Philippines E-Camp Part 7 - One Last Time, SMCI Night (Davao, 13/08)

It was the second last day of the campaign and there wasn't much preaching to be done. We hit two schools, and the rest of the day was spent in bookstores, and rehearsing for our skit in the evening. The first class I took, there was this student who asked, "Since Jesus has died for all our sins, does that mean after I accept Jesus, I can continue to sin all I want?" I was momentarily dumbfounded. But thank God for all the analogies used by different people during Street E, I recalled one of them and used it to explain to the student the best I could. Thank God for His guidance! Not only that, it spoke to me personally as well.

I remember James sharing once, that when we share the Gospel, we remind ourselves over and over again about God's grace to us and we're more humbled, more appreciative. It seemed to hold especially true during the preaching in my last class. I was doing the Cross trick. When the water cleared from its dark state, the students were struck. When I added more iodine in and the water remained clear, I was struck. I'd done the trick a couple of times already, but it was that one time that a wave seemed to gush over me and I was so overwhelmed, so moved. It was such a reminder - once a child of God, always a child of God. We can be so distant, we can grieve Him so much, we can turn away from Him, but in His eyes, we're still that clean, perfect child of His, because He has already forgiven us. As the song goes, I am amazed to know, that a God so great could love me so. What unthinkable grace and inexplicable love indeed. Thank God for speaking to me, even through my sharing.

My last Gospel class of the campaign

And then it was the SMCI Night! The Singapore team put up a skit for all the students. Thank God how everything worked out! And thank God for the narration. Somehow, the lights weren't turned on so I wasn't able to look at the script, so I had to memorise it on the spot without looking at it. That was a miracle in itself, so thank God, really. And I wish that Charmaine'd taken a video of the skit instead of my narration, the skit's so much funnier. Hee. Well, thank God for His grace...

The Philippine eagle!!!

I was already starting to feel sad that night, I knew it was the last time I was gonna see some of them. People like Ate Ethel, Ate Kakai, Earll, Dylan... And of course, that was already our last night at Davao. If there was one thing I regretted, it'd be not taking my own pictures.

Ate Ekit did this! How sweet!

Dylan and Ate Ethel! :D

Before we left for the pension house, Ate Abigael came up to me and said, "Ruth, forgive your dad, okay?" The words still ring constantly in my mind. It has to be done. How can I go about so readily and share the Word yet forget about the ones dearest to me? Keep praying, as what people have been telling me during the trip each time I share about my family. Thank God for people like Beverly, Charmaine, Ate Abigael for their encouragement and just reminding me to pray.

And since it was the last night... Party time! With uh, chips and Monopoly Deal. (No durian, thank goodness, phew!) Hahahaha!

Philippines E-Camp Part 6 - Work and Play (Tagum City, 12/08)

It was supposed to be a very busy day for us, but turned out that we had plenty of rest time. Well there was this class of High School Year 1s in the morning. Prior to that, I thought that I'd avoid the Year 1 and 2 classes as I'd heard that they wouldn't really understand our English. But on that day, when they called for a volunteer to take the class, I decided to give it a shot. My, were they a bunch of well-behaved students! They were so quiet and attentive, I was really amazed and thankful. And they did understand me (at least I went as slowly as possible and asked many questions to ensure their understanding in which they responded so I assume they did). It's not about me anyway, but what the Holy Spirit does. Oh, and I had the longest autograph session all week in that class. I felt like a celebrity! LOL. But they're sooooooooo adorable! Geez. There was also a group of girls who asked for my favourite colour. After I left the class, they followed me and gave me an orange necklace. I was really touched. After all, they aren't exactly well-to-do yet they were so willing to just give something to a foreigner whom they've only met once. Aww... Totally sweet!

It was a long rest from lunchtime on. We hung around Firenzo Cafe (Pastor Mike's favourite place) just chilling. After which was a short time of sightseeing!

What better way to commemorate the green day than a shot with my favourite fruit!

Say cheese!

Ate Yen! We were asked to take this picture cos we look like those plants behind us - long and thin. So it's like a... Family photo.

Kuya Oliver was about to try something

Now we were gonna try something but as can be seen, it was a failed shot lol.

We did another one or two classes each in the early evening, and it was time for dessert at Chow King!

Waiting for our Halo Halo!

