Consorcia: Team members—Ross, Loren, Rachel and Melissa. As soon I showed up to their place of residence and area of ministry, they quickly filled me on what what God was doing with their team. The most exciting ministry they were all gleaming about is their children ministry. They noticed the large amounts of kids hanging around the medical clinic where the team spent much of their time. Immediately, they realized what God was placing before them—a great opportunity to share the love of God with children.
The next market day, or day spent in the city, Rachel purchased a kids book with 100 Bible stories. So, as they returned, they began inviting the kids to come to the clinic in the evening and listen to the stories. The kids showed up! And not just a few, but around 15 or more were in attendance and continue to attend. They sing songs before they get started and every child sings and does the motions. It's quite inspiring to see their excitement and joy for the bible story time. They even laughed at me as I danced along with them.
With their attention focused and lips sealed, they listen to every word of the story, in English first and then translated into Cebuano. Arlin, one of the team translators, does a wonderful job of translating the story so it's exciting, humorous and serious for the kids. They love listening to her.
I told the team I was greatly encouraged by the ministry and they should be as well. If all they are able to do this summer in Consorcia is build the kids ministry, then it's been worth it for sure.
E.G. Montilla: Team members—Nate, Markie, Amy and Debra. One of the first things brought to my attention when I arrived here was the possibility of building a church for the believers of the community. Nate mentioned how a man in the village was willing to donate land for a church to be built, so it was only a matter of time and prayer for the church building to be constructed.
It seems as if there are several believers here in the village already, but the main problem is organization and gathering. They don't have a good central place to gather and worship, and they aren't getting organized as the body of Christ to develop a place to gather. So, the team is focusing on getting those believers together, discussing their possibilities and helping them to get a location for worship.
In just the few days I was there, God answered prayers. The last night I was there, Mom Arlin, the sweet lady who has adopted the team as her own children, mentioned that land had already been donated for a church and now it is a matter of time until they build the church. God is moving and being faithful to those who are asking for things to happen in His will. So, it seems that God desperately wants these people to have a place to gather and worship His name.
