We are still in Iligan, which has meant very little contact with the outside world. It also has prevented me from posting more pictures. However, our ministry continues, and it has been good.
We have been to several schools, but secondary and primary levels. The population of the schools we have been at have ranged from about 580 to as high as 3800. At each of the schools we have done programs for the entire school as well as gone from classroom to classroom. It is very chaotic and difficult because the kids press to see those of us from outside of the Philippines, particularly our young children’s blonde hair, but all of the kids who can hear and see have heard and seen the message of Jesus through drama, testimony, preaching, and singing.
Today I was with Tanner and two of our Filipino brothers, Joey and Arwel. Rather than school ministry we were going house to house. We were invited into a large house in the barangay (neighborhood) where we were. As soon as we walked in they showed us their posters of Reverend Moon. They had no bibles, but apparently they had been reached by Moonies. We shared Matthew 24 with them, showing that Jesus told all of us that when he returned he would return in the sky and wouldn’t be someone who would appear on earth as a man. They were amazed. They wanted their own bibles. We actually were out, so we continued to share God’s word with them verbally. We shared God’s love with them and all about Jesus, praying and sharing with them. Then, later, we went and found four bibles for their household. As we gave them copies of God’s word in their language you should have seen the light in their eyes. It was very incredible!
The lesson in all of this is one God had been showing me throughout our time here. The Filipino people are warm, friendly, and open to hearing the Truth. They long to know more about life and love. It is a blessing to us, but it also is a danger because those who want to lead them away from the Truth are readily available. I have met Mormon and Jehovah Witness missionaries here. I have seen many Muslims. And, one of my good pastor friends here told me about a very rich lawyer in southern Mindanao who led all of his followers up a mountain on New Year’s Eve of the new millenium in anticipation of the return of Jesus. After midnight he announced, “I am here.” And, of course, it was the rich lawyer claiming to be Jesus. He has a huge following and the economic vitality to continue to lead many away from the True Jesus.
So, although there are Christians in the Philippines, there are so many people here longing to know hope and Truth. If true followers of Jesus do not come and share the gospel of the Kingdom, then there are others who are happy to come and lead them away from the Truth. Please pray for the Filipinos and ask God how you can help!!!