New Year's Eve Update

There is so much I want to write about, however, time is short, and I fear it shall have to wait until I return.... Let me just say that I saw God move mightily in the Passion and Purpose Retreat last weekend....not only in my life, but in others as well.  We had some precious fellowship, incredible praise and worship, and blessed time with our Saviour, King, and Redeemer!!

Unfortunately, this is one of the only photos I have of the retreat--talk about lame, I know...
But at least we have something!!!

It was so neat to be able to spend time with other believers discovering truths that truly set the captives free!! What a precious thing for brothers and sisters in Christ to do!

A beautiful (slightly enhanced ;) sunset

Sunday afternoon, after church, we all crashed, and I do believe we would have slept straight through until Monday morning if we didn't have a special commitment that night--my grandparent's just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary!!! What an incredible legacy in this age of divorce and unfaithfulness... We truly are blessed!

Yesterday, Rachel and I scrambled around getting everything packed in time for the packing party at church last night... I am happy to say I got everything packed, and now just have some final details to wrap up (leaving time to blog of course.. ;p)

We really have a blessed team going down there--we all love God, and really want to take responsibility for our part, which will make it easier on all of us.

I would appreciate prayers--for me personally.. Yesterday, I came across my Filipino phone, with all my messages from a year gone by...
One year ago, I was in the Philippines--looking forward to 2 more months of ministry in the Jungle. I was celebrating the new year with friends, when my medical emergency happened, and in a whirlwind of events, I found myself on a flight headed home, instead of heading up North to the Bukid..

Just over 1 year ago....

I realized yesterday, that as much as I am anticipating serving the Belizean people, it's also hard, as my heart is really longing to be with "my people" - those on the island of Mindanao. This last weekend, I found myself speaking in Visayan and writing the same, and memories are just pouring back.

Right after giving out Christmas Dinner, gifts, and the Gospel to over 200 kids in Southern Cotabato

God really has helped me cultivate a heart of contentment (not that I don't struggle sometimes!), and I know He has a perfect plan, and I do believe that my time serving the Filipinos is not over. However, I would appreciate prayer that I would be able to completely embrace every aspect of my time in Belize, with a whole heart, nothing wavering.  I don't want ANYTHING holding me back from serving God down there, and being a part of the team -- no matter what my other mission experiences have been like.
It seems so weird to just be bringing various medical supplies, and leaving my beloved doppler, fetoscope, midwifery books, scrubs, and all of my supplies with me... So much of what I will be bringing was loved on in the Philippines--it is so different not to be going back there...

Praise God for His never-ending and always enduring mercy!!!

Na hidlaw sa ko imo, akong Pilipinas!!!

A few of us were practicing last night for a special number to be played in Belize, and the words ministered deeply:

With my whole heart I humbly seek You

Now use my life, O Lord, I pray

I yield my stubborn will completely

May your commandments light my way.

Your Word has promised me the vict'ry

And all I need to do is claim

Your strength, to soar with wings as eagles

To walk, to run, and not to faint.

My life is Yours to control

I give You my heart and my soul

I'll seek Your will, never mine

Rich treasure to find.

Give wisdom to choices I make

Along ev'ry path that I take

So when I complete life's race

"Well done" You will say.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!"

~ Isaiah 52:7 ~