Not Jehovah's Witnesses?

For the last month we have been going door to door to pray with people in the community, and to offer bible studies to those who are interested. Doing this creates opportunity for some interesting experiences and encounters. Yesterday our friend Henry discovered that if a door was about to be slammed on him, that saying, “I am not a Jehovah’s Witness” would sometimes reopen the door and conversation. However true that may be, it perhaps isn’t the most technically accurate and appropriate statement to use. I find it funny that one of our teacher’s David Asscherick, says that when Jehovah’s Witnesses come to his door, he invites them in and says, I am Jehovah’s Witness too. As Christians we are all God’s witnesses. We have a responsibility to represent the true meaning of the name Christian, that has been secularly warped and blurred into a misconstrued insignificance. Although technically I am Jehovah’s Witness, I don’t readily identify myself as such because of the negative connotation associated with the term. And unlike “Jehovah’s Witness's” I have no problem with non “Jehovah’s Witness's” praying in my presence. 

People are understandably hesitant to have strangers knock at their door, but we have found that most people are friendly, and many are hungry to have someone to talk to and to pray with. 

We prayed with a lady who’s husband is about to die, and is living out his last days in the hospital. She was appreciative of our genuine concern and a loaf of Danelle’s home-made bread. We shared in her tears and attempted to convey, that God cares, and understands her pain.

We knocked on Joe’s door rather hesitantly. He was blaring his music, and it was about time for us to go home, but we went ahead anyways. Joe opened the door and invited us in, he turned down his music and opened up to us. He is a carpenter, he understood that Jesus was a carpenter, he figures that maybe Jesus will have some work for him to do in heaven. He said he that he would maybe be interested in bible studies, we said that we would come back. 

The next time we came back, Joe was again blaring his music, this time it was obvious that he was having a party, we decided to go in anyways. We talked and listened to Joe and his friends who said they wouldn’t tell anyone if we had a few beers. At the end of the conversation just before we were about to leave Joe asked us to pray, we did and we said that we would come back. Joe’s friend Danielle seemed to be especially appreciative and she gave us her number.

The third time we came back there was even more cars than before, Joe was having a garage band concert in his home. We went in and were offered food and were told to make ourselves comfortable. People were just starting to leave when we arrived and eventually there was only about 6 of us left in the home. I had the impression that maybe we should sing a song. Danelle played on the guitar and I sang with her a song called “You said” This was a break through. They told us that we had a gift and that we should play that music more places, so that people could hear. The song moved Joe’s friend Danielle to tears, and a guy named Dave said that he heard 4 part harmony. We weren’t singing any harmony.  

Music is a language and it opened them up to God more than talking about bible verses were able to do. I know that I can’t sing especially well, but I also know that God can use our feeble attempts to accomplish great things. A few days later Danielle called us up to meet up, and we spent all of last Friday singing, praying, and studying the bible with her. She is open, she is hungry, and she says that it wasn’t a coincidence that we met her at Joe’s house; we agree. Please pray for her, she is a seeker and she wants to use her talents to glorify God. She sings with a band in local bars, and she recently told us that she refused to sing a song called “Voodoo Woman” even though her band pressured her to do so. She has convictions, and she desires to grow closer to God. 

Last night we met Tom. He is homeless and an alcoholic. He said he used to be a professional guitarist that played in a blues band. His eyes are deep and penetrative, and it is obvious that he has experienced some things. I asked him what he thought about God, and why God didn’t just destroy the devil...he said its because of free will. It was such a quick and insightful answer that it caught me be surprise and all I could say was, “I agree” I told him that the reason I asked the question was that we were having a meeting on that very topic that night, I invited him but he said he wasn’t interested.   

While I was talking to Tom I was also in periodic conversation with a man named Doug whom I had met before. Doug is smart, philosophical, and he enjoys reading his bible. He is no longer homeless and he seems to be on track. He told me that at one point in his life he made 100,000 dollars a year. I am not sure exactly what happened to cause his fall into poverty, but it is obvious that he is spiritual and finds significance in the bible. I invited him to the meeting as well but he also wasn’t interested. However as we were saying good bye he changed his mind, and decided to come. And just as surprisingly Tom also at the last minute decided to come.

They both enjoyed the meeting and expressed genuine gratitude that we took them. Tom was drunk, but cognizant even in the meeting. He told us that he was sorry that he is an alcoholic. We told him that there is hope, and our friend Neilus was able to share with him his own story of being hospitalized because of his drinking, but that he is now sober because of the bible and the promises in it. We told Tom that we will be praying for him, and that God does answer prayer. 

