So, yesterday when the team arