He is Risen

Well... another holiday away from family and friends, and another experience unlike none other... Holy Week in the Philippines.  The Philippines is an overwhelmingly Catholic country (more than 80%).  It is also a country that is controlled by tradition and culture.   I often find myself struggling to understand different aspects of the culture here.  Not because I think they are wrong or bad, but just so different from what I know.  Many times when I ask, "why?", the answer is, "because that's how it's always been done".  If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?!?  But what if it's not just broke... it's millions of people without the truth of who Jesus is, and what He did for us on the cross.  

                                                                   Check out this video.

This past week on Maundy Thursday, I had the opportunity to observe a tradition called, "Alay Lakad".  Every year close to a million people walk 5, 10, some even 20+ miles to a church in Antipolo.  This church houses a statue of Mary.  They walk believing that with every step they are paying penance for their sins.   I was overwhelmed by this sight.  I could not believe the number of people, I could not believe the amount of miles walked, and I could not believe their eyes were fixed on a statue of Mary.  That the driving force, the reason they were punishing their bodies and participating in this pilgrimage was based on a lie. 

Please click here and read a blog post from my friend Jess.  

Jess is a Journeyman here with the IMB and wrote an excellant post describing our experience. 

As much as it broke my heart to see, I can't help but think... is it any different in America?  Were millions of Easter baskets and plastic eggs worshipped instead of a statue of Mary?  There may not have been a mass pilgrimage, but how many hours were spent searching for eggs under bushes?  Not that simple Easter traditions are bad... that isn't my point, but where is our hearts focus?

Our enemy uses subtle tactics to turn our heads... often that shift is so slight that we don't notice.  Maybe we are looking at the chin or shoulder of Jesus...instead of full on His face.  It's just enough though... and before we realize it we are elbow deep in pastel egg dye.  This is millions of people who know the name of Jesus.  They know the story of the cross, but they are deceived just enough to miss the best part.  IT. IS. FINISHED.  The debt has been paid.  The stone has been rolled away and Jesus is victoriously sitting at the right hand of the Father inviting us into a personal relationship.  A relationship free from works of obligation or "penance".  A relationship full of grace and love.   

I wonder how many times I have missed "it".  Unfortunately, I think it's probably too many to count.  I long for a true understanding of who Christ is... to know Him intimately.  To look full on His wonderful face, and walk away from the chains of deception.  I desperately want each of you to have this also... and oh how my heart aches for my Filippino brothers and sisters to experience the living God. 

Will you pray?  Pray for the truth of the Gospel to spread throughout the Philippines.  Pray that this country would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  (2 Peter 3:18) and while we are at it... let's pray for our own eyes to see our need for Him.





 

A loooong overdue update

So.  Here's a news flash... I'm not very good at blogging. :)  I have great intentions, but every time I sit down to update I get distracted.  Well... not this time.  Here is a overview of my 2012 in the Philippines.

January:
A team of students from SBU came to minister with us.  I met with the team several times last fall before leaving the states and I had travelled with several of the team members to the Philippines in the past.  Add to that the fact that one of my mentors and dear friends was the leader of the team!  Needless to say,  I was really looking forward to their arrival!  Like my past trips here we spent most of our time out in the Quezon Province travelling to different churches and barangays.  A new highlight of the trip was the 4 days spent back in Manila.  The team came to the subdivision and led kids group, had fun activities with the youth, and distributed Tagalog Bibles in the area behind the subdivision.   It was so good to have them here.  I loved seeing familiar faces, speaking in english, and getting lots of hugs.  I was also so blessed to see the team quickly fall in love with my new friends here and a country that is so close to my heart.

Sweet faces

SBU Team with one of the churches we visited

My friend Jordan...such an encourager to me.

The night before they left...what a crazy group!

February:
We had taken a break throughout the holidays from the weekly activities at the house, and in the first part of Feb. we started back in full swing.  Here are some fun pictures from Kids Group and Girls Group throughout the month of Feb.

Playing spoons!

Remember hair wraps?  Still awesome.

Baking night at Girls Group! We made biscuits... a first for the girls!

Kids Group Craft

Valentines Party

Having fun a Kids Group!

The first month I arrived here the youth learned a hand mime presentation to the song "Worthy is the Lamb".  In February they were having their barangay fiesta and wanted to perform.  They put in a lot of hard work and hours of practice and they did a fantastic job. 100's of people were presented the gospel message in a very creative way.

Click here to watch the video... I highly recommend watching :) 

The youth have also been learning how to lead their family and friends in studying the Word.  Using a booklet that Greg created, they have been sharing stories about Jesus with many people.   They were encouraged to share with 25 people total over the first week... They shared with MANY more than that!  It is exciting and encouraging to see them stepping outside of their comfort zones and sharing the name of Jesus with their neighbors.

The youth with the list of people they have shared with (it has MANY more names on it now!)

Practicing teaching from the booklets

Ice Cream at 7-11 to celebrate a job well done!

I also got to attent a cultural show that had dances that represented different areas of the Philippines.  It was awesome!

We partnered with a Basketball ministry and spent the day behind the subdivision.  The ministry travels with a Jeepney that has a basketball goal attached to it.  (sadly, I don't have a picture)  They host a slam dunk contest, 3 on 3 games, and a free throw shooting contest.  They set up big speakers and play fun music.  They use the "Colored bracelet" way of sharing the Gospel (black, white, red, green, yellow), in addition to the bracelets they use basketballs with the different colors.   It was a fun (and very hot) day.  It's starting to get hotter here (I just thought it was hot before), and I've been told by many that it it still isn't "summer weather" here yet! 

