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

 

    

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

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

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

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

NT365 Semester Deployment: Bekah & RuthAnn

We're working alongside a family on the field, helping to homeschool their son a few days a week. When we aren't doing that, we have the opportunity to go out with friends we've met at local college campuses. 

The first few weeks were a little slow because students weren't in school yet. But we have been able to have good Gospel conversations & share!

Prayer requests: 

We start language classes soon... pray the Lord will use that opportunity to open door to meet more students. 

Pray for wisdom & guidance as we prepare the teach in the homeschool classes each week.

-Bekah & RuthAnn

Filipino culture: What we're learning... part 2

What have you learned about Filipino culture??

I love how inviting the Filipinos are. Everytime I have entered a home or a shop, I never feel like I'm imposing. During AOT, when a couple of team members & I were on a run, we were stopped by a family. They asked us to go eat chicken intestine with them. After that, everytime I go for a run, I get to spend time with them & hear updates about their lives.     -Charlotte

I've observed that Filipinos are kind but shy... it's been my experience that if I approach them, they are quicker to open up & talk.     -Corban

Adapting to a new culture is harder than I thought it would be. I struggled at first, but I am starting to get  the hang of it & trying to really immerse myself in the culture. One thing I've learned is that Filipinos are always willing to have a conversation... it may be political, cultural or religious in nature. They are also always happy to open their homes to us also or stop in the store to talk to us.    -Ruth Ann

Filipinos seem shy & it takes a little while to open up to us as Americans. I've also learned that it seems like the entire country has a set nap time every day!!     -Rebekah

Filipinos LOVE their food! They have a lot of pride in their native dishes and it is rude for someone not to eat at least some of what they are served. They are also the epitome of true hospitality.    -Katie

Why Advance Operations Training (AOT)... Fuad

As I was going into my second gap year after high school, I knew I wanted to go on a mission trip. I wanted to use the time to grow my faith in the Lord and have opportunity to share it with others. The field workers in my home country told me about the AOT program in the Philippines. I was very interested!

It has been a great experience, learning so much about evangelism, discipleship & missions. I pray the Lord will use what i've learned in my local church as I return to my home country.

-Fuad

North Africa & the Middle East

Pray for Fuad as he returns to his home country in mid-December. Pray that he will be used by the Lord in his local church to lead other young adults in choosing a life that lives out the Great Commission.

Why NT365 Gap Year... Katie

People don't know the joy that the Creator of the world loves them & wants to have a relationship with them. That's why I joined NT365. I want to be better prepared to make sure ALL have the opportunity to experience a relationship with the Creator.

My family & my best friend encouraged me to join NT365. A fellow church member went on a summer Nehemiah Team & she told me about the opportunity to do a gap year. 

-Katie

Texas

Pray for Katie as she seeks to use every opportunity to share the love of Jesus with anyone she meets.

Why NT365 Gap Year... Corban

I joined NT365 because I wanted to gain some clarity as to if the Lord really has called me to full time cross-cultural missions... or if He has led me to stay in America to serve.

-Corban

Virginia

Pray for the Lord to give Corban the clarity he desires as he moves through the gap year training & deployments.