The Battle is Raging...

I guess I did not realize how consistently I have been under attack since being here.  I have endured rashes, sickness, electronic malfunctions, family health issues back home, demonic manifestations, bugs bites that resulted in my going to the hospital and so on an so forth.  But, my focus has not been on that of course.  I have had more opportunities to bring light in the darkness during these past few weeks than I have had in my entire life.  I know it is in direct relation to that.  Also, this coming Saturday we are going to the "epicenter" of witchcraft on the island of Samal and I believe that is also causing some uproar in the other camp :)

Outside of that, my week has been really prayer-focused.   I'm envolved in several prayer meetings during the week and they have really been piecing together nicely and God has been consistently faithful to amaze us with His guidance, strategy and revelation. 

This past Saturday we went out to Samal and preached and declared the Goodness of God into the atmosphere.   Myself, my roommate Rika, and Olive (A Filipino) had the opportunity to share with a family and pray for a man who was living a transvestite lifestyle and just speak life, value, and the truth of God into him. 

Preaching & Worship in the back of the "Canter"

A Child listening to the Preaching

Rika & I With a girl we prayed for at a Bakery

Rika, Olive & I Praying for the man living a transvestite lifestyle

Handing out fliers inviting children to a basketball outreach

So in closing, I am happy to say God is winning.  I am encouraged in the fact that the devil does not want me to enjoy my time here--because I know my life has purpose  here.   I appreciate your prayers as always.  Please visit this link to see video of this past Saturday's outreach: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1y9K_y5qvE&feature=share

Blessings & Love,
Bethany

Week 7 in the Philippines

I can hardly believe I'm entering my 7th week here in the Philippines! God has already done so much in my heart in these past few weeks I can only imagine what is ahead.  I suppose I should be honest with you all as to where I am at in my "scouting trip," Basically, I want to answer the question I keep hearing: "Will you go back?"  As of right now everything in the natural makes sense for me to be here.  I can see where I would fit with the team and the work with Hope for All Children, it makes total sense.  I long time ago I wrote in my journal all the different things I wanted to see during my lifetime, and when I looked at the list I did not understand how I could possibly accomplish all of them in a lifetime.  But with God all things are possible!  Hope for All Children's vision actually aligns with what I wrote that day.   My heart is both excited and nervous....because this is one of the biggest decisions of my life.  So I'm still praying about it, and I think it is to premature to say a firm "YES," but the possibility of me coming back is strong. 

This week was a little more "relaxing" since we have been going hard in ministry on daily basis.    I went out again with my friend Maricel to Panabo, a small town about 45mins away, to visit her family and minister to them.  I was able to share with them some simple truths about who Jesus is and how the Gospel has changed my life.   Also, we had to take a bus to get there and we were able to preach on the bus...Maricel always keeps me on my toes! And her Fire really challenges me, I love it!

 

Maricel Preaching on the Bus

The team had several birthdays this week, so we went bowling and to Hagimit Falls for some fellowship and celebration :) (and preaching on the ferry ride back from the falls)

waiting to jump off the waterfall :)

Sir Mike Bailey preaching on the Ferry

This week the whole team also went to the Erbs property for a team picture.  It was BEAUTIFUL.  The Erbs have a school and farming work.  Pictures Below:

Rainbow in the clouds as we were driving to the Erb's Property

My roommate Rika & I enjoying chocolate goat milk popsicles! Yummy!

View from the Property--see the mountains?!

Erbs Property, farming on the hill behind us.

We also went to Samal Island on Saturday for our first outreach of many.  We will be going to Samal every Saturday in preparation for a crusade in November.   We prayed and witnessed to many, and are in contact with several of the Filipinos that we spoke with. 

So the week was long but good.   Thank you all for your support and prayers.  I do ask that you continue to pray for grace and protection.  Witchcraft here is strong, and the attacks are increasing as we become more active in pursuing the vision God has placed before us here.

As always, thank you for your support and prayers!

The Week I Fell in Love with the Philippines

Greetings from the islands of the Philippines!

I was able to tour the city this week with a Filipina and not only see the sights but minister to whoever we felt led to one the way. We went several places, including back to Agdao to visit a man we had previously prayed for and follow up with him.  We also went to China town and ate a traditional Filipino lunch.
Then, she took to me to the lowest-income group in the city--a tribal group of nomadic Muslims.  She warned me before we went that it might be overwhelming and that I was only the second missionary she would take there because of the simple fact that it is extreme poverty....But I was up for the adventure!  So we went through different Muslim Sections of the city until we finally reached this group.  They live directly above the ocean, their houses are on stilts and there are planks of coconut lumber on stilts as walkways(it was very unsteady w/nothing to hold onto so unfortunately I do not have photos, especially since children rush people w/cameras),you would never know it was the ocean because it is just full of garbage underneath the houses and walkways in this little ocean community.  We met with a pastor there who encouraged us to walk on the planks avoiding certain areas because she can not handle the stench(and she lives there!).  So it was a honor and privilege to see this area and meet the people.

 

This is a picture of the area, but this is on the outside, so this is mild in comparison to what I did not get to photograph.

Later in the week I went to the Agdao Church feeding program.  First we went into the neighborhoods and gathered children and then brought them to the church to feed them food and scripture!  I was able to talk with some very cute children, see for your self below :)

Eating Chocolate Rice :)

Then, Brenda  Naska, a missionary here, arranged a girls night for myself, Rika (my roommate), and all the single Filipinas.  We shared our hearts, testimonies, and there was a lot of laughter as we got to know each other better.

Yesterday we went to the Island of Samal to swim at the waterfall.  Unfortunately,  we didn't swim at the waterfall because it had rained the night before and made the water murky instead of clear.   So we went to the beach instead and had an amazing time swimming, looking for sea creatures and shells. We took a bus & ferry to get to the island, and when we got off the bus on the island 35+ men on motorcycles surrounded us trying to get our business.  I was laughing so hard because they were running like crazy bringing their motorcycles to us--and then finally the filipinas we were with picked two motorcycles.  So I was on a motorcycle with me, the driver and two other filipinas!  It was soooo much fun riding through the island and mountains on that packed motorcycle.  Below are pictures:

The falls

Joanna & I at the beach

This is an example of my motorcycle ride :)

The Beach as we were leaving...

This is the bathroom sign at the beach :)

So the week has been jam-packed with fun, adventure, and love.  I am falling in love with the Philippines that is for sure!!  I  have pictures up on facebook for APRIL and MAY, please take a look!   I miss you all and cannot wait to see you all face-to-face again!

Blessings,
Bethany