PH Summer: From Bug Bites to the Good News

I learned quickly that the bugs in the Philippines are on a different level. It seems like every bug is bigger than it is in the US. I saw the biggest spider I have ever seen in the wild (not in a zoo or aquarium) hanging above the stove one night. I've also seen bees that look twice the size of the ones back home. And then there are the mosquitoes (lamok).

From the day I arrived in Butuan, I started getting mosquito bites. As my time there went on, I just kept getting more. I was getting bitten faster than they could heal. By the time I left, my legs were covered. From the middle of my calves down to my feet, it seemed like there wasn't a spot that didn't have a bug bite.

On one of our recent days off, our team went to the beach. After we finished swimming, everyone was changing clothes. There was only one working restroom, so it took a little while for everyone to get changed. I was one of the first ones finished, so while I was waiting, I started putting ointment on my bug bites to help them heal faster and stop the itching.

While I was doing that, Kuya D came up to me and asked what had happened to my legs. I laughed and told him that the mosquitoes had been biting me ever since I arrived. He then asked how long I had been in the Philippines and if I was here on vacation. That simple question opened the door to one of my favorite conversations of the summer.

I told him that I wasn't here on vacation. I was here to tell people about the love Jesus has for them. After I said that, he began sharing about his beliefs and how he had looked into many major religions of the world. He was genuinely searching for answers but wasn't sure where to find them. He also told me he didn't like the idea of having to earn God's favor by following a list of religious rules.

That gave me the chance to share what I believe. I told him that God created the world, but when Adam and Eve sinned, sin separated us from Him. Since then, people have been trying to find their own way back to God. But because God loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave, defeating sin and death. Because of what He did, salvation is a gift that we can receive by placing our faith in Him. I also shared how reading Genesis and the Gospel of Luke showed me what I was missing in my own life. I realized that I couldn't save myself from my sins and that I needed Jesus to be my Savior.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23

Please pray for Kuya D. Before we left, he asked me if I had a Bible that he could have so he could read it for himself. Unfortunately, I didn't have one with me at the time. Pray that God would give us another opportunity to meet so I can get a Bible into his hands. Most of all, pray that as he continues searching for answers, God would reveal the truth of the gospel to him and draw him to Jesus.

-Kylie
Philippines Summer Media Intern

PH Summer: One Ride, Two Seconds, A Great Story!

There are moments in ministry that are hard. Moments where you're crying alongside the people you're ministering to. There are also moments that are simply fun. Whether ministry is difficult or full of laughter, it is always worth it.

Living life on mission gives you the opportunity to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with people who may have never experienced that kind of love before. Sometimes that life takes you to places you never expected or has you doing things you never imagined were even possible.

That is exactly what happened to me.

We met some men who use carabao, water buffalo, to pull logs that have been cut down. One day we asked one of the men if we could ride his carabao. He told us what day to come and where we could find him.

When the day arrived, we struggled a little to find his house. When we finally got there, he wasn't home, but his family was. After talking with them for a while, they agreed to take us to where the carabao were.

When we reached the river, we could see three different carabao standing in the water. Then Nanay T disappeared around a bend in the river with one of my teammates. A few minutes later they came back around the corner, my teammate was riding the carabao while Nanay T led it with a rope. She guided it out of the river and over to a shady spot beneath some trees.

Then it was my turn.

It took me a couple of tries just to climb onto the carabao, and then I was immediately kicked off. Nanay T moved the carabao to another spot to see if it would be easier there. This time I managed to get on.

That's when the real fun started.

I've never ridden a bucking bull before, but after this experience, I think I have a pretty good idea of what it feels like.

Picture this.

I'm standing on an old tree stump so I can actually reach the top of the carabao. I give him a few pats to let him know I'm friendly and not there to hurt him. Then, knowing that if I hesitate I'll probably fall anyway, I jump onto his back in one quick motion.

The instant I land, he starts moving.

I was not ready.

Within a second he starts jerking around, and about two seconds later I'm flying through the air. In my mind, I was airborne for at least twenty seconds. According to the video, it was closer to two or three.

Thankfully, I landed pretty softly, jumped right back up, and somehow walked away without any pain or bruises.

As much fun as it was to ride a carabao, and as thankful as I am that the T family was so welcoming and hospitable, my favorite part actually came afterward.

We went back to their house, and they wanted to make sure I was okay. While we were talking, we asked if we could share why we had come all the way to the Philippines. We explained that we were Americans who had traveled to the other side of the world because we had a story we wanted to share.

We spent some time learning about what they believed about God, and then we had the opportunity to share the Gospel with them using a Gospel presentation tool we had been given.

