It is with grateful hearts that we close this first year in the Philippines. Since our last newsletter we wanted to share a few beautiful life change celebrations of Gods’ touch on the hearts of those we’ve been serving. To our amazement, we have experienced “more than we could ask or think.”
When we first visited our neighbors in the Ati village, a sense of discouragement permeated the air. Neglect, sickness, dehydration and a loss of hope were some of the brutal discoveries that caused our spirits to be awakened and ignited to reach out with our limited abilities, to reach up and ask God for miracles to take place in the lives of these fragile and shy people.
Entering the mission field, our purpose (and Gods design) was to show love through actions and trust, to gain favor with the Ati people.
By helping to provide running water and food, several hospital visits, X-rays, blood work and prescriptions, the Ati were extremely grateful, and the door was opened. Our friendships and relationships began to deepen in a beautiful way.
Lito is a single father of six who lives up on a rocky hill in the Ati village across the road from us. He is just one example of an Ati who has Risen Up.
Lito has had a life change and is attending our Asian Theological Seminary monthly training here on Boracay. Every month approximately one hundred pastors, teachers and new believers from several different islands join together to be further educated in biblical theology. Many of these passionate and spiritually driven Filipinos travel as far as twelve hours by boat to attend.
This is Ricky, a hard worker with a sensitive heart towards the movings of God. He is on our staff at the Vista House which hosts mission teams coming to do service work. Ricky has quietly been attending our ATS training for a few years.
I (Steve) have been mentoring Ricky as a worship leader. One day I walked in on him unannounced as he was practicing a worship set, and he had tears streaming down his face. I was overcome with his love for Jesus and his love for people.
“Ricky, could God be calling you to become a pastor? maybe a teaching pastor?” He said, ” I’m afraid to listen to that calling, but I’ll pray about it.” Fast forward . . .
Ricky graduated from his ATS training and is now teaching at the Ati Village service.
We asked God that as we serve in the Philippines, our purpose would always be to empower these people, to encourage them to Rise Up and listen to the voice of God, that Filipinos would lead Filipinos.
On the island of Panay This year we celebrate the numerous blessings and accomplishments at the Masa Ati school in Panay. A few years ago, these Ati had no opportunity for education because of discrimination and isolation.This year, students are fed two meals each day and also fed the words of God that are integrated into their education.
We are blessed to surround ourselves with these passionate Masa teachers who have a heart and love for the Ati. A new song of hope has been written for the students, “I’m Rising Up how You made me, I’m proud to be Ati!”
We have witnessed a Rising Up, a moving of God’s fulness in the chapel time at the school. So many of these students are praying that they can be the generation that changes the course of their history. This chapel room is where we first felt the divine calling of God to move to the Philippines.
So at the close of this year we are reflecting on how much God has allowed us to witness, surprised by the favor and trust these precious people have granted us and humbled by God’s plan that He has ordained in the steps of our mission. He patiently washes our feet daily with His love and protection, with love and direction.
May God grant you a newness in your purpose this upcoming year for 2020. Ask Him to daily refresh you with His joy and strength and to direct your steps on this magnificent journey.
Thank you for faithfully praying and thank you for faithfully giving! Your gifts have made this work possible.
With sincere hearts we say . . .
“Peace on earth and good will toward men.”
Merry Christmas!
Steve and Susan
“May the Lord bless you and protect you
May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26