The Returning Challenge

It is ironic but often the most challenging part of short-term missions is not the going, or the culture- but the returning. It is so hard to express all that one has seen. Seeing poverty changes a worldview. Watching God at work in impossible situations changes one’s understanding of Him. Being used by God opens up realms of possibilities never before thought of by the individual. It is amazing how simply leaving a comfort zone can completely change a life –that starts a fire.

A fire that burns and refines- leaving the believer feeling the depth of what they are: a new creation. Eternal results. Salvations. Baptisms! DISCIPLESHIP! In short, the goer “the missionary” is changed by what they experienced. And then of course the inevitable happens- planes are boarded, tears are shed, and everyone returns home.

At home, their fire still burns- their memories are fresh, names, and faces, and the stories attached have not begun to fade yet. They enter the organized chaos of America with a determined resolution to remain changed. Eventually though what was a luxury this summer becomes once again a necessity. The memories of the trip become just that, memories of a trip, slightly fuzzy but still convicting. Their audience is less interested as the stories are put on repeat. The fire begins to die, slowly perhaps but steadily.

I am not sure who is to blame, but I have seen it happen again and again. Please understand it’s not the memory of the trip or even the trip it self that is the fire. It is not even the memory of God at work- the fire is not a memory at all! It is the very presence of God at work in the students' lives. In your life.

Church Family: Fan the flame! The students are returning from service- encourage them! Thank them for going! Give praise to our Father that we have young people who are willing to go! Ask them to share- in Sunday School, a ladies tea, or 5 minutes on a Sunday night. Push them towards holiness- encourage them to be Godly and do not hinder their excitement for missions. God is calling out young people to long-term service through short-term missions- do you really want to discourage the next Lottie Moon from God’s calling?

And to the returning missionary: Feed the flame. Stay deep in Scripture. Meditating and memorizing. Apply Scripture to your life- do not just read it. Live it. Be purposeful in praying for missions, be determined in casting a mission vision where you are. And never underestimate what God can do with faith the size of a mustard seed.Do not be deterred by disinterest. Do not live for man’s approval. Follow God, go where He leads. And obey the Great Commission where you are now.

The older I become, the less impressed I am with humanity, and the more in awe I am of my God. His love is worth any small sacrifice of man. His salvation is worth proclaiming. And the home He offers to those who believe is beyond imagination. What an amazing God that inspires such wicked people towards holiness. What a good God that gives new life to a decrepit creation. May the fire that burns within those who believe burn bright- may our life’s mission be to proclaim His love. The only love that brings salvation.

Original post by Lizzie Holmes Roe from The Same Plate.

Safe Travel Home

It was the Lord our God Himself who brought us...He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.  Joshua 24:17

Team members will begin traveling home today. Please pray for a safe journey as well as pleasant reunions with family and friends.

Team of the Day

All Teams

Final Day

All students arrived back and have been at debrief for the past couple days. Today (thursday) is their last full day. 

Last day to be with team mates that they have grown to love over the summer.

Last day to to be on that "mountain high" of a full summer of ministry. 

Last day to share all that God has done for the past 2 months with like-minded friends.

Their bodies are tired... their eyes tend to glaze over about mid-afternoon (thanks jet lag!)... and some of them don't smell the best after hand washing their clothes all summer.

But they are joyful. They had the joy of getting to share the Good News with thousands of lost souls this summer. ALL were faithful to plant the seeds... SOME were privileged to be a part of the harvest. They took up the challenge and were faithful to "Do the small things" this summer.

• Pray for this last day to be a good culmination of all that has taken place this summer
• Pray for the evening commitment time... the choices to be made will affect the eternal destiny of others.
• Pray for the good byes to be said. Some have already said good-bye to national partners... now, they will say it to their American team mates.
• Pray for opportunities for them to share their stories & live out the World Christian lifestyle as they return home to family, friends, churches & school.

You Are Different

As we went through the summer, we realized what a mark we are leaving on how our friends view us. When we needed a ride on our friend's motorbike he replied, "As long as you trust me like the way you trust Jesus!"   Even when they are not asking questions they still see us, they still watch us. What an encouragement and reminder it is to be told... "We see that you are different." 

-Tip of the Spear

Grateful Hearts

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  Philippians 1:3-5

Praise God for the opportunities He provided for teams to minister. Pray that team members would remember with joy what God has done in them and through them these past few weeks for His glory.

Team of the Day

All Teams

Hungry for the Word

It was our sixth week here and with almost every encounter, we are presenting His good news. A two hour coffee rendezvous turned into an 7 hour discussion about who Christ is and what He means to every person on earth.  Meetings with our new brother occur frequently and deeply as he is hungry and the Holy Spirit is helping him grasp many concepts. Story telling from His book is requested multiple times every time we meet with one of our friends.

Recently, we spent an entire day with our friend's family at his house, trying on traditional dress, eating together, laughing and singing karaoke, and being a part of the family. During that time we were given a special moment to discuss with him what he believed and present Christ's message as the children playing in the room quieted themselves and sat with us. Please be praying for all of our friends as we place truth before them that the He will open their eyes to see this truth and its relation to them. Also be praying for us as our days are growing fuller, that we will lean on Him when we grow tired.

-Tip of the Spear

Seek Ye First

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

Pray for team members to seek God's plans for their future. Pray they would step into those plans in faithful obedience.

Team of the Day
All Teams

When in Greece...

In the past week, many tears have been shed knowing that my time in Greece would end today. Goodbyes were hard and will continue to be difficult when the team I have been with this summer part ways on Thursday. In this moment, I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given this summer to serve refugees. They are so kind and loving and selfless in a way I have never seen before. I love them dearly and they are already missed. God is good all the time. All the time He is good.

-Emilie

I am so sorry I haven't updated you until now, but these last two weeks have been so different. We were able to serve in new and creative ways and I can't wait to share with you all about it in person. All I can say about the end of our time is God is faithful and sovereign, and we have seen that firsthand.

Please lift us up and we are traveling back to the states today. See you soon!

Blessings and love,
-Kallie

First back in US!

Brandon, Josue & Anderson

Welcome back to the US! 

The first 3 guys have been picked up in Atlanta and will hopefully get a few hours rest before heading to Rainsville for debrief.

Continue to pray for all students as they make their way back to debrief. 

Continue to pray

As we move through our last week we are filled with joy and love and nostalgia. We had many meetings involving laughter and tears and many gifts! Our time here has come to an end but we still saw the Father moving in mighty ways. In this week He not only gave us time to enjoy the last days with our new friends but treated us to welcoming two more people into our family! We praise Him for being a part of His work. 

Continue to pray for our friends that we are leaving here: for urgency and understanding to those who have not decided to follow yet, for faith and strength to those who are new members in the family, for selflessness and perseverance to those that will come, and for peace and rest to those that are here. Continue to ask for servants to come, people to listen, barriers to be broken, and doors to be opened. And finally keep us in mind as we travel home, for the Father to send His protection and for us to continue to share wherever we are! 

-Tip of the Spear

Safe Travel

It was the Lord our God Himself who brought us...He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.  Joshua 24:17

As our teams begin to travel back for debrief, pray for safety in route.

Team of the Day

All Teams

Providing New Beginnings

God never stops providing. This is what I have learned over the past two weeks since being banned from the camp. While we are all still hurting, we have also seen God's provision through everything. 

Our team was able to come together and brainstorm with a new way to reach refugees. While we still are unable to go into camps, we have refurbished a rental space for refugees to come to us. In this place we will have more freedom then we ever did in the camp. We have already been able to meet refugees on the streets and meet with them at the space. On Monday we will host our first official event. Eventually we hope to have daily hours for refugees to just stop by.

Another blessing has been being able to truly live life with some refugees. We have been able to host and serve several Syrians at our home. Last week we took two families to the beach and swam with them in the ocean. These are things we never had the time or energy to do in the past. I feel blessed to have the chance to love on these people and point them to the one who loves them the most.

