While talking to the missionaries at the conference, I was reminded once again that God is faithful in so many ways. Throughout each day of the conference whether I was chatting to the kids, teens or adults, each and everyone of them had a story of their journey with God. A missionary family travelled a considerable amount of distance to travel to the conference just to encourage others there and to grow in their relationship with God. I knew some of them travelled some distances to be at the conference, but this was a good reminder to me that I need not complain about the small things in life, or when I am stuck in traffic or if dinner isn’t on time. I am hoping to take this away with me back to Australia and the next time I whinge I will remember what some of the sacrifices some of the missionaries make just to serve God.

PHILIPPINES PAGLALAKBAY Update 4

Over the weekend the team has a bit of R & R (which was helpful as I have had a bit of the flu) so instead of rushing around getting things done at least I could take it a little easy. At a nearby Samui Island we enjoyed the sun and the surf. It is so wonderful that the locals are so helpful and friendly and really want to get to know you. Even out for lunch at a restaurant someone offered to help carry something for us! The team went to a Filipino English speaking church which was different but interesting. The church is involved in reaching out to those who are disadvantaged.
One aspect of this mission trip which has been quite evident is that people are very religious but at the same time are quite suspicious. At “Shrine Hill”, there were people on New Years Eve holding mass however around the area there were shrines set up and on a tablet were the 10 commandments but 1-2 commandments were slightly altered. The conference starts very soon so the team is gearing for this.

Thank God
* for the encouragement and fellowship of people at church.
* that I am nearly over my flu.
* for time for relaxation and refreshment over the weekend visiting cultural places.
* for the many Filipinos who have been so caring and helpful in many ways.


Ask God
* for the upcoming conference Jan 4-7th (especially for the children and teens attending that we would love and serve them in a way that is Christ like)
* as we lead the 9 teeens that they will see this as an opportunity to grow in their faith ,that we would be flexible over the 4 days and for safety as we do some social outings.
*for the many Filipinos who would claim they are Christians however they still hold superstitious beliefs.(only 8% of Filipinos are Evangelical Christians). There is still a lot of work to do in reaching out to the lost.

Value for money

We have learnt already on our trip that what we see as ' cheap ' is not the same for hte average weekly earner here in the Philippines. The exchange rate is good that it is hard to believe when we spend $2 for dinner! It has got me thinking though that if the average weekly earning for a Filipino is around 2000 Pesos, that is around $50.00 (if I have done my maths correct!). I couldn't imagine living on that in Sydney, but that is what it is like here.
So when I complain about the cost of things or my expenses I know that in the Philippines it is a luxury to spend alot. Even our trip to Samui Island (paradise Island) is really for the 'rich ' here in the Philippines. It cost around 1/6th of a weekly income just to get there.

Cultural Lessons in Davao-1

Our orientation of the Philippines on Thursday was helpful. Learning about the dos and donts , body language and the history and culture of a nation is very important. Lots of the things already been said is something I am familiar with growing up in Asia. It can be very easy for outsiders to judge a culture because it is different. There may have been times when I wouldn't do exactly as what the culture says however I am keen to learn and observe and make the most of it. I relish the challenges and joys of adjusting and living in a different place. The humidity, noise, pollution, the food of a place as well as various beliefs and customs is something that can be offputting to a newcommer.

It is a good reminder to me that the long term missionaries here in the Philippines have had to also learn all the norms of the Filipino way of doing things. This might take a very long time and something that workers need to perseve with as a way of building relationships with the locals.

Something for me to keep on remembering as it is so easy to complain about a place without getting to know the culture and what lies beneth it.

Paglalakbay Update 3- In Davao

The next week and a bit will be spent in Davao preparing and serving
in the upcoming OMF field conference. So far, the team has had
many cultural experiences.

The food, the markets, the culture and the people have been a
highlight for me. One experience we had today, while we were
shopping for items for the upcoming conference, was that over the
department store microphone, a prayer about Mary was given. It is
suppose to be a time when people are to reflect and be quiet
in the department store!

I do feel like I am ‘home’ in Davao as it brings back a lot of
positive memories from my upbringing in Asia. The missionaries
the team have met so far at the Davao guest house have been
such a great encouragement in the way they love and serve our
Great God. Below are some prayer points

Thank God

* for a safe arrival and for many cultural experiences so far in Davao.

* for the opportunity to share my faith with a young Filipino lady on the Singapore to Davao flight on Wed.

* for the QLD couple who run the OMF Davao Guest House. They are so friendly and hospitable. Emmy( picture in the previous post) cleans and washes the clothes of the guests. She is always smiling and is so joyful as she goes about her work. She is also a believer.Praise God.

Ask God

* for continual strength and energy everyday even when
we are tired.

* for the rest of the organising and preparation for the
upcoming OMF conference. There are still a few things
that need to be purchased for the conference before
Monday.

* That Vicki(team member) and myself as we finalise
the program for the teens program of the conference that
we would trust God in all of this.

Day 1-3 Photos

Here are a few photos from the last 3 days.

Location

The Philippines has a population of 92 million,making it the 12th largest populous cuontry in the world. Along with its thousands of islands, the country is home to many different people. Despite the Philippines being the only 'Christian'country in East Asia, only 8 % of the population are committed, Bible believing Christians. The team is looking forward to going to the Philippines and serving there soon.

The team will arrive in Davao on the island of Mindanao for sometime before flying up to Manila on the island of Luzon. The map can be enlarged

Journey Guide: “ A Companion for your cross cultural trip ”

With around 1 week till departure date, part of the requirements of this trip with OMF is to go over 5 sections of the journey guide starting from before the trip and concluding when returning back home. The booklet goes over Bible passages and studies, helpful hints, crossing cultures, spiritual warfare, host country training and debriefing, plus lots more including space for personal reflection.


The importance of spending time with God in his word and preparing yourself before, during and after you come back is of great benefit with this upcoming trip. It is great to receive encouragement from people who have been on short terms or who are long term workers whom receive such training to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19)

“ The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed. ” This quote by J.Hudson Taylor, (the founder of China Inland Mission-now OMF) who served God in East Asia is a great reminder to believers about God’s plan for the world in bring people to know HIM.



I look forward to journeying with God, growing my understanding of him through this trip and by reading God’s word, praying and taking my ‘journey guide’ with me.

http://billhutchison.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/J-Hudson-Taylor.jpg