A Humble Opportunity in 2019

This blog is much like the last one except for a new event which has been added. One of the pastors has asked me to lead in a Baptismal service while I am there. This will be my third year in his church. Many people already know me. He has had new people to join as well. So I think some of the new believers are some of the folks I have met and some which I have not. Either way, I will be my honored to lead in this service. Currently, there are four people awaiting baptism.

This year's trip will keep some of the usual events as well as incorporate a new focus. Spending one-on-time with pastors, speaking in churches, leading workshops, and occasional visits in homes have been a part of each trip. One year, there was the feeding of a Mangyan tribe (200 people) along with providing school supplies and clothes. Last summer, funds were sent for school supplies and hygiene kits. Several Financial supporters were led to fund these special needs.  I appreciate their help. Without them, so much would not be able to happen.

There are several new directions this year. One is focused on individual families and orphans. Two, is a focus in getting into homes to provide basic necessities. Three, is to provide a training event for people to learn how to make money for themselves through a small business adventure.

In my last blog, I listed some of the goals for this year's trip. In this writing, I want to expand a little with some updated info for each goal.

1. Spend one-on-one time with six pastors.

    

    (Sometimes pastors need a person to come alongside them in their work offering support and

     encouragement. They need someone to listen as they share present struggles and future 
     dreams for their church. Sometimes a pastor needs a pastor who has been where they have
     been, where they are, and where they hope to be. These pastors serve in places that are very
     difficult. Some of the work is slow in trying to grow the church. Some of their people are very 
     poor. The pastor will buy food from his own money to help. Most churches are not able to pay
     a pastor or even pay for the utilities. So the pastor finds work in order to support himself, the 
     church bills, and  help families. Pray for the pastors in the Philippines. 

2. Visit in at least 10-15 homes providing groceries and other basic necessities.

     (As you can see, my original goal was to get into at least 10-15 homes. These families would be
      among the poorest of the poor. I did not feel that was very challenging. With the number of 
      places I will be I changed this to a goal of 20+ homes depending available funds. In visiting

      with several pastors, we determined that 2000 pesos worth of food and 500 pesos worth of
      meds would be a good provision for each family. So, each family would get 2500 pesos ($50)

      worth of food/meds. So this ministry project would need a minimum of $1000 to meet the needs
      of the 20 families. The amount of funds available will determine how many families can be
      helped. I am praying that God will provide the funds so that 20 families and, hopefully more, 
      can receive some much needed food.) (If you would like to help with funding this project,

      please let me know.)      

3. Speak in four churches.

4. Lead two workshops.

5. Visit a newly found orphanage for disabled children. There is a high probability these
    children will never be adopted.

     (This was going to be one of the highlights of the trip meeting the children/workers and learning
      how I might be able to help in the future. Interestingly, the main office is located in Guam where
      I had to make communication. Long story short, I would not be able to make a visit to the
      orphanage unless some of the leadership from Guam was there. I was told that some
      leadership would be on the property in April but my trip is scheduled for May. I was told that
      they would like to meet me but maybe at another time.) 

6. Help fund a business training event for the Mangyan Tribe to give them another avenue

    for making household income.

    (Some of the Mangyan tribe have jobs in Naujan. Most, however, get their food and income from
     the large gardens they have. But even with this income, for most families, there is not enough
     money for support. They receive some help from other venues but there is a need for each 
     family unit to have a way of self-support. One pastor would like for them to receive training in
     order to begin their own family business of candle making and selling. I don't know the final 
     amount yet but will be in the area of $300-$400 for the training, the equipment, and the 
     supplies. The tribal people are excited about this opportunity to have a way to further provide 
     for their families. Please pray that God will provide for this event to take place and that it will 
     be fruitful for all of them.)     
     (If you would like to help with funding this project,  please let me know.)      

7. Lead a baptismal service for candidates awaiting baptism.

    (This will certainly be a trip highlight for me. These are some wonderful people who have given
     their hearts and their life management to Jesus and several are already working in the church. 
    Currently, there are four people who are waiting to be baptized.)

Please pray for this trip which will be taken in May, for each of these events, and for God's provisions for each event to be fulfilled. 

All Prayer Partners and Financial Partners please begin praying for Mission 2019.