Then began the long, long ride back to Davao. It was nice, being able to talk to Charmaine and knowing more about each other's lives. Whoa, she's like super smart! Man. And I'd lose to her in every game except Tap Tap. Hmph.

And it was a great night in Jill's room, chatting, Monopoly Deal, SUPPER! :D :D

Philippines E-Camp Part 5 - Fight On (Tagum City, 11/08)

I decided to use the Cross magic trick that morning, as I figured that high school kids might want something more visual. Alina demonstrated it once, but I hadn't tried it out. That was the first time I'd be doing it in the classroom. I prayed fervently that it would all work out, that the colour of the water would change from dark to normal when I put the Cross in. And thank God, it did! Thank God for Beverly helping me too. But what encouraged me most was that someone texted Ate Abigael, thanking her for someone sharing about Jesus with her. Thank God for using weak vessels like us to bring the Good News to people...

We didn't have room-to-room opportunities at our second school. Instead, we could gather students and start sharing the Gospel with them. I was worried initially. In room-to-room evangelism, everyone would already be in the class ready to listen. But in group evangelism, I was afraid that no one would bother about me. Well I was wrong. I prayed for courage, and thank God for the opportunity to speak to 3 groups of students. It was really nice when students passed by in the midst of my sharing, and joined the group to listen. It was probably out of curiosity regarding this foreigner, but we can never underestimate the power of the Gospel. Thank God for the friendliness of the students and their willingness to listen.

Several of the students from my first group

Thank God for His grace and strength for the rest of the day. One of my evening classes was actually held in a garage. When Ate Melai was leading me to a class, I'd expected a normal classroom of students. When I realised that I'd be speaking to an all-guy class in a huge garage with lots of background noise of the guys working on their cars, I was a little apprehensive. But I knew that it wasn't about the audience or the venue or the conditions, it was about reaching out to the lost. Thank God that the place quietened down, for giving me the voice to battle the surroundings, for giving me ideas to tweak my illustrations to better appeal to the crowd, and for the students listening attentively.

I was just chatting with Alina while waiting for the rest of the team to be done, and we were talking about why we decided to go for the campaign. I was truly blessed by the sharing. It was really encouraging hearing about how she made the decision to go, how it was initially a mere promise but eventually became a sincere desire to serve God. It's remarkable, how God works in people's lives and changes their perceptions when there is a genuine willingness to honour Him. Even hearing about how Charmaine and Pearlyn decided to go, it's just amazing. It's so nice when people put aside their cares and concerns, their doubts and fears, to serve Him. I'm so thankful for them going, and I'm really glad I went!

On top of all that, it was a great rooming with Janice, Beverly and Jill for two nights. The times of talking and praying, having different roommates and getting to know Beverly so much better... It was really nice. Thank God for them! :)

Philippines E-Camp Part 4 - The Battle Begins (Tagum City, 10/08)

So began my very first preaching experience. That morning we hit the college, I thought that I would watch someone do it first. Who was to know, Ate Ingrid came up and told me, "Ruth, you'll be the first to speak." I was stunned for a moment but I did not have time to react, I was ushered into a classroom soon after. I was nervous, partly because Hwee Min was at the back watching me. But of course, the moment I was in the classroom, I had to start speaking. I asked the class if they knew Whitney Houston, and there was an initial silence. I thought to myself, "Oh no, this is a bad start." I prayed and asked God to help me, after which there was some response, enough for me to move on. And the Holy Spirit took over. To be honest, I wasn't that prepared. I didn't write an elaborate script like some of them did, I didn't rehearse like some of them did. But God just gave me words to speak, and the whole preaching went smoothly. Prior to that, I wondered if there would even be 5 people who would raise their hands.But thank God for the 29 out of 33 decisions made (I just had to take note of the numbers of my very first class). It was really not me who convinced anyone, but the Holy Spirit who worked and convicted.

Thank God for the rest of the day, where I began to loosen up. I would preach to 7 classes that day and earn the nickname "Robot", but I definitely hope that my preaching wasn't robotic. Only God knows. It was an exciting evening. It was raining, I was upping the volume of my voice, and by the time I did my third classroom, I thought that my voice was gonna go. After I left the room, I was so tired. I saw Hwee Min sitting down resting, so I joined her, thinking that we were gonna call it a day and just wait for the rest to be done. But shortly after, Ate Ingrid told us that there was one more classroom, so one of us had to take it. Hwee Min said that she was tired, so I, uh, got the hint. Lol. But you know, I've never regretted going into that classroom. It was one of the more memorable classes I took all week.

