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

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

 

    

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

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

Spiritual planting

God has been working through the Cebu Agricultural team. During our training at the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in the Southern Philippines, we were able to have Bible studies with student interns who were involved in a training at the same facility. Although we've finished our training there & moved to our location for the summer, we continue to pray for those we met & were able to share the Good News with.

We've also been able to have Bible studies with some in the area were we're assigned for the summer. The hearts & minds of those attending are yearning to know more about God. They have been asking lots of questions so they can know more about God.

• Pray for those we are having Bible study with. 
• Pray for open hearts to accept God's love.

-Mnason
Cebu Agriculture Team

When Missions Meets Culture

Before coming to the Philippines, I tried to do as much research as possible. I read about the country, the people, the culture, and just about anything else I could think of. I talked to people who had been here before and asked them what I should expect. By the time I boarded the plane, I felt like I was pretty well prepared.

What I've learned, though, is that there is a huge difference between reading about something and actually experiencing it for yourself.

My first few days in the Philippines have been great, and I've really enjoyed my time here. But there have already been several moments where I thought, "Well, that's not quite what I pictured."

One of those moments happened at the market. I knew before coming that most grocery shopping would be done at local markets. That wasn't a surprise. What surprised me was the meat section.

Now, some of y'all reading this might think I'm about to say that I wasn't prepared to see whole fish or freshly cleaned fish sitting out. Honestly, that part didn't bother me at all. What caught me off guard was seeing the meat simply laid out on the counter.

I've been to places before where large cuts of meat and whole fish were displayed out in the open. Usually, though, they're sitting on ice or inside a refrigerated case. Here, the meat is just sitting right there on the counter.

At that point, I know what some of y'all are probably thinking... "Hot weather plus raw meat sounds like a terrible combination." Honestly, it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.

The biggest thing I noticed was the flies. There were quite a few of them trying to land on the meat. Thankfully, the vendors have a simple but effective solution. They use sticks with strips of plastic attached to the end and gently wave them back and forth over the meat.

It's kind of like watching someone casually conduct an orchestra whose only members are flies.

Before I ever bought anything, I found myself standing there just watching everything happen. Reading about a market is one thing. Standing in the middle of one, hearing the conversations, seeing the vendors work, and watching people buy their food for the day is something completely different.

Then came the actual buying process.

One thing I learned pretty quickly is that haggling matters. Another thing I learned is that if you happen to have a Filipino with you, and they do all the talking, your chances of getting a better deal seem to improve dramatically.

So let's imagine a completely hypothetical situation that definitely happened.

Let's say you're looking to buy some pork.

You walk over to where the pork vendors are and look through the different cuts until you find one you like. After a little negotiating, the seller places the entire chunk of pork on a large wooden block. You point to exactly where you want it cut so you can get the amount you need for whatever meal you're planning to cook.

A few chops later, you've got your piece of pork. The seller weighs it, figures up the price based on what was negotiated, and you hand over your money. Then the pork gets dropped into a small plastic bag.

And that's it. No foam tray. No plastic wrap. No refrigerated display case.

Just a piece of pork in a little plastic bag making the trip home with you until it's time to cook dinner.

As strange as it felt at first, experiences like that are exactly why I love learning about and experiencing new cultures. God has made this world incredibly diverse, and one of the perks of being on mission and following where He leads is getting to experience that diversity for myself. The market wasn't better or 

worse than what I'm used to back home. It was simply different.

That's something I've been reminded of several times already during my short time in the Philippines. No matter how much you read or how much people tell you beforehand, some things just have to be experienced for yourself.

And if my first few days are any indication, I'm sure there will be plenty more stories to tell before this trip is over.

Acts 17:26-27 says... "From one man He has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and boundaries of where they live. He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us." 

As always, thank you for your prayers.

• Please continue praying for us as we adjust to life and ministry here in the Philippines.
• Pray that we would be quick to learn, humble in our interactions, and faithful in our witness.
• Also pray for the Bible studies we hope to start in the coming weeks, that God would bring the right people into our paths and use His Word to transform lives.

- Kylie PH Summer Camiguin and Butuan Teams, Media Intern

Standing in the Water Trough

At training, there were so many things I learned, so many people I got to meet, and countless stories I had the privilege of hearing. One of my favorite parts was listening to the different ways God was calling people to serve Him this summer. I could spend pages writing about everything that happened during training, but for now I want to focus on one moment in particular. It was by far my favorite part of the week, and I am sure many others would agree.

On the last night, after worship and after Kuya Jess shared a captivating and encouraging message about what it means to serve the Lord, something special happened: a baptism.

Before we headed back to the trail shelter, we were told to gather around the water trough near the clothesline. When we arrived, one of the students was standing in the trough, and beside him stood Kuya Jess.

Before being baptized, the student shared his testimony with us. He told us how, several years ago, he made the decision to truly follow Christ and dedicate his life to Him. He also explained that he had been baptized as a child, but wanted to be baptized again, this time as a personal act of obedience to the Lord.

