How do I summarize two months in foreign nations where nothing is familiar, in just one post? That's been my struggle and why I am just now getting to this.
Week one began as we arrived in Singapore. The YWAM base there hosted us and held teachings to introduce us to Asia. Most of my team had a lot to learn because only two of our members had ever been to Asia! Our time in Singapore lasted for a week as we had team bonding times, lectures, evangelism practice, and getting over culture shock! We discussed things like how to respect Asian culture, how to remain safe, and some history on the Philippines. The YWAM base was located near the red-light district. This was apart of why I had culture shock. It was the first time I had seen women being sold right in front of my eyes. This district screamed bondage. Bondage to man, bondage to jobs, and bondage to our enemy. I couldn’t find a piece of home anywhere and was completely out of my comfort zone. I needed Jesus like never before…
On the plane ride over to the Philippines I mostly prayed. I prayed I wouldn’t have as hard of a time in the Philippines for the rest of the two months.
Praise God that my experience was quite the opposite of Singapore!
Although nothing is familiar, they are amazing at loving people and making us feel welcome through hospitality. Possibly because we are white! (Filipinos buy whitening lotion, while we buy tanning lotion! Crazy, right?!)
We were welcomed on jeepnees, which is their main mode of transportation. They adopted them from the American military and decked them out wired with lights and great stereos! We could get a one way ride somewhere for 8 pesos (about 10 cents US) The streets were filled with karaoke, vendors selling all sorts of things, and you would see a countless number of dogs and roosters. (Rooster fighting is a national sport!)
When we get down to it, the Philippines was absolutely where I needed to go for my first outreach! In some places like Turkey, you could possibly be shot for talking about Jesus. In the Philippines, it was actually a requirement that we preach, every Sunday, if not more!
One thing that I dealt with during my lecture phase of Discipleship Training School was some insecurities that I had with my fear of speaking. When it came down to it, the night before my first teaching in the church, I was scared. Reason being, I hadn’t actually put action to what I “dealt” with.
God graciously gave me a clear topic to teach on. And, He informed me that it wouldn’t be an obligation to preach, but an opportunity to share His truth with these people! So, with that in mind, I stepped out in faith! The teaching went better than I could have ever imagined. The message was like a flaming arrow straight to their hearts. Each one stood up after I was done and shared a personal testimony of how they had been struggling but that my message brought encouragement and revelation of God’s love towards them. My translator whispered what they were sharing as I watched tears stream down their faces. Then my tears started flowing from realizing that God actually used ME!
I had another opportunity to speak that week at a home bible study. Late one night, we found ourselves at a village, hiking up a mountain with our flashlights. When we arrived to the home, it was actually a 5’ by 5’ hut. So, we ended up gathering outside. It was a very dark night with only one light bulb. My friend Irene and I could barely see who we were teaching to! From what I could see, Mothers were weaving baskets, children were running around, and no one seemed to really be paying attention! My head was running wild as I thought that it was going to be a failure because of the circumstances and conditions. Sadly, to my lack of faith, I was surprised that the Holy Spirit actually showed up and was moving in their hearts. Just about all that was gathered in that village came around us for our invitation. Two women were healed, one of a UTI and the other was healed of pain in the ribs causing her legs to go numb! Again, God blew my mind. He is who He says He is. He is healer! He’s not only a spiritual healer, but a Physical healer too!
My faith was increased and set for the rest of our outreach!
Some other ministry looked like: House to house evangelism, kids feeding ministry, and running a youth camp!
I can’t even begin to count how many people our team came in contact with that encountered the Lord. We now have new brothers and sisters that chose to truly follow Jesus, and that were encouraged to continue on in their faith. From God’s work through us, the Filipinos had physical needs met, they experienced the love of God for the very first time, and they broke out of the oppression of foreign rule. For the first time in a few generations, they believed that they had a voice in their nation.
God so graciously used me, although I was of little faith, and allowed me be apart of Him changing lives. We are one step closer into Him releasing Jesus to finish the injustices here for the last time!
Although this was the toughest thing I have done thus far in my life, He is worth it.
He is worth leaving my family, He is worth the cultural barrier, He is worth the being worn out on a daily basis. He is worth being in uncomfortable places and situations of seeing complete poverty, begging, and even being stolen from.
I will never regret these things; loving the Lord with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength!
As He calls, I must go!