These are just some of the continuing stories and experiences we are having while we go door to door. There is so much pain in this world, and we see only a small sampling of it. We did a bible study in home where the 12 year old girl we study with saw her mom, and her mom’s boyfriend shot in the house while she was hiding under the covers. God doesn’t just see a sampling, of pain. He sees, and, experiences it all! He promises that He will put an end to it, and there will be a day where there will be no more tears. I am not embarrassed to pray for and give people hope for that day. And in that sense I am not ashamed to be Jehovah's Witness after all... Are you? 

Declaration, Manifestation, Confirmation, Revelation: Part 2

The following accounts are blips of stories from some of our new found friends while here at ARISE:




He was being raised by his grandparents, but he was on the streets. He was in a gang and going no where. One day he was picked up by a young evangelist. “Man, you’re going to come live with me.” The evangelist told him. He has been for the last year or so. He is so full of joy. What a cool guy Lord. He’s smart and is easy to like by everyone. His whole life is changed. He’s just amazed at his life now and is so thankful that You are in it.

At 11 years old, he hung out with the boys seven years older than himself. He learned fast how to make fast money. Along with the drugs he was selling and doing, he had 2 daughters by the time he was 23. He was deep into his gangster lifestyle. He had his pack of people who worked with him and one day he was going to go “handle” a situation for some of his pack with a “friend”. His friend backed out last minute. He was so angry about it. But thankfully that stopped him from murdering someone. He was getting sick of this life with friends that didn’t stick. When his wife was birthing his third daughter, a different woman than the other two, there were complications. Something was going wrong with the birth. His wife called her uncle and he immediately came and showed the most genuine concern that he had ever seen. Her uncle’s compassion and care surprised him and he knew there was something there that he needed. Her uncle knew You, Jesus.  He was introduced and his life will never be the same. He’s learned a better way and wants to teach others the better way.

He was like the other troubling percentage of the population of teenagers and men, in the church and out of the church, leaders and  non leaders; he was addicted to porn and was addicted to masturbation. He had recently met you Lord, and understood that his addictions were keeping a wall between You and him. His battle was as fierce as they come. He needed extreme measures for extreme times. He couldn’t do it on his own. He couldn’t fight the battle in private. He constantly was asking You to change his heart. He kept Your word close to his heart and in his mind. As he told his story of victory today, tears still gripped him and his voice still shook as he remembered how difficult the battle was. Lord he gave You so much credit for helping him. He said he wants to continue to have you lift him up in victory. He said he loves You and wants to follow only You.


He was just randomly looking at YouTube. He came across some presentations given by one of Your men, Lord. As he continued to watch that series, he decided he needed to get more of them. He realized that what he knew as truth was contrary to Your character and found out the real truth. He studied it out. He didn’t want to be deceived. So many websites went against and belittled what he had just learned. People that came from where he was going bashed and gave soil for seeds of doubt to grow. But he pressed on in his search for truth. He found out that Your word is consistent. Your character has been deeply skewed by all of the world. Lord, he said he found truth that keeps being true the more he studies it. He has such a confidence in You.


What is all of this about? What  made these different situations have the same outcome? There must be life to these words. The bible is living and  powerful. It is living because it still has relevance for today. It is powerful because as Paul explains, it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (Rom 1:16) We can hear about these things our entire lives and miss it. What about this evidence? There is so much of it if we look for it. God knew we’d need hard evidence. But something else is included in all of this. A testimony. Lives being changed. Personal evidence to harmonize with hard evidence. What’s your testimony? If you have a hard time answering this question, ask God what He is doing in it.

Declaration, Manifestation, Confirmation, Revelation: Part 1

The following accounts are blips of stories from some of our new found friends while here at ARISE:

She was on her way to Broadway. Seven years of her life had been devoted to training for this. Music lessons, voice lessons, countless hours practicing. This had been her dream since she was a little girl. Her daddy always new she make it big singing. She was going somewhere. Then she met God. Her new knowledge shook up her world. What would become of her dreams? Auditions were making her nervous. She felt a little stuck. She knew too much to give up the new found truth she had. Her lifelong dreams were knocking at her door. The three agents were interested in only her auditions out of her group. Her daddy didn’t understand when she turned them down. Her teachers shook their heads. God, what are You doing in her life? She turned down her dreams. What new dreams will You give her? She’s not sure, she said. But she told me she was sure that You are leading her. She told me she knew You were holding her hand. I can’t wait to see.


