Christmas in the Philippines is a very special time of the year. The way I understand it the Philippines could easily be the most festive country in the world when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The season starts so early. If the month ends in “BER” then it is time to celebrate. That means September 1st is the start of the Christmas season and it goes through the New Year. 

Christmas Eve is like New Years Eve in other parts of the world. As the night goes on there is parties everywhere. The other night I could not count the number of parties within the short distance of the house. And they are loud. Music as loud as possible through the night. I actually had to get out the ear plugs in order to finally fall asleep as one of the parties was just outside my window. As the clock strikes midnight the sky erupts with fireworks everywhere. People in the streets are lighting off firecrackers and other devices. It is truly a celebration to bring in Christmas day.

I have been here in the Philippines now for half a month and it is nothing like I was expecting. I was invited out here at the start of September and being a dreamer, once I knew what I was going to be doing, I started to imagine what things would look like. I honestly thought it would be an easy transition into a role within the ministry. I was wrong. But, you know what? I am okay with being wrong. I am okay with it not being easy. I am okay with me expectations being shattered. It is all okay and I do not have a problem with it. 

Already I am playing worship music for several of our ministries throughout the week. Also we have started a new Bible study and a youth ministry in which I oversee. Playing the guitar is fun and I have learned a bit of new things and songs in the last couple of weeks. The other areas, well those are hard. I can not do this things by myself. I can not do this with my own power. This is where I need faith, this is where I need God to help me each and every day. 

It is only by God that I am able to do what I am doing each and everyday. He is the ultimate leader, He is the guide for my path, He is the one full of wisdom and knows what needs to be said. If I try to do things alone, on my own power, I will fall flat on my face. I will fail so miserably. But with God going before me and directing the path, it will work out. It will come together for His glory.

Each day is a faith growing experience. Each day I have to depend on God. I do not know what to do all the time. I am okay with admitting that. But, I know with my God on my side I will make it through all things. I know that He is here molding me into the person that I need to be in order to advance His kingdom on Earth. 

God has great plans for the Philippines. I am blessed to me right in the middle of it. I know that the lives of many will be changed in order to bring glory to God. I also know that my life will be changed as well as God continues to change me and make me a better person. Thank you God for bringing me to the Philippines and MultiGiver Missions.

I survived my first week in the Philippines and what a week it was. My stomach is still adjusting to the change in my diet but, all is well there. I am eating very healthy. My body has adjusted well to the increase in temperature, going from 30 degree winter weather to 85 degree summer weather was a bit of a shock. Also there was the day I got something on my leg on the way to the ministry location for the afternoon. I still have no idea what it was, it could have been mud, poop, urine, or a combination any of them. 

Getting use to what we do everyday has been a process. Just trying to figure out the flow each and everyday. Things change quickly. But they have begun to settle into place. I have settled into my own room that also serves as my office. It is a nice room with a wonderful view. 

I know, you all want to know what have I been doing within in the ministry this past week. Well, I will tell you. First, I have been leading worship at many of our fellowship times, bible studies and outreaches. That is a lot of playing. We are talking two or three songs a meeting, added some musical accompaniment to prayer times and even just jamming out before we start. My fingers have taken a beating but I will be a guitar master before long. Okay, maybe not a master. 

We have also launched a new bible study this week in a new neighborhood in an effort to reach the men in the area. I have noticed something that men are stubborn, and they are hard to change. But, I know through prayer we will be able to change their hearts and be able to reach them. Our first meeting had some kids along with the ladies of the house. So, we are praying that we are able to reach the men and that they will not only join us for this bible study, but they will be able to join us for the fellowship times we have each week at out location. 

There is an investment into the youth ministry at this time. We had our first youth meeting this week and it went well, several new faces, according to the people I am with, came to our youth night and it has excitement all around. Those that have been around for a while are reaching out to their friends and inviting them, along with helping us do the service. Those that have been around a while will stop in throughout the week. They have helped me slowly learn the language and overtime they see me will quiz me on what they have taught. They also stopped by Saturday morning after our 4:30 am prayer meeting to take me jogging. Yeah it was early, I didn't even make it to the location before being tired. It was a long walk. I know it is worth it because it allows them to see the light of Jesus daily. I may even get into shape if I keep this up. 

All in all, I know this is exactly where God wants me to be. I know God has great plans for this area. I am blessed to be here and I am looking forward to what is in store for my time here in the Philippines and if I can stay forever, I will. My ministry partners would love for me to be able to stay forever. 

I have finally gotten back to the country that I love. I have made it safely. After over 42 hours of travel I arrived into my new home Saturday afternoon. There is nothing on the Earth that I would trade for the experience I am having right now. 

For those that have been worried, the typhoon did not hit us much. It hot the country farther north of where I am. All we got was some light rain for most of the day Sunday. I do ask that you keep the country in your prayers especially those that where in the path of the typhoon.

The first few days here where great. Shortly after I arrived on the grounds we had our kids choir. They are a wonderful group of kids. They are getting ready for a special even coming up later this month. We also invited some people into the mission house to evacuate for the storm, they live in areas that flood really easy. It was nice to be able to be a part of their lives. Sunday morning we had a fellowship in the house with those that where staying with us. We also went to the local school where they were housing over 160 families that needed to evacuate from the flood areas.

Finally, I want to share the verse that I read the the other day that has struck a chord. It read from Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What a powerful verse to start off the Philippines. When I read it this morning I was floored. It is a nice reminder of how God is with me everywhere I go. That He is always in the midst, when I go out, when I lay down my god is with me. He will protect me. Not only that but, He loves me so much, God rejoices over me. When you look at the word rejoice it also means to be glad, joy, cheerful. When you look at it the is so happy with me and who I am, not only that but, He sings over me. I have a God that sings over who I am. Who is cheerful and full of joy in the singing over me. I also, have a God that will come down and quite me with His love. When I am alone, afraid, worried, or just anything else that keeps me from happiness, my God will wrap His arms around me and surround me with His love. I have a God that cares a lot about me. 

God has wonderful plans in store for the Philippines, and I am excited that I get to be a part of it. I am looking forward to seeing what is going to happen next.