Through the Eyes of a Child

Saturday // For whatever reason, I found it really difficult for the first time to fully experience God's presence. I just couldn't get into the space that I'd been getting into the previous days, where it felt like I'd get lost in another realm when experiencing the love of Jesus, and it took me a while usually to adjust back to reality. But then, I struggled and I felt a heaviness.

At some point during the morning service, this beautiful little boy came up to me and just laid his hands on my legs. He held my hands during worship and just cuddled up to me, looking up at me and repeating the word "Gwapa" (which means beautiful), over and over again. This interaction melted my heart, and God showed me the awe He has for me and His children. 

I spontaneously decided to join the kids program as Aris shared in the main service, and then the Spirit led me to teach them songs and lead the lesson, though this just felt like a normal and natural thing to do. Only later did I realise the impact it may have had. At the end of the service the children sang the "I am special" song I taught them. I realised again they blessing it is that Jesus would use me to show the worth they have, that they belong to Him. My heaviness was realised and I felt a gentle touch of Him.

Thereafter we shared an incredibly delicious meal with Pastor Berwyn and his family, and I enjoyed how we all had the opportunity to share hearts with each other. Liberty, Pastor Berwyn's wife, prepared some sweet things we reminded me of treats I would have back in Cape Town. Oh, this trip has really made me feel at home but made me feel homesick all at the same time.

One of my favourite parts of the trip was going to Ambago to work with the kids. They made it home for me in many ways, and there "don't forget me" comments hit my heart in every direction. All I wanted was to stay with them. I love them.

God showed me His love and was faithful on a day that I felt I couldn't feel Him. His love never fails.

The evening ended with some preparations for the KLB anniversary, and I just enjoyed every moment with the wonderful people I've built meaningful relationships and friendships with. They have my heart and how I wish I wouldn't to always be so far from them. My heart now has another home.

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!

Bountiful Blessings in Butuan

During this week I was astounded by all the impactful experiences I was having each day, how each day was filled with missions work and being His hands and feet. At some point we asked Pastor Roszel about the program they had put together for us while in the Philippines, only to realise that this is how they actually live their everyday lives. That we get to come along and live what they live each week. If that doesn't put things into perspective, I'm not sure what else will. That we get to come here for two weeks and join during our missions trips, but they are living their missions calling each and every day of their lives. Whoa.

Now I'm an avid believer that your everyday experience is your mission field, and that Jesus can equip you to be a "missionary" still in a sense with each simple task you complete. But I must say nothing really leaves me quite as alive as I am when I am living the missions like I'm living now. It would give me great pleasure to serve like this constantly, but I also know that my studies and getting my degrees is incredibly important to me to have the papers and qualifications to fully reach and impact the lives of the people I want to work with. Yes, God equips us, but I want to be able to study and know all the laws and ways to fully know and be able to help. To have those qualifications to be able to have the open doors and opportunities to do more. I hope that one I have them I would even be able to be able to be employed to do therapeutic trips for my music therapy - God can make a way! 

A few of the girls who I've formed a with will constantly ask me to please stay in the Philippines, or at least promise to come back. I'm careful not to make promises that I may not be able to keep, but I do tell them that I would love to come back. They even added they would try find me a husband if it would mean I could stay. All you can really do is smile. Though a dream is that one day I will be joined to someone who shares this heart like I do, because I don't think I could live with someone who didn't. Who couldn't give me the space to live my calling.

Yesterday was filled with absolutely  anointed church services. From the house church where Aris shared, and from being given the blessing for me to preach in the Butuan main church, to a service dedicated just to the kids, and ending with the best youth service I've probably had in my life. 

I could probably write pages about each of those services and how anointed they were. God's presence is so incredibly powerful and taken up by all their hungry hearts. I am feeling Him on such a raw and deep level, and I cannot get enough of it. 

The day was bountiful with blessing, and I cannot begin to express my gratitude.

Raising the Next Generation

After a good night's rest and a few souvenirs from some Philippine mosquitoes, we had our breakfast (of course including my traditional morning mangoes) and then made our way to Bo's where we collected our cup-of-cinos and where we had arranged to be picked up by Berwyn. In the morning we spent time with the core leadership group. Once again Frances and I spoke about essence and form so that the leaders understand that our purpose in planting Kingdom Life Butuan is not to form a copy of how we do things in Frankfurt but that they understand why we do what we do so that they have the freedom to have their own expression of Kingdom values and the essence of Kingdom living. Frances and I showed them how we need to live from the reality of the Kingdom to bring heaven on earth. They are a very young group of people who are hungry for God and excited to be part of what God is doing through KLF and now through KLB.