That day we got to laugh together. We got to create a memory that I hope they'll never forget, because I certainly won't. They'll probably be telling people for years about the American who rode their carabao and got bucked off into the air.

But more importantly, we were able to give them something far greater than a funny story. We were able to share the Gospel. And that's why we came.

We care so much for you that we are pleased to share with you not only the Gospel but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 1 Thess. 2:8

Pray that the T family would continue thinking about the Gospel they heard, and that the Holy Spirit would work in their hearts. And pray that God would continue to provide unexpected opportunities to build relationships that lead to Gospel conversations.

- Kylie
Philippines Summer Media Intern

Vacation Postcards: Part 2

We had a wonderful time and even when in rest, were introduced and given the opportunity to share the Gospel with whomever was put in our path. It was truly a great experience being able to witness the Holy Spirit working in the group—as I turned around at the nail salon some of the women on our team were sharing the good news, and the same day the employees at the hotel heard the Gospel. I learned that no matter the moment, God may turn it into a beautifully written opportunity for someone lost to be found.   

Please continue to pray for our last week of ministry and that the days will be long, full of gladness and of spreading the good news! 

-- Skylar 

PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

Is God Truly God??

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believer, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith."  Romans 1:16-17

As we mapped this past week, we spent time talking with several young women who shared they live with constant hopelessness & uncertainity. Because they have little education & few job opportunities, manny have turned to prostitution to survive. They also shared they rely on witch doctors for blessings & protection from curses.

As they spoke, it was difficult to hold back my emotions. Our national partners & I shared the hope of the gospel with them & encouraged them as best we could. After we left, I found a moment to just cry as I was heart broken. 

The lost used that conversation to convict me. I had started the day feeling tired and, if I'm honest, not excited about mapping. Yet here were women desperately searching for hope & truth, while I had come with a selfish attitude. In that moment, the Lord reminded me where my focus needed to be-- on Him alone. He is the One who sustains me & gives me the strength to do the work He has called me to.

The Lord taught me that lesson more than once this week.

Near the end of the week, my teammate & I received a last minute invitation to attend a youth conference for high school seniors. It was hosted by a Christian organization which intentionally invests in students across the country, helping them grow spiritually. As we arrived, I was asked to share a devotional--- that same morning. I immediately felt anxious, unprepared, and once again focused on my own inadequacies.

But through prayer, the Lord gave me peace & helped me share what He had placed on my heart. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be used by Him and that He allowed me to share with so many students.

We had meaningful conversations with the leadership, shared our testimonies, & encouraged one another. It was such a sweet time of fellowship!

This was one of the harder weeks for me, but the Lord taught me so much. He reminded me again that He is worthy of my complete trust, faith, and obedience. Praise God that He is in control-- not me.

As I reflected during my quiet time this morning, not only on this week but on the past several months, I realized one of the greatest lessons the Lord has been teaching me: 

Quit limiting God's ability because of your inability. Is God truly God, or is He not?

As we head into our final full week of ministry, please pray:

• Pray against the strongholds of witchcraft & the prosperity gospel that have led so many away from the truth of Christ. 
• Pray we will continue to depend fully on the Lord, remain faithful & intentional in the work He has given us & serve with grateful hearts & open hands. 

-Shesa

Campus Evangelism & Discipleship

PH Summer: The Flower Woman

 

One way our team has been moved spiritually has been in meeting a variety of people. From the hospitality offered by a Lola to playing basketball with over twenty kids. We’ve learned that regardless the person we all need Jesus and have that in common. This motivates us to walk as far as needed, no matter the distance because that is exactly what Jesus would do for us. Even if it was the last house on the street.

I was going door to door with a few other members when we ended up at a “dead end.” It felt like our options had run out and it was time to head back. However, we caught sight of movement in the last house, where two women sat at their window fixing their eyelashes. When we introduced ourselves the first thing I noticed was the warm yellow-pink curtains and handmade flowers aligned on the shelves. They were so intricately made, and we found out that the woman whose eyelashes being done had curated the flowers by hand, and even so shared them with the rest of her neighbors.

“Have you ever made something and loved it?” That was the question I had asked her that led into sharing the Gospel, and oh the joy she had in her eyes as if they had lit up. When she begun to share her experience, she expressed that she was already saved and was starting to build a relationship with Christ. Some of the things she struggled with was the people’s judgement of her in the church, and that she didn’t have a Bible to read and study. Thankfully, our translator had one to give to her and we ended up setting a Bible study in the future. When we came back, she told us she had read and delved into the Word often, and after our study she wanted to share the same good news with her family in Manila. I was thankful that she was not only wanting to grow in her faith, but we had the privilege in witnessing the importance of spiritual support and mentorship when walking with Christ. That’s an important takeaway for our team, and in hope we may continue to support one another, and may go back to be there for the woman at the end of the street as well.