Tears fill my eyes when I think that our last day begins in a few hours. But I have no regrets. God has moved this summer. I only wish I could stay longer to see what else He will do here. Please pray for those who are staying and that they will not grow weary. Pray that the new center will be used to bring the Good News to many! 

See you later!

Saying "See you later!"

Today was our last day in the city that has treated us so well for the past 6 weeks. Although it was difficult to leave, we take comfort in the Father's providence and that He will continue to work in the lives of the people we were able to touch.

The best news though is that T made a decision yesterday to trust in Christ for forgiveness. We realized we needed to meet with her one last time after she made a profound comment while hanging out with her and many others last night, "Zack, isn't the best gift of all our Good, Good Father?" She used terminology because she heard us sing at last Wednesday at an English club.

Today Zack and Des met her at a coffee shop and Des was able to through C2C (Creation 2 Christ) with her. After going through the picture and explaining His Story, T came to the conclusion that making a decision for Christ was the most important part of the story. Des then invited her to make that decision and T asked Christ to forgive her!

Des sharing C2C with T

After we all came back to rejoice together in our hotel over how good the Father has been to us this summer, we headed to our going away party to which we had invited all the friends we had made over the past two months. It was so humbling to see such a diverse crowd and remember how the Father brought all of these people into our lives. We shed tears, exchanged gifts, and said "See you later" to these people who the Father is working mightily in.

Our last act before leaving the city was to dunk "King J," the nickname we gave to our friend who came to know the Father 3 weeks ago. We went to another local pool and celebrated his death to his old self and his new life in Christ. As a gift, we gave him an ESV Study Book, a tool he has no access to in this country. Please pray for him as continues to grow in Christ and share the good news with those around him.

Thank you so much everyone for reading this blog and lifting us up to the Father. Our final request is that you will commit to thinking of our friends who came to know Christ- R, King J, and T- along with 48 other people who we deemed to be "seekers" and will be followed up with after we leave. 

It's sad to say goodbye, but we trust that the work the Father has begun here will be completed.

-Tip of the Spear Team

Travel time!

Teams have begun traveling back to the US 

Ready to travel in Manila!

Pray for:

Safety in travel

Good conversations along the way
Rest

Child of God's Pursuit

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  1 Timothy 6:11

Pray for team members to flee from worldly pursuits and instead to chase after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

Teams of the Day

UPG Awesome Adventure

Village Home Stay

Country of the Day

Southeast Asia

Encourage one another

One of the villages that Riverboat Team C visited already had a small church established. The pastor would travel four hours away to work as a carpenter during the week, come back late on Saturday, preach on Sunday, and then head out early Monday morning to return to his job. On top of this, the number of people who were coming to the church were dwindling. The pastor and the church were in desperate need of encouragement.

During the week, we were able to go house to house, checking up on members and sharing with those who weren't, helping the pastor's wife with outreach. One of our guys, Carter, offered to preach on Sunday to give the pastor a break... the pastor graciously accepted his offer. During Sunday's service and Carter's preaching I looked over at the Pastor and saw him smiling, truly smiling, while he reached up his hand to wipe his tears. He had not only desperately needed a physical break, but also to be filled with the Word from another believer. He was so encouraged, clapping and dancing with the music. We've learned a lot about our different roles here, encouraging being one of those. We love to see how the Lord is using us to encourage those who really need it.

-Carrie Grace, Riverboat Team

When God wills it...

"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs- he wants to please his commanding officer." -2 Timothy 2:3-4

We have to cross the gap in between the island we are staying at and doing ministry. If it's low tide, we walk. If it's high tide, we use any boat available. One day, we came to the dock to find very choppy waves, heavy wind and no boats. We pray and hope for a way to get to these people across the way. Then, almost out of nowhere, are three boats and young men to help us get across the rough water. The Lord made a way for His word to cross over any obstacle! We know Satan didn't want us there, but when God wills it, it gets done.