His arms were tattoos. His shaved head and goatee and broad thick build made him look tough.  He said he’s been clean and sober for 3 months.  “God’s been working in my life” he told me. His marriage had taken hard hits. His kids had taken hard hits. He told me he had a social worker pray for him. He says he is learning amazing things about You every day, God. He says he’s wants You for good. His wife came and picked him up today. His three boys were there too. He kissed her and picked up his youngest boy and kissed him too. Once he was all packed up and ready to leave he came in to say goodbye to everyone. “Thank you everyone! This has been the most powerful 2 weeks of my life. God bless all of you!” God I would love to meet him again.




Her daughter just had a breakdown. She is 15 and her older sister, 20, called her mom to tell her that her sister was so drunk. Dangerously drunk. She was crying for her to come home to help. Later, the 20 year old daughter was living with her dad when one day he dropped her off at her mom’s house and said that was it, he couldn’t handle this trouble making 20 year old. But her mom had just met God through the last breakdown of her other daughter. She went to a counselor because she was too stressed to deal with her daughters. She found out that she was a lot of the problem. Her counselor asked her what she thought of  God. She believed there was a God, but nothing further.  Then her counselor asked her if she would like to do bible studies.  She started them and her life changed. So when her 20 year old was dropped onto her porch she had some new tools. Now her daughter is involved with the church and health ministries. Her other daughter loves academy and is making amazing friends. God, she told me the last 4 months have just been amazing. She said she can’t believe the transformation in her whole family. She’s so excited God. She is a new mother, a new person. She has new kids. It’s amazing to see.

She grew up in the church. She has an amazing family and went to an amazing school. She’s heard bits and pieces of what she’s “believed” her whole life. She never looked outside of her faith, but she never looked into it very deeply either. She never “fell away” but she wasn’t ever very connected. She is discovering for the first time truths that she should know by heart. She says they are changing her life. She says her faith is finally her own. She has new questions, and she is finding answers. She said she can’t understand why so many people within her church miss it. She is falling in love with Jesus and is more sure about the character of God than ever. She says she has such purpose in life. God, keep leading her.

The Road to ARISE

Two weeks ago, just outside the little town of Waitsburg, I saw what no driver wants to see. In my rear view mirror, I saw following close behind me a cop, and then a couple seconds later that cop flashed on his lights. We pulled over and I gave him the necessary documents.

This was not the way we wanted to start our trip to California. Danelle was sleeping, and woke up to the unpleasant site of flashing lights. I told her what happened and we waited for the cop to return to our car with the verdict, the sort of process that always seems to take an unnecessarily long time. Through the rear view I saw him walk back to our car, and then he simply returned our papers and said, "make sure you slow down, I'm just going to give you a verbal warning."

I love warnings! We don't have the money to throw away on speeding tickets right now. We would not have been able to enjoy the drive to California as much if we would have gotten the speeding ticket. We were planning to do some camping on the way to California and the first place we stopped at was Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake is gorgeous, it has to be some of the bluest water I have ever seen. From Crater Lake we drove to Redwoods National Forrest and then to Bethany and Gill's new house to spend some time with them and get cleaned up before heading to the ARISE program. It was great being with them, and biking along the lake path. We look forward to spending more time with them and the rest of the family there on Thanksgiving break.

We arrived at Arise last Monday, it is beautiful here. There are 49 students in the ARISE class. The students come from South Africa, England, Australia, and North America. Many of them are at the program by the providence of God. For example there is another student here also named Kevin. The reason he is in the program is because he was on youtube and by "chance" he came across a Discover Prophecy Serries that David Asscherick was presenting. This was so persuasive to him, he spent a year studying and reading nonstop. He is convinced, and wants to be baptized. There is numerous stories like this of the different students who are here from all sorts of backrounds, religions, and belief systems.

We are in class Monday through Thursday and also will be doing community outreach on the weekends. The daily schedule is busy, but we also have time to unwind. Danelle and I have rediscoverd our love for tennis and Saturday night we played from 8 PM until 1 AM in the morning. Our teachers Matt Para and David Asscherick played with us.

Today we went swiming at a place called Candy Rock. I never knew California was so preaty. Next weeknd we are planning on visiting Yosimitie National Park. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be here and be apart of this church. A church is more than a building it is a community of believers whose passion it is to represent Christ. 