-Skylar 

PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

Vacation Postcards: Part 1

This past week the group ventured off to Siargao Island to take a couple of days of rest from the ministry. With lots of memorable moments and jokes made, the group continued to grow closer. Here are a few postcards they are sending home to highlight their favorite memory!

Prayer Requests: 

• As the team goes back to Socorro, we may continue to build relationships with the people in the community whether that be in Bible studies, door to door evangelism, and through many prayers.
• That all the seeds we planted will continue to grow after we leave, and that we may finish strong in ministry. 

-- Skylar 

PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

 

    

Meet the Team: Philippine Summer Butuan Kids

Meet Chielo

Hi I'm Chielo, and I am 21 years old. I am from the island of Bohol with the sea in my blood. Bohol is my home, the place with beautiful beaches. But right now God has planted me in Butuan to serve Him and His people. 

I always heard about God and Jesus when I was just a kid. But it didn’t really matter to me back then. I knew the names, but my heart was not interested. Then I was 13, the big earthquake happened in Bohol. After that, missionaries came to our place. They shared the Gospel with us. They also had Bible studies in our area. I was there listening, but still did not care much at that time. It took me 3 years to grow and really believe in Him. When I was 16, God finally changed my heart. 

One day I was riding my motorcycle home from school. The rain was very hard. There was thunder and lightening everywhere. I was so scared. It was dark that I could not almost see the road. I could only see the road clearly when lightening flashed in the sky. The thunder was so close. It felt like a big flashlight following me. I really thought I was gonna die because I could be hit by the thunder at any second. I cried and cried while driving. I prayed, “Lord, don't let me die today, please! I'm not ready. I'm not sure if it will go to heaven.”

Then I got home safely, but I was wet and still crying. I changed my clothes and went to my room. I prayed to the Lord for about an hour. I begged and cried. I said “Lord, please remove the doubt in my heart. I want to really trust you. Please change my heart. Please help me to trust you completely. I want to be in heaven with you. Please have mercy on me Lord. Please, Lord, because I'm scared.”

While I was praying I fell asleep when I woke up, I felt something new. I felt joy. I felt peace. I felt happiness. I felt renewed. Before I was scared. But now I'm free in the name of Jesus. That day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior. 

I just joined Nehemiah Teams as a translator. This is my very first time to do this work. I will be honest: translating is not easy. Some days the words get stuck in my mind. Some days the heat makes my head spin. Some days I'm afraid that I will say the wrong thing. Translating needs patience, prayer, and a lot of listening. But by the Grace of God He helps me grow and survive it. Each word I translate, each house I visit. God is teaching me to trust Him more. He is teaching me to be faithful even in small things. 

I am outgoing person with an adventurous heart. I love to talk and meet new people. I love swimming, exploring new places. I love saying “yes” to new experiences. Bohol taught me to love people and new challenges. 

I may be new at this work, but my goal is simple. I want to serve God. I want to love our people well. Even when translating feel heavy. I know His grace carries me. Life with Him is the greatest adventure. I’m learning it one word at a time, one conversion at a time. I pray and hope that the Lord will use me will the very last breath of my life.

Zechariah 4:6

Not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit.

- Kylie

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Meet the Team: Philippine Summer Butuan Kids -- Bryanna

Meet Bryanna

My name is Bryanna, and I am 18 years old from Alabama. This summer, I got the opportunity to serve in the Philippines. For the past three years, the Lord has continually placed the desire for missions on my heart. After much prayer and seeking His guidance I felt Him leading me to step out of my comfort zone and serve overseas. 

A verse that has encouraged me throughout this time is Romans 10:14 “How, then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” This verse reminds me why sharing the Gospel is SO important. And how without humbling ourselves and leaving our comfort at home - no one would hear the Gospel.

-Kylie

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Meet the Team: Philippine Summer Butuan Kids - Victoria

Meet Victoria

Hey y'all, I was born and raised in a small, Texas town. I grew up my whole life in a Christian household. 

My passion for missions started at a very young age. When my dad allowed me to “tag along” with him one Christmas to do missions in a trash-slum in Mexico. 8 year old me was broken when I saw young children, by the dozens, emerging from the trash in tattered clothing while I stood there shivering in my layers and jacket. That day changed me. I am forever thankful for my dad. And his example of “going” and “telling” to the nations that he has given me to follow. 

