Imagine a city with a with an estimated population at around 21,295,000. Imagine 7 out of 10 of them being under the age of 25. Imagine a high school of 42,000 kids. Welcome to the mission field of Greg Lyons and his Global Surge Team. The city - Metro Manila.
This morning began with a breakfast with Greg and LuAnn Lyons. To be actively pursuing the above mission field might seem enough for one missions team. Far from it. As God has opened doors, this ministry has continued to expand into other countries and a multi-faceted ministry here in Manila. From youth outreach camps, a biblical college for training Pastors, to multiple ministries of outreach, discipleship and leadership development, this group is moving forward.
Greg is truly a man of vision and a man of action. I look forward to focusing some more on this expansive ministry in the future but let's run down the events of this day.
After a great breakfast, an overview of the ministry, and some cultural orientation we set off to an encounter with the Kids Jam. Obviously, with stats like I mention above a huge focus of the mission here is to reach the kids and the youth. We met up with a team including Corry Lyons, Greg's son, who is also with Global Surge. Imagine a VBS/Backyard Bible club/Sunday school operated out of a "fun truck" that goes around the various housing areas and connects with kids. The area we went had 500 kids in walking distance. Of the four economic classes in Manila these families are in the "d" class (second lowest). The time is short but the relationships are built over time. They come back week after week on Saturday's and after school during the week. They try to work in areas where their churches (11 campuses) have established small groups to connect with the adults.
Greg, Cory and I then went to lunch and debriefed. I also got to pick their brains some more. Great to see a father and son working so well together and both passionate about what God is doing. After lunch they took me back to my room for a little rest.
This evening we went to one of the church services - Youth Jam. It is a full service primarily focused on youth and young adults. After a set of worship (complete with a band, dancers and a great vocal team), a creative video and skit, I preached on the role of the husband from Ephesians 5 (at their request). The night ended with an alter call led by the Executive Pastor (campus pastor in some church's vocabulary) and a concluding plug for small group outreach parties. There were about 15 people that came down front after the message and I was told that two kids made decisions for Christ. Many in the audience had made decisions for Christ through the camp ministry that they run and we at Snohomish Community Church have helped fund.
There is much on my mind after this day. Some things to bring back to our ministry context and as always in such situations a brokeness concerning the need worldwide both for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the ministry to the poor. I am very encouraged by the ministry of Greg Lyons. This is a ministry that is getting it done! Greg and, in fact, his entire family has stepped out in faith and God is continuing to bless their efforts.
Off to bed now in order to be ready for another full day including preaching twice in the morning. Before leaving say hello to some of my new Filipino friends:
Wayne thanks a lot for sharing your day with us. I can imagine you are stoke after seeing first hand what God is doing in the Pilippians. Makes one wonder why there is such a hunger and thirst for Jesus than here in the States. I will continue to pray that God will tweak the vision you experiencing there, to the greater Snhomish area. God bless and may continue to absorb.
Posted by: Sam | August 13, 2011 at 10:51 PM