoicing with these families as they achieve academic excellence along within their community life as children of the Most High God?
What else can I say, but…. “Amen (Let it be so), Lord Jesus!”
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Often, the eldest daughter in a family is held responsible to help provide for the rest of her family. She is often sold by her father into what he believes is “domestic work,” but in actuality she is trafficked as a sex slave or out of deep loyalty toward her family she sells herself to prevent them from starving! My heart aches over such horrible reality!
A number of weeks to go, I began to consider that homeschooling might be an answer for those living in such poverty. Through a little research, I discovered that homeschooling is not only legal in the Philippines, but that there are an estimated 4,000 being homeschooled. Having this information, many questions began to run through my mind:
• How can uneducated parents fulfill a teaching role for their children?
• How can they afford the educational resources necessary for homeschooling?
• What is the role of the House Church communities in helping to educate children within their communities?
• Are there ministries already established for this purpose that I might glean information from?
• Are there mission workers who can help train the parents and community leaders?
Considering our special concern for those at risk or enslaved in sexual exploitation, it seems that the safe confines of Christian fellowship and community would be a perfect place for them and their children to obtain a well-rounded education taught by a variety of community members!
Perhaps a homeschool cooperative through which families join together to educate their children would prove to be beneficial in many ways:
• low cost
• a safe environment
• multiple teachers with diverse skills and interests
• the ability to select learning methods, curriculum and most importantly Christian values
• high academic standards
A cooperative would enhance the homeschool experience by involving children in a community of friends and families, exposing them to a variety of academic topics and activities.
Something I learned in public school that is being confirmed in my adult life: if you color outside the lines you will Fail! What will you fail? You will fail to please the authorities, the conformists and the fearful. You must conform! Thinking outside of the box is punishable by “F“!
Rules are important. We need them. But sometimes they are used to our detriment, to prevent creativity and to keep things the way they are. - dhayward
Further research led me to information about The Master’s Academy in the Philippines. According to its director, Edric Mendoza, “Filipinos are still very open to biblical truth and generally have a religious outlook. They are becoming more open to the option of homeschooling, especially when it is discussed in light of character development.” Mendoza explains that “The public school system is not only wracked with practical problems—a ratio of 50 students to 1 teacher (at best), substandard curriculums, and a decline in the quality of teachers—but there is also a growing population of young people who are being lost in the noise of a media and technological age that seeks to erase God.”
The Master’s Academy is a homeschooling program that seeks “To provide families with a world-class, distinctly Filipino, family-focused homeschool experience via a Christian worldview and the Luke 2:52 model”!
TMA “created a Training & Receiving center based in Manila, to increase accessibility to its enrolled families who come for orientations, seminars, workshops, events, meetings with Academic Consultants, as well as the processing of enrollment. However, in the nature of homeschooling, daily instruction of their children happens in the home…”
After answering a few questions about what my vision is, Mr. Mendoza agreed to meet with us to discuss what might be done to help!
When I shared all of this with a dear friend, she suggested that U.S. homeschoolers could be drawn to support this mission and provide input/resources, sending their no longer needed materials and having their children as pen-pals for mission kids! What a wonderful vision!
Can you imagine the honor of praying for and rejoicing with these families as they achieve academic excellence along within their community life as children of the Most High God?
What else can I say, but…. “Amen (Let it be so), Lord Jesus!”
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Thursday, June 30, 2011
House Church Leaders Respond
As the power of God moves through the Philippines, preparing His people for that which is to come, He is raising up House Churches throughout the islands. While the institutional church seems to shy away from the issue, it seems that these communities of Jesus’ followers may be prepared to respond to the escalating numbers trapped in the sex-slave trade. Our anticipation is increasing as Father opens doors among the House Church leaders to visit with them about our concerns regarding this growing industry. We are humbled by the gracious hospitality being offered by these Brothers in Jesus and their families! What precious blessings from Father they are!
Brother Molong from Cebu: People to consider to visit on my recommendations are: Edwin and Norma Sarona, a couple who is reaching new generations and needs a lot of fathering and mothering. Located at north Luzon, Vigan City is where they live. It's a UNESCO member, a place that is full of history by Spanish people. You will love it there.
Next is Ambruce, located also in Luzon, who has bunches of housechurches around. About 30 of them. Young people also, but need some parenting. Been there twice and have seen their labor.
Eric Pangilinan in Baguio City, heard of it? Beautiful cold place in the mountains.
These location where Edwin, Ambruce and Eric are, you can go to on one trip as they are closer to each other. I can send you guys out there, and they can treat you as extended family.