Growing up I continued to read missionary biographies and doing small missions trips across the border. At the age of 16 I began working at a Christian summer camp. I spent my whole summer there and grew a lot spiritually. I loved seeing God at work in people's lives. I dedicated 3 summers there before I picked up the command to “go.” So at 20 years old, I did a summer of missions with Nehemiah Teams in Guam. This greatly encouraged me to continue “going,” especially to places more lost and hungrier for the Gospel. 

The Lord placed the Philippines on my heart. Even though it wasn't the place “I” wanted to go, I remembered it wasn't about me. This summer the Lord has blessed me so much and I consider it honor to be apart of what He is doing here. 

Romans 10:14-15

How then they call on the one they have not believed in. And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 

-Kylie 

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Let the little children come...

Butuan kids team has been blessed in our ministries. We are doing house to house sharing each morning and have the privilege to disciple two new believers.

We are also adored by the many, many children here... so that has been opportunities for opening doors. We finished the final days of our version of VBS earlier today. The kids earned stickers for answering questions about the stories we shared on previous days... they were excited to get this small gift!!

The rest of our time is filled with tutoring sessions with the kids, more kids community outreach, youth Bible studies, Sunday Bible studies (no church in our village) and weekday Bible studies with the moms of many of our students. 

Pray for the Bible studies to go beyond evangelistic studies to ones that will see fruit in the lives of those we've been meeting with.

-Victoria

Butuan Kids Team

Finding the People

Our Explorer team has been going great in one of the South Pacific islands. Research has bee
n going strong.. we've covered 6 unengaged unreached people groups (UUPGs) and have potentially identified 2 previously unidentified UUPGs and I "unmarked" UPG. 

During our time, God has opened doors to gospel conversations and we've seen God's hand over our research. He has provided persons of peace, homes to stay in during travel, doors into the community and plenty of spiritual conversations with members of the groups we've visited.

We are seeing a lot of spiritual idolatry, witchcraft and sorcery. Please pray for those who claim to be believers, who might even profess with their mouth but don't truly understand the freedom and power of accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

-Brett

South Pacific Explorer Team

Student 2 Student: Philippine Summer

We have been meeting with some local high school students. We meet at the school once a week. We do a Bible study with them, pray together, and then simply spend time hanging out and getting to know them. In many ways, it looks a lot like a youth group you might see in America.

Don't let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.   -I Timothy 4:12

• Pray for our team as we get to know the high school students better. Pray that we'll be sensitive to their needs & be bold as we share Christ with them.
• Pray for the beginning of a church in this village.

-Kylie

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Daily Rhythms in Guam

We have found ourselves in a steady rhythm here in Guam in both ministry & daily life. Recently we spent time connecting with local pastors & their youth groups. This has given us a base to continue to build relationships for the summer of ministry.

We also started a backyard Bible club for local kids... 11 kids have join us which has been a really sweet & exciting start to the ministry.

For the past couple weeks we have also been doing market evangelism. We seek out those to start conversations with & share about Jesus in everyday settings. 

Join us in praying for:

• open hearts, 
• wisdom in navigating cultural & religious context, and
• continued unity & strength as a team 

-Callie

South Pacific Summer: Guam

A new sister in Christ: Philippine Summer

Our team had the privilege of doing a Bible study with Ate A. We walked up to her house hoping she would invite us in so that we could share the Gospel with her. We ended up doing a complete Bible study with her!

She knew we were in the area because her niece attends the school where we are staying. Her niece had told her there were Americans in their village & she welcomed us into her home. We studied the story of the two criminals on the cross with Jesus. After the Bible study, we spent time answering her questions. At the end, we asked if she had ever decided to follow Christ like the criminal did, and then if she wanted to make that decision herself.

She said she did!

In that moment, she put her faith in Christ. She accepted the free gift of salvation that God offers to us, the gift that Jesus died a sinner's death to provide and then rose from the grave to secure by conquering sin and death.

A few days later, we went back to continue studying with Ate A. When we arrived, her whole family was there, and honestly, I was excited. I thought we were going to get to do a Bible study with her whole family and that everyone would have the opportunity to hear the Gospel. 

However, when we asked if we could come in, we were told no, so we had to leave.

A few days later, we tried again. This time, only Ate A was home, and she gladly welcomed us inside. We sat down and had another Bible study with her. At the end of our study, she asked if we had a Bible that she could have. We were more than happy to give her one. We even marked the Gospel of John so she would have a good place to begin reading on her own.

But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name.   -John 1:12

• Join us in praying for Ate A. Pray that she continues to grow in her faith, and pray that her family's hearts would be softened as she shares her new faith with them.

