Hello,
I am sorry for being late in posting part two of my Mission trip report. No good reasons but many excuses. lol Summer just got busy. Anyway, here are the great opportunities that came my way in Mission 2019.
1. Spent one-on-one time with six pastors,
one deacon, and two worships leaders
Pastors and staff are some of my favorite
people. They work hard and long hours
to come alongside the congregation to worship, to serve, to love one another, and
to build unity. They are always encouraging and giving of themselves to others. I
enjoy doing what I can to inspire THEM, listen to THEM, share ideas with THEM,
and be a friend. I have served in churches as a pastor and staff. So I can totally
identify with them in their work.
to come alongside the congregation to worship, to serve, to love one another, and
to build unity. They are always encouraging and giving of themselves to others. I
enjoy doing what I can to inspire THEM, listen to THEM, share ideas with THEM,
and be a friend. I have served in churches as a pastor and staff. So I can totally
identify with them in their work.
They 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 the people. Most churches are not able to pay a pastor or even pay for
the utilities. So the pastors find work in order to support himself, the church bills,
and help families. Pray for the pastors and staff in the Philippines.
the church. Some of their people are very poor. The pastor will buy food from his own
money to help the people. Most churches are not able to pay a pastor or even pay for
the utilities. So the pastors find work in order to support himself, the church bills,
and help families. Pray for the pastors and staff in the Philippines.
2. Visit in at least 10-15 homes providing
groceries and other basic necessities.
There were a few changes with this goal but that is okay. I was still able to get into
ten homes….the poorest of the poor. I purchased mattresses, fans, mosquito nets,
bought supplies for a 29 yr. old kitchen counter in a home where 14 people live,
partially helped in getting living room furniture reupholstered, and purchased a
refrigerator for a church.
In two churches, the
pastors felt like a community feed/evangelic serve would better
serve the church. Between those events and others, over 343 people were fed.
People were shown that God and the church [ove them. Also, because of the with
these people, if they ever experience a crisis they will know who cares.
serve the church. Between those events and others, over 343 people were fed.
People were shown that God and the church [ove them. Also, because of the with
these people, if they ever experience a crisis they will know who cares.
3. Spoke in four worship services, a youth
rally (Biblical Character Monologue,
a VBS commencement, led a Wednesday night service, and home Bible studies
for three churches.
a VBS commencement, led a Wednesday night service, and home Bible studies
for three churches.
4.
Provided a reward trip for teens and adults for their service in VBS.
5.
Provided school supplies, bags, shoes, clothes for 24 children.
6. Provided a monetary gift to three pregnant
ladies whose husbands had abandoned
them. One still has 3 kids and another had 4 at home.
them. One still has 3 kids and another had 4 at home.
7. Distributed children’s
books to pastors and families donated by USA author.
The author was a
school mate of mine who had a talent for writing. He had written
a number of children’s books with a Christian theme. He donated a quantity of two
of his books for me to give to pastors and families two use with children. All were
glad to receive.
a number of children’s books with a Christian theme. He donated a quantity of two
of his books for me to give to pastors and families two use with children. All were
glad to receive.
8. Purchased two inexpensive cell phones for two
working mothers who needed
a way to stay in touch with their children at home.
a way to stay in touch with their children at home.
9. Helped three families with medical bills.
10. Visit a newly
found orphanage for disabled children. There is a high probability
these children will never be adopted.
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 could not 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 was in May. I was told
that they would like to meet me but maybe at another time. Since the trip I have learned
of two more orphanages that might be possibilities next year.
11. Led a baptismal service for candidates
awaiting baptism.
Another
highlight was being asked to lead a baptismal service. Six youth and one adult
joined me in the Philippine Sea following a time of singing. These were some wonderful
people who had given their lives to Jesus and several were already working in the church.
This was a great celebration for them, their families, and me. Amen.
12. So, plans for next year? More of the same.
Community feedings, speaking in churches, visiting many of the church plants in 2019, already
received an invitation from a new church, visit orphanages, helping people as God places them
in my path, two church workshops, provide school supplies and hygience kits, and help pastors
wherever needed and asked to participate.
joined me in the Philippine Sea following a time of singing. These were some wonderful
people who had given their lives to Jesus and several were already working in the church.
This was a great celebration for them, their families, and me. Amen.
12. So, plans for next year? More of the same.
Community feedings, speaking in churches, visiting many of the church plants in 2019, already
received an invitation from a new church, visit orphanages, helping people as God places them
in my path, two church workshops, provide school supplies and hygience kits, and help pastors
wherever needed and asked to participate.