Cebu is a missionary hub, as it is located in the center of the country and have easy access to go around the island. No traffic, it's the first tourist spot in the country, food of any kind is around, cheaper compared to some places, only 15 minute by jeepney hopping to every town and city, and it's all mountains and seas around that you can see. It's like New York, that has two bridges to hop into the next city from airport. It has 167 island and islets.
Before or after probably several of your trips around, we can go to a small white sand island and you can stay there for a week or two, and relax and hear Father.
Going to South of the country, we can send you to Butuan City, that's in Mindanao. Mike Tan and Ed Baulete who started new work for the new generation are there. In Bukidnon we have Ching Alquino, in Koronadal we have Joel Ouano. If you want to visit house churches in Muslim communities there is a Brother who works very closely to Eman. We can down from Cebu to Dumaguete, a small beautiful City; we can visit there with James.
Brother Art from Luzon: I can take you up to the Northern Provinces of La Union, Pangasinan & Baguio maybe before you fly to Cebu or when you come back from Cebu & I’ll take care of your accommodations. Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. That will give you some respite from the heat & warm weather in the Philippines. We'll connect you to other people while you’re here so I think you will have your schedule full.
Brother Eman from Luzon: I am willing to spend days with you and to help you to connect with my friends in different provinces. Just let me know specifically how many days are you going to spend in each region or province so that I can arrange your itinerary and ask my friends to host you.
Our house is open for you and for Gary. You can stay with us if you want to. We have no air condition room and no heater for the bath. If the Lord will provide the budget for the mattress before you come, then we will buy it. So there's no need for you to shoulder the cost. We also have an electric fan. It's more practical to stay with us than travelling. By the way, we also have no car to use but there are many public transportation available in the area.
We continue to wait on our Lord to see what He has in mind regarding these precious House Church communities and our concern for those trapped in sexual exploitation. I will share more as the Lord continues to reveal His plans.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
Brother Molong from Cebu: People to consider to visit on my recommendations are: Edwin and Norma Sarona, a couple who is reaching new generations and needs a lot of fathering and mothering. Located at north Luzon, Vigan City is where they live. It's a UNESCO member, a place that is full of history by Spanish people. You will love it there.
Next is Ambruce, located also in Luzon, who has bunches of housechurches around. About 30 of them. Young people also, but need some parenting. Been there twice and have seen their labor.
Eric Pangilinan in Baguio City, heard of it? Beautiful cold place in the mountains.
These location where Edwin, Ambruce and Eric are, you can go to on one trip as they are closer to each other. I can send you guys out there, and they can treat you as extended family.
Cebu is a missionary hub, as it is located in the center of the country and have easy access to go around the island. No traffic, it's the first tourist spot in the country, food of any kind is around, cheaper compared to some places, only 15 minute by jeepney hopping to every town and city, and it's all mountains and seas around that you can see. It's like New York, that has two bridges to hop into the next city from airport. It has 167 island and islets.
Before or after probably several of your trips around, we can go to a small white sand island and you can stay there for a week or two, and relax and hear Father.
Going to South of the country, we can send you to Butuan City, that's in Mindanao. Mike Tan and Ed Baulete who started new work for the new generation are there. In Bukidnon we have Ching Alquino, in Koronadal we have Joel Ouano. If you want to visit house churches in Muslim communities there is a Brother who works very closely to Eman. We can down from Cebu to Dumaguete, a small beautiful City; we can visit there with James.
Brother Art from Luzon: I can take you up to the Northern Provinces of La Union, Pangasinan & Baguio maybe before you fly to Cebu or when you come back from Cebu & I’ll take care of your accommodations. Baguio is the summer capital of the Philippines. That will give you some respite from the heat & warm weather in the Philippines. We'll connect you to other people while you’re here so I think you will have your schedule full.
Brother Eman from Luzon: I am willing to spend days with you and to help you to connect with my friends in different provinces. Just let me know specifically how many days are you going to spend in each region or province so that I can arrange your itinerary and ask my friends to host you.
Our house is open for you and for Gary. You can stay with us if you want to. We have no air condition room and no heater for the bath. If the Lord will provide the budget for the mattress before you come, then we will buy it. So there's no need for you to shoulder the cost. We also have an electric fan. It's more practical to stay with us than travelling. By the way, we also have no car to use but there are many public transportation available in the area.
We continue to wait on our Lord to see what He has in mind regarding these precious House Church communities and our concern for those trapped in sexual exploitation. I will share more as the Lord continues to reveal His plans.
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
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