Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Building the Church

Hello all! It was a short week this week since we had vacation in the beginning but it was a busy 4 days for the team!

Barangay C was excited to have us back on Thursday. We went right back into our routine and visited our regular afternoon Bible studies. There is a consistent Bible study attender named Nanay D. (Nanay is the word for mother in the local langauge.) She loves having us over! A young man, Sonny, walked by one day and decided to join in. It turns out he is also a believer! We have been discipling him and he has even led a few Bible studies instead of our national partners. We also baptized him this week! The Lord has answered our prayers! He is happy to continue the mission once we leave in a few weeks. He has really become a member of our team. 

We had our first church service on Sunday at 10 am. Kuya Red, our national partner, taught on faith. (Kuya is the word for older brother.) With Roman Catholicism being the main religion in the area, we really stress the importance of faith and a relationship with Jesus as salvation, not repentance or good deeds. Many of the attendees have been saved during our Bible studies but we also were able to use their speakers. So, everyone in the near by area heard the message as well. We have another service this coming Sunday at 9 and we are praying for another great turn out. We had 11 yesterday and we pray that they are inviting their family and neighbors!

We only have 15 more days on the field and it's hard to grasp that reality. I miss home but Barangay C has become a 2nd home. They are so friendly and welcoming. They have made us members of their community. I'm thankful for everything the Lord has done in the community.

Please pray for all of the Nehemiah Teams all over the world. We are coming to the end of our summer and our goal is to begin churches where ever we are serving.

-Michaela
Teach, Heal & Hoops Team
Daet, Philippines