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

NT365 Semester Deployment: the Guys!

Our main task is helping with an English club. This enables us to spend a lot of time with the students. We also have language classes that are-- hopefully --helping us learn the local language. Time is also spent doing direct evangelism, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are also helping with a company that is providing solar power in the local slums.

Prayer requests: Pray we will be super-sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit as we go through our days. Pray for boldness as we share the Good News... for clarity as we learn the local language... for compassion as we work in the slum areas. 

-Corban, Mark & Jackson

Asia Pacific Rim NT365

NT365 Semester Deployment: Landree & Katie

We've been serving at an English center where we help host activities like sports days, hikes & casual hangout events. These create space for friendships & conversations. We've also had opportunities to be involved in outreach ministries for women in difficult situations.

Day to day life includes spending a lot of time with teammates & local friends-- often filled with games, laughter & some late nights together. We are really thankful for our team & the friendships we're building. We are learning so much through each part of the experience!!

Prayer request: As we approach Ramadan, pray we will be able to engage in spiritual conversations during this season. Pray for energy as we have late night hangouts which will enable us to spend more time with our new friends. 

-Landree & Katie

Asia Pacific Rim NT365

NT365 Semester Deployment: Charlotte & Sam

We've been helping host events through the local community center. Our favorite part of these events is going out to eat after. It's during this time that we are able to have Gospel conversations.

We've also been mapping out a college campus & building connections for future team members to potentially begin another ministry center. 

Prayer requests: 

Pray for students who have herard the Gospel several times through the community center. Pray for them to consider a personal relationship with Jesus.

Also pray that would mapping efforts would find a Christian on this campus who can help the field team spread the Gospel.

-Charlotte & Sam