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News From The Philippines - 2
Mar 27, 05:18 AM
The past three days I was at a retreat center in the mountains not far from Manila with a gathering of pastors from the Evangelical Churches of the Philippines. Many were young, both men and women, and some are rather new in the ministry. What a privilege it was to share with them about the power of God to enable their ministries and the wisdom of God to aid their decisions and leadership. God led me to believe that I would be pouring life into leaders all over the world and He is fulfilling that call in amazing ways.
The Filipinos speak tagalog as their primary language but most all understand and speak English so I was able to teach without an interpreter. It took a little while to connect with them but once I did, they were so engaging and responsive. At the end of the conference, I was teasing them about the fact that they eat rice at every meal. I mean every meal. Morning, noon, and night. I told them I could not wait to come back and eat more rice with them. They have a song they sing in English, the refrain of which is a repetitive call to “arise.” As I was leaving some of them were visiting together outside the venue. As I walked by they all began to sing “More Rice” to the same tune.
At the sessions, I would invite them to open their lives to more of God. Their hunger for the Lord was evident as they eagerly sought Him. He readily answered their thirst. Discouragement is a major enemy of pastors. If it hits the mark, it can drive them to despair. I prayed for them to be guarded against this assault and that God would encourage their hearts and renew their joy.
And so I am back in Manila tonight (Thursday, March 27) preparing for a very early flight tomorrow to General Santos City in the southern most part of the Philippines. I will be speaking at a Bible College graduation there tomorrow afternoon. I will be back in Manila on Saturday late afternoon. On Sunday, I will be preaching the morning services at Faith Fellowship Church in the center of Manila. Sunday afternoon, I board the plane for home.
God bless you for sharing in this journey with us. Sandy and I marvel both at God’s amazing ways, His faithfulness, and your wonderful and kind interest in and support for what we are doing. We love you and pray for God’s richest blessings on your lives.