-Carrie Grace, Riverboat Team

Tell me your story

These past two days have been awesome for our group! We're all very sad that this is our last week, but are encouraged that the Father is still working and still has jobs for us to complete. 

Yesterday, Des and Zack met up with our friend T. This past Sunday she came up to Zack and said "I've heard Des and Allison tell their stories. Can you tell me yours?" When they met yesterday, Zack shared his story of coming to know Jesus Christ and how his life has since changed. The Father used the stories of Zack and his family to speak into T's life and show her that the Father is a constant provider, even in difficult situations.

They also were able to address some disillusionment she had with local "gatherings" and how they had been unwelcoming and cold towards her. It was so neat to hear her give a perfect explanation of what the church should look like.

After talking with her, all 4 of us had an English club at one of the coffee shops by our hotel. They have been a very faithful group and have shown an interest in Christ. Since T is a part of that English club, she asked Charley to tell good story of coming to know Christ and he made the distinction of knowing about Christ and knowing Christ.

That same night, we gained another new brother in the family! His name is R, a 21 year old university student. He had indicated this past Sunday that he'd made a decision to follow Christ. Zack talked with him to gain further insight. After asking probing questions and studying John 4 together, R had made the decision to follow Christ. You can read the prayer he said to the Father.

Today was also an incredible honor because we got to be a part of the "dunking" of R. All 4 of us went to a local swimming pool with R and his roommate and celebrated the new life he was beginning!

Please be praying for T, we can tell the Holy Spirit is working in her. 
Please also be praying for us as we finish out our last few days here strong.

-Tip of the Spear Team

Dolores River Boat Final Ministry Report

I have been avoiding posting about the last week of our ministry because posting about it means it is over and it makes the situation a little more real- we are leaving the Philippines in two days. I am leaving a lot of my heart here on the Dolores river. The Lord has taught me so much and shaped me in so many different ways. Putting all that information into words is impossible.

On the last day in our fourth village, we were able to take an afternoon to travel to the river with a group of believers. At the river we had a picnic and five believers were baptized!God has done amazing work in so many lives. Please continue to pray for this work and growth to continue and that the Bible study that was established will continue! 

This last week of ministry also consisted of following up in the villages we visited during the beginning of the summer. In two days, we visited 3 villages. The past three days we have woken up at 3:45 am, ridden a lot of tractor trailers and boats, and moved our stuff from one barangay hall to the next. Needless to say, we are all so tired, but it has been so worth all the traveling and moving.

In one village we returned to we were allowed to baptize three women. The first two women had accepted Christ when we were in the village, and the third woman was saved when attended an established Bible study after we had already gone.  We praise the Lord for how He is growing and multiplying the gospel in this village! Please pray that people will continue to share to their friends and that more people will come to Christ though this! 

Once we returned to the second village for a follow-up visit, we were immediately asked by the barangay caption if we could have a prayer meeting in the plaza! We walked the village streets inviting people to attend the prayer meeting later that night. Before the prayer meeting, we were able to share some Mountain House meals with some of our friends in the village (they enjoyed the chicken and rice meal, but most of them did not like the American style spaghetti). After eating, we sat out in the street under a street light for our prayer meeting. It was so encouraging to see a lot of believers gathered together. Please pray that this group can stay strong and continue to meet together. The number of believers who regularly attend Bible study has gotten smaller since we left. Please pray that those leading the Bible studies can be encouraged to continue leading.

Finally, we arrived in the third village. This was the village we visited at the beginning of the summer. Several people were in town because of a meeting, so we were not able to follow-up with everyone; however, those who were home came to the prayer meeting. The boys on the team lead a time of encouragement out of the book of Ephesians, and then we had a time of prayer. Please pray that the believers will continue to meet with each other, and that they will continue to have the desire to read and study their Bibles. Saying good-bye at this village was so hard. The reality of it being our last village, our last follow-up, and the last time seeing our friends really hit some of us hard. However, while that is a little sad, we are praising the Lord because we will all meet again one day in Heaven.

