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We were so busy getting ready. So much to do and so little time… It seemed the day would never come and then all of a sudden it was here! June 19, 2007… I have been to the Philippines several times, but this would be the first time for my wife Regina and my two youngest sons—Justin and Jordan. It was certainly the longest trip they had ever taken. Our trip started in Wilmington and included stops in Charlotte, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and finally in Manila, Philippines. We arrived on June 21 and were welcomed with a very hot humid day but also an excitement in the air! |
Our journey had started and we knew that it would be life-changing. It would be our opportunity to share the love of Christ with the Filipino people and to be an encouragement to the church. You see, being a missionary is not about going and preaching everywhere, although we do that—it’s not about being a leader for the foreign –field church—although you do lead at times—it’s more about being an encouragement and helping indigenous ministers and ministries flourish! While a foreigner can bring a message or even a teaching program, they will NEVER be able to reach the Filipinos like their own ministers can. Sure , people will want to hear an American and can glean from it, but ministries are built through solid connections. These connections come from understanding the culture and living with people in the day to day happenings. Even full time missionaries can’t reach this complete connection because we have been influenced by our own cultures. Don’t misunderstand what I am saying—missionaries are God-called and God-ordained. |
Our goal is not to Americanize the church but instead to empower the church and her ministers born here—ministers that know and understand their culture and its history. They are the ones that will really make a lasting impression because when the missionaries are gone, they are the ones that carry on. I understand that my role is not to change things here or bring revival or do something glamorous—instead, it is to EMPOWER and HELP those in the Philippines to do it! My role is to teach, preach, give, show, help and encourage the Filipinos to be all they can be for the Lord.—AND just as important, it is to share that with you so that you may be a part of building God’s kingdom here - as we all have a part in world missions. It is my hope that this newsletter accomplishes that. Enjoy. God bless, |
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