After a quick lunch we did some admin stuff and then made our way to one of the areas where KLB ministers to the street children. The place where the children meet is in one of the homes of one of the members a little further out from Butuan in a slightly remote area where there are no other churches or organisations looking after the children's needs apart from KLB now. As we arrived we saw a heap of flip flops (sandals) that fitted some very tiny feet, gathered at the entrance of a wooden-paneled house. Inside were over 30 children seated on the floor as some of the KLB leaders sang songs with them. I was asked to share a message with them. On the way to the gathering, I had asked the Holy Spirit what to share and then He gave me the idea to share the truth of God's love using a banana. Needless to say the kids and I had a lot of fun as I explained to them that God loves bananas and that He is more concerned about what is inside us than what the skin looks like! After the message, the kids each received a lunch box with fried noodles and bread in it. They were delighted and everyone tucked in with joy. It is really moving to see how people who live in such humble conditions open their homes for the benefit of the poor and needy. There is such love and kindness released through their generosity that reveals the heart of the Father and the nature of the Kingdom.

After our time with the children we headed back to KLB where I was asked to share a word with the KLB youth group. We looked at what it means to receive fullness of life in Christ how God has created everyone of them uniquely for His pleasure and purposes. After the meeting we were brought back to the hotel so we could get an early night because tomorrow morning I have a radio broadcast at the heavenly hour of 6:00am and that without my cup-of-cino! "Gooooood morning Butuaaaaaan!"
No cockroaches sighted today...

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

 

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

Day 3 - The River of God

Glory to God! 

Today was the third day of our Heaven on Earth conference in Butuan. We are so impressed with all the guys that are working so hard to make this conference a blessing to all who come. One of the team members is Julius' brother, Aaron (standing next to Frances). We began with another special time of worship led by pastor Julius and his team. I then spoke on our need to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit for us to overflow with heaven on earth. Looking then at the gospel of grace, I showed how one can explain the gospel using the word G.R.A.C.E. and the need for us to live the gospel and preach it! After a short break we looked at how the message of the gospel is received with power, deep conviction and the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of the Kingdom of Heaven.

During the lunch break we enjoy fellowshipping with the pastors and hearing some amazing testimonies of God's grace, provision and miracles. After lunch Frances spoke on stepping into the River of God and how the believer must seek to come to a place of absolute surrender to be carried by the Spirit. After our coffee break I spoke on renewing one's mind with the word of God and how to resist the lies of satan. We then offered to pray for the group and many came forward for prayer. Once again the Lord ministered powerfully to the people as they  received deep emotional healing as well as physical healing as they fell under the power of God. We then got some of the Bible School students to soak the people in prayer who were still under the power. We spent time with each dear soul and prophesied over each person. Words of knowledge were given and clearly spot on as people responded inmediately to the Father's words. It was simply amazing and very moving as I held some of the people as they sobbed in my arms. Oh how the Father loves these people!

After over 2 hours of ministry we went back to the hotel to quickly get changed before embarking on a mini adventure by ourselves to the local (and only) shopping mall. We saw some interesting misplaced things like Ritter Sport and Ferrero Rocher as well as a corner in the shop where behind a counter filled with Hostias (communion wafers used in catholic churches) was a selection of wines and other alcoholic beverages. After a quick supper we made our way back to the hotel with a local tricycle. 

It has been another amazing day with God. Tomorrow we will be looking at releasing and imparting the Kingdom of Heaven through serving and then Frances and I will wash everyone's feet. I can't wait!

 "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the Holy Place where the Most High dwells." Psalm 46:4 

Whispers from the Father

Glory to God!

This morning we were invited to a church near Cabadbaran but before embarking on what would promise to be another incredible day, pastor Berwyn, Frances and I stopped at Bo's coffee place for a Latte. We then made our way to the church service and encountered a rather dry atmosphere without much of the manifest presence of God. After a time of singing songs and people seeming to go through the motions I was led to preach on John 4 concerning worship. We looked at what it means to worship in spirit and in truth and how God looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance. The Lord then led me to the account of Elijah in the cave and how God came unexpectedly in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12,13). The Holy Spirit then led us in a time of worship without instruments as we sang in the Spirit and from our hearts. Gradually the congregation began to be released in true worship and the presence of God invaded the room. People began to weep and to laugh. It was awesome. We just let the Holy Spirit do His work without interrupting Him. Heaven invaded earth! I cannot describe how the Lord whispered to us and made His presence known. Thank you Abba!

After the meeting we had a quick lunch (where we saw the piglet)and made our way back to Butuan where Frances was invited to speak to a group of mothers and sponsors of children at the Free Methodist Church in Butuan. Frances shared a powerful message on our acceptance, security and significance in Christ and the women were visibly encouraged.

