Greetings to my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s an
honor for me to share some of what I have been doing this month in Cagayan de
Oro, Philippines, but before I do, I would like to thank you again for your
prayer and financial support that you have been giving me since my arrival
here. God bless you and all that you do, and know that you are also in my
prayers.
On Sept. 24 I completed my first month here. During this
time I have been learning the language and culture of this place, as well as
helping in the local church, visiting and praying house-to-house. This month,
we have also started a feeding program for children who live in economically-disadvantaged
areas, and it has been a beautiful experience being able to share the word of
God with them. In our most recent community visit, I spoke to the children a
little in their own dialect and taught them a song. I can’t describe the looks
on the faces of the children and their mothers when they heard me speaking
their language; they were very happy. During these weeks I have also visited
different churches and shared my testimony, as well as a short sermon. A short
while ago I had the chance to travel to another city and meet the pastors who
will be accompanying us on our next evangelization trip. On the return trip I met
some Muslim young people and we have been in contact since then. I know that
God will use this as a way for me to share his Word with them.
Last week I had to apply for a visa extension and was only
able to receive 2 extra months, but I was told that the next time I apply I
will receive 6 months. I’m very excited because next week we will be visiting
some remote mountain villages and sharing the Gospel. We will have to walk for
more than 5 km (3 miles) to reach these villages, as cars and horses can’t pass
through these areas, but I know that God will give me strength as we make the
climb.
This is just a little of what I have been doing, and without
a doubt God has been very good to me. Here in the Philippines he has given me a
family who takes care of me, and I also have my family back home, all of you
who have helped and continue to help me on this mission.
