PHILIPPINES PAGLALAKBAY UPDATE 5

OMF Philippines Field conference has concluded in Davao. It was an extremely busy, tiring, joyful, exciting and challenging time. God taught me some big lessons where I was reminded that I need to keep trusting in Jesus and continually have him as a priority in my life no matter what happens in life. God was faithful throughout the conference and I am keen to continually serve him through the ups and downs of life. The teens were reminded about the importance of bible study and prayer in their relationship with God in how they can continually grow closer to God. It was great to see them practically live out their faith. The social outing was a real highlight. The adults conference theme was “ I will refresh the weary” . I found it a great joy and encouragement chatting to different missionaries throughout the 4 days. They are so humble in the way they do things, I can definitely learn heaps from them. One of the families travelled 16 hours by road/sea just to get to conference.
There have been many exciting experiences including travelling in a pick up truck(see pic) to the airport. Even on the plane, there was a singing competition with the cabin crew! Manila is crazy and busy compared to Davao, and already a few minutes into the trip, we already noticed the major differences in the poor and rich. We found that out yesterday arvo when we arrived. The distance from the airport to the guest house wasn’t a very long way,but we took 2 hours in peak hour traffic! Below are some prayer points.

Thank God
*for the teaching sessions for the children, teens and adults at the field conference and that each age group was catered for and the encouragement and blessing many people were to our Aussie team. It was overwhelming being showered with gifts and encouraging words.
* for safety on the social outing with the teens and for the teens faith in God.
* for our safe arrival in Manila and for the hospitality and kindness of the staff at the Manila Guest House

Ask God
* for continual patience and flexibility with one another (we are ½ way through our trip)
* for the missionaries as they return to their places of work that they may be refreshed from the time away. Also for the children and teens as most of them return back to school for 2nd semester beginning next week.
* that God will continually use my strengths and weaknesses to serve him faithfully in the Philippines.
* for the ministries the team will be visiting next week to some M areas and some other slum areas in Manila that we would love and serve the people there.