We then proceeded to the local radio station where I was to speak over live stream. I was quite nervous but I knew that when I am weak He is strong. Pastors Berwyn, Julius and Frances gave a brief greeting and then it was up to me to fill 4 slots of 10 minutes each. The Holy Spirit led me to speak on worship and it flowed. I was amazed and really began to enjoy it. I had the opportunity to preach the gospel to many, many people and help Christians understand what true worship is. Hallelujah! Frances said I sounded like a professional. Praise God!

We then made our way back to the Free Methodist Church where I was to preach at two youth meetings. At the first meeting I sensed a strong calling to raise prophets and at the second meeting Abba wanted to share His love with His people. At the frst meeting many accepted the call to be prophets to the nations and at the second meeting many came forward to receive a baptism of love from Abba. It was very special as these youngsters received the love of the Father and we spoke His words over them. Many cried and received the Father's affirmation, encouragement and love. Glory to God.

It has been a very long day and now we are absolutely bushed. Tomorrow we start our 4 day seminar entitled, "Heaven on Earth." 

We are so impressed with pastor Berwyn, pastor Julius and his wife Roszel. They are all out for God and doing an amazing job for God's Kingdom. I praise God for them and the fruit of their ministry we are privileged to witness. It is a blessing to work with them!

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:12,13

Outpouring!

Glory to God!

This morning we were up at 6:00 and had a meeting in Santiago, about one hour's drive away from Butuan. On our way I was thrilled to be able to have a birthday Latte before embarking on another full day. Santiago is further away in the more rural area beyond Cabadbaran and Mabini, where pastor Berwyn's church is located. We were immediately impressed by the sound of true worship when
we arrived as the 3 musicians practised for the meeting. As soon as we began to worship the Lord, the people all engaged with God and the area was filled with the sound of heaven! The worship leader, a young man with an amazing voice, led us right into the Lord's presence. The pastor of the church told me prior to the meeting that at times the presence of the Lord is so tangible that people weep and laugh in His presence and at one meetiing the presence of God began to affect the neighbouring Seventh Day Adventist church as their members also came under conviction and joy, wondering what was going on!

God was in the place and after pastor Berwyn introduced me, I spoke to the people about being carriers of God's presence and overflowing with His love. I then invted the church to be prayed for to be filled with the Father's love in order to overflow with God's love and almost everyone came forward for prayer. As Frances and I ministered to these precious people, we were gripped by the Father's compassion and many wept in His presence. All we cold do was hold them tight as the Father ministered His healing love to the people. We hardly said a word - the Holy Spirit was working. It was very moving indeed and the best gift one could ever ask for on one's birthday - the presence of God!

After the meeting we had a delicious lunch and then made our way to the local hot springs up in the mountains. In order to get there we had to cross a wide river and then walk up the mountain for about half an hour. It was a great place to be at and to feel both hot water and cold water coming out of the volcanic mountain. On our way back storm clouds gathered and we suspected we would not make it back to the car, dry! Well once we got in the canoe boats it began pouring with rain and the only shelter we had was from a few banana tree leaves! It was a lot of fun even though we got soaked!

We then went back to Cabadbaran to visit some of the pastors and their families that I knew from my previous visits. It was good to catch up with them and they were greatly encouraged by the fact that we took the time to se them.

Today was the first time we got to see pastor Berwyn's family (Liberty, Christine - with the rooster - and Christopher) and they travelled back to Butuan with us where we were going to distribute food to the street children Aaron could find. After rounding up 15 children we sang a song and I spoke to them about the certainty of the Father's love for them and then we prayed together. After polishing off their meals they sang "happy birthday" to me. I was truly moved!

We were then taken to a local restaurant where Roszel and the rest of the Villadares family invited us to a birthday dinner with a birthday cake and all. It was such a special time after an already amazing day.

"God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:5

Let the little children come to me!

Glory to God!

Halelujah! A new coffee shop has been opened near the hotel so we could start the day with a proper Latte and a great conversation with pastor Berwyn and pastor Julius about building God's Kingdom in Butuan and in the Philippines. It was a great opportunity to hear what God has placed on their hearts and for us to share our passion for God's Kingdom with them.

We then made our way to the landfill (rubbish dump) where many people live. It is unimaginable that people actually live amongst the garbage and in the stench of refuse. These are the poorest of the poor but everywhere we went we were greeted with curiosity and joy! God has a passion for the poor and it was a joy to bless them. As we made our way back to the car we were asked by a local school teacher whether we perhaps had any paper and pencils for their little school right next to the rubbish dump. We told them we didn't but went straight to the supermarket to buy the items needed for 50 children and will give it to them tomorrow. I felt it important to reveal the Father's promise of "when you ask, you will receive!" What a privilege to reveal Abba's love!

