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...