On this two month adventure to the Philippines, I wasn't sure what to expect. I did have the expectation for God to change my heart and reveal more of himself to me. Before leaving home, I wasn't sure how to best prepare my heart for this trip. The Lord knew though. I'm reminded of the quote by William Carey, a past missionary: "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God." I surrendered this summer to the Lord to attempt coming to the Philippines to do greater things than Jesus. While abiding in him, I came here expectant in the Lord.
I've learned that many times the Lord doesn't show up in the ways I expect. I've had the Lord reveal many things to me on this trip and most of that revealation or confirmation has come in ways I didn't expect. The Lord has spoken through different people that have visited for short periods of time. He has spoken in different ways such as, revealing a word to me and later revealing its purpose or meaning. He has also showed me glimpses and opportunities for the future. Most of all, the Lord has showed me that anything is possible while abiding in him and asking bold requests; it is then that I am able to bear much fruit. Plus, the Lord loves to give good gifts to his children.
Within these past two months, I have had an incredible amount of truth and life spoken over me. It's crazy to think that my team only has ten days left. Where did the summer go? I am realizing now the change that God has done in me. He has grown me much on this trip. I think when I arrive home how much I've changed will become even more apparent to me. I've grown in reliquishing my fears to the Lord and choosing boldness over passivity or disobedience especially in areas where I'd rather not let go and continue to be complacent. The Lord is shaking up my world and challenging me in ways I'd honestly (at first) rather not be challenged in, but he is molding me to look even more like love. He is refining my heart to have his same desires and to look more like his son, Jesus. Refining and chiseling the heart can be painful but brings freedom and healing to areas of my heart that may otherwise go unnoticed to me. All that being said, the Lord has been faithful to show up, answer prayers, and reveal more of himself to me. He is good.
Please pray for my team as we finish our last ten days of minstry here in Tacloban. Pray that we will finish well and the Lord would comfort us in the process of leaving. Pray for continued boldness even as we go home. Prayers would be appreciated for everything the Lord has spoke to us while we were here and that those revelations would remain with us as we go home. Lastly, pray for the Lighthouse ministry: the children, the Filipino staff, and the gospel to spread like wildfire. Pray that the Lord would continue to be a light in this area and draw people to himself through this ministry.
Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Emily
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Psalm 16:2, 11 "I say to the LORD, 'You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing'… You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