After lunch in Butuan's only shopping mall, we had some time with Berwyn and Julius before going to the middle of Butuan to feed the street children. Sadly the government has recently issued a new law that does not permit street children to beg in public places so we only found a few that we then took with us (great fun for the kids to be in the car with us) to the orphanage - one tiny building for the whole region! We were shocked. We were shown into the building and saw the pitiful state of the interior. We met a dozen kids that had been brought in because of abadonment, sexual abuse and the like. We ministered to a little 10 year old girl that had been raped by her step-father and a 16 year old girl who had a 1 month old baby (she too had been raped). We spent some time with these broken kids and I spoke to them about how Jesus loves them and will never reject them. We prayed for them, sang with them, danced with them and fed them. I felt the Lord's compassion as I ministered to these children. Our God is the God of all comfort and a Father to the fatherless!

After our visit to the orphanage, we still had plenty food left so we made our way to the main bus terminal near the town centre where we gathered around 15 children to share God's love with them and feed them. It was another precious time as they listened intently to the message of the Father's love and how Jesus came to give them a hug from the Father. After the message I invited the children for a big hug and went round to each of them to impart the Father's love. It was wonderful to see how these little ones received Abba's love.

After feeding the little group we made our way to see the youth football teams pastor Julius coaches and ministers too. About 25 kids gathered as I spoke to them about how God has created them for a purpose and to be part of His team! We had a lot of fun and the kids really listened. After the message and prayer they too tucked into the meals Aaron and Rose had prepared earlier today for the various kids we would be ministering to today.


It really has been a day of contrasts and a day of experiencing the Father's compassion for the poor, the fatherless, the broken and the children. There is so much need here but at least we could make a difference to a few precious souls today. Thank you Jesus!

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16

 

Baptism of Love

This morning I was invited to preach at a church that is associated with the Four Square Church that Treffpunkt Leben also belongs to. The church building has no doors or windows and is basically a sanctuary without walls. The pastor and his wife are good friends of Berwyn's and after a wonderful time of praise and worship (mostly in English) with drums, e-guitar, keyboard, bass and voice I was invited to bring God's Word and minister to the church. The Lord spoke to us about how Jesus has restored our intimacy with the Father and that we have access to know and experience the Father. After the Word I invited the people to come forward who were hungry to know God and experience more of Him. Many people came forward for prayer and as I began to minister to the people and lay my hands on them, the Holy Spirit came. I was not ready for what the Holy Spirit began to do because as I asked the Lord to fill His people and I prophesied the Father's heart, I was overcome with His compassion and aching heart for these people and I wept with His compassion. At the same moment the Father poured out His abundant love on those I touched and some began to weep, some shouted out as though they were being touched where it really hurts and God was healing them, some fell over with tears, some cried out as the Spirit released something in them. It was truly a baptism of love as the Father ministered to His children.

"God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,whom he has given us." Rom. 5:5

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

No human power nor human words could ever do what the Father did in the lives of these precious people today. I give Him all the glory and I praise Him for His overwhelming love for us!

I had it on my heart to teach the worship team some principles for worship so right after the church meeting I asked to meet with them. They came and so did 20 other children of all ages who also wanted to hear what I had to say. These people are so hungry for God! I then spoke to them about worship in heaven and how we have the privilege as citizens of heaven to bring God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It was a very special time.

I then had lunch with the pastors and Berwyn and I continued to share the same principles with them as well as how to develop Kingdom culture. They were so excited about the revelation and are now eager to put what they have learned into action. Hallelujah!

After lunch we made our way to another Pastor's home and on the way it began to rain and I mean it poured as though a bucket of water had been tipped out over the Philippines. We travelled in a very crowded bus once again but this time the very poor folk were travelling on the bus who literally have nothing but the clothes on their back. A family was in the bus seated next to me with 2 twins and a 2 month old child, dirty and smelly and very hungry. Berwyn asked the bus driver to pass a place where we could get a few rolls for the babies and so he gave them some food. This family's home had burned down and they were telling us how they simply did not know what to do. My heart aches for these people and for the broken lives I am seeing every day. They so need the Father's love and proper social care.

On the way to Berwyn's parents' home near Butuan, I sat in the bus next to a young girl who asked whether we were born again because she had seen the lad who accompanied us with a Christian band around his wrist. Berwyn and I then told her we were indeed and that we were pastors and I began to prophesy over her and she began to beam from ear to ear. Our God is such an encourager! She opened up to us and told us how her mother is working in Dubai and her father is a drunk and doesn't work. It was a God encounter and she was mightily blessed by the Father. Hallelujah!

It's been another wonderful day in the Spirit and I am looking forward to tomorrow's first day of the prophetic leadership conference. Glory to God!