two worlds meet

 In 2010 we first began attending this little church under a mango tree

in Davao City.  

We never even dreamed that just 5 years later 

the pastor and his wife would be sponsored to join us in our home church 

here in Savannah for a missions conference!

Michael, Amy, Elise, Mark, Barbara, Cathy and Vic at the Missions Conference

 What a sweet week it was, having them in our home,

introducing our dear friends from the Philippines

to dear friends here.

 Cathy visited the girls at college, 

and we brought them home to share the joy for the weekend.

 We were so blessed to have you in our home, Vic and Cathy...

the meeting of our worlds.

God go with you as you continue to bring His Word to your people!

 

Is it worth it? part 1

"Is it worth it?  

I mean, moving your family overseas, giving up your good job?  

Do you think that what you have done was worthwhile?  Like you are making a difference?  

Is it worth it?"

I've been asked this question by more than one person, and I'd be surprised if it isn't an unspoken thought in the minds of others. It's a valid question; one that I've asked myself, too.  As I examine the answer, I can't help remember that for all of the challenges you've seen us face, we've also known incomparable blessing.  So I can say, from the bottom of my heart, that yes, it is worth it all.

In this two-part post let's unpack the two-part question, "Is it worth it?" 

Let's start with,

"Do you think that what you have done was worthwhile?  Like you are making a difference?" 

We can't show you quantifiable results of our work; no lists of people who came to know the Lord because we went.  In fact, on this blog I can't even tell you about specific ways God used us, because we really can't go public with much about the projects we were involved with in the Philippines. (But if you ask me in person, I'd be happy to share some stories!)  When I look back and see how many people Mark has helped, some who continue to seek help from him via emails now, I can say from the bottom of my heart, yes it is worthwhile.

A parallel question

Indulge me for just a minute, and consider a parallel question. Is it worthwhile to have a sound technician, or a janitor, or a secretary at your church?  What they do is not really bringing souls to Christ, is it?  Yet without their work, would the Word of God be proclaimed as effectively from the pulpit?  Would the congregation be clearly hearing the message?  Would they be well-informed, and would the events of the church be carried out in an orderly way?

In essence, we are those kinds of people in missions, providing some of the services which enable the work to happen more efficiently.  Is it worth it? Those who are on the front lines think it is.  When they are in critical need of help, and they have no idea how to address the issue themselves, should they spend valuable time working to locate the tools or research the information that Mark could give them very quickly?  It's a little like asking the church pastor to set up and test the sound system Sunday morning, play the piano, keep the prayer chain going, pay the bills, write the Sunday School curriculum, and sweep the floors.  And make sure it's a really moving Sunday morning message, please!

Instead, God in His goodness uses His entire body, rightly fitted together, to do His work.  We happen to be some of the inner ligaments of the body - little ones, yes!  But the work God allows us to do makes a difference.

"...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, 

makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Ephesians 4:16

Beyond the job description

Your church support staff not only have specific jobs to do in order to help the church run smoothly, but hopefully they also are being used by the Lord above and beyond that.  They and their families are likely ministering in other ways - by their fellowship within the local church,  by their giving,  by intentionally raising their families to walk by faith,  by showing care and hospitality, and by being salt and light in their own communities.  Their impact has the potential to go far beyond their designated roles.  Similarly, we've had the privilege to fellowship and give, to teach and be an example, and to encourage and disciple within our local church and our community there in the Philippines.

God opened doors and gave us opportunities which we never dreamed of before we went overseas.  Was it worth it?  Did it make a difference?  Maybe only eternity will tell.  But we know it made a difference in us.  That God used it to shape and mold and temper us in ways that no American experience could have done. 

We'll talk about that more in the next blog post topic, "Was it worth it?  I mean, moving your family overseas, giving up your good job?"

crossing paths

Our trip across the country included a stop in Dallas

for meetings at our organization's headquarters.

In addition, we had the added delight of a short reunion with co-workers

whom we had learned to know and love in Davao

but who we hadn't seen for the past year.

 It was a very sweet time to catch up with these brothers and sisters of ours,

to reminisce, and to hear how God is leading in each family.

 The kids picked right up where they'd left off...

all ages enjoying being part of that familiar missionary community again.

