Day 7, from Colleen

Today didn’t feel very productive, but I have to remind myself that our spiritual race is a marathon, not a sprint. We did not yet get to meet with the families of the children who will become part of WHY later this week, so that got pushed to tomorrow’s agenda.

I also have to remind myself that we are not in America. Filipino people do not live with overpacked schedules. It’s probably for a very good reason. One might be that traffic here is so crazy. It takes us an hour to get somewhere that is just 15 km down the road. It takes us half the day to accomplish something that I could do in about 30 min. to 1 hour back at home. A choleric person might not survive here.

Our main focus today was to get Bibles and supplies for all of the children here at WHY. So we hopped in our shiny, red jeepney and headed to Ayala Mall. Then it was on to the Philippine Christian Bookstore. Our third stop was SM Mall for a guitar strap and some picks. In all, we were able to get Bibles in Cebuano for all the kids, a strap for the one guitar we have here, daily devotional books, and a binder to hold worship sheet music.

So tonight we were able to have a time of worship, Bible reading, and prayer. We met together for worship, and then split into groups with the boys and girls for the remainder of the time. The girls were a bit shy when it came to sharing, so please pray that they will begin to open up with us more before the week is finished. We bought two devotional books – one for the girls and one for the guys. We are hoping that this will help them to continue on their own when we have gone back to the U.S. We spoke to Emily and Glenn, the two oldest kids about leading this time on a daily basis every evening before the kids go to bed. They seem to be on board with the idea, but I think they just need a little more confidence in this area. Pray that Emily & Glenn will be able to take on these leadership roles and really set a great example for the younger kids.

I’m in the process of putting together a worship folder for the kids. I bought a book with guitar chords in it with the hopes that John Michael will begin to develop his guitar skills. I really see him as a potential worship leader. Many of the kids here get homesick from time to time, which is understandable, and I truly believe that worship will bring breakthrough in that area as they experience the nearness of Jesus and His presence.

Tomorrow we will get to meet with three families at the squatter area that is near the garbage dumpsite. These are the three families of the children we selected to be added to our family here at WHY (Wesley Home for Youth). Pray that we have a good connection with the parents of these children. Pray that we have discernment on how best to reach out to these families and see them come to know Jesus.