While in the Philippines Dennis and Kathie had their wedding anniversary. Pictured with them, Pastor Roger Scalice of CC Monterey Bay performed a renewal of their wedding vows. It was a great highlight of the teams visit from CC Monterey.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Kathie & Dennis
While in the Philippines Dennis and Kathie had their wedding anniversary. Pictured with them, Pastor Roger Scalice of CC Monterey Bay performed a renewal of their wedding vows. It was a great highlight of the teams visit from CC Monterey.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The call to "Go"
Reading in Isaiah 6 we see Isaiah being in the presence of the Lord, recognizing his own shortfalls and then being touched with God’s holiness. When God called Him to “go”, he responded to Him, “here am I Lord, send me”. When Jesus finished speaking to the multitudes in Luke chapter 5, He challenged Peter to launch out into the deep. Being in the boat with His creator, Peter realized his own sinfulness and said “depart from me for I am a sinful man”. Yet Jesus called him and promised to make him a fisher of men. In Mathew 28 Jesus calls His disciples to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” As we respond to God’s call we are all on a “Short-Term Mission”. The time is our life span. The mission field is everywhere. Jesus said in Acts, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The question remains…”are we willing to be involved in this mission? No wonder He says to pray, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Home
After a wonderful week with the CCMB team we arrived safely home from the PI on November 21. Thanks for praying.
We have all ready had a number of opportunities to share our pictures and stories. As we show the Masantol video to various friends we miss new friends in the Philippines more and more.
We are looking forward and praying about our return to the Philippines. God has given us a heart for missions and equipping nationals to go out as disciples for Jesus. What we do know is that He desires us to focus on equipping and sending. Thank you for praying with us as we seek specifics from the Lord. We are praying for His guidance as to the location and ministry He would desire. We are looking to the next few months to pray, plan and prepare. It is hoped we might be ready to return for a long term mission some time in 2008.
Until that time we will occupy. We are back in Pacific Grove. Through CC Monterey Bay we have opportunities to teach and lead others. Both Kathie and I are a part of leadership with the Most Excellent Way recovery program. We both will continue to fellowship and support mission's endeavors. We are already a part of Brenten & Lena's Latvian support team. We will also be joining with others on the Masantol support team for Pat & Cindy Viray.
As we pray we ask you to pray with us. We seek God's specific direction and timing. Remembering Jesus said in John 20:21, "Even so send I you."
We have all ready had a number of opportunities to share our pictures and stories. As we show the Masantol video to various friends we miss new friends in the Philippines more and more.
We are looking forward and praying about our return to the Philippines. God has given us a heart for missions and equipping nationals to go out as disciples for Jesus. What we do know is that He desires us to focus on equipping and sending. Thank you for praying with us as we seek specifics from the Lord. We are praying for His guidance as to the location and ministry He would desire. We are looking to the next few months to pray, plan and prepare. It is hoped we might be ready to return for a long term mission some time in 2008.
Until that time we will occupy. We are back in Pacific Grove. Through CC Monterey Bay we have opportunities to teach and lead others. Both Kathie and I are a part of leadership with the Most Excellent Way recovery program. We both will continue to fellowship and support mission's endeavors. We are already a part of Brenten & Lena's Latvian support team. We will also be joining with others on the Masantol support team for Pat & Cindy Viray.
As we pray we ask you to pray with us. We seek God's specific direction and timing. Remembering Jesus said in John 20:21, "Even so send I you."
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Communication Link is back
Well we finally got internet coverage again after weeks without. For a missionary, that breakdown
really knocks out a major communication tool. It has kept us out of touch with all of you who support us in prayer. Thanks for continuing to pray as God leads. Praise the Lord for His victory and the blessings of a working connection. We
have one final day here before heading to Bacolod. It's been great to share the last week with the Virays. They returned safely last week. In two days Kathie and I will celebrate my 58th birthday. How exciting to be here. I was previously in the Philippines for my 40th birthday. How ironic. We look forward to seeing our friends the Rosmarinos at CC Bacolod. In Bacolod we will visit and minister at the orphanage there for one week before meeting the CCMB team at their arrival in Manila. Pray for our transitions from routines here to ministry with two different groups over the next few weeks. We fly to the USA on the 21st. We will probably have some reverse culture shock. It's going to be great to see everyone. Thanks friends for praying!
really knocks out a major communication tool. It has kept us out of touch with all of you who support us in prayer. Thanks for continuing to pray as God leads. Praise the Lord for His victory and the blessings of a working connection. We
have one final day here before heading to Bacolod. It's been great to share the last week with the Virays. They returned safely last week. In two days Kathie and I will celebrate my 58th birthday. How exciting to be here. I was previously in the Philippines for my 40th birthday. How ironic. We look forward to seeing our friends the Rosmarinos at CC Bacolod. In Bacolod we will visit and minister at the orphanage there for one week before meeting the CCMB team at their arrival in Manila. Pray for our transitions from routines here to ministry with two different groups over the next few weeks. We fly to the USA on the 21st. We will probably have some reverse culture shock. It's going to be great to see everyone. Thanks friends for praying!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Internet
Sorry to say our internet connection is down. We have been without coverage for about 12 days now. So please pray as God leads. We will write as soon as we get a connection. Dennis & Kathie
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Come as a Child
Each Saturday God calls the children to come to CC Masantol for children’s Bible study, singing and coloring. Every Saturday I am amazed and blessed as I see the little ones line up in droves outside the CC gate. It would be great if all people would line up like that to come to Jesus. Jesus told us, "“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Rommil almost always is one of the ones in the front of the line. On other days when he visits the chapel, many times he will do a cartwheel. He usually cannot get his legs up over his head, even though he is small. The cartwheel is typically followed by summersaults down the aisle. Oh to be a six year old again. I like to think that Rommil is just overly excited about Jesus. Many times the extra energy Rommil has gets him in trouble. He has so much energy he cannot sit still. But with more than 100 other children he faithfully comes each Saturday. Pray that he along with others will understand and except the truth of the gospel. They so need Jesus.
Rommil comes from a broken home. Before becoming ill his Dad was a gambler and drug user. Though family has tried to share Jesus, his father Camillo continues to reject hope. Now Rommil's Dad is dying. His heart and other organs are failing. The doctors sent him home from the hospital with only weeks to live. At 43 and near death, Camillo needs Jesus but keeps saying no. It seems so much more difficult for an adult, hardened by sin to come to Jesus. Pray for Vino and others as they share God's love with him. Pray for Rommil and his four year old brother John John. They so need the love and comfort of Jesus.
Rommil almost always is one of the ones in the front of the line. On other days when he visits the chapel, many times he will do a cartwheel. He usually cannot get his legs up over his head, even though he is small. The cartwheel is typically followed by summersaults down the aisle. Oh to be a six year old again. I like to think that Rommil is just overly excited about Jesus. Many times the extra energy Rommil has gets him in trouble. He has so much energy he cannot sit still. But with more than 100 other children he faithfully comes each Saturday. Pray that he along with others will understand and except the truth of the gospel. They so need Jesus.
Rommil comes from a broken home. Before becoming ill his Dad was a gambler and drug user. Though family has tried to share Jesus, his father Camillo continues to reject hope. Now Rommil's Dad is dying. His heart and other organs are failing. The doctors sent him home from the hospital with only weeks to live. At 43 and near death, Camillo needs Jesus but keeps saying no. It seems so much more difficult for an adult, hardened by sin to come to Jesus. Pray for Vino and others as they share God's love with him. Pray for Rommil and his four year old brother John John. They so need the love and comfort of Jesus.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Kathie & the Sisters
“Those who know Your Name will trust in You; for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.”—Psalm 9:10
Last night was the 3rd week for us ladies to gather together. In the 2nd week the numbers doubled, which was encouraging to me realizing that these ladies were inviting others to come. Because it continues to rain, rain, rain and flooding has worked it way into more of these precious ladies homes, I really was not expecting many to come last night. Yet they walked through water to come and hear the Word. Very humbling!
The ladies are sharing more & more. Even though I may not understand all of the conversation, it encourages me to see them talk & laugh among themselves as they open up about how God has made Himself known to each of them personally. Some spoke of His healings, others His timely provisions. Others spoke of His Word made alive to them after asking Jesus into their hearts.
They are faithful memorizing scripture each week and, of course, are finding it very comforting & strengthening in their walk of faith with Jesus, as many of their family members are not saved yet. I discovered that they do have Tagalog Bibles in their own homes, so this week we are reading I John until we come together next Wednesday night.
Thank you for your continued prayers for us! Your prayers are much needed and much appreciated as Dennis & I see the Lord at work here in the hearts of the believers in Masantol. God is good!!!
Last night was the 3rd week for us ladies to gather together. In the 2nd week the numbers doubled, which was encouraging to me realizing that these ladies were inviting others to come. Because it continues to rain, rain, rain and flooding has worked it way into more of these precious ladies homes, I really was not expecting many to come last night. Yet they walked through water to come and hear the Word. Very humbling!
The ladies are sharing more & more. Even though I may not understand all of the conversation, it encourages me to see them talk & laugh among themselves as they open up about how God has made Himself known to each of them personally. Some spoke of His healings, others His timely provisions. Others spoke of His Word made alive to them after asking Jesus into their hearts.
They are faithful memorizing scripture each week and, of course, are finding it very comforting & strengthening in their walk of faith with Jesus, as many of their family members are not saved yet. I discovered that they do have Tagalog Bibles in their own homes, so this week we are reading I John until we come together next Wednesday night.
Thank you for your continued prayers for us! Your prayers are much needed and much appreciated as Dennis & I see the Lord at work here in the hearts of the believers in Masantol. God is good!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The parade is coming
We could hear the band long before it passed the chapel. They were marching through Masantol and down Santa Lucia. As I ran to the second floor windows I called Kathie to come and see. The approaching celebration called for our immediate attention. Our minds were taken back to small town America before all the business and isolation of neighbors. The focus of our Masantol neighborhood was the sounds and colors of celebration. Now they were close enough to see all the colors. Flags were waving in all directions. Joyful children filled the streets, families marched behind. Soon I witnessed the center of focus.
On a cart surrounded by many stood the carved image of a catholic saint. He was rolled along with the crowd surrounded by candles. I felt for the children who didn't know. Their ears were drawn like ours by the music of the people. The seeming happiness of colors and sound. The adults had many more years of following the crowd. Their hearts were given to the worship of this saint. The Bible states in Psalm 135, "They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusts in them." They are marching into eternity. Pray that God will open their eyes to see their need for Jesus. How much better to march in worship and song to our living Savior Jesus!
On a cart surrounded by many stood the carved image of a catholic saint. He was rolled along with the crowd surrounded by candles. I felt for the children who didn't know. Their ears were drawn like ours by the music of the people. The seeming happiness of colors and sound. The adults had many more years of following the crowd. Their hearts were given to the worship of this saint. The Bible states in Psalm 135, "They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;
They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is everyone that trusts in them." They are marching into eternity. Pray that God will open their eyes to see their need for Jesus. How much better to march in worship and song to our living Savior Jesus!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Celebrating a Birthday
This week my honey (you call her Kathie) celebrates her birthday on Friday the 28th. I suppose it is not politically correct to remind a woman about birthdays. But my wife is a very special person. I am so blessed that God brought us together at a home Bible study fifteen years ago. The Bible says in Proverbs, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the LORD.” I am blessed to have a wife who is a godly woman and shares together in serving the Lord. Like America, many homes here in Masantol are single parent homes. Either the husband or wife is missing. I know it is God’s favor that keeps us together and allows us to serve Him. So we are blessed.
Here in the Philippines families love to celebrate birthdays with karaoke’s. Typically they are played quite loud so all the neighbors can hear. Each one at the party seem to take turns singing great karaoke hits. As the party moves into the evening and then the wee hours of the morning the singing is pretty bad. I’ve listened to several parties now and the music is much like the worst American Idol tryouts you can imagine. It probably does not help that the people are drinking more and more as the party progresses. These Karaoke birthdays reveal the great need to reach the people of PI with Jesus. Only then will they find true joy.
When Friday comes I know we won’t be singing Karaoke. Sure we will sing and be joyful. But our joy will be full because it comes from Jesus! I thank God for a godly wife. We pray that many families in Masantol will begin to see their marriages affected by Jesus as well.
Here in the Philippines families love to celebrate birthdays with karaoke’s. Typically they are played quite loud so all the neighbors can hear. Each one at the party seem to take turns singing great karaoke hits. As the party moves into the evening and then the wee hours of the morning the singing is pretty bad. I’ve listened to several parties now and the music is much like the worst American Idol tryouts you can imagine. It probably does not help that the people are drinking more and more as the party progresses. These Karaoke birthdays reveal the great need to reach the people of PI with Jesus. Only then will they find true joy.
