PHILIPPINES 2018 TRIP REVIEW - TRAVEL AND FOOD

PRAY WITH ME FOR AFRICA: The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing an outbreak of Ebola in the province of Equateur. Pray that this outbreak will be contained. About 57 cases have been confirmed so far. Here is a quote from Operation World, "The powerful spiritual evil that presides over much of the land manifests in many ways, beyond civil wars, killing, tribalism, greed and corruption. Systematic rape, unspeakable mutilation and brutality, cannibalism and witchcraft and occult practices are evil enough. Practicing them against children as well as accusing tens of thousands of children of witchcraft (often as a pretext for abuse and abandonment) defies comprehension. That these horrors are so endemic in a land over 90% professing Christians is baffling, heart-rending and a call to spiritual warfare. Cry out for God to deliver this land, binding the spirits that exercise such wicked control over the suffering people."

The Team - Dick, Ron, Pat and Larry

Over the next few weeks I want to share with you some pictures and thoughts from my trip to the Philippines. I want to begin by thanking all of you who prayed and supported this trip. Without you this trip would not have happened and would not have been fruitful. Even this morning I am reaping the rewards of your prayers because I have experienced no jet lag upon my return to Canada. I have had two full nights of uninterrupted sleep and my body clock is fully adjusted back to this time zone. I did struggle with the twelve hour time difference when in the Philippines but did manage to sleep in until 4:30 one morning. First order of business upon getting up - make coffee. My roommate Larry brought along an electric kettle and I had the coffee. This was my second trip with Larry, a Pastor from Minneapolis. We have way too much fun together and are much too loud with our laughter in public.

Larry concentrating on pouring coffee at 3 am

The flight and all connections and the truck ride to our destination - Digos City on the island of Mindanao and return to Welland, a combined distance of over 16,000 miles, did not encounter any difficulties. Join me on a quick trip from the hotel to our teaching site (click video below).

One team member did not get his suitcase upon landing but did eventually get it 3 days later. Our accommodations were comfortable and the food at the hotel was suitable but with limited variety. The food provided at lunch by our host Pastor Levi was exceptional both in variety and taste, from squid and shrimp and beef and chicken to assorted fruit and vegetables. Sometimes during our break the students would go out and get some fried bananas coated with a sweet shell, eaten while still hot. Absolutely delicious. The team stayed healthy for the whole trip.

Fried bananas with sweet coating

We ended the teaching with a graduation ceremony on Friday, celebrating the completion of 9 courses over 3 years. The graduation was very encouraging to all the students and to us as well. The fatted pig was killed and roasted.

 

The feast was enjoyed by all.

  

 Next week I will share about the students and my class.

Good Articles This Week:

Pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters

MAURITANIA: Penalties for Apostasy Increased

Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA

Christians in Mauritania are concerned about recent changes to the laws regarding religious conversion. On April 27th, the Mauritanian National Assembly approved changes to increase the penalty for apostasy.
According to the new regulations, the death penalty is now mandatory for those convicted of "blasphemous remarks" or "sacrilegious acts." Further, those found guilty of "the breach of prohibitions prescribed by Allah or the facilitation of their non-compliance," or "outrage to public decency and the values of Islam," can face a prison sentence of up to two years, along with a fine.

Pray that these legal changes will not cause the Christians in Mauritania to succumb to fear, but rather to rally together with increased spiritual fervor, unity and intercession for the good of their nation and fellow citizens. Despite the new restrictions, may those seeking truth not be deterred but further encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus who ultimately reigns supreme over all.

Quote from Let The Nations be Glad by John Piper
Life is war. That's not all it is. But it is always that. Our weakness in prayer is owing largely to our neglect of this truth. Prayer is primarily a wartime walkie-talkie for the mission of the church as it advances against the powers of darkness and unbelief. It is not surprising that prayer malfunctions when we try to make it a domestic intercom to call upstairs for more comforts in the den. God has given us prayer as a wartime walkie-talkie so that we can call headquarters for everything we need as the kingdom of Christ advances in the world. Prayer gives us the significance of frontline forces and gives God the glory of limitless Provider. The one who gives the power gets the glory. Thus, prayer safeguards the supremacy of God in missions while linking us with the endless grace for every need.