Today marks about a month since Team Philies arrived in Manila, Philippines. Let me just tell you…we’re a month in and it has not been easy. It’s wonderful and messy all at the same time, but let me take you back to training camp for just a minute.
One of the speakers stood up and told us a story about quality time with his daughter. He had no idea how to relate to her and was scared to death that “daddy daughter time” wouldn’t live up to her expectations, but being a man, he did the first thing that came to his mind. They changed the oil of his truck together.
Awkward at first, slowly things became more natural. Of course he did all of the work, but as he worked and as she handed him supplies, their bond and their conversation blossomed right there underneath his truck.
This is how The Lord is working through us here.
He doesn’t need me or any of my team for that matter. If He wanted to change the world, He could probably do it with the snap of His fingers, but instead, He lets us walk beside Him and allows us to hand Him tools while He does all of the true work and discipling.
“By myself I can do nothing; for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
John 5:30
Currently, we’re all just trying to find our place and our purpose. We are happily sponsored by Kids International Ministries here in Manila, and are so grateful for the opportunity to work with such an amazing organization such as this.
Jet lag and all, we jumped right into ministry. Despite our efforts to put a schedule together, we were informed that it would be best to go wherever and and do whatever we pleased when it came to ministry within the organization. Exciting but nerve racking at the same time, we split off into our individual interests. We all enjoy going to the children’s home, hanging out with the street kids, going to the school to mentor and tutor, and going on what are called feedings.
Feedings are perhaps the most joyful, greedy, wonderful, yet chaotic events. Everyone loves going so typically, we have to take two vans. We fill two tubs full of scalding hot soup and when we arrive, they come running. Children in the street yell “feeding, feeding, feeding!!” and we can barely get the trunk open because they’ve already swarmed the car. Kids and adults bring whatever they can grab that will hold the soup-cups, pitchers, plastic containers, plastic bags, the worst is when they bring tin or metal bowls because it is SO hot that the metal burns your skin. We wince if we spill a little on ourselves while we serve, but they eat it up immediately.
The joy in their eyes and their constant need for companionship with us makes my heart melt a little more each time I go. The children are radically beautiful and their hearts are warm and welcoming of people of all nations. Despite the fact that some associate white people with money, there is a sense of peace even when we have to say no because once they ask and we say no they say okay and go back to being silly beautiful energetic children that want to climb all over us.
What a wonderful God we have-a God of love and compassion. A God that allows His children to go and equip His children in need. A Lord that will never fail us. This we are promised. Please continue to pray for me and my team as we continue to minister to the people of Manila and as we continue to strengthen our relationships with the Father.
All My Love,
Bette
