As we ventured to church on Sunday, we had to cross a river with the use of a canoe. Quite different than how we travel to church in America, but nonetheless it was adventurous and refreshing. As we arrived on the opposite shore, we journeyed through the countryside and rainforest to small, remote churches. Some located on the side of dusty roads, constructed of hand-carved wood with a few nails. These churches are beautiful because of the simplicity and joy they embody. The people don't have much, but their hearts are big and open to the Gospel. They lift their sweet voices to God without instruments and dance without worship bands. As we worshiped at one of the four locations, I was reminded of a story from Acts 5.
Gamaliel, a Pharisee, orders the apostles to stand outside while they discuss their fate. Gamaliel speaks about how other movements began, the leaders were killed and the followers were scattered, and each time the movement was crushed. Then he goes on to explain how they have killed Jesus and scattered his followers. Here we pick up in verse 38—"Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
What a bold statement. And I contemplated this passage as I sat and worshiped with 20 other believers. What Christ did was not by man, but by God. It has not failed but reached the rural villages in the Philippines. Villages you must take a boat to reach. Can you believe this? What Luke records in Acts expresses the wonderful might of God. How He desperately wants His people and will go to any extreme for them. The task God began will never fail.
So, we are all encouraged by the great faith and continued worship these Filipinos express in their villages.