As is so typical of my friend Leanne,

she opened her home to us, even though her husband was out of town,

and she suggested a time of prayer for us girls in the back room.

 Yes, I took a selfie to capture the moment.

Veronica, you may have never TAKEN a selfie, but you're in one now!

:grin:

The time was bitter sweet, as we all went our ways, 

not knowing when our paths may cross again.

But we know Who guides our paths,

and we thank Him for allowing us to walk alongside these precious people

at least for a little while.

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

in our new nest

Do you remember the little bird

who built her nest outside our kitchen window in May,

just as we were vacating our home and preparing to move back to the US?

The day before we returned our house keys to the landlord,

I peeked inside her nest, and this is what I saw:

She had found a place to stay.

And now we, after what seems like a very long time,

also have a place to stay,

a home for this year; 

a place composed of bits and pieces lovingly gathered together

by dear friends and church family members who prepared this 'nest' 

as a warm welcome for our family.

We were overwhelmed and blessed by their care for us,

and reminded all over again of our Heavenly Father's provision

of exactly what we need to make a home.

Just like He provided the twigs and feathers, grass and vines for the olive-backed sunbird,

 so He has, through His people and their kindness,

supplied just about all we need for this new nest.

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, 

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are you not of more value than they?

Matthew 6:26 

We hope you'll stop by for a visit!

Amy and Elise Skype with 3 friends at once in their new room

 Now that we're back, we'd love to spend some time with you.

You've heard all about us5 through our newsletters and blog,

now we'd love to hear about you, 

and how God has demonstrated His goodness in your lives!

 

on the road

We finished up our time in Seattle with more good byes,

thankful for the opportunity to spend time with so many we love.

Then on July 31st we began our journey south.

We experienced just a little bit of adventure in northern California

as our alternator gave up the ghost on a barren stretch,

but with the help of a good Samaritan

and a convenient garage, we were quickly on the road again.

 Near Sacramento we attended a baseball game for the college team of Barbara's nephew.

It was a perfect slice of Americana...an high scoring game with amazing fireworks at the end.

Proud of you, B!

We also spent a night with Barbara's eldest brother who taught us how to eat artichokes.

 We had so much fun looking at old photos, we totally forgot to take any new ones with you guys!

But we left with great memories...thank you, C and D!

Then we trekked on further south where we spent the fourth of July weekend

with more family, more fireworks, and more great memories.

For pictures of some of the crazy fireworks Barbara's brother helped Michael to set off in his driveway on the 4th, check out Elise's newest photos here.

THANKS, S, B and W, for a great time with you guys!

We also had some special fellowship with a local supporting church here in town yesterday; 

we are encouraged by such love among the people of God.

Today we turn eastward, continuing our cross-country journey,

looking forward to how God will continue to lead in the days ahead...

holy week

Here in the Philippines, the week before Easter is referred to as Holy Week,

and special church events and worship times are often scheduled 

in Protestant churches.

 We had the joy of spending part of last week at our church Holy Week Retreat.

Can you pick us5 out of the group photo above?

 Meals for the whole group were prepared in the little church kitchen.

 Kuya Ojie and Harold (above) are preparing camote, a popular Filipino vegetable, for dinner.

 Inday helps with dinner prep too.

What a great time to fellowship together, and to bless the people of God!

Michael, Amy and Elise join with a group of other youth in prayer

It was special time to focus on the Word,

to pray and worship together,

and to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter,

the resurrection of our Lord!

"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; 

if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? 

The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching 

but whether or not he rose from the dead."

-Tim Keller

gathered to give thanks

Wishing you hearts full of thankfulness this Thanksgiving!

 I'm thankful today for helping hands in the kitchen; for the joy of cooking with my daughters!

For the beauty of cherry pie...isn't it fun?

Thank you, Elise!

 And for water-color painted name tags.

Thank you, Amy!

 Thankful that though we live in another country where Thanksgiving is not a holiday,

and where our kids still had classes at school, Mark still had work, and Amy and Elise still needed a glass of Gatorade after a basketball practice that lasted til 5, yet we can still celebrate.

Thankful that even here, without the usual trimmings,

we feasted on this amazingly special treat of a moist and delicious turkey!

Thanks so very much, C family...and especially to Abigail(above), and to her sister who combined skill to prepare it.  

That turkey was fabulous!

