Two days ago, Saturday, was spent at Darwin's house...that's the VVM (Vonaculare Video Ministry) office. It was a day of praying for each other and individual ours provisions, reports from the field, fellowship, and food. We didn't branch out and go anywhere...in fact we stayed put for about 13 hours...it was a VERY long day.
What stood out to me the most on Friday was, Danny, one of the Pastor's in the group of ten, asked curiously, "It's great that we get to mobilize and plant churches and have film showings here in the Philippines and disciple many in the name of Christ...We are thankful to our brothers and sisters in the United States for their partnership and sponsoring projects...but how does Church Mobilization Initiative effect those people there in the States? How does the people giving there, effect them? It is great to bring all of the Philippines to Christ but it's no good if the States aren't able to mobilize and grow too...are we to reach ALL of the Philippines and then go to the States and spread the gospel there? We will send the Palawan guys!" (The Palawan guys are HIGHLY MOTIVATED because no one has ever helped them before or giving Palawan much attention and now that they have partnered with VVM, and finally have a few resources, they are very passionate about spreading the gospel across Palawan...) Everyone laughed.
This statement stood out to me more than anything that was shared yesterday! It really made an impression on me...it stuck in my crawl...haunted me...
"How does Church Mobilization Initiative affect back home? How does giving to projects here, affect us back home? "
The answer is.....few know about it.....hopefully that will change soon.
Yesterday, we went with Darwin and his beautiful family's church. We enjoyed a wonderful sermon and worship in a much more modern setting than we spent in the villages. We came back to Darwin's home and had homemade "American Beef Stew", made by Colin the night before...it was very good! And yes, we had rice on the side! (Rice is served with every meal here, including breakfast.) Pong, One of the younger Pastors escorted Jared and I into the into the downtown Baguio area...we took a "Jeep-nee" for the cultural experience. (Jeep-nee's are the fancy jeep bus's you've seen in my pics.) You can view the latest Baguio pictures on Facebook...I wanted to document the mayhem that is Baguio. It's absolutely insane! Then we met Darwin, his family, Colin, Darwin's Pastor, Worship Leader, some Elders, and their families at a bowling alley......Jared and I sat it out on the sidelines.....we we're tired and enjoyed the story's Pastor Pong had to share about his mission work across Asia for the last ten years or so...
Today we officially started the workshops....a local, Jona, who is a film festival winner slash film instructor in manila. He is teaching on screenplay writing. Tomorrow is my day to teach in the afternoon.....I'm still not sure what all I will share with the group. Please pray for tomorrow, which will be when you go to bed this evening, will go smoothly and be we'll received!
Thanks....Love ya! Keep pray'n!
In His Grip,
Deric Cook
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