Saturday, July 26, 2014

I Will Praise You in This Storm

We are unable to blog last week because of a four-day brown out (power outage) due to Typhoon Glenda. Both teams were as safe as could be at a sturdy, two-story house. The area where both teams were was not hit as hard as other parts in the Philippines, so please pray for those who were heavily affected by Typhoon Glenda.

The first week after our last post was very intense physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our first team encountered some real spiritual warfare. Nightmares, demons, and restless nights were really wearing on them physically. Our second team began encountering more injuries and sicknesses than they had all summer and was missing home very badly and desperately needed some time off. Of course, God provided exactly what we needed!!

The typhoon was a giant blessing for our group. Both teams were able to spend time together worshiping the Lord and pouring into each other. Before returning to our locations, the father of one of our team members was able to share with his daughter that God had revealed to him that the storm had literally blown away all of the forces of opposition that they had been facing. And when they returned, they confirmed that that was true! Purihin ang Panginoon! Praise the Lord! Our second team was able to get the peace that came with the refuge that the Lord provided for them and that the break they needed just in time.

The area surrounding the home we stayed the morning after Typhoon Glenda passed.

This last week has been a great one for both teams as we have have been blessed enough to see the results of God's work in our locations. Bible studies have been very effective and people are responding well. Our first team is also expecting to baptize two people before they leave.The most important part is that they want to continue having Bible study and keep leading others after we leave!

Prayer Requests:
- those heavily affected by Typhoon Glenda
- that the people of our last location continue to grow in the Lord
- that the people in our current location continue to respond and grow in the Lord as well
- opportunities to share the Gospel with as many people as possible during these next few days
- physical, emotional, and spiritual endurance which is much needed
- safety as we travel home
- emotional and spiritual preparation for the struggles we know we will face when we return home