Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Day 10 Philippines 2010

Today we worked on the Pastoral Training Course (PTC) center in the morning. The power in the area was out, so that slowed down some work, but there was some drywall done, concrete done, and other smaller projects all around the building.

In the afternoon we finished up what we were currently working on, helped clean-up, and had some time to talk and play with the neighborhood kids outside.

Around 4 PM we had the great priviledge of being able to dedicate the building:

We started by singing three songs of praise to God. The praise time was sweet. Donnie played guitar alongside four Filipinos (2 guitars, a beat box, and Paul Caampued III sang). We were able to worship right along side the Filipino pastors and some of their families. They sing with passion and joy to the Lord.

Then, after some introductory comments by Paul Caampued (II), David preached on being "Entrusted with the Gospel", from 1 Thess 2:1-12. David challenged all that being entrusted with the Gospel of Jesus means: guarding the Gospel from distortion, living in a manner worthy of the Gospel, boldly proclaiming the Gospel with confidence from God, laboring in integrity as you proclaim the Gospel, demonstrating character consistent with the Gospel (being full of grace and mercy), seeking God's glory in the proclamation of the Gospel, and suffering for the Gospel (as necessary).

David then commissioned the PTC pastors to guard the Gospel and equip others to the work of the Gospel. David specifically commissioned Paul to raise up and equip the next generation of Filipino pastors to continue on the Gospel work.

We gathered around the PTC pastors and prayed for them, their families, and for God's work to be done in the Philippines. This was a rich time of encouragement and exhortation as we laid hands on the PTC pastors and lifted them up to God.

Paul then gave each of the Crossway team members Certificates of Recognition on behalf of their work on the building and thanked us for our hard work. Afterwards, we had a pig roast and a chance to talk and fellowship with many of the people there. We also had an opportunity to thank them for their incredible hospitality and express to them what God has been doing in our lives during this mission trip. God has been softening many hearts to the work He is doing in the Philippines. We came here to serve them, but they have served us in ever so many ways.

Thank you for your many prayers and abundant support of the trip. This building would not be where it is at today without your support. We have mentioned numerous times that people must be praying for us-- we can sense God's hand protecting and helping us.

Please pray for:
-God to continue to be working in the Philippines. The need is large, but the workers are few.
-One more good day of work tomorrow as it is our last day at the PTC site.
-Continued safety at the job site.
-The health of our team. Several people are not feeling 100%.
-Lucas & Dana as they travel tomorrow to the orphanage that Mary Chu (Paul's daughter) works at.

May Christ be magnified by all peoples,

Arron for the Crossway 11