Monday, October 26, 2009

For everything, there is a season

Flooding in Manila, the capital city and where we go to the airport.
Kent with some of the people we minister to.
Landslide site that cut our city off from travel in or out for about 4 days. People carrying a pig by foot to use for food.

Flooding in our city

As I write this, I am reflecting on the strength of the Filipino people. The families in our city have faced destruction and adversity with such courage and faith. October brought two fatal typhoons and left hundreds of thousands with no home in Manila. Despite hardship, death, and higher food prices, the people remain faithful and hopeful. It has been such an incredible blessing to see their resilience and flexibility. We are humbled by who they are.

As with any natural disaster, the poor suffer the greatest. We are privileged to work with some of them in our city. We know street people by name and share in their lives. We are given the opportunity everyday to serve the Lord by being His hands and feet.

While we mourn the death of a member of our street church family, we celebrate the hope of Jesus. Nothing can separate us from his great love. We are thankful that the Lord has a plan in every situation. He is our rock and strong fortress.

New life is springing up before our eyes......literally. One of the street ladies who attends our bible study in the city park delivered a healthy baby boy last week. He has been named Angelo Kent.
What an honor!

The people in Purok 5 ( the neighborhood where we minister) are growing. The youth are witnessing at school and bringing friends regularly. We will be baptizing several church members soon.

Thank you for your faithful support, even in the midst of difficult financial times. We depend on you and are blessed to "go" on your behalf. May you reap a harvest 100 fold for the seeds planted here.


Video: I just couldn't resist sharing this. Lola, as we call her, lives on the street and attends weekly street church in the city park. She moves around town, carrying her bags with her. Like a true Filipino, she is already singing Christmas songs in October. We hope her rendition of Silver Bells brightens your day and makes you laugh. :)






3 comments:

Andrea said...

How Beautiful... Her singing brought back wonderful memories of my grandmothers voice... who loved to sing... thanks for posting that

Kent and Paige Parrish said...

cool, andrea. I think every Filipino loves to sing!! :)

Youngs said...

So sorry to hear about the devastation. We have been and will continue to pray. Our hearts break for the losses.
Thanks for posting the precious song. It was beautiful.