-Kylie,

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Sharing through English

The Lord has been gracious to provide many opportunities to share the gospel with our new friends. A couple friends have joined our Bible Translation class where they can learn high level English while studying God's word. We've also had the privilege of being invited to multiple campuses to teach English, share our testimonies, sing songs & share Bible stories. 

God has opened the door for us to minister to dorm students. We teach the boys English, play sports with them, and have recently started to lead them in a Bible study. Many of these are young Christians but all come from Buddhist families.

• Pray for the "dorm boys" as we spend time with them, developing relationships which we pray will lead to more discipleship.

-Dylan

Evangelism & Discipleship via English

Southeast Asia

New life in Christ: Philippine Summer

In our first two weeks of ministry in our area, we have seen the fruit from the labor of others who have served here before us, including other Nehemiah Teams. Many of the people we have talked to have met at least one of the previous Nehemiah Teams. Many have heard a Gospel presentation, and some have even done Bible studies in the past.

One of the ladies we met, Ate J, had done several Bible studies with a previous team. On my first full day with the team here, we did a Bible study with her- my first ministry opportunity in this place! At the end of our time together, Ate J decided that she wanted to put her faith in Christ and make Him the Lord of her life.

I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angles over one sinner who repents. -Luke 15:10

• Pray for Ate J. Due to some unexpected circumstances, we have not been able to continue our Bible studies with her yet. Our team continues to visit her and pray with her.

-Kylie

Philippine Summer Media Intern

Seeking the Lost

We've had our fare share of trial & tribulations over these first few weeks, but by God's grace & His grace alone we are sustained time & time again!

In our current district we are doing further research & exploration of our assigned people groups. We are blessed to have found 1 of our people groups... learning more about who they are, their culture & ultimately making His name known.

• Pray as we continue to explore our assigned area. Pray for open doors as we seek to find the people groups who are waiting to hear the Good News.

-Matt

Ends of the Earth Explorer Team

Ministry at the Beach

Pastor Rudy’s adventure was a surprise and exciting day to look forward to. The team was told the night before they would be going to the beach to share the gospel. With it being the celebration for John the Baptist, it was a perfect bridge to connect and speak about the good news of Jesus, and His true story.        

As they ventured off by boat to another part of the island, they began practicing fellowship in food and games, and when people gathered around the table, Kuya Zuriel (our translator) taught those gathered about the difference between John the Baptist and Jesus. He explained that John the Baptist would want them to celebrate and worship Jesus, rather than him. With the time they had left, the group broke apart to swim and to talk to people at the beach, some on the rocks and some back on shore.             

The group ended the day having built trust and relationships with people in the hopes of sharing the gospel with them when invited to have dinner or play basketball. God opened many doors today, and they cannot way to see what happens next.

- Skylar
PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

We have to start right now!!

Our team is mapping across the city of better understand the community & its youth. We're also helping national partners, churches and the Baptist mission to make intentional strides to connect with & disciple the next generation.

Every day we hear stories of hopelessness, especially from young people who believe the life they have is all they'll every know. The other day, we met a group of boys playing pool. After sharing the hope of the gospel, several expressed a desire to change but admitted it was difficult because of peer pressure & the surrounding culture. 

In that moment, they decided to start their own "youth group," crating a WhatsApp group with one of our national partners & asking our field supervisors to keep coming back to walk alongside them.

As we walked away, nearly half of the boys put down their pool cues and said, "We can't wait for someone to come back & lead us... we have to start right now!"

This place has often felt dark & hopeless, despite being known as a Christian country. But moments like these remind us that God can take something small & use it for something far greater. Even a little light shines brightly in the darkness. 

• Pray with us for these boys. Pray their desire for something more than hopelessness will urge them to want to learn more about the true giver of hope... Jesus Christ!!

-Alisha

Campus Evangelism & Discipleship

Sub-Sahara Africa

The Festival of Fellowship

The festival to celebrate the founding of our island was this past weekend, and it couldn’t have been more of an opportunistic time to go door to door to spend quality time with the community. Spread throughout the plaza was a different street vibrantly decorated, such as one with rows of jellyfish and the other flowers and banners that swayed in the wind. As the smell of pork cooking rose in the early morning, the whole group walked together to visit families who had invited them for the festival. From rice, fruit salad, shrimp, pig ear and tongue, a whole plate of watermelon, and more rice, they were full by noon!

The moments fell together beautifully as people were open to receiving more prayers and children gathered close together to hear stories in the Bible. It was a weekend full of hospitality and getting to know the people in hope of sharing Jesus’ love.

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

-Skylar 
PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern