One of the great elements of mission trips is the number of friends one makes. All the churches I have been to had very gracious, cordial, and very hospitable people. One of the joys of being in these churches is when they ask you to return.
Last year I spoke at the Alcate Gospel Baptist Church near Victoria, Mindoro. When Pastor Jayson found out I was coming back this year he immediately tried to enlist me for a return visit. By that time my schedule was already full but I thanked him immensely for the honor to be invited back. Well, he would not take “no” for an answer. So, long story short, I worked to rearrange a few things and was able to come on a Sunday afternoon. The crowd was good, the fellowship was sweet, and the food was delicious….just like last year.
Some interesting things happened that made this visit unique. When I walked into the door, here came a little girl running up to me and said, “Hi Pastor Greg”. I thought “wow, she knows me”. After conversing I found out that she and her two sisters were the two girls I had met last year. We had taken a pic together and that had been my profile pic on Facebook. Now, a year later, they were standing in front of me. A very pleasant surprise. Yes, we took another pic and it is now my profile pic. It was interesting to compare last year’s pic with this year's to see how the girls had grown. The youngest one stayed with me until time for me to speak. Sweet.
Last year, a couple came up to see me. They were holding a little baby. Now that the baby was born they were on their way to Kuwait to work. Jobs are really hard to find in the Philippines. I ask if I could hold the baby. Then all the cameras came out and started flashing. A Kodak moment!
This year a lady came up to say hello. We talked a little and I asked if she was holding her grandson. She said yes and ask me if I remember holding the little baby of a young couple last year. She said this was that baby now a year older. Wow…more pics.
There was another very interesting person that I met. I was walking around greeting folks and saw this sweet lady standing by the pew. I asked the pastor who she was because her face looked familiar. He reminded me of the lady that we laid hands on last year who had stage four cancer. He said that she was the one. Her cancer went into remission, her hair had grown back, and she had become very faithful in attendance now that her health was better.
I walked over to her and she smiled real big, gave me a hug, and said she was so glad to see me again. She then told me her story of what God had done for her and the testimony she now shares.
Another pastor came to the service. I led a Pastor/Wives conference at his church last year, spoke on Sunday morning, and spoke at the graduation ceremony of the church’s school. He and his wife took time out of their Sunday afternoon to come and worship with us. I was so glad to see them and get caught up family and church happenings.
And, of course, I can’t finish this post without expressing my gratitude to Pastor Jayson and his wife, Emz. One of the sweetest, most humble couples you will ever meet. Both years they totally went out of their way to make sure I had what I needed, that I was fed well (no problem there…..lol), and that I was introduced to some new people. One of the neat gestures on their part was their gift to me of a big bag full of little bags of Banana Chips. Hmmmm….so good. Last year, as well as this year, they provided me enough Banana Chips to last a while. I was honored and they were pleased. And yes, I started eating them as soon as I got back to my room.
Next year, I don’t know what church(s) I will return to but I know the return will be a gracious, high moment for me.
Alcate Gospel Baptist Church, near Victoria, Mindoro
Three girls in 2016 Three girls in 2017
Holding baby in 2016 Baby one-year later
Lady with 4th stage cancer Laying on of hands in prayer for lady in 2016
Pastor Alberto and wife Eleanor of the
First Baptist Church of Naujan
Pastor Jayson and wife Emz Pastor Jayson and his family
