Heartbroken

I've attempted time and time again the past weekend to write another blogpost, and I was unable to bring myself to do it. I never comprehended that I would fall so in love with this city and this country, and each time I tried to start my heart would break into further pieces as I thought about leaving I would start crying. 

Well now I'm still crying, but at the airport as we prepare to board our possibly delayed plane to Manila and then to Hongkong, then lastly Frankfurt. Right now it feels though I will probably cry the whole trip back, but I also hope that I will get some rest. 

The more and more I reflect, the more and more I'm amazed how in such a short space of time that I would feel so at home and loved and make family. I am the type of person who feels everything deeply, and I knew it would hurt when I would leave, but this is a new level that I've never experienced before. I found family and friends, and I leave so incredibly blessed by the experiences, memories and relationships made. 

I will catch up and write posts about the last weekend still for the next few days, I just couldn't bring myself to do it just yet. I'm rather heartbroken right now, but I truly believe this isn't the last time I'll come here. My heart has a huge chunk which is being left behind here.

Leaving my Heart in the Philippines

With a little bit of a blues singer's voice (thanks dry air conditioning in my room) I headed over to share on a national radio station about "Preserving the Next Generation." Though my voice was scratchy I really enjoyed being able to share a theme that is really close to my heart. That if young people could see the powerful voice that God had equipped them with, that they would never again stay silent but to roar for the Kingdom. I hope that my message even reached one person, that those seeds sown will be reaped with sweet and wonderful fruits.

Jonnalyn, Pastora Roszel and I left after the radio meeting at 5:30 am to have coffee and share our hearts. Each day I get to know these people more and more, and each day it gets even harder to think that I soon have to leave them. I enjoyed being able to share about anything, feeling that I've known them for years, and not merely a few days. 

Threreafter Christina and I took part in a fun photo shoot, being spoiled with a makeup artist, costumes, and the best company and photographers. It was enjoyed, even if I'm quite the awkward model.

I ended up spending my whole day at Kingdom Life Butuan instead of going back to the hotel. I laughed, sang, made jokes and told stories with everyone, continuing to build the relationships that have beautifully started and formed. 

Aris hadn't been well, so I led the girls' life group with Pastora Roszel. Oh my, the girls are just lovely. I shared on the Proverbs 31 woman and how it relates to us in a modern world. That God created us with our unique strength and beauty, and He will equip us with all we need for each and every step we take. 

In the evening we once again ministered to the street kids and then spent time with the volunteers, and I fall more in love with all of them again. Jesus really has really been overflowing into me and my love then overflows. What a blessing! I don't think that I could really want to leave - or more so I know that I must come back.

The night ended with a "not so great" mango shake for me, but a great meal and  company with Pastor Julius, Pastora Roszel, Andreas and myself. It really touched my heart when Pastor Julius shared that he could really see me living here for six months and working here, because in many ways I feel the same. God will guide the way!

Communicating the Father's Love

Glory to God!

On Monday we said our last goodbyes at Butuan airport to Aaron, Berwyn, Roszel with Yralee, Julius and Jasfer (from left to right). It was mixed with sadness but also with a lot of excitement about what God is doing with us and will be doing in the future. We have a God-given vision that we are embarking on by faith. These are exciting times and God is glorifying Himself in Butuan and the Philippines.

Frances and I then travelled to Manila and met up with Mark and Mary Ann who were part of KLF when they stayed in Frankfurt. It happened to be Mary Ann's birthday so we had a little party together over a chicken dinner and a birthday cake of her choice. It was a special time.

The following day Mark invited us to minister at the Bible Institute for the Deaf. Mark is an amazing guy who has learned to sign for the deaf and uses sign language in his church. Manila is a very busy, polluted, smoggy place and after 2 hours of travel by taxi, train, jeepney, and tricycle (Frances and I could hardly fit in the side car) we eventually arrived at the college. After meeting a couple of the leaders, we made our way to take part in the lunchtime chapel service. One of the guys led the students in worship. The presence of God was wonderful and I found the whole experience very moving. I was then invited to speak.

The Lord put it on my heart to communicate His love for them so after a short message, Frances and I were allowed to minister to the students who wanted prayer. Almost all the students came forward for prayer. The Holy Spirit was gracious and gave me prophetic words for each student like a machine gun. The Lord knew we only had 30 minutes to touch over 30 students before rushing back to the hotel to pick up our luggage to rush to the airport for our return flight. It was a really interesting experience. As we prayed over the students they watched Mark sign for them and apart from a couple there was little visible response to the prophetic words. However, after asking how many were touched by the Father's love, almost every one of the students smiled and enthusiatically thanked us for praying for them. It was very touching indeed. Thank you Abba Father!

Mark escorted us back to the hotel and we got to the airport on time. After travelling for over 14 hours via Kuala Lumpur, we are now back in Frankfurt, looking at all the pictures we took and reflecting on what God did during these past two weeks. 

I stand in awe of what God is doing with us. He has connected Kingdom Life with a people who are passionate to see His Kingdom expand in Butuan and the Philippines. He is using our little community of believers to touch nations. It is amazing. As the Lord continues to add to our number, we will be able to send teams across the world to reveal the Father's love and expand His Kingdom. We have witnessed Heaven on Earth these past two weeks and I am convinced that the Lord is going to do even more as we sow the seed of His Kingdom across the nations.

We give God all the glory for all the wonderful things he did and we thank the Lord for pastors Berwyn, Julius and Roszel as well as all the others who worked so hard to make our visit such a memorable occasion! Thanks too to all of you who have followed this blog and have prayed for us and our family in the Philippines - we felt Heaven back us up all the time!

This is the last blog entry for this year's visit but we will be back next year as we continue to do what we see the Father doing. Hallelujah!

To close.....my favourite picture from our trip (Christine and her pet rooster, Alex)...

"'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him' - but God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.'" 1 Cor. 2:9,10