I'll admit, that I went into the classroom because I didn't really have a choice. After having done three classes, the last one was just another classroom for me. I was so tired, I kinda wanted to get it over and done with. Which was probably the cause for the slight struggle I faced with later on. Halfway through, I felt extremely tired, my voice was running, I was stressed as Kim Cheong and Hwee Min were at the back watching, and I was flustered as I was talking about us not having to pay for our sins anymore since Jesus has already paid for them, but the students didn't seem to get it. That was when I knew I really needed to pray and depend on the Holy Spirit. Thank God, for it got better after that. I was calmer, my voice held, and my tiredness seemed to go away.

Thank God for the class as well, they were a really friendly bunch of people. I probably stayed close to an hour in the classroom, they were asking me sooooo many questions. I was really blessed by them, their warmth and interest in a foreigner. They were really nice. And I guess I won't forget them asking me to sing a Singaporean song for them. Which I did, I sang the pledge, and believe it or not, I forgot the words to it halfway. Lol. But they were such wonderful people, I didn't feel embarrassed at all. I really enjoyed my time in the classroom. More importantly, thank God for the privilege to bring the Gospel to them. I don't know how many really accepted Christ, but God knows, and I believe He will continue to work in their hearts.

That was first day of preaching, and I remain amazed at how God enabled and empowered me. I was a totally different person in the classroom, I spoke in ways I never saw myself speaking before, and it is only by His doing. Of course, that was just the beginning, there would be more to come. Thank God for everything going smoothly, for the schools that allowed us to bring the Gospel in, for the friendliness of the students, for the preaching opportunities. :)

Philippines E-Camp Part 3 - Chillax Day, Durian Night (Davao, 09/08)

We were supposed to start preaching on Monday. For the new Singapore team, that is. But after taking a short afternoon to prepare for sharing the Gospel, news came that the schedule for the whole day had been cancelled. I was a little disappointed, cos part of me couldn't wait to start preaching! Not that I was prepared, but I was excited. Well, as Pastor Mike always says. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape. It was a reminder that we should honour the Lord by taking a day off and not be too occupied with working. And thank God that we do not live by schedules. They change all the time. Thank God for flexibility!

It was a nice afternoon spent at a mall. I was a little sad that everyone else was busy purchasing loads of books (they're really cheap over there) while I had no money to get any (I ran out of money by the third day, believe me). But at the end, it was the fellowship that mattered! Ate Abi, Ate Ishie and Kuya Alfred came with us, so it was a great afternoon spent with them. Just sharing insights on books and sermons... It was really nice. Love my Filipino brothers and sisters! :)

Then came the horror of durian night. For me at least, I was one of the very few who wasn't too excited about the thought of durians. Especially after all the threats of having durian smeared over my face and stuffed into my nose, all I wanted to do was to hide somewhere when the durians were served. Lol! But with Kuya Alfred and some of the others egging me on to have some, I just had to be a sport. And yes, I ate durian! They call it the historic moment. *Cameras out* hahaha.

Jill and I were so proud of ourselves that night. And there's Kuya Alfred looking extremely triumphant.

Whoever took this shot, it looks kinda hilarious.

Ate Abi and Ate Din, eager to celebrate my "Durian Moment"

Davao's durians aren't as bad as Singapore's I guess, at the very least they don't smell like exhaust fumes. I'm no durian-lover still, but... Those at Davao aren't that bad I'd say. And of course, it was all in the name of fun. I had a great night! :) :)

Okay it seems like I'm going on and on about random stuff on the trip. Cos the main course never comes at the start! Hohoho. Check back for more!

Philippines E-Camp Part 2 - Day at GPCM (Davao, 08/08)

It was our first Sunday at Growpoint Church Ministry. It was really cool, they have this Sunday school whereby different groups (students, working professionals, etc.) will gather for a time of teaching and sharing. Seeing that I was the only student there (the other 4 ladies are working), I was initially a little worried that I wouldn't be able to fit in. But I soon realised that my worries were unfounded. Everyone was really, really friendly. I felt so at home with them! And thank God for using Ate Melai to conduct a great session on Confession. It really spoke to me.

I was really blessed by the people there. GPCM isn't a big church. In fact, it's really small. There was perhaps a mere 30 people during the Worship service. They didn't have a choir, they didn't have elaborate musical instruments. But they had a heart of worship. It was such a blessing seeing the joyful faces as they sang their hearts out for the Lord. These brothers and sisters, they're so thankful just to be able to worship God. It wasn't about the songs, it wasn't about the skills, it wasn't about anything else, it was about God. I was rebuked on the attitude I take towards worship sometimes. And I'm just so encouraged by our Filipino brethren.

It was another relaxing day, with the arrival of the Bohol team, fellowship with the GPCM-ians, hanging out at the mall, and more fellowship in the evening.

Ate Ishie!

Ate Kakai, Ate Abi, Ate Ishie

Ate Ishie, Ate Ethel, Ate Kakai

Dinner!

Random group shot
I'd never thought that I'd be able to get along so well with the Filipino brethren. I thank God for their warmth and hospitality. Back in Singapore, I'd never leave my seat to extend a hand to someone before service. But it was different over there. We were all so happy to be in the place of God. Well maybe it's just me, but I still wanna thank God for them making me feel so comfortable, so welcome, so at home. It's just so easy to approach them, to talk to them, and I'm thankful that God allowed me to meet every single one of them. I've been blessed by some of their testimonies, and it was just wonderful getting to know them better, hearing about their life stories. It's a tremendous encouragement looking at them serve God with great joy and passion. I believe that God will continue to use them mightily for His glory. I miss you guys...

Philippines Evangelistic Campaign 2010

2119 preaching opportunities

109504 people heard the Gospel

71844 people made decisions for Christ

How great is our God!

It's high time I begin penning down my thoughts on this amazing experience. Honestly, words aren't enough to describe the whole process. I've seen and learnt so much, I'm just overwhelmed. God is just SO good. Bear with me, here goes.

Philippines E-Camp Part 1 - Welcome to Davao! (Davao, 07/08)

We're good to go!

The day finally arrived for us to depart for the Philippines. I was so excited! And it was my first time travelling with such a small group of people, so it was really nice, just to be able to get to know them better. Pearlyn is one interesting lady, I'm telling you. How will we ever forget that four of our check-in bags added up to 26kg, while hers alone was 13kg! Apparently, she brought a pot, flask, pillows, bedsheets, limes... You name it, she brought it. But hey I'm not complaining, they came in handy for us. Pearlyn's Pantry! Lol. That aside, it was a nice, turbulent flight to Manila, and then to Davao. Yeah, they had a good laugh seeing me so scared. But well, it was still fun. We landed safely in Davao and received a warm welcome from Pastor Renz, Ate Melai and Jenray. Thank God for their hospitality! It was a nice time of fellowship over dinner. Yummy chicken and fish!

There wasn't much to do, so it was a relaxing first night there. The pension house was great! Considering that it's a mission trip we went for, I must say that we were treated quite well. It was no posh hotel, but it was so good. Although I nearly died in the cold water, it was just for a night. Lol. Three cheers for the BS Inn! :)

Check back for more updates!

It doesn't matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.

Confucius

I don't study Confucianism. This quote hangs above the escalator to the NS line at Dhoby Ghaut. I see it every Wednesday night after Street E, and I'm encouraged by it each time. It's been a step by step progression for me all this while. I never saw myself doing this a couple months back, nor did I imagine that I'd even be willing to do it. But thank God for His provision, and for the encouragement of so many around me. I was amazed just now, and it could only have been His empowerment. Of course, I still have so much to learn. Greater things will come, if I'm only willing to try, and trust.

Thank God for Street E tonight. I was really encouraged. So were the rest, I believe. It just goes to show that He is always faithful. When things got discouraging along the way, when all we met with were closed doors... Thank God for leading us to the one who was ready to hear His Word. It was a wonderful moment. Thank God for working in her heart, thank God for her humility, thank God for her simple yet sincere prayer for forgiveness. Pray that she'll come by this Sunday, and that she'll experience the true joy of knowing the Lord.

I don't know what's going to happen after the trip. But it shouldn't be the end. More challenges lie ahead. Which I can only overcome in His strength.

Meanwhile, it's time to get cracking.