My first weeks in Cebu
I’ve now been in Cebu, Philippines for 3 weeks and have adjusted to most of the major changes. Culture shock is a very real thing, but I know God will bless me for my willingness.
I want to thank everybody for being a part of my team, whether financially or spiritually. Yes, I need both funds and prayers to make a difference in people’s lives, and God has chosen many of you to help me do that. I pray for all of my family, friends and church a lot. I pray that my absence hasn’t gone unnoticed, and that my life has impacted yours in some way.
My first week here in Cebu, I was able to help with the kids ministry at YWAM, and I loved every second of it! That week I went to 3 different slums and ministered to the kids there. It’s not an experience that is easily described, but I can say that God cares for the poor just as much as anyone else.
This is a third world country, and many people here follow religion without having a relationship with God. (Not all Catholics are this way, but many here in the Philippines are.) At the same time, it’s the only Asian country labeled “Christian,” yet it struggles with corruption. Sound familiar? In some ways, it does sound a little like America. But here it is very poor, and babies aren’t aborted, so there are many orphaned kids.
I’ve met a few of the orphans here on base who have chosen to follow Christ and help minister through YWAM. It’s such a blessing to hear how God saved them through different experiences.
God is definitely moving in America as well as here in the Philippines, on the other side of the world. They serve the same Jesus here as we do back home. I pray that we will be set apart and not let anyone give Christ a bad name.
Training
Class started for me 2 weeks ago, and all I can say is that God is using YWAM in a mighty way to train missionaries. I’ve listened to my fair share of seminary recordings, but the teachers who come in each week are truly anointed by God, each with their own testimonies and revelations. If the Holy Spirit isn’t speaking through you, then it’s just time spent teaching theory.
I’m truly blessed to be here learning from our different teachers. Each week we have a new teacher speaking on one topic. Most of the teachers live here in the Philippines, but not all of them.
The theme for our class is “Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice,” which is a favorite topic for many of us. Who doesn’t want a better relationship with the Creator of the universe? Learning to hear God’s voice may seem hard, but it’s not. I’ve heard Him speak revelation into my life these past 2 weeks, and I know it was the Shepherd’s voice.
I pray that in your busy lives back home, you will also take the time to “be still” and listen to God during prayer, and not just pray to offer your petitions to Him.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for the kids ministry here and for the hearts of those who will hear us proclaim the Gospel. Pray for our leaders and supporters, and for all the staff and students. Most importantly, pray that God’s will be done here in the Philippines. I know many here need my help, and I need yours.
Be blessed!
P.S. Please feel free to write me back. Even though I’m very busy here in the Philippines, I still have time to stay in touch with my favorite people =D I haven’t tried Skype yet, but I’d like to. Add my account “justin_gilpin” and you may be able to see me online sometime, or we could set up a time to talk. God bless!
…Pictures below…
Little Brother
**This little kid had an older sister and lived under a bridge. The government gives them these little lots that are probably 4x6 feet or so and maybe 5 1/2 feet tall to live in. Not every family is this fortunate, though. Most have to build their own little shed, and probably move once the landowner kicks them out. **
Porridge
**These kids were a blessing to me, as they knew the Lord’s Prayer. Though they have nothing, they were still thankful to have a bowl of porridge made out of rice, coconut, and chocolate. This was the third slum we went to, and these are some of the kids who are being kicked out of their so-called homes because it’s not their property. **
Mountain of Trash
**Here is the first slum I experienced. I was shocked at the view from that location, as not far from it is a mountain of trash. Later I found out that Korea and Japan export all their trash to the Philippines and that many live in the trash slums. Most of the trash is sent to Manila from my understanding, which is the biggest city in the Philippines. **
Cold Shower
**Yeah, when I first arrived I thought my cold shower was bad. Well, God broke my heart as this poor boy is taking his in front of many people, as do the adults. Though you can try to cover up as much as possible, it is still a humbling thing to have to bear. The water here in the slums and most of the country is not purified, and people are susceptible to getting sick. **
Under The Bridge
Here is a picture of home to many people. I’m not sure how many live under this bridge, but poverty is very common here. Nearly the entire country makes less than 2 dollars a day. Please pray for them!