First Month Back

We are back in the US. Despite the delays Delta did eventually get us home, and they did so with first class style. However we only had one first class seat so Danelle and I shared it. I was able to experience life on the other side of the blue curtan. I was just starting to feel like I was fitting in, when Danelle came to inform me that my five hours were up and that it was her turn. She had somehow slipped past the dividing wall, the security that separates the classes, so I reluctantly gave up my seat and found my way to coach.
First class didn’t end on the plane though, in some ways it began when we re entered the United States. Clean air, clean restrooms, and a plethora of restaurants to choose from, greeted us in the San Francisco airport. First class living is a privilege and a lifestyle and is something that in many ways North America seems to have a monopoly on.
We aren’t complaining. Fridges, soft beds, and real fruit popsicles, have never looked, felt, and tasted so good. Upon arriving at her parents home in Pomeroy one of the first thing’s Danelle did was open the fridge and say, “wow.” This first month back has been full of a lot of “wow’s” it is really good to be home and our parents have treated us so good!
This month has been a whirlwind of activity. The first thing we did upon returning was drive to Port Hardy, BC to see my parents. We camped, kayaked, and explored some of BC’s pristine beaches with them. A week in Port Hardy goes by much to fast and we are all ready looking forward to the next visit.
After Port Hardy, we flew to Michigan for a re entry program. This program is designed to allow missionaries to transition smoothly back to their home culture. While there we stayed with my friend David Sandvick and his wife Brittany. They are about to head out as carrer missionaries to India. Being at the training facility is amazing because everyone there is a missionary. The atmosphere is so God centered, and in many ways it is like a little preview of what the fellowship part of heaven will be like. These three days in Michigan went by so fast but they were very valuable.

From Michigan we flew back to Spokane and were able to stay with our good friends, Jeff and Vicky. We celebrated Danelle’s birthday with them by flying their remote control radio transmitted helicopters and playing pool badminton. We got to see many of our friends in Spokane, it was good to catch up and be back in a place that feels like home.
The final week was spent with Danelle’s family in Pomeroy. This was the first time all the sisters and their husbands were together as husband and wife. We camped, boated on the river, and ate a lot of good food! On Sabbath Danelle and I were able to share pictures from our time in Palawan. Time spent with friends and family goes by much to fast. Our first month back has been a true first class experience

Flight Delays

We were supposed to be out of Manila by now but our plane had mechanical issues and we weren't even able to board the airplane. No one likes to hear that their flight has been canceled, and international flight cancellations are especially frustrating. When the announcement went out across the loudspeaker, a unified grown of displeasure was heard amongst all in Gate 11.

One man even yelled "that's not fair"! To which the flight attendant calmly replied "I am sorry sir" and the man again yelled loudly, "No that's not fair". He then went on to advise them that they should get another plane, but they informed him that they had all ready thought of that.

These people that get so irate forget how childish they come across. No one likes canceled flights, changes in plans, and prolonged uncomfortable waiting. Life is like that sometimes though, isn't it. When they don't accept the inevitable they only make a mockery of themselves.

I felt really bad for the poor flight attendants that had to deal with this man, as well as the hundreds of other hot headed people. It was easy to see that though they were stressed they were doing the best they could.

Because of the delay they sent us to a hotel in a high rise in downtown Manila. We are on the 21st floor, and are reveling in our unaccustomed luxury. And we thought we were spoiling ourselves last week. Not all situations have good in them, but it must be remembered that not all situations are all bad. We are enjoying fine dining, and comfort of a high class hotel. A situation only has to be as bleak as we choose to paint it.

We do however feel a little awkward eating and dining in a 4 star hotel in our raggy clothes. Because we slept in the airport the night before, all we were wearing was sweat pants and hoodies. Very out of place in an environment were we are being serenaded by the piano as we eat our food and served water by uniformed waiters.

In any case, we are thankful to have good food in our bellies and a hot shower and bed to enjoy. We hope we can come home soon, but if we have to get a delay or cancel, this is the way to do it. And we're thankful that we didn't get on board a plane that could have been dangerous!

Last day in Palawan

What an amazing last couple weeks we have had.We were in the mountains for about 7 months straight, so it is surreal to be in a city again. As I sit in our hotel room and type this with the comfort of AC, I all ready feel like I am in a new and foreign world. It is really nice to have this comfort and we are enjoying it, especially not having to be under a mosquito net while we sleep, but we never want to forget that such things are a privilege and not necessarily a right. The man who carried our box out was given 50 pesos, the standard pay. That covers about 3 hours of hard work, 50 pesos also happens to be the same price for the standard mango shake. I don't think to many palawano's have had a cold drink, let alone a mango shake. I am not saying there is anything wrong with enjoying a cold drink, or staying in a AC room. I just don't want to forget that my ability to do so is a privilege.


Saying goodbye to the Palawano's was a lot harder than I anticipated. I didn't even think I would cry, I was wrong. It surprised me how much my emotions flooded me as we were saying goodbyes. Jeunie (the boy I was praying would see his dad) wept and hugged me tight. Its hard for the boys to cry, just like it is for teens in the states to be vulnerable through emotion. I will never forget those sad faces, they were appreciative though, and many of them gave us notes expressing their gratitude.We have really grown to love them.This year has been an amazing experience and we never want to forget how God has led. And how it is always more of a blessing to give than to receive. We have received so much love through these people and its not just a cliche to say "I want to see you in heaven"we are all ready looking forward to that reunion.

Our fellow missionary's have become some of our best friends. The friendships and connections based on mission are deep. They made a special meal for our last night, and a pancake breakfast that they got up at 4:00 in the morning to make. Wonderful people they will definitely be in our prayers.

Today is our last day on the island of Palawan. We fly to Manila in 5 hours. This has been an excellent year, tough at times for sure...but in the end nothing but good memories remain. We are really looking forward to the next step. Being home visiting with family and friends. We have experienced God's love here and we never want to let go of that.

Kev

Heavens tears

I was looking forward to going home. I actually couldn’t wait to get there. To leave this place. It’s hard. I don’t know the language as well as I would like. It’s hard work. I didn’t get as close to people as I thought… we’re leaving anyways… People probably like us, but not as much because we haven’t been as active as some in friendship… but it’s been busy. The clinic is hard work….

But in my knowledge, I knew emotions were going to be all over the place. But I thought that the “excited to go home” emotions would be a much higher percentage that the “I’m so sad to leave” ones. I thought the “I’ll miss some things, but mostly this was just good experience” emotions would be far heavier than “I will miss this. I will miss these people. I will miss…” ones.

Sabbath, our last one here: The people’s hearts took me by surprise. I knew there would be crying, but I didn’t think that the crying would be that genuine. I didn’t think I would cry…



Then the tears came from the people; in huge waves of sniffles and then weeping, or in teary eyes… Then the words came, and situations were mentioned and thanked for that I could never forget, but I didn’t realize the thankfulness… people clung to me, or ran out, needing to weep more loudly not in front of people. Then all the sudden it hit me too. Not only emotion, but also awe, a realization… And I realized how much I do love these people, this place, and these struggles… And I will miss them. They clung to their chests and cried, “It hurts!” “It’s bitter!”



Sunday, the next day, my last day in the clinic: “So what are we going to tie her with?” Lebin said to Joha. They too think of the idea of tying people up so they can’t leave. Hilin came in and gave me a HUGE hug. She was a little teary eyed, but was smiling. I grabbed her and tickled her. “No crying right now!” We played a little more. Arlin came and hung out at the clinic all day too. I had made coconut macaroons and kalamansi (like key limes) juice for them and for our day in the clinic. We stood around and looked at each other nibble and savor the bites, they’ve probably never had a macaroon before. We joked and took goofy pictures, and we had to wrestle them to look at the camera and smile… They gave gifts of local rice, the first harvests of it… It’s a huge part of their lives… Lebin didn’t cry though. She didn’t want to.





Then the scurrying around for Kev and me; clean this, pack this, get these pictures… get a carrier for the stuff… Thank God Sunday was exceptionally quiet. Oh, no bakid (basket like backpack) to carry the box in… Ask Lebin and Sublitu, they have one we can borrow, so down we went to visit.

The girls came to our laps and looked as us with their deep brown eyes. Maypir stared me down; her little face didn’t get uncomfortable by looking into my eyes like mine did looking into hers. Her face… It was searching. I grabbed her and turned her around to sit on my lap so I wouldn’t have to look at her like that. I wasn’t expecting to cry again… I had already gotten it out I thought.

Then the final goodbyes. Then the unexpected cry from Lebin. She just put her hands in her face and her face in her lap and wept. It took me by surprise and I cried too. I wanted to stay and hug her… but goodbyes are tough and making them longer sounded horrible.

Originally we were going to hike out very early, like 5-6am. We’d meet some people on the trail, but we would miss the masses. That’s what we originally wanted. The school kids would be getting washed up for school and eating around 6:30…. But the final goodbye is important. And it always takes longer to pack up and do final touches than I think.

My opinion had changed as well. I want to see these people one more time. The kids were finishing up their roll call and prayer on the basketball court when we came by. We took some final pictures, and then they came running. Some handed us notes. Then tears again… Oh those tears. Especially from Hilin and Arlin. “I love you!” we told each other for the hundredth time in the last weekend.




Then the trail up to Niyug, we ran into Meyni and her husband Dyun. Meyni can be quite dramatic, but I shared a special experience with her when she was very sick and there were possibly some intense spiritual things involved… I was up all night with her. She had been out of her mind. The experience gave me a new perspective on Christ and was a very spiritually growing experience for me.

Then even up in Niyug, this tough village with tough people… We saw some kids bathing, I went and poked their bellies and said goodbye. They just smiled. They were too little to understand that this goodbye was for good. Then we walked over and saw Ubri at his house making tops (wooden toys). We hadn’t been that close to him. His real pain was probably the realization that Josh would be leaving a few days later. Too many missionaries leaving at once really tore hearts up. It seemed like it was such a big bite. His tears really surprised me. The emotions again flooded me. He handed us a couple of freshly carved tops. He asked us to continue to pray for him… Oh heart pains…



Then a few of the mothers that I know very well from the clinic and their babes came out. Their eyes were teary. I love them. I love their children. Oh heart pain…

Then we’re off, up above the villages that we know well. We hike along that trail, steep and slippery, looking at good vantage points to these mountains. This year, this tough, wonderful year is over. We’re going through our mourning process. I am excited to go home. But I’m actually really thankful that I’m not overwhelmingly excited to go home. I’d felt that way numerous times this year. “I just want to go home…” But this is not how I am feeling. I am happy and excited to go home, but this place I have loved and it will be missed. Home is not on the pedestal that I thought it would be. And I’m thankful for that.

One Week

One week. Exactly 7 days until we leave the mountains. I have one more busy Sunday to work at the clinic, Kevin has 4 days left of school to teach. We have one week left of sleeping under our mosquito net, one week left fighting with our roommates the insects and rats, one week left of worrying about getting bit by malarious mosquitoes. We have one week left with our amazing team, one week left with the cute little kids that laugh and smile so easily, and the youth that are so energetic, one week left with these beautiful surroundings.

It doesn't really feel like we have only a week left, I started packing the other day, and realized I could only do so much, but that I was almost done with the actual packing. Most of our belongings we brought are used up or are going to stay here. We have a few pairs of clothes, a couple of souvenirs, and that's pretty much it. Most of it will be cleaning up, and getting our bamboo house ready for the next occupants.

Our food is getting skim too. We have lots of rice and oats left. That's about it along with a few seasonings, and some vegetables and coconut from locals and a few other ingredients. Good thing rice and oats can make a lot of things; oatmeal, rice, fried rice, cookies, coconut macaroons, oat and rice patties, oat and rice loaf, sweet coconut rice, rice and milk and bananas with cinnamon, rice and gravy.... yep, we're looking forward to the food at home. Although I've loved learning how to cook creatively here. I'm starting to say no to people who try to sell me some food because I won't be around long enough to use it. Bananas for example, won't ripen up in time if I buy any more.

We both got malaria one more time before leaving. I had it last week, Kevin had it this week; hopefully that will be it for malaria. We're just hoping not to come home with it. I wonder what's worse; applying deet to my skin every day or having malaria... not that deet is 100% mosquito proof all of the time... I've used it a lot this year, but sometimes not enough... I wonder what my hemoglobin is. I wonder if we have enlarged spleens. They're not big enough for me to feel... I can't wait to eat nutrient packed food.

I packed up all of our take home meds too. The dysentery drugs, the worm meds, the malaria meds...

I wonder what kind of emotions will flood me when I actually realize we are leaving. I wonder how the emotions of the people will affect me. I wish we could just zap into the next period of life. Goodbyes are good, but I don't like them either. But in one week, we'll be saying goodbye to Palawan.

Peace Like a River

Last Sabbath Danelle and I explored the river. It was a warm sunny day, and their was no patients at the clinic so we made our escape in the attempt to find solitude. To our surprise we made it to the river without seeing anyone, and were able to continue down the river all by ourselves.

We maneuvered the slippery rocks, and swam in the deep spots, amazed at the unexpected, yet much appreciated isolation. It is a very rare thing to have alone time here, but this Sabbath we were able to soak in this luxury. We continued to swim/hike until we reached a secluded spot with a hidden waterfall tucked up behind some boulders. The waterfall creates a deep pool, and is a very serene spot to relax and get away from it all.

We are hoping to make it back once or twice in the three weeks remaining that we do have. Time is going fast. We have been enjoying our last month here and are thankful that it has been peace filled and for the most part sickness free.

Ho Hay!!! Haystacks!

So we've been craving some foods lately. Haystacks is one of them. Mmmmm, refried beans, chips, tomatoes, salsa, lettuce, ranch, olives... these are some foods that are definitly not easily obtainable here in Kemantian.

But as a team, we decided that we needed to make haystack night happen. So with our next grocery run from Puerto Princessa, we ordered the ingredients, along with some help from things from home. So, a couple of Thursday evenings ago, we had a potluck, a haystack potluck.

Maybe our faces will show how excited we were to eat such a feast.



So we've been craving some foods lately. Haystacks is one of them. Mmmmm, refried beans, chips, tomatoes, salsa, lettuce, ranch, olives... these are some foods that are definitly not easily obtainable here in Kemantian.

Love and Marriage

Frank Sinatra famously sang a catchy song with these lyrics, “Love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage, can't have the one without the other.” However the reality of course is that loveless marriages do exist. This is evident in all cultures. The Palawano culture for instance marries very young, much before they are even able to develop a true conception of what love is. It is common for girls as young as 12 to be married and to have multiple kids before they turn 20. These marriages are not typically based on love and often resemble more of a business partnership than a loving relationship.

The Palawano Christian wives sometimes look at the adult single missionary girls here, and dream about what that sort of single, independence would be like. They wonder how their life would be if they could choose love instead of being told whom to love. Divorces are uncommon, but that doesn't mean these marriages are necessarily more successful than the American ones, that more than 60 percent of the time end with separation.

A while ago two of the Palawano Christian wives were talking about love and marriage with a missionary girl here and the missionary asked them, “Do you love your husband?” They didn't seem to really understand the question, but sort of rolled their eyes as if to say of course. They understood that in marriage this is their role, and they seemed oblivious to any other option.

The North American mindset of marriage sets love as a choice. It is not arranged by powers that are outside of our control. However because it is a choice the option is always there that we can decide to break the vow “tell death do us part” and choose to separate because we have chosen to no longer be “in love.” Love cannot be love unless it is given out of free will. However what the American culture all to often forgets is that love is a choice not a feeling. If we fall out of love, we can choose to walk back into it.

The Palawano culture is not always able to choose love, but this does not mean that their marriages are always loveless. They do often grow into love. Nonetheless not being able to choose has some negative consequences.

This week we heard about one of the young brides to be. She is only 12 years old. The custom here is for the engaged couple to live together once the endowment for the bride has been paid. So before the actual marriage, the couple, in the eyes of society are essentially all ready husband and wife. We heard that this 12 year old girl was beat by her father because she refused to sleep with her fiancée. She wasn't beaten to the point of noticeable bruising but the manipulative nature of such action is of course damaging nonetheless.

1st John 4:18 says,“ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Counterfeit love is coerced not chosen, though at times it may appear genuine, forced love can never be anything more than a pseudo, type of make believe love. Love and marriage were designed to go together. Marriage is sanctioned by God, and love is to be its fundamental and divine attribute. However for love to be perfect it must be freely given.

God places a supreme importance on free will, enabling humanity to choose love is why He died on the cross. The ability for humanity to activate their free will means the choice to accept or reject God's love must always remain. God is all powerful, but there is some things He is unwilling to do. He cannot change the definition of what He has previously defined. For instance a triangle has three sides, it is impossible to make a triangle have four sides because then its essence would no longer be that of a triangle. The same way with free will, God could manipulate our will so that we would by default serve Him, but doing so would change the essence of free will, and God is unable/unwilling to change that definition because, “He is love” (1 Jn:4:16).

I am glad I come from a culture that places the emphasis on love in marriage. Love is a choice to be faithful, it is not a variable dependent on feelings that can change with the seasons. Love is meant to be everlasting, and the genuine kind of love, “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:7).


3 of these girls in the pictures are getting married. 12 years old does not look any older here than it does anywhere else.

Some Pics

Meet Me in Galilee

Last Sabbath I had my first sermon in Kamantian.I talked about the importance of forgiveness, and related the story of Darold Bigger, pastor/teacher at Walla Walla, whose daughter was raped and murdered. As a pastor he knew it was important to forgive, he was aware of texts like Matthew 6:14,15 which say, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins.”