When Friday comes I know we won’t be singing Karaoke. Sure we will sing and be joyful. But our joy will be full because it comes from Jesus! I thank God for a godly wife. We pray that many families in Masantol will begin to see their marriages affected by Jesus as well.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
God still Answers Prayers
Thanks again to all who continue faithfully praying. God is answering with lives being touched. New people are coming to church. Relationships with Jesus are growing deeper. God has kept us healthy. God has protected us from harm and danger. Through many, God has fully provided for our tickets, our financial commitments at home and the first seven weeks here in Masantol. Continue to pray as we have two months yet to be provided. We have several hundred dollars unexpected for visa government fees. We are grateful to those who have given financially as led by God. Pray as we also hope to visit missionary friends on the Philippines Island of Negros in November. Masantol is on the main Island of Luzon. Until that time we pray & hope to see much fruit. We pray and desire for people to accept and follow Jesus. We dare not slow as the mission has much more to reach the finish. In Philippians Paul’s states: "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." May we also press on for Jesus!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Kathie's Notes
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace. The effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”---Is. 32:17
God has a way of speaking for Himself. We just get the blessed privilege of seeing Him work among us as we stay in step with the Spirit’s leading. Striving comes natural for me. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly patience our God! Over and over, he comes is calm the storms that rise within. Over and over again, His grace is given and He ministers to hearts and lives through His Word. Oh may we all praise Him for all He has done to show Himself present and faithful on behalf of those who put their trust in Him!
Praise report---The ladies of Masantol gathered together to worship Wednesday night. We looked into the Word to see what the Lord had to say about the blessings of trusting in Him as Lord with all of our lives because of His great love for us. He had us look at the life of Mary to see what it was in her life that He so “highly favored”. There was some group participation by the women, followed by a time of prayer & fellowship over some goodies (we love our goodies!). Marissa is a wonderful blessing from God. She did a fantastic job helping me with translation. Jane is another faithful servant who comes early and stays late to help in any way she can. After all had headed back to their homes, she lingered and shared with me some Tagalog!
Thank you all for praying. The headache lifted that very first night and has not returned since. Thank You Jesus! It has been one week since arriving here to Masantol and I am now sleeping through the night as of two nights ago! Following suit with reports of grandson Isaiah who slept his first 6 hours since arriving home with Angela & James. Dennis continues to encourage the sweet people here from the Word. We pray that as the lives of the believers are encouraged that they will have more boldness to share the Lord with their family and friends. We pray that the Lord would add to His church daily. Some of the people in fellowship have been battling with sore throats and congestion. Dennis seems to have a touch of it as well. Please pray for the Lord's healing.
God has a way of speaking for Himself. We just get the blessed privilege of seeing Him work among us as we stay in step with the Spirit’s leading. Striving comes natural for me. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly patience our God! Over and over, he comes is calm the storms that rise within. Over and over again, His grace is given and He ministers to hearts and lives through His Word. Oh may we all praise Him for all He has done to show Himself present and faithful on behalf of those who put their trust in Him!
Praise report---The ladies of Masantol gathered together to worship Wednesday night. We looked into the Word to see what the Lord had to say about the blessings of trusting in Him as Lord with all of our lives because of His great love for us. He had us look at the life of Mary to see what it was in her life that He so “highly favored”. There was some group participation by the women, followed by a time of prayer & fellowship over some goodies (we love our goodies!). Marissa is a wonderful blessing from God. She did a fantastic job helping me with translation. Jane is another faithful servant who comes early and stays late to help in any way she can. After all had headed back to their homes, she lingered and shared with me some Tagalog!
Thank you all for praying. The headache lifted that very first night and has not returned since. Thank You Jesus! It has been one week since arriving here to Masantol and I am now sleeping through the night as of two nights ago! Following suit with reports of grandson Isaiah who slept his first 6 hours since arriving home with Angela & James. Dennis continues to encourage the sweet people here from the Word. We pray that as the lives of the believers are encouraged that they will have more boldness to share the Lord with their family and friends. We pray that the Lord would add to His church daily. Some of the people in fellowship have been battling with sore throats and congestion. Dennis seems to have a touch of it as well. Please pray for the Lord's healing.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Isaiah The Newest Grandchild
I am sure many have heard already of Isaiah's arrival. Now we have a picture to add. Kathie and I praise our creator and God for the newborn baby. Isaiah is already two weeks old. He was born September 4th at 10:53 pm. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 10 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. Kathie was blessed to be there for the birth before joining me in Masantol, Philippines. God's word gives lasting truth in Psalm 127:3-5, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them".
Sunday, September 16, 2007
My Brother Jhek Jhek
I have introduced him before, but I though you might like an update. He is the right hand servant here at CC Masantol. I've enjoyed getting to know Jhek Jhek. He is my shadow everywhere. Jhek Jhek is a young Christian in his twenties. He came to the Lord through the ministry of Pastor Pat and Cindy here at CC Masantol. Previously he was very involved in the Catholic church. I believe he said he was like an altar boy. He comes from a large family that lives on a very poor street around the corner. The street itself is only wide enough for trikes or motorcycles (like an alley). His humble home is off the street through a passageway, sizewise I just make it through. He has a five year old that he cares for as a single Dad. The mother found another man and lives with him. JJ and his daughter Kin Kin live with his parents (Rosie & Rodriquez). Also in the home are his sister (Jane) and younger sister (Shine Shine) who faithfully attend fellowship at CCM. Rosie (JJ mom) recently had her 10th child, an adorable 6 month old. The family survives by doing what it takes. They some times sell corn on the cobb in front of their home, other times its shish-kabob chicken (I think) while Reuben works long hours to support his family.
Praise God JJ loves Jesus. His desire is to serve and glorify Him. Daily he comes to CC Masantol to serve Jesus. He cleans floors and bathrooms. He sets up chairs for church. He washes windows and sweeps. Sometimes he even cooks. He has a servant's heart. How do you reach out to someone who lives such a different lifestyle? You reach them with Jesus' love and teaching of the Word. I believe God has a great future for Jhek Jhek. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Children Craving God's Love
As I think of the Philippines God has portrayed and infused my mind a vivid picture of children needing the hope only Jesus provides. As you walk the streets many children pass. When they look your way their brown eyes are so hungry for love. Daily I hear them playing on the street in front of my door. As I observe their tattered clothes and unbathed bodies, I wonder who loves and cares for them.
In the Gospel of Mark we read on a particular occasion the children were brought to Jesus. The disciples reacted by rebuking those bringing children. Jesus being displeased answered saying “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
On Saturday CC Masantol has a Bible story hour for children. They sing children’s worship. You would be touched to listen to their voices worshipping God. They listen to a Bible story before coloring a related picture. After refreshments they head back out to Masantol life.
This Saturday the children began gathering for the meeting two hours before the beginning As 90 plus children sat with eyes aglow my heart was moved. We must allow the children to come to Jesus. Jesus said that each of us must come as children to the Kingdom of God. Then as Jesus exemplified, we must surround them with God’s love.
Pray that the children of Masantol would come to Jesus. When the children come and sense His love, familys will follow. Then a community will be looking to Jesus. They will see children being loved as they sit on His lap.
In the Gospel of Mark we read on a particular occasion the children were brought to Jesus. The disciples reacted by rebuking those bringing children. Jesus being displeased answered saying “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
On Saturday CC Masantol has a Bible story hour for children. They sing children’s worship. You would be touched to listen to their voices worshipping God. They listen to a Bible story before coloring a related picture. After refreshments they head back out to Masantol life.