Slam Dunk contest for the kids

The kids drawing in the court with chalk 

The Harvell's have continued to host a church service in their home every week and two weeks ago we moved to 2 services a week to make room for all who are attending.  On Friday nights the adults meet, and Saturday nights the youth meet.   It is a sweet time of worship and teaching.  Even though I can't understand much of the service (Greg and Jill lead them in Tagalog) I enjoy the fellowship and I know that my Spirit is being fed. 

The Lord continues to show Himself faithful.  He continues to pour out love, kindness, and grace upon me every moment of the day.  He is gently teaching me to trust Him and I am learning to place my hope in Him alone.

⁷[Most] blessed is the man who believes in, trusts in, and relies on the Lord, and whose hope and confidence the Lord is. ⁸For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes; but its leaf shall be green. It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 AMP

A New Year Announcement...

Happy New Year! 

I brought in the new year with a bang this year!  Let me tell you... Filipinos know how to celebrate!  There aren't words to explain what New Year's Eve is like here.  I tried to take some videos, but those don't even do it justice.  Here is one video from the night... 

This video was taken in front of the Harvell's house.  The fireworks are being shot off by neighbors.  Multiply this by 10... and it lasted for several hours!   The streets were covered by debris, the smoke was so thick you couldn't see, and my ears were still ringing the next day!

 I can’t believe the changes that have happened in my life in 1 year’s time.  Last New Years Eve I stood surrounded by friends and made a declaration. “Here’s to new journeys and increased faith in 2011.”  This year I stand in a new country surrounded by new friends and feel burdened to make the same declaration… Lord, continue to increase my faith!  Continue to guide me on this journey.  May I be faithful to hear His voice and quickly obey.   May He be glorified in me and through me. 

So here is a special announcement!  After much prayer and consideration, I have decided to extend my time here in the Philippines.  My new return date is April 20, 2012.  I am excited to see how the Lord unfolds His plan for my life.  I am so appreciative of your prayer, encouragement and support!

Blessings, 

  Sara

Maligayang Pasko!

Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas)! 

My last several weeks have been filled with Christmas Parties!  It has been so fun to celebrate Christmas with so many different groups of people…

At our Girls Group Christmas party we read the Christmas Story together.  Then, we decorated cupcakes with green and red frosting and sprinkles. We also used a toaster oven, markers, and small plastic cups to make ornaments! 

A few days later we travelled 4 hours out to the Quezon Province to the city of Lucena.  There,  we had 2 different parties.   

We left Lucena and drove a few more hours to the Batangas Port and boarded a Bonka Boat.

We road on the boat for a couple of hours and landed in White Beach which is on the island of Mindoro.  We the travelled about 15  more minutes to Tamaraw Beach Resort.  It was beautiful!  We spent 4 days right on the beach.  It was wonderful to be out of the city… away from the noise, traffic, and smog.  It was a very relaxing trip! 

My home for the 4 days we were there

My view from the front porch... yes, thats the ocean.

We travelled back to Manila and finished up planning for more parties.  Our kids group party was on Christmas Eve. 

Rudolph Relay Race

Christmas Sing-a-long with Pastor Greg

The Nativity is complete!

excited about getting their candy bag and a new 20 peso bill! (50 cents)

Later that night we had our Adult church party.

Washer Game

Hot Dogs on a stick and Spaghetti.

Christmas was much different for me this year.  It was my first Christmas away from my family.  It was hard in many ways, but I am thankful to have the experience of  being  removed from an “Amercanized Christmas” I didn’t buy a single present, but I did get to think about the ultimate gift that my Savior gave to me… and I got to be a part of a culture that doesn’t focus on having more and more stuff… a tradition I am happy to make a part of my future holiday plans.  

A few days after Christmas we had our last party.  It was a party for all of the employees of the subdivision I live in.  I had the privilege of being in charge of the decorations for the night.   I had so much fun making them.  It was a great night!

Photobooth fun!

Merry Christmas banner

A big fabric 3D Christmas tree!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your families!

Sara

Giving Thanks...

Thanksgiving had a much different feel to it this year. For one, it was sunny, hot, and humid.  For two, I was a half a world away from friends and family.  As different as it was, I was thankful all the same.
I'm thankful for this new journey that I am on.
I'm thankful for the new friends I have here in the Philippines.
I'm thankful for the Harvell family making me feel like one of their own. 
I'm thankful for my parents & family who support me, love me, pray for me and always hope for the best for me.
I'm thankful for my friends who laugh with me and cry with me... who know my heart.. the good and the bad, and always stand with me.
I'm thankful for skype and vonage phone calls.
I'm thankful that Christ came to save sinners.
I'm thankful that His grace is sufficient for those times when I don't feel thankful.
I'm thankful that when I am weak He is strong.
I'm thankful that Jesus is enough. 
AND.  I'm thankful for the obedient hearts of the 19 youth that were baptized on Saturday.
(check out my Facebook page for more pics from the day)

 

Giving thanks with a grateful heart, 

 Sara

Busy and Blessed Saturdays!

It's another Saturday in the Philippines and time for kids group!  I took some pictures to show you what a typical Saturday is like here for us here...

Marie, one of the teachers, prepares the activity before the kids arrive.  It's almost 4p.m. so we head to the back gate to meet the kids and bring them to the house.

The kids line up and show there passes to be let in... SO EXCITED!

Walking back to the house to start the lesson!

Taking attendance...

Playing with play dough...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

learning a new song

Bible Story time

After the lesson, song, life verse, and snack the kids head home.  We have 25 kids who come every week and are learning about the Bible!  What a joy it is to watch them hear new stories about God.  So much fun! 

After kids group the adults and youth come to the house for church service.  We worship and study the Word together.  A busy and blessed Saturday! 

Sara