Thankful for the full bounty of the feast; 

just about every dish traditional to our memories of Thanksgiving...

(and even a few new ones, like the root beer float, Yuri!)

And thankful for a very international group of thankful friends to celebrate with us.

Americans, Japanese and Filipinos...

together with hearts of thanks,

unified in the One Who deserves all our thanks!

...gather us from among the nations, 

that we may give thanks to Your holy name 

and glory in Your praise.

Psalm 106:47

remind me again

"Aio!" Five little voices chimed at my gate, 

so young, so expectant.  "Plasteek?" 

I knew they were looking for recycleables, 

and since I had some to share, I went to meet them.

Their bubbling excitement when I gave them old plastic bottles and tin cans made me smile.

Our trash was like treasure; pure joy.

They energetically worked together to divvy up the spoil,

counting it out and sharing equally with one another.

What will they get from this little bit of trash?

A few pesos?

I brought them some packages of cookies as a snack.

They opened each new package delightedly, 

sharing bites of the different types of cookies with one another,

glorying in the unexpected goodness of it all.

And as this little troupe of waifs left my gate, they all looked back with waves,

shouting "Salamaat Po!" Thank you! 

 I watched their companionship and care for one another,

and was reminded of how the body of Christ should look.

A band of people united in purpose, 

looking out for the welfare of one another.

A contented people, smiling at God's goodness 

even when we are not rich in worldly goods.

A people amazed by the treasure we find in Christ, 

and in His gifts to us each day, 

eager to share the spoils of His Word 

and the riches of His goodness with one another.

A people overflowing with respectful thanks

to the God Who abundantly provides all that we need.

I hope those boys come back soon;

I need all the reminders I can get.

when sinners say 'i do'

This weekend we participated in a marriage retreat through our local church.

The emphasis was on demonstrating mercy to one another in marriage, 

as God has so lavishly demonstrated mercy to each one of us.

What a great reminder to model our relationship after the marriage of

Christ and His bride, the Church;
a model that transcends any earthly cultural model for marriage.

 These two beautiful single ladies, Lil and Annie, 

lovingly served, prepared food, and decorated for a very special closing dinner,

where we celebrated God's good gift of marriage.

A very dear couple, Allan and Nora

 The retreat ended with a renewal of vows to one another,

and though it was a little different than an American marriage retreat,

with a puppy running under the tables,

and all of the couple's children in attendance, too,

it was very sweet; an event we'll never forget.

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship,
communion or company than a good marriage.
-Martin Luther

family reunion

can you find us 5 in this recent church retreat photo?

...by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God...

Revelation 5:9-10

 What a gift it is,

to fellowship every week with some of the redeemed

from other tribes and languages,

worshiping together with the people of this Philippine nation.

We long for the day when we can introduce you all:

our sweet brothers and sisters in Christ on this island

to all of our loved brothers and sisters from our homeland

in a never-ending fellowship of the children of God in Glory.

What a family reunion that will be!

like kids in a candy shop

Last Sunday afternoon some of us gathered at church for a card-making workshop.

We talked about the basics of design and color, and introduced stamping and lettering.

And then we acted like kids in a candy shop,

reveling in creating,

having fun sharing a task, and lots of exciting materials,

young and old, working together.

Not only did we create some beautiful cards,

we created beautiful memories!

Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful time.

Let's do it again sometime soon.

♥

us6 for a day

Spring break means a change in routine,

and opportunities to do some special things...

Like becoming a family of six

while Michael's little buddy M spends the day with us!

Michael and M on the way to our house

It's been a very long time since we've had a little man around the house.

Stirring up a batch of pancakes

His little eyes see all that is new and exciting about the world,

challenging us to remember the wonder...

A piggy back ride up the street

Even a ride in a taxi is full of endless delight and excitement.

Counting all the other taxis on the road!

With a little downtime to rest,

and time to play with friends,

A rousing game of Duck Duck Goose

it was a full and wonderful day.

Thanks for sharing it with us, M!

You won my heart by bringing me a beautiful flower!

We're so thankful for the community of family we share,

a true fulfillment of Jesus' promise in Luke:

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, 

“no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children 

for the sake of the kingdom of God  

will fail to receive many times as much in this age, 

and in the age to come eternal life.”

Luke 18:29-30