This Saturday the children began gathering for the meeting two hours before the beginning As 90 plus children sat with eyes aglow my heart was moved. We must allow the children to come to Jesus. Jesus said that each of us must come as children to the Kingdom of God. Then as Jesus exemplified, we must surround them with God’s love.
Pray that the children of Masantol would come to Jesus. When the children come and sense His love, familys will follow. Then a community will be looking to Jesus. They will see children being loved as they sit on His lap.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Water from above...
The water here in the Philippines is not like the mountain springs of Virginia, or even California’s piped in H2O. In fact it’s best for us to avoid drinking the tap water here. The microscopic critters living in the water here do not mix well with our Americano digestion. Thankfully we have bottled water provided. It seems so refreshing on a hot humid day. Even many of my Filipino brothers and sisters avoid drinking from the tap. Yet water is so vital.
With the heat and humidity of the Philippines you need more then one shower a day. The sweat and odor build quickly. A shower is so refreshing and brings your body skin temperature back closer to normal. Through the upstairs windows you can view the Masantol river passing. The kids in Masantol are always jumping in the river. They combine the cooling down with playful routines. As I observe the visible pollution in the river water, I wonder how they survive.
Our neighbor raises roosters in his backyard. From the second floor office window I hear them crowing every few minutes. When I arrived, he had maybe one. Now he has about seven. Some Filipinos like my neighbor, enter their roosters in cockfights. They hope to make money through gambling. The backyard of the neighbor has no drainage. When it rains their yard becomes a pool. The roosters survive in a raised pen. When water evaporates a cesspool of dark green polluted water is left in the back corner. I don’t believe anyone removes the chicken’s manure. In addition garbage is ignored and floats daily on the algae. Often the smell is so strong I must close the windows.
In Psalm 46 we read “ There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. I rejoice that we have the refreshing water God provides for our souls. In Isaiah 55 it says, “ “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. This is the pure water that is needed in Masantol.
With the heat and humidity of the Philippines you need more then one shower a day. The sweat and odor build quickly. A shower is so refreshing and brings your body skin temperature back closer to normal. Through the upstairs windows you can view the Masantol river passing. The kids in Masantol are always jumping in the river. They combine the cooling down with playful routines. As I observe the visible pollution in the river water, I wonder how they survive.
Our neighbor raises roosters in his backyard. From the second floor office window I hear them crowing every few minutes. When I arrived, he had maybe one. Now he has about seven. Some Filipinos like my neighbor, enter their roosters in cockfights. They hope to make money through gambling. The backyard of the neighbor has no drainage. When it rains their yard becomes a pool. The roosters survive in a raised pen. When water evaporates a cesspool of dark green polluted water is left in the back corner. I don’t believe anyone removes the chicken’s manure. In addition garbage is ignored and floats daily on the algae. Often the smell is so strong I must close the windows.
In Psalm 46 we read “ There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. I rejoice that we have the refreshing water God provides for our souls. In Isaiah 55 it says, “ “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. This is the pure water that is needed in Masantol.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Communication Link
Understanding words is vital for living. Coming to Pampanga I find myself dependent on English language and one or two Tagolag words. Many of the younger Filipinos speak English. But they are shy and limited in their understanding. Sometimes I complete a sentence and just get a blank stare. Other times there may be a head nod of acknowledgement. But in reality nothing was understood. Yet to communicate the Gospel and the Word of God language is vital
The youth show up at the Masantol CC gate daily. Communication has been greatly enhanced having time together each day. We might read the Bible. We alternate reading the verses of a chapter in English with some in tagolag. Memorizing scripture is a challenge readily accepted by young Christians in the fellowship here. Often this is done in English and enhances their language capabilities. It seems I should memorize in Tagalag for similar results.
Probably the greatest growth in relationships as well as language understanding has come through playing scrabble. Scrabble is one of Kathie’s and my favorite games. Here in Masantol the teens love Scrabble. But again, they are probably advancing more than us.
When we share Gods word through teaching, communication barriers stretch you. The desire is to communicate the truth of the Gospel. The hope is that the young Christians will grow in Christ. Thankfully we have God’s promise that His word will not return void. It says in Isaiah 55 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
That’s a promise I am praying for in Masantol. Many times it seems the Word may not be clear. God has had me simplify teaching over and over seeking to bring clarity. Pray that I might grow in my ability to communicate. Pray that God will send His word forth in the power of His Spirit.
The youth show up at the Masantol CC gate daily. Communication has been greatly enhanced having time together each day. We might read the Bible. We alternate reading the verses of a chapter in English with some in tagolag. Memorizing scripture is a challenge readily accepted by young Christians in the fellowship here. Often this is done in English and enhances their language capabilities. It seems I should memorize in Tagalag for similar results.
Probably the greatest growth in relationships as well as language understanding has come through playing scrabble. Scrabble is one of Kathie’s and my favorite games. Here in Masantol the teens love Scrabble. But again, they are probably advancing more than us.
When we share Gods word through teaching, communication barriers stretch you. The desire is to communicate the truth of the Gospel. The hope is that the young Christians will grow in Christ. Thankfully we have God’s promise that His word will not return void. It says in Isaiah 55 “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
That’s a promise I am praying for in Masantol. Many times it seems the Word may not be clear. God has had me simplify teaching over and over seeking to bring clarity. Pray that I might grow in my ability to communicate. Pray that God will send His word forth in the power of His Spirit.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Isaiah Wesley
Pass the news a grandson has been added to the Vaus family. Our daughter Angela and husband James Howdyshell are overwhlemed by the wonder of God's miracle in the receiving of Isaiah. He was born at 10:53 PM on September the 4th. That is USA Virginia time. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 10 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. Thank you for all of your many prayers! Praise God for the miracle of birth.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Lessons from Lita
Paul writing to the Philippians in chapter four, shares a glimpse of how God was caring for him and the mission he was called too. Probably the key word is “content. Check out the reference. In Philippians 4:10-11 we read “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” I am learning about contentment from my Filipino brothers and sisters. So many have so little. Yet in Jesus they have much.
A home is made between cinderblocks, covered by rusted corrugated metal. Many roofs have openings and therefore leaks. Some have no running water. I’ve observed floors covered simply by straw mats. The daily meal of rice though prepared with different ingredients and spices must become mundane. Lita (a forty something wife and mother) comes to church regularly and is always joyful. She earns extra pesos selling various snacks and drinks from a table in her alleyway. It is from the Lita’s that God is teaching me.
