So here is my update of what we have been doing this last week.
Tuesday- We went out to place called Balaybay. It's about 40 minutes from where we live..
The scenery that we passed by was gorgeous. I haven't been to Balaybay since I was a little girl, but when I got there I got flashbacks of when I was little doing ministry. The House of God up there is so beautiful. We didn't really do any ministry that day, we just went to check things out and see the need. Which there is a big need.. They lack so much there, but never complain.
Anyways, on the way back, in the middle of like a "Forest Area" There is a HUGE statue of Mary.
The Philippines is mostly Catholic and the graven images here is just unbelievable.
It's so sad, the other day we were in the mall. and at 12 pm, this little bell went off through the intercom, and all of a sudden, people started crossing themselves. A woman's voice started talking and started saying a prayer to MARY and reminding the people to pray with their rosary's that day. I was kind of shocked to hear that but that's why we are here. To be a witness to these people!
Here is a picture of the Statue
On Wednesday we didn't have much to do. So I was able to hang out with some of my friends. I am really thankful for the friends I have made here.. I mean, I've grown up with all of them. but now that we are older, things are different. My heart has been knit together with theirs. We had such a fun time fellowshipping. We had a water fight with all the kids on the compound then later had a pizza party :)
Thursday we crossed the China Sea to go to Matangib.. They built a new House of God there, so we went to dedicate it. I know it was such a blessing for everyone!! We also brought some toothbrushes and toothpaste and passed it out to all the little kids :) Their smiles were priceless :)
Friday was my friend Kimuel's 17th birthday.. I wanted to bless him with something but wasn't sure what to give him. Then I heard that he didn't have his own Bible and the Bible's he did have, were just hand me downs. So I thought I would give him a new Bible. That's the best gift I could ever give him anyways.. :) I know he was really happy when I gave it to him and just seeing him smile and use his new Bible blessed my heart :)
Here is an old picture of Kimuel and I on my last trip
On Saturday we went to Zoobic Safari.. It was so cool to see the White tigers and other wildlife that they had there.. They took you inside caged jeeps, and the tigers would come right up to your window or get on top of your vehicle! We were just inches from them!!!
Then later on in the day, I was walking past some tigers to take pictures and one tiger just decided to spray me and mark their territory. EWWW :( It was horrible and I smelled like Tiger Urine all day haha It sure was an adventure and is something I will never forget!! Then we ended the day with a nice fellowship for everyone at the house. They made Chicken Lumpia and I made some Pumkin Pies!! It's been years since some of the missionary families have had that. So I know they enjoyed it!
Then Sunday, was our last Sunday with everyone. I tried just to be happy, but deep down it was really hard to say goodbye. but we still had a wonderful day together! They had a youth fellowship after service, So I was able to have some time sharing with them.
I talked about Holding on to Gods promises in our life. I shared about how God's love is unconditional but his promises are conditional. So if we are living in sin and not living the way we are supposed to, then it can prevent God's blessings on them, and God's people. I shared with them how many times in Isreal, they prevented God's blessings because there was sin in the camp and that even today, when there is sin in the church, It could prevent His blessings. So that we need to live a pure, holy, and righteous life, and let God purge and cleanse us from any sin.
After that, I just ended with encouraging them to not be weary or discouraged and reminded them of another promise God gave to us. That He will never leave us or forsake us and that they are not alone. I know it touched their hearts!! At the end, I almost started crying when I was saying my goodbyes. I told them how much I love them and love their nation and want the very best for all of them.
I just pray now that they stay on the right path.
So even though this trip has past by so quickly, It's been fruitful. God has continued to change me and strengthen me and change everyone here as well!! We still have a few more days left to do ministry, so I will write another update soon.
God Bless, Kenya-Nicole