-Kara

Lazy & deaf

We shared with an older woman who seemed interested but when we invited her to Bible study, she told us she was too lazy and deaf. That day we prayed God would open up the ears of the deaf, eyes of the blind, and move the feet of the lazy. 

The next morning we arrived at our Bible study and the normal older man who speaks often wasn't there. I was feeling discouraged because of both of these let downs. But, his wife then explained that she had invited friends since he was gone. Turns out that the friend was the older woman from the day before who told us she was too lazy and deaf. She came and heard the truth for the first time! Continue to pray people would be moved to hear the truth.

-Carrie Grace, Riverboat Team

Encouragers

I thank my God every time I remember you.  Philippians 1:3

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.  Hebrews 10:24-25

Pray for team members to be an encouragement to the national partners and to one another.

Team of the Day
Impact Cebu

Country of the Day
Philippines

A Smile or a Laugh Breaks Down Any Language Barrier

On our off day we went to a Christian resort and met the missionary family that runs it. Rachel, the mother, explained to us that she has a special needs child, and invited us to her 20th birthday party with all of the families with special needs children in their barangay.

Each one of us has a special place in our hearts for children with special needs, so we were excited for this opportunity to serve them and their families. Their smiles and sweet spirits were contagious, and being able to see how happy they were was such a huge blessing to us. One thing we are noticing is how universal a smile and a laugh is. No matter what language is being spoken, joy breaks down any barrier.

Pray for these children and their families as they deal with a daily struggle that could be lessened with better healthcare. Rachel is asking us to point her to someone who could donate wheelchairs to the families who are not able to purchase them on their own. Many of these children could have some of their problems lessened if they were able to have access to resources that we take advantage of in America. 

Smiles from CCT :)

In our previous blog, we wrote about the 4 girls from CCT that have become believers. This week these girls have made a step of obedience and have been baptized. What a sweet day it was!

When we asked them who the Lord of their life was, the amount of joy on their faces was indescribable. Their smiles were contagious! They have asked us to teach them how to share the good news with their friends.  This is such an answered prayer.  Please continue to pray that they don’t become tired, and that their confidence and enthusiasm are contagious.   We are continually encouraged by them. 

Continue to pray that they will gather with other students who have become believers to start a student ministry at CCT.

-Tropical Campus Disciplemakers  

Discipleship

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26

...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:6

Pray for discipleship of new believers.

Team of the Day

Tip of the Spear

Country of the Day

Southeast Asia

Saying Goodbyes

Today was our last day at Star Kids and my heart is sad, but at the same time it rejoices! I pray that these children continue to have people who will pour Jesus into their lives. We pray for the Pastor and his wife that their life continues to shine like stars. We pray for encouragement for their ministry. They say we blessed them this summer, but I truly know that they blessed us. My life will never be the same, and part of it is because they let Jesus take over their lives! 

In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matt 5:16 

-P52 San Francisco team

Saying Goodbye...

It's hard to believe doing ministry here has come to a close, it feels like yesterday I got off the plane and was overwhelmed by heat and humidity. I remember my first thought was, "What in the world have I gotten myself into?" But in these last two months i've seen God work in ways I could have never imagined. Not just in the people here but also in me and my team. I pray that I will be able to come back next year, and not just me but other student given the opportunity, these people need Christ. 

Keep us in your prayers as we get ready to fly back to the US.

-James, Riverboat Team

"Please forgive me for being so ordinary while claiming to know so extraordinary a God."    -Jim Elliot

We are done with our last "day of ministry" in the Philippines! The Lord has done amazing things here, and we are so grateful! Continue to pray for the believers here, that they will grow in their relationship with Christ and that they will continue to meet together to study God's Word! God's work has been just as evident in our lives, also: growing in knowledge of Scripture, vision for missions, and patience in working with teammates and not time-conscientious people. God has definitely moved, and His word is not returning void! Pray for our safety as we travel back, also.

-Alex, Riverboat Team

They say getting to know a person/people are difficult but I should say parting time is more difficult. haizt...this feeling of whirlwind?  but serious, this 2 month short term missions is almost over and saying goodbye is hard but beyond this are the smiles and laughter each can keep knowing and witnessing God's hands were working. It could have been other people. It could have been not here. But why this happens? It's not my thoughts, not our working, not accident, but all God's perfect plans. Thank You Lord for what You've done and will be doing!  

-Lovely Mae, Riverboat Team national partner

My goodness this is so crazy!...3 days more left...oh gosh, I can't explain my feelings right now...but thank you so much Lord...working with them is a such a great pleasure and so blessed beyond measure....so thankful for them...

-Ate Gigi, Riverboat Team national partner

My team and I will be flying home on Monday! Please keep us in your prayers as we travel. I am so excited to share about my summer and see everyone!! Thank you for all the prayers,encouragement, and support. I am so blessed by this summer and will miss the Philippines so much. Praise God for all he has done!!!

-Summer, Advance Team

Tonight is our last night in Tanauan, our Filipino hometown. We have been crying all week long at the thought of leaving. It will be so hard! Tomorrow through Tuesday we will be traveling a little more around the Philippines, then we will leave for the US on Monday night. After a few days of debrief on Alabama, I will finally be able to see my family Thursday night! So excited to see them! Please pray for safe travels, continual good health and to beat jet lag!

-Caroline, Tropical Campus D'Maker

it has been a great summer. Please pray for this place and the people here. For laborers.. and maybe to consider that you are that laborer. It is crazy to think that its been near two months since i've been here and now it is almost over. God has taught me so much and is still doing so. What an honor it is to be welcomed in by God to be a part of is work. The work has just begun. Please pray for me as I move back to the states and move share about what God has done here. Thank you all for the prayers! Our God is moving whether we see it or not.
-Avery, Riverboat Team

Spiritual Victory

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Romans 8:37

Pray team members would seek spiritual victory in their personal lives as well as ministry opportunities as they seek to overcome this world through the power of Jesus Christ.

Team of the Day
College English Tutor

Country of the Day
Philippines

New Followers!

Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with two very sweet and loving girls. They began to open up about their lives in the very first bible study we had together.  We are able to be open with each other and share each of our own struggles. 

This week I was blessed with the opportunity to baptize one of them, and then today in bible study the other decided that she is ready to follow Christ in baptism as well.  These girls make me so happy.  Their readiness to follow what Christ is telling them amazes me.  They each have so many struggles of their own, but are excited to share with their families what God is doing in their lives.  

Pray that they will continue to grow in Christ and for their personal strength and endurance to continue to share even when things get hard.  

-Sara  

Light through the darkness

With only seven days left in New York, Lacey and I are soaking in every moment we get to spend with the South Asians. We are involved in follow ups in homes of persons of peace, and are leading teams in door-to-door ministry. Last week we had a team that we trained to share the gospel with internationals in an effective way. Then we went out in the afternoons and modeled for them a survey. We went to houses of internationals and asked them a sequence of questions. Questions such as their name, their country of origin, how long they had been in America, religion, who they thought Jesus was, and if they would like a Bible in their own language, or to learn more about who Jesus is.

We saw many people were interested in what we had to say, or people who wanted a friend, but didn't care what we had to say about Christianity. Lacey and I quickly had to learn this summer that what we are doing now has an effect on these people's lives. We may not see the fruit of the work we are doing, but that doesn't mean it won't come later.

I had been following up with a women and her husband. Her husband was sick with cancer and was in his last days. He passed away a few days ago. I got to spend several days praying with her and for her. I was able to comfort her in this time of grief. It was an amazing experience to see her faith in God through it all. I am hopeful that she will be a light to those around her. By seeing her faith and strength through this time, I pray that people will begin to question and believe in God.

Please pray for our remaining week. 
Pray that we would have God encounters. 
Pray that we would find persons of peace. 
Pray for our everyday encounters.

Lastly, we would like to thank you for your support and prayers. It means so much to us to have brothers and sisters in Christ lifting us up in prayer!

