Philippine Thoughts

I just got back from a 10 day trip to the Philippines--Davao City at that! Wow! Go to http://www.harvesthouse.ph/ and click the January 2010 trip link for more info on the ministry and to watch a video of my experience!

God is certainly good to us! Going to a place like Davao Philippines opens your eyes to just how blessed we are in comparison to most in the world. I could not help but think, "Most of these wonderful people live in less space than my master bath!" My master bath! Not my master bedroom, or half of my house, or the kitchen and living room! We visited cell groups in homes that housed multiple people--adults, teens, and kids--that had less room than my master bath!! That is humbling for sure. But it also helps me understand that the blessing of God isn't in what you have materially--but what you have spiritually!

Their heart for God is amazing! So open, so receptive, and so hungry! The hunger for God is uninterrupted! People who show up more than an hour early for church to intercede in prayer! People who just give time to their walk with God, being willing to sacrifice in order to make it happen. People who worship without caring what others think! Young people fired up about God and church! I like that! I want that!

To my Filipino brothers and sisters, I will be back! But not only that, I will lead our church and others in supporting the work of Harvest House in the Philippines! I also make a commitment to honor the prayer you put towards me in seeking more of God and striving to stir more hunger than ever before on this side of the Pacific Ocean!

Yes, I'm jetlagging! But I am blessed!

Peace for now,

PR