Philippines Journal 2007 #8

For me the highlight of the day was 13 year-old Brittany giving the devotional at our Field School. She wasn’t sure she wanted to do it; but she came up with a very creative presentation using fruits to illustrate diversity. This is my first time to have a teenager on a mission trip. She has been a blessing. The Field School was marvelous this morning as well. We had over 70 persons attending. I only brought 60 certificates signed by our President McVay. But the interest in the Field School is beyond my expectation. Today I presented evangelism from the Luke-Acts perspective – wholistic! – Taking care of the whole person – the soul and the body are a unit; the social, physical, and doctrinal are all important and must be addressed. As a practical illustration, we gave out packets of seeds which a member in the States sent for us to distribute. Herald Press, a Mennonite publishing press has published my book on this topic: Complete Evangelism: The Luke-Acts Model. It is being used in many Seminaries as a textbook. If you are interested in reading it, Amazon.com maybe your best source. And one other thing: This morning we revived the 1998 Field School theme song that we used in Marbel – “Sweet Jesus”! Did they sing!

Possibly most of the attendees at the Field School are Bible Workers. They are at the heart of the success of this endeavor. Most of the persons who will be baptized next week are not those who have made a decision for the first time at our meetings. Our meetings are only reaping meetings. Most of the decisions are made with those Bible Workers. They cover the city on their bikes. They have been working hard since the beginning of July. A large % of the budget is dedicated to pay these workers. Some of them are theology graduates who could not get a pastoral job because of lack of funds. Part of the $21,000.00 that we raised to give to the Mission is to pay these workers. We are still short by $6,000.00. If after reading these blogs and you feel impressed to contribute to this worthy cause, please make your tax-deductible check to Walla Walla College, att. “Philippines mission trip.” Mail it to: Spiritual Life Center, Walla Walla College, College Place, WA 99324.

The VBS team members went to the Mall yesterday and bought a bunch of games and sports stuff to give to the kids who fill the play court on the Mission compound after school. They are doing such a fantastic job in playing with the kids and befriending them; assisting in the VBS; and a super awesome job with the “children’s time” in the main meetings. They are also very actively involved in talking with, and greeting the attendees as they arrive and as they leave.

A word on the nightly photos: On Monday and Tuesday evenings Brittany took most of the photos with my camera. Tonight, Lydia had a lot of fun with it. Great shots! I hope that you get time to at least glance at them: http://www.wwc.edu/campus-life/spiritual-life/gallery/philippines-mission-trip07