-Anna, P52 New York

Strength of National Believers

So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.  Acts 16:5

Pray for national believers to be strengthened and encouraged as the teams minister.

Team of the Day

Pearl Island

Country of the Day

Southeast Asia

Mercy Girls Take Butuan

Ready for the ride!

This past week, the Mercy Midwives girls were given the opportunity to visit a little village in Butuan, which is a city on northern Mindanao, a few hours away from Davao. We have loved working in the city, but honestly it is not a representation of how the majority of people live in the Philippines, so it was exciting for us to go and experience village life. We stayed with the Mountain Harvesters team so we were also excited about getting to visit another team and see what the Lord was doing in & through them!
We headed out on Wednesday morning and after driving for about 5 hours we made it to Butuan City where we had to transfer to motorcycles to go the rest of the way. They call the motorcycles with wings (as you can see below) habal-habals... and they are super fun to ride!

The Mercy Midwives girls with our translator, Belle

After loading up and strapping on our stuff (bags & food for the combined teams of 10), we rode for about an hour and a half to Limatok, the village where we would be staying. The village is so full of green vegetation and is located in a gorgeous spot in the mountains. It kind of looks like Jurassic Park! I wish I could describe to you how beautiful and peaceful it is. 

The Mountain Harvesters team usually spends their days going house to house sharing the gospel during the week, so we just tagged along with them. After traveling most of the day on Wednesday, we started Thursday morning bright and early going house to house. Kate and I went with one of the other girls and our translator to a woman's house who had been interested in Bible study while the other girls split up to visit another house. We were able to share the gospel with the woman and Kate shared her testimony, and afterwards the womand said she wanted to accept Christ as her Savior! We prayed with her and gave her a Bible and told her we would come back the next day to talk about baptism. This was one of my favorite moments on the trip, because on our very first home visit a woman accepted Christ. 

Doing A Bible study on Friday Night

The Lord keeps proving his faithfulness over and over. He is showing us that if we will step out and do things that are uncomfortable (like sharing the gospel or having to cook over a fire for a few days)... He will move in mighty ways! Praise God for this trip to Butuan. We really enjoyed the rest of our time with the Mountain Harvesters and made it back to Davao safely. Now only one week left!


Pray for the people we met and ministered to in Butuan, especially for the woman who is a new believer.
Pray that God would keep moving in mighty ways in that village
Pray for our last week here in the Philippines, that we will finish the race strong!

Teaching the kids how to brush their teeth

Mountain Harvesters and Mercy Midwives :)

Cooking Breakfast

Nan Stop Ministry!

The Nan province was beautiful. We got to see a lot of amazing sights when we were there for ministry. I must say the most amazing sight was seeing all that God was able to do in just one week.

God opened two ministries for us in the Nan province. The first one was a children's ministry at two different schools. We were able to go into government schools and tell children (and also the teachers) about Jesus. Using Bible stories and songs, we proclaimed the name of Jesus to children in the schools.

The Lord also blessed us with the opportunity to go into the provincial jail to share His name with the prisoners through leading a worship service. God allowed for a lot of good work in Nan. We also would like to give thanks to the foreign partners that helped us in Nan.

Please be praying for our last week of work, and for the safe travel of all Nehemiah Team members as we prepare to finish the ministries God has given us this summer.

To God be all honor, glory, and praise!

A bond-servant of Christ,
-Joshua, PacRim Ag

CCT Girls

Over the past few weeks we have developed such a sweet relationship with four girls from CCT. It all began in a bible study that we held after class, where they poured their hearts out to us about all of the struggles they are facing in their home and in their personal lives. Our hearts have been broken for these girls, and through spending time with them we have seen them come to the Lord. We will baptize 3 of them this coming week!

We have them over at our house on Fridays, and this Friday they asked us how they could share with their fellow students after we leave. Pray that their confidence and enthusiasm is contagious to other students at CCT. They have encouraged us more than they know and we look forward to seeing them every Friday.

Continue to pray that there will be other students at CCT that will join them, and that a student ministry at CCT will be started. 