However when he was in the courtroom and he looked into the cold and indifferent face of the killer, he realized that he could not forgive him! He had seen the forensic photos that showed the tortured last minutes of his daughters life on earth, and he could only imagine her unanswered cries for help. How could he possibly forgive, yet as a pastor he knew that this was his duty.

This internal mental turmoil of grief, anger, and awareness of biblical responsibility lead him to do a study on forgiveness. With a team of researchers and financial backing from Loma Linda, Darold and his team researched the benefits of forgiveness. Through this process he was led to Galilee.

He was profoundly impacted by the way Jesus extended forgiveness to Peter. On the night of the last supper Jesus told his disciples that all would fall away because of him, but that after his resurrection He would meet them in Galilee. To this Peter replied, “Even if all others fall away on account of you, I never will...even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matt 26: 33,35). But before the night was over Jesus saw one of his best friends (Peter) vehemently deny him at the time when he could have used a friend the most. Peter's inability to stand crushed his own spirit and he “wept bitterly”.

However when Jesus was resurrected the message he imparted to Mary, through the angels was, “tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee; there you shall see Him, as He said unto you.” Jesus specifically names Peter. “Since the death of Christ, Peter had been bowed down with remorse” (Desire of Ages 485). By calling Peter by name Jesus not only showed that He had forgiven him, the forgiveness extended to Peter also enabled Peter to forgive himself.

For Darold this story was profound because it shows that we are not the ones that do the forgiving. Darold said he could not forgive the man that raped his daughter. But the forgiveness that Jesus extends, reaches beyond us if we will allow His forgiveness to reach those we have been wronged by. All we have to do is meet Jesus in Galilee, “His grace is sufficient, for power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9) Forgiveness come from God, not from us and is initiated by Him not by us. Forgiveness is God's gift, not our work.

As I was relating this story the little church in Kamantian began to get pummeled with a torrential rain. The rain pounded so loud that despite my best impersonation of a loud baptist preacher the words I was saying were not reaching the back. We stopped for a little while and then resumed.

Forgiveness is God's means of healing. Author and pastor, Dennis Smith says, “When we don't forgive and choose not to release the anger and bitterness that we feel, it is like drinking poison and then waiting for the other person to die” (Deliverance). That's not to say there is never a place for anger, there is such a thing as righteous indignation. The bible says, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26-27). Its good to hate sin, we can be angry at rape and disease, but if our anger gives way to bitterness we drink a concoction that only harms ourselves. We know that Satan walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 4:8). And when we have been hurt, emotionally, physically or spiritually, this is especially when we can expect Satan to attack. Darold Bigger in his research has found that forgiveness is a powerful elixir for physical, emotional, and spiritual disease. Dennis Smith reports that, “Health professionals say that 80% of diseases have an emotional and spiritual root cause” (Deliverance).

I have also heard it said that 99% of all statistics are false. I don't know how we come to such set in stone numbers, but I do know that hardships and trials come to everyone from time to time. Jesus says, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33) “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 Jn 5:4). When the rain comes and discouragement besets us, we may “weep bitterly” like Peter. However the restoration and forgiveness that was offered to Peter is also offered to us. We also can choose to meet Jesus in Galilee.

Happy Father's Day

While writing the previous blog and thinking about all of the abuse children suffer, it made Danelle and I thankful for our dads, and the loving examples they have given us. It also made me think of Dyuni, pronounced (Junie).

Dyuni is a solid, well liked leader of the youth. A couple of months ago I volunteered to pray for him. The request was that he would be able to meet his dad. One night when Dyuni was over at our house he explained to us that he did not know who his father was. As he was talking we could tell that he was noticeably sad about this, and I wished that I knew more words that I could comfort him with.

Three weeks ago a lady from Brooke's Point came into contact with Dyuni's dad. Knowing the prayer request, she went about to set up a meeting between the two of them. Dyuni's dad agreed, and last week Dyuni left to meet his dad for the first time.

Unfortunately his dad did not meet up as planned. Not all stories have happy endings, but this story isn't over yet either. Dyuni is still hopeful he will meet his dad and I believe they are going to try and do so again. I am going to try and remember to keep praying for Dyuni. He is such a positive leader here, as you read this blog if you could pray for him too, it would be appreciated.

Father's day is coming soon, Danelle and I are very thankful for the role our fathers have played in our life. And we just wanted to wish you both an early happy father's day!

Update: I wrote this three days ago, Dyni told me in class this morning that his dad is coming today, and he thanked me for praying for him. This story has a happy ending after all.