As he shared his story, he also explained what baptism means. His words were spoken with clarity and eloquence, but more importantly, they were filled with joy in the Lord. He reminded us that baptism itself does not save us. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is an act of obedience, a command that Christ has called believers to follow. It is a public declaration that you have placed your faith in Jesus and that you belong to Him.

Watching that baptism was a powerful reminder of God's work in people's lives. It was a simple moment, standing around a water trough under the night sky, but it was one I will not soon forget.

Romans 6:4 says... "Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life." 

• Join us this summer by praying for the students and young adults who are setting out to reach the nations. Pray that God will give us strength and endurance throughout the months ahead.
• Pray for the people we will meet, that their hearts would be open and receptive to the message of the Gospel.
• Most importantly, pray that God's will would be done and that He would be glorified in all that happens this summer.

-Kylie PH Summer Camiguin and Butuan Teams, Media Intern

A Sketch of a Dress

A small act of curiosity can make all the difference. On the last day of the Medical Center’s Mission Pop Up, I finished documenting the action at the clinic stations and sat down on the steps to rest. A little girl came up and pointed to one of the pages in my journal, a sketch of a dress. I nodded to her and asked if she liked to draw. She shook her head no. “Would you like me to teach you how to draw?”  She shook her head again and sat down. “Do you want me to draw you a dress?”  A grin spread on her face. 

As I started drawing I handed her a piece of paper and pencil and told her it was ok not to be good at something, if she was brave enough to start. As I continued to draw, she drew flowers and leaves on her paper. I shared with her that it was okay to be afraid to try something new. “However, even when I’m scared, God gives me courage because even when I’m not, I know He is. He helps me to be brave and get through troubles in life.”

By the time I was finished, all her friends had gathered around to watch. I realized it was an open opportunity to share the story of Daniel and the Lion’s den—to teach the simple but powerful story that as Daniel trusted God to keep him safe, we can also be brave and trust in God. 

“The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.”  (Daniel 6:23) 

I have found that every member of our team has experienced some creative way to share the gospel with kids—handing out Bible stickers or books with illustrations or even playing basketball. One can connect so much through a small act, and I hope we may encounter more of these small, but precious moments during our time here.

-Skylar
PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern

Medical Mission opportunity

Using the skills God has given us for His glory... it's important to share the Gospel using these talents. The body is temporary as our life on earth is temporary, and that’s exactly what the mission team sought to do for the local community. This past weekend, a FIlipino mission team contributed to evangelism through a pop-up medical clinic sponsored by Bethesda’s Medical Mission in partnership with “God Works Medical Mission Team: God's Victorious Ambassadors Association of SBC.” 

As patients filed into the empty basketball court, they would listen to the Good News of the Bible while they waited for medical aid. The idea was patients would understand that their soul needs healing more than their temporary bodies do.

Nehemiah Team members paired with a national partner at a counseling station as they saw firsthand how the Gospel was shared to all age groups. 

One medical team member, Eve, a teacher in Alaska who came to help with the clinic used a Wordless Book. This book filled with colored pages represented the need for salvation, such as:

Red: Jesus’ blood shed for us,

White: our sins being washed away clean from Jesus defeating death 

This was one of the many methods used to help especially the children understand the Good News. 

The Holy Spirit not only filled the court, but through the patients’ lost hearts. At debrief, the leader of the mission team, Pastor Soc, shared that 1317 total services were offered: orthodontic, free medicines, haircuts, dentistry, blood work, chiropractic, and more. 854 of those attending indicated a decision to follow Christ. These will be followed up by the Nehemiah Team and the local church planter.  

• Pray for the follow up efforts by the national church planter & the PH Summer Socorro team. 
• Pray for continued spiritual hunger in those who indicated a first time decision to follow Christ.

Skylar

PH Summer Media Team

He Was Kind

Kindness. That’s all it took for Mr. M to sweep Mrs. M off her feet, and 69 years later, his love for her has never felt different.

On the team’s first day of ministry, we strolled under colorful banners and through the intimate tin homes. We found nothing but a community filled with hospitality and kindness. It made all the difference when they opened their home to offer a place to sit and an ear for conversation—and how blessed we were that they were free to sincerely receive prayers. Prayers to heal the sick and for security. 

One house, however, sheltered an elderly couple with a rare bond. They had been married at the age of 17, and when our team leader asked “What is your favorite thing about him?”, the wife exclaimed, “He was kind.” 

As they told their story, Mrs. M said that Mr. M had originally lived in on a nearby island, and after taking a rowboat over to her island, they met. He worked hard to win his future wife’s love despite other suitors waiting for her hand in marriage. They are now in their late 80’s sitting next to each other in wheelchairs, carrying the same love they had before. She spoke about her favorite moments in life, such as the house they owned surrounded by red and yellow flowers and a vegetable garden; and how proud to have a grandson who was the first to receive an  education and become a doctor.

As the conversation slowed, we felt that it was the right moment to pray over them. But not only the couple, but over the rest of their family and what God has in store for their lives. Our hope is to go back to their home for more conversation & to share the Good News. 

• As we spend time with Mr. & Mrs. M, pray for opportunities for us to share the Good News.
• Join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives through our conversations.

Skylar

PH Summer Socorro Team, Media Intern