-Tropical Campus Disciplemakers

Abounding Love

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11

Pray that team members would abound in Christ's love for one another and for the unsaved.

Team of the Day

South Thai ESL

Country of the Day

Thailand

The end is only the beginning...

This last bit of the trip has been an emotional roller coaster for us! We all love Southeast Asia, and we love the people here. Our schedule is packed with saying goodbyes, and it is truly difficult to leave our new friends. Jackson and I had the opportunity recently to share the great news with our new friend Pak S. When we asked him if he believed this news could be true deep in his heart, he said yes! God is truly working in his heart, and he wants to know more, because he had never previously heard the news of Jesus. He only knew Jesus as simply a prophet. Our supervisor will follow up with him, since he works nearby.

If I have learned anything this summer, it is that so many people have not heard the gospel of God's grace. They have never heard of our Lord Jesus as we know him. The chains are many, wrapped around the hearts of the people while keeping them isolated from the news of Jesus. But we have hope that the name of Jesus has the power to break those very chains.

As we prepare to depart Southeast Asia, we hope to bring back the news of these millions of lost souls. There is a major need for laborers of the harvest, because the harvest is beyond count, and their time to wither comes closer by each day.

Pray that God would raise laborers to reach these people
Pray that people we've shared with will see Jesus revealed to them
Pray that our national partners will continue to share Jesus boldly everyday
Pray that the whole world will hear of Jesus Christ, and His boundless love for us.

-Michael

The flickering candle

In the United States, it’s sometimes easy to distance ourselves from the terrorism and violence taking place around the world. Here is a story of how it got personal for us here in Nashville. 

As many of you know, earlier this month, over 250 Iraqi citizens were killed during a bombing in Baghdad. One of the refugee students we have gotten to know is from Iraq and had family members killed in the attack. This high school student organized a candlelight vigil at a prominent park in Midtown Nashville to honor those who were killed or missing as a result of the bombings. She invited us to attend.

Since six or seven of her peers from the refugee high school program wanted to attend, we brought them along as well. Gathered on a street corner, lit candles in hand, we circled up to pray. Muslims, Christians, Iraqi, Congolese, Burundian, Burmese, and American- united in our humanity and our desire for peace, hope, and comfort. Our hearts were both broken and joyful over this experience as we saw people from different cultures and religious backgrounds united together in support of those affected by such tragedy, yet knowing that some of them are seeking hope, comfort, and peace from a god who is not able to offer these things. 

Oh that they may know the One True God who offers peace that passes understanding, is near to the brokenhearted, and brings hope to the most difficult of circumstances! Please join us in praying that the Lord would use this tragedy to draw our Muslim friends to Himself.

-Courtney

Understand & Respond

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Proverbs 2:6

Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the unsaved to the message of the Gospel. Pray for clear delivery of the Gospel through team members. Pray for the unsaved to understand the Gospel message and respond in belief.

Team of the Day
Magical Muslim Frontliners

Country of the Day
Southeast Asia

Smiling faces, tired feet, and dirty hands

This week Courtney and I had the privilege of going with some of our Karen refugee girls to Camp Wings. At camp we had Bible study where the girls asked tons of spiritual questions and even had two girls who had recently given their lives to the Lord wanted to be baptized. 

Two of the girls who attended are Buddhist, and this allowed us to share about who God really is and what He is like. At camp, the girls experienced many new things for the first time. They got to go fishing, swimming, horseback riding, blackberry picking, build bonfires, and build birdhouses. Many of those who went are girls Courtney and I have been ministering to all summer and it has been amazing to see how God is working in their lives and growing them. Courtney and I really saw the importance of building strong relationships with these girls. To have someone listen to them and even tell them for the first time ‘I’m proud of you’ or ‘you’re doing a great job’.

Please pray for the two young Buddhist girls that they would see and know who the one true God is and that their families would know Him too. Also, for all the girls in general as they are experiencing a lot of spiritual warfare and are learning to trust God and giving Him their fears.

-Grace