I am learning to be content. God has provided for financial commitments at home. God has blessed with airfare for both Kathie and myself. August monthly expenses in Masantol were fully there each day. We have seen God plentifully supply. Yet having come here to minister, I now have been ministered unto. I am learning where as an USA citizen I ought to live with greater contentment and simplicity. I have an enlarged heart for those who live with much less.
My prayer; Lord let me live content and joyful like Lita.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Modern Technology
Today Smartbro finally came to correct the Internet problems at CC Masantol. I have been calling and waiting for their help since Wednesday August 29th. On Friday the 31st Jhek Jhek invited me to use the connection at his home. It is striking to see the modern technology of Internet connection being used in the very modest home of someone in Masantol. That is families such as Jheks live without so much of what Americans consider normal and expected. At 5 o'clock the smartbro techs pulled up in a motorized trike. Only in the 3rd world of Masantol would you a company repairman arrive in such style. They even had a ladder somehow attached to the top. Praise God we now have Internet connection again. How did we keep in touch before Internet? When I was here in the Philippines for the 1990 crusade even mail took more then a week for USA delivery. Expensive telephone was the only option. With today’s technology communication is instantaneous.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
"Who is my neighbor?"
When the Scribe asked Jesus, “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered with a quote of the “shema” from the law in Deuteronomy six and Leviticus. He was intending to bring this teacher of the law face to face with living the truth. There we read, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself”. Jesus told him he could have eternal life if he would keep this law. Of course being legalistic this scribe looked for technical loopholes. He asked Jesus a question, attempting to trick him. The question was, “who is my neighbor”. It was at that point Jesus gave the illustration of the good Samaritan.
It’s not too difficult to find your neighbor in Masantol. Not like back in the USA, where I remember growing up, blessed to spend three of my childhood years living on a ranch. We had so much land; the closest neighbor was probably ½ mile or more distance from our home. Back in Monterey most of us have neighbors living much closer. But do we know them. And even more important, do we love our neighbors. Here in Masantol I probably have 25 or thirty neighbors living within twenty-five feet of the church building.
You know the story. A certain man was traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. We know from history that this was a dangerous road. The road of life is also dangerous. The man in the story, robbed and beaten, lay on the roadside as various people passed. Jesus spoke specifically of three. The Priest and the Levite passed by without helping the injured man. Only the good Samaritan stopped to help. He gave His all to help this man. Who was this certain man? The Bible typically uses this phrase to make it personal. You and I are the person robbed and injured by sin and the “evil one” on the road of life. Of course Jesus is the good Samaritan who loved us, giving His life.
When Jesus asked the scribe who was the neighbor to this certain man, there was only one answer he could give. It was the good Samaritan. He told the scribe to go and live likewise. We can only love our neighbors as Jesus lives in our hearts. I have no capability, apart from Him of loving my neighbors in Masantol. Some are raising roosters for gambling. Some are living together having left other relationships that didn’t seem to work. Others in poverty have resorted to stealing from their neighbors. Olive lives in a one-room home with no running water, by those closest to her. My prayer is that we can share the love of Christ with many of the neighbors of Masantol. Pray that they will choose to come to Jesus.
It’s not too difficult to find your neighbor in Masantol. Not like back in the USA, where I remember growing up, blessed to spend three of my childhood years living on a ranch. We had so much land; the closest neighbor was probably ½ mile or more distance from our home. Back in Monterey most of us have neighbors living much closer. But do we know them. And even more important, do we love our neighbors. Here in Masantol I probably have 25 or thirty neighbors living within twenty-five feet of the church building.
You know the story. A certain man was traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. We know from history that this was a dangerous road. The road of life is also dangerous. The man in the story, robbed and beaten, lay on the roadside as various people passed. Jesus spoke specifically of three. The Priest and the Levite passed by without helping the injured man. Only the good Samaritan stopped to help. He gave His all to help this man. Who was this certain man? The Bible typically uses this phrase to make it personal. You and I are the person robbed and injured by sin and the “evil one” on the road of life. Of course Jesus is the good Samaritan who loved us, giving His life.
When Jesus asked the scribe who was the neighbor to this certain man, there was only one answer he could give. It was the good Samaritan. He told the scribe to go and live likewise. We can only love our neighbors as Jesus lives in our hearts. I have no capability, apart from Him of loving my neighbors in Masantol. Some are raising roosters for gambling. Some are living together having left other relationships that didn’t seem to work. Others in poverty have resorted to stealing from their neighbors. Olive lives in a one-room home with no running water, by those closest to her. My prayer is that we can share the love of Christ with many of the neighbors of Masantol. Pray that they will choose to come to Jesus.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
"Without Power"
Without power the Christian will always fall short. Without the light of God we are in darkness. That is fact in California and it is true in Pampanga. With "brown outs" you think about darkness and powerlessness a lot here in Masantol. The power went off at the church/house the other night. But not because of typical "brown out". It was only a CC Masantol "brown out". It was about a week ago we watched the wire on the transformer spark and then flame. We have our own transformer on a pole in front of the house. Just yesterday the same wire completely separated and broke off its connection. But at the same time all the neighbors still had power. It was a hot, humid and rainy night about eight o'clock. After two hours Jhek Jhek was able to have some men come and fix the wire. Amazingly they did not have a bucket truck to get to the transformer. They only had their jeep and two ladders. They had to borrow two flashlights to do their work. They used their regular household ladders to climb up the pole to the problem.
In Acts 1:8 Luke writes, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We need His power, the Holy Spirit in and upon us. Jesus said in John 15 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." If we in any way become disconnected from Him by ourselves we are powerless. The transformer still had power. All my neighbors still had power. We were disconnected and left powerless. This certainly has much personal application to meditate upon.
Still in Masantol, power outage seems almost the norm. Many of the people are religious, yet in darkness. The Catholic Church can be heard praying each morning and evening. Over a community loudspeaker they call out the rosary. But there is no power! People continue in their sin. In II Timothy 3 Paul states that in the last days there would be those having “a form of godliness but denying its power”. My prayer is that the power of God will come to the people of Masantol. His power can transform any life!
In Acts 1:8 Luke writes, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We need His power, the Holy Spirit in and upon us. Jesus said in John 15 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." If we in any way become disconnected from Him by ourselves we are powerless. The transformer still had power. All my neighbors still had power. We were disconnected and left powerless. This certainly has much personal application to meditate upon.
Still in Masantol, power outage seems almost the norm. Many of the people are religious, yet in darkness. The Catholic Church can be heard praying each morning and evening. Over a community loudspeaker they call out the rosary. But there is no power! People continue in their sin. In II Timothy 3 Paul states that in the last days there would be those having “a form of godliness but denying its power”. My prayer is that the power of God will come to the people of Masantol. His power can transform any life!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hanging out in Pampanga
Shopping day for me is Monday. You don’t go shopping in the outdoor markets of Masantol…at least I choose not too. They have many vegetables grow here in the Philippine Islands. Some I recognize and some I do not know. These are readily available in the local open market. But I question how free of bacteria they would be for my consumption. The people handling much of the produce are poor and potentially unsanitary. Because of the monsoon season many store tables rest in foot deep floodwaters. You can also buy fish in these local markets. I question how fresh it might be. Some appear to be out for days un-refrigerated. There are also all color and sort of grains. And of course with these plenty of rice. Along with the open market there are numerous sari sari stores (a place for cokes and snacks). In between are run down, open front, barbershops, general supply stores and auto welding or tire locations. Life exists and passes in the Masantol marketplace.
Each Monday I choose to go to San Fernando shopping. This is the capitol of this province called Pampanga. It is approximately one hour drive. There they have a huge mall called SM (I mentioned in an earlier post). This mall is modern and offers much of what you might purchase in the USA. It just appears different inside because of cultural style differences. Many of the products similar to USA are offered in much smaller containers. Most if not all of the fast food stores offer Asian menus. Even KFC, McDonalds and Burger King serve rice in place of French fries. Each of these sells chicken much more than beef. Of course there is Jollybees. This is the Philippians version of McDonalds.
There are teens that hang out at CC Masantol on a daily basis. So this shopping day I invited one to come along shopping. Three showed up. In conversation I found they had rarely or never been to the SM. Keep in mind that this is one hour from their home. Big John John, Michael and Andrew joined the day’s venture. They helped pick out food at the SM grocery store. $50 US money or about 2400 pesos buys enough to feed you and your friends for the week. We also went to see a movie for $1.50 US. Not bad!
During the week it is good to have plenty of food to go around. Young people show up daily. This is a great opportunity for discipleship and evangelism. While hanging out we typically play a game like scrabble. This is a great opportunity for them to increase their English vocabulary.
Ron drives me to the store, as we do not have a vehicle at CC Masantol. He speaks English and is quite helpful with shopping. This week I also needed a haircut. Since there was a barber at the SM, I chose to try it out. I thought it might be a little less risky than the ones in Masantol. Cutting with scissors gave a nice smooth cut. When the man added a peppermint lotion to my neck and began to massage my back I chose to end the venture and barber shop hanging out time. They charged me 100 pesos (about $2.25) for my fancy haircut. All in a day of shopping here in PI.
Each Monday I choose to go to San Fernando shopping. This is the capitol of this province called Pampanga. It is approximately one hour drive. There they have a huge mall called SM (I mentioned in an earlier post). This mall is modern and offers much of what you might purchase in the USA. It just appears different inside because of cultural style differences. Many of the products similar to USA are offered in much smaller containers. Most if not all of the fast food stores offer Asian menus. Even KFC, McDonalds and Burger King serve rice in place of French fries. Each of these sells chicken much more than beef. Of course there is Jollybees. This is the Philippians version of McDonalds.
There are teens that hang out at CC Masantol on a daily basis. So this shopping day I invited one to come along shopping. Three showed up. In conversation I found they had rarely or never been to the SM. Keep in mind that this is one hour from their home. Big John John, Michael and Andrew joined the day’s venture. They helped pick out food at the SM grocery store. $50 US money or about 2400 pesos buys enough to feed you and your friends for the week. We also went to see a movie for $1.50 US. Not bad!
During the week it is good to have plenty of food to go around. Young people show up daily. This is a great opportunity for discipleship and evangelism. While hanging out we typically play a game like scrabble. This is a great opportunity for them to increase their English vocabulary.
Ron drives me to the store, as we do not have a vehicle at CC Masantol. He speaks English and is quite helpful with shopping. This week I also needed a haircut. Since there was a barber at the SM, I chose to try it out. I thought it might be a little less risky than the ones in Masantol. Cutting with scissors gave a nice smooth cut. When the man added a peppermint lotion to my neck and began to massage my back I chose to end the venture and barber shop hanging out time. They charged me 100 pesos (about $2.25) for my fancy haircut. All in a day of shopping here in PI.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Jhek Jhek
Jhek Jhek is a young Christian in his twenties. He came to the Lord through the ministry of Pat and Cindy here at CC Masantol. Previously he was very involved in the Catholic church. I believe he said he was like an altar boy, He comes from a large family that lives on a very poor street around the corner. He has a six year old that he cares for as a single Dad. The mother found another man and lives with him. JJ and his daughter Kin Kin. Live with his mom & dad. Also in the home are his sister Jane and younger sister Shine Shine. There are two brothers, one of which are married. The other still lives at home. There is also a six month old that Rosie(JJ mom) recently had. The family survives by doing what it takes. They some times sell corn on the cobb in front of their home, other times its shish-kabob chicken (I think).
Praise God JJ loves Jesus. His desire is to serve and glorify Him. Daily he comes to CC Masantol to serve Jesus. He cleans floors and bathrooms. He sets up chairs for church. He washes windows and sweeps. Sometimes he even cooks. He has a servants heart. How do you reach out to someone who lives such a different lifestyle? You reach them with Jesus love and teaching of the Word. I believe God has a great future for Jhek Jhek. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Praise God JJ loves Jesus. His desire is to serve and glorify Him. Daily he comes to CC Masantol to serve Jesus. He cleans floors and bathrooms. He sets up chairs for church. He washes windows and sweeps. Sometimes he even cooks. He has a servants heart. How do you reach out to someone who lives such a different lifestyle? You reach them with Jesus love and teaching of the Word. I believe God has a great future for Jhek Jhek. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Visa Challenges
There are any number of things in Masantol to stretch you. The constant rain at this time of the year means there are always flooded streets. Have you ever gone shopping with rubber boots and water rising past your calves? The passing of typhoon sepat added havoc to our water problem. We are not speaking of stores you drive to and park. You either walk or ride a trike or boat. Many stores in Masantol are part of a large open market. I question how perishables can be preserved in such conditions. By the way the boats are extra long, stretched canoe shaped boats. Unlike canoes they have inboard motors. Some even have canopy roofs. They transport you from village to village.
This Monday we had to travel a little further than the next village to reach the Philippines immigration office. The purpose of my journey was to extend my visa, due to expire August 21st. I was dressed typical CC style with shorts and a tee shirt. After an hour and fifteen minute ride I finally arrived at the government office. As I pushed the glass door open, a uniformed guard (with a gun) stopped me. I wondered to myself what the problem could be. I was informed that in order to do business in this office I would have to change clothes. So, here was my challenge for the day. They would not allow me in this single room office while wearing short pants. I found it ironic that women wearing knee length dresses were allowed in to complete business. I guess my legs were too ugly. So we proceeded to the Mall. It was time and cost prohibitive to return home. I purchased a new pair of Levi's. This was also a challenge. Not to many of the small frame Filipinos wear size 42. With a new pair of long pants I was finally allowed to do business. After a few unexpected ad on fees I had my visa extension. Praise the Lord.
Well there are plenty of challenges to go around. Just the other night we were preparing to have a youth meeting. Some of the young people urged me to come look outside. They were all in the doorway looking up. As I joined them I observed the fireworks. There are many different wires coming from the power poles. Some of them are hooked in by squatters seeking free power. Tonight the main wire was glowing, then sparking and finally flaming. At times like this you miss the USA. "Brown outs" as they call them are pretty normal in the Philippines. In Masantol the power seems to go off at least once a day. You hope it's not as your walking around at night. Definitely not while your showering. When it's hot and humid you sure miss those fans when they go off. But then you use the handheld, self powered fans. They work also, just not as strong.
This Monday we had to travel a little further than the next village to reach the Philippines immigration office. The purpose of my journey was to extend my visa, due to expire August 21st. I was dressed typical CC style with shorts and a tee shirt. After an hour and fifteen minute ride I finally arrived at the government office. As I pushed the glass door open, a uniformed guard (with a gun) stopped me. I wondered to myself what the problem could be. I was informed that in order to do business in this office I would have to change clothes. So, here was my challenge for the day. They would not allow me in this single room office while wearing short pants. I found it ironic that women wearing knee length dresses were allowed in to complete business. I guess my legs were too ugly. So we proceeded to the Mall. It was time and cost prohibitive to return home. I purchased a new pair of Levi's. This was also a challenge. Not to many of the small frame Filipinos wear size 42. With a new pair of long pants I was finally allowed to do business. After a few unexpected ad on fees I had my visa extension. Praise the Lord.
Well there are plenty of challenges to go around. Just the other night we were preparing to have a youth meeting. Some of the young people urged me to come look outside. They were all in the doorway looking up. As I joined them I observed the fireworks. There are many different wires coming from the power poles. Some of them are hooked in by squatters seeking free power. Tonight the main wire was glowing, then sparking and finally flaming. At times like this you miss the USA. "Brown outs" as they call them are pretty normal in the Philippines. In Masantol the power seems to go off at least once a day. You hope it's not as your walking around at night. Definitely not while your showering. When it's hot and humid you sure miss those fans when they go off. But then you use the handheld, self powered fans. They work also, just not as strong.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Church Fellowship
CC Masantol meets in a two story cinderblock building. The group fellowships are held downstairs. The building is narrow with neighbors close on either side. Windows line the sides of the narrow fellowship hall. One can readily hear neighbors talking or playing music CD’s. For most services we set up about thirty small plastic white chairs. When I say small, keep in mind these are probably made with the smaller frame Filipino in mind. Recalling that I am a large man, you won’t be surprised to know I have already collapsed one of these chairs. CCM does not currently have a worship leader. Worship music is played loudly on a boom-box. Further volume is gained through a mike pic up and an stand alone amplifier. As people worship their voices are quite soft alongside the amplified music.
The up-stairs serves as a residence and rooms for visiting missionaries. That’s where I stay. For now it’s home. In the rear of the down-stairs there is a kitchen where food for gatherings can be prepared. Although the kitchen has a microwave, it does not have an oven. Even though there are gas burners outside, there are not any stovetop burners for cooking in the kitchen. Praise God we do have running water. The refig is a mini. It is probably about ½ the width and 2/3 the height of an American refrigerator. I guess we just eat more in the USA. The table for four, in the middle makes a nice place for fellowship and prayer.
Fellowship is good, wherever the body of Jesus is meeting around the world. Masantol is no exception. Friday is youth night. The Filipino teens love to worship, singing typical western contemporary worship in English. After singing they circle up for a Bible study. Every couple of weeks we have a game night.
Pray for more people. Particularly it would be good to pray for husbands. Many woman come on a regular basis without their husbands attending. Pray that these men will be reached for Jesus. Fathers coming to Jesus would have a great impact on their families. Occassionally one woman, named Babe brings her husband. His name is Roger. We are praying for the kidney stones he has to go away.
Young people from six to teenagers make up the bulk of the people God is bringing to CC Masantol. This will have a lasting impact as they grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus. These youth will grow up to be leaders of the future church.
The up-stairs serves as a residence and rooms for visiting missionaries. That’s where I stay. For now it’s home. In the rear of the down-stairs there is a kitchen where food for gatherings can be prepared. Although the kitchen has a microwave, it does not have an oven. Even though there are gas burners outside, there are not any stovetop burners for cooking in the kitchen. Praise God we do have running water. The refig is a mini. It is probably about ½ the width and 2/3 the height of an American refrigerator. I guess we just eat more in the USA. The table for four, in the middle makes a nice place for fellowship and prayer.
Fellowship is good, wherever the body of Jesus is meeting around the world. Masantol is no exception. Friday is youth night. The Filipino teens love to worship, singing typical western contemporary worship in English. After singing they circle up for a Bible study. Every couple of weeks we have a game night.
Pray for more people. Particularly it would be good to pray for husbands. Many woman come on a regular basis without their husbands attending. Pray that these men will be reached for Jesus. Fathers coming to Jesus would have a great impact on their families. Occassionally one woman, named Babe brings her husband. His name is Roger. We are praying for the kidney stones he has to go away.
Young people from six to teenagers make up the bulk of the people God is bringing to CC Masantol. This will have a lasting impact as they grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus. These youth will grow up to be leaders of the future church.
Friday, August 10, 2007
A Typical Masantol Teen
Masantol is home for both teens, Andrew and Michael. The streets of their town are probably typical of many smaller communities in the Philippine Islands. I’ve found them to be busy from pre dawn morning till early evening. On weekends many of the people I’ve observed are of the younger generation. It seems many families are dependent on self initiated businesses to stay alive. Of these storefronts are quite common. These are typically a three sided cinder block structure, with the open end having some sort of makeshift canopy roof extension towards the street. Some are only created of discarded wood planks and corrugated metal. The products may vary but are typically displayed on some sort of counter in the opening. Possibly the most typical would be a snack food product, drink or fruit. Often I’ve observed the youth running the storefronts, or assisting someone else from the family. Another business teens are heavily involved in is transportation. This is provided by tricycles (equipped with rear bench seats) or motor bikes with side-carts. There are hundreds of these along the street everywhere, each with drivers hoping to provide a ride and earn 20 or so pesos. Some youth who are not working, may be found circled with others tossing coins to the ground. With poverty so prevalent even a few pesos can seem like a lot.
Andrew and Michael are also from poor families. Other than this they are probably not typical. Andrew Santiago is fourteen and has one brother and one sister. Michael Lugtu (also fourteen) has two brothers and one sister. What sets their lives apart from the norm is that they both love Jesus. They regularly help out at church gatherings. Setting up before people arrive and cleaning up afterwards is what they do as normal.
Along with more than a dozen other teens they showed up for youth meeting on Friday night. For me this was the highlight of the week. Probably because they were all so hungry for the Word. We talked about David as a teen. We shared how God chose him, based on his heart, to be king. His heart was committed to serve God. Challenged by David’s example several of the teens expressed their desire to surrender more of their heart to serving God. Pray that more Andrews and Michaels will be reached on the streets of Masantol.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Rain in abundance
There is a verse in Job stating: "He gives rain on the earth, And sends waters on the fields." Thus as the rain continues for the last two days we know it is from God. Along with that the wind is blowing and gusting 40 to 50 mph. Water has made its way through cracks and open windows. I have had to soak it into all the towels. The Masantol people may not feel the same about the source of the rain or it's blessing. Many of the yards I see from my windows have flooded. Most homes are surrounded by cinder block or cement walls. They seem to go in all directions with no plan or order. Thus a yard (if any) may be 15 feet long and maybe as wide surrounded by walls. There is nowhere for water to escape. The river has come up about ten feet. It is now overflowing its banks. Many plants, trees and dead animal carcasses are floating down stream. Normally I can look out the upstairs windows across the river to open market places along the opposite riverbank. Now these have begun to flood. The trikes that are normally along the dirt street in front of the church, have moved to higher ground on the bridge crossing the river. Wow, I have not seen rain like this.
After two days and just before Thursday midweek Bible study, the rain suddenly stopped. Now the people can come to church. The rain will not keep them away. God can rain down His manna. Tonight about a dozen or so people make it through the mud and flooded streets to church. All of them walk and come from the neighborhood. We had worship time and then shared from I Peter. We have worship while listening to CD's and reading an overhead. We began a study in I Peter. We spent all of our time talking about Peter and his background. We studied how Jesus brought in the greatest catch Peter had seen as a fisherman, in Luke 5. We were challenged with Peter to listen to God and follow His call. We were called like Peter to become "fishers of men". God showered on us His blessings.
After two days and just before Thursday midweek Bible study, the rain suddenly stopped. Now the people can come to church. The rain will not keep them away. God can rain down His manna. Tonight about a dozen or so people make it through the mud and flooded streets to church. All of them walk and come from the neighborhood. We had worship time and then shared from I Peter. We have worship while listening to CD's and reading an overhead. We began a study in I Peter. We spent all of our time talking about Peter and his background. We studied how Jesus brought in the greatest catch Peter had seen as a fisherman, in Luke 5. We were challenged with Peter to listen to God and follow His call. We were called like Peter to become "fishers of men". God showered on us His blessings.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Philippines arrival
On Wednesday August 1st, I arrived at 11pm safely in the Philippines. We landed in Manila, the capitol of the country having more than 20 million residents. Thank you for praying. I had good memories of my last visit thirteen years ago. At that time I stayed two months or so to help coordinate an upcoming crusade, called "The Festival of Life" with Mike MacIntosh.
Tonight I was hoping to get an extended visa. Though I was able to clear customs and immigration, I was only given 21 days. Pray, as I will need to travel to Angeles immigration offices to extend the time through November. Thankfully they say it should be not too much trouble. From customs I went outside into the hot humid night. There were thousands of faces, but none greeting me. I followed some signs through a tunnel to a designated passenger-meeting zone. It was nicely divided into alphabetical order. It was there I spotted Pat Virays familiar face. It feels good after traveling 24 hours and being in an unfamiliar country, to see a brother.
I have been adjusting over the last couple of days. Jet lag was little challenge. But the humidity was just as great if not greater than I recalled. Pray for adjustment. The needs of the people in PI and in particular Masantol are great. Masantol is in Pampanga about two hours drive north from Manila. This is a poor community with many squatters (people that settle and build wherever they can...including over water)
As I walked to the CEF school outreach on Friday I had many observations. The narrow dirt street was lined with tricycle cabs ready for service. These bikes have a seat for passengers attached over two rear wheels, covered by a canopy roof. As you might guess each had drivers eager for a few pesos. It will be interesting to see the fit and response for a man my size. Along the way we passed many small, loosely constructed snack shack stores, the Catholic Church and many, many friendly
curious people.
The street and ditches did not lack for discarded garbage and polluted water. It always amazes me that people can live and survive with such different standards of sanitation. A combination of odors from food service shacks and street litter filled the air. As I passed you could not help but love the poorly clothed children. Their eyes wondering as they stared.
At the school, classrooms surround a dilapidated courtyard, filled with polluted puddles from the most recent flood. The Virays envisions CC Masantol helping repair this area so it will not flood. Despite the conditions a small kick ball game proceeds. The classrooms had wood slatted windows and many attentive kids. They were very proper, calling out to us, "Good Morning Pastor Viray, Good morning Pastor Dennis". They listened to every word of the study. They repeated scripture. What a great open door for Jesus.
Den 8.03.07
Tonight I was hoping to get an extended visa. Though I was able to clear customs and immigration, I was only given 21 days. Pray, as I will need to travel to Angeles immigration offices to extend the time through November. Thankfully they say it should be not too much trouble. From customs I went outside into the hot humid night. There were thousands of faces, but none greeting me. I followed some signs through a tunnel to a designated passenger-meeting zone. It was nicely divided into alphabetical order. It was there I spotted Pat Virays familiar face. It feels good after traveling 24 hours and being in an unfamiliar country, to see a brother.
I have been adjusting over the last couple of days. Jet lag was little challenge. But the humidity was just as great if not greater than I recalled. Pray for adjustment. The needs of the people in PI and in particular Masantol are great. Masantol is in Pampanga about two hours drive north from Manila. This is a poor community with many squatters (people that settle and build wherever they can...including over water)
As I walked to the CEF school outreach on Friday I had many observations. The narrow dirt street was lined with tricycle cabs ready for service. These bikes have a seat for passengers attached over two rear wheels, covered by a canopy roof. As you might guess each had drivers eager for a few pesos. It will be interesting to see the fit and response for a man my size. Along the way we passed many small, loosely constructed snack shack stores, the Catholic Church and many, many friendly
curious people.
The street and ditches did not lack for discarded garbage and polluted water. It always amazes me that people can live and survive with such different standards of sanitation. A combination of odors from food service shacks and street litter filled the air. As I passed you could not help but love the poorly clothed children. Their eyes wondering as they stared.
At the school, classrooms surround a dilapidated courtyard, filled with polluted puddles from the most recent flood. The Virays envisions CC Masantol helping repair this area so it will not flood. Despite the conditions a small kick ball game proceeds. The classrooms had wood slatted windows and many attentive kids. They were very proper, calling out to us, "Good Morning Pastor Viray, Good morning Pastor Dennis". They listened to every word of the study. They repeated scripture. What a great open door for Jesus.
Den 8.03.07
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