Mission 2019: Just Gets Better Every Year! (Part 2)

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.

 

      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. 

  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.

  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.  

  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.

  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.

  8. Purchased two inexpensive cell phones for two working mothers who needed
      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.

      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.