I write this morning with the sound of a thunderstorm rolling through the city. That will likely make my wife jealous since, surprisingly, one of the things she misses about growing up in Memphis are the thunderstorms (minus the tornadoes).
Yesterday (day three of my journey), I had the opportunity to worship with Community Baptist Church and preach at two services. One of the very encouraging aspects of meeting the people here have been the radical life change stories as a result of the commitment to Jesus Christ. Over and over again I hear of the brokenness that was healed and the bondage that was shattered by finding peace in Christ. This peace seems seldom to leads to passivity but translates into a mobilized person willing to take great personal risk to tell others the good news. The number of young people who have come to know the Lord from destructive lifestyles and moved on to leadership roles living full out for Jesus is amazing. Many of these are not only impacting Manila but moving out to other countries as missionaries. I look forward to telling more of their stories in the future.
After Church I gathered with the Lyons family for lunch. It is a great testimony to the vision and heart for missions that Greg and LuAnn have obviously passed on to their children who are serving with them in ministry. We spent some time talking about leadership development and brainstorming some ideas of future ministry partnerships with SCC. Collette also joined us. A widowed school teacher who has fairly recently followed God's call from Kansas to come to the Philippines to teach. By the way she is probably about 60. God does not just call the young people to a radical life-changing experience in missions.
I did not sleep well last night. In fact, for those that are aware of the time difference it is 5:30 am here and I have been up praying, dreaming and typing for about 2 hours. My lack of sleep, however, has little to do with the time change and travel schedule. Rather, I am always energized being around other leaders with a big vision and the willingness to take risk for the kingdom. To share together in this great work of of the kingdom, to challenge one another and to support one another. This is life abundant for me. Continue to pray as I move into a week of ministry to local pastors. I know I will learn from them. Pray that God, in turn, may use me to encourage and strengthen their hearts and minds.
Below is a picture of the garland they gave me to wear while preaching yesterday. Don't do that everyday!
Thanks for the update brother! Looking forward to hearing more.
Posted by: Luke Miller | August 14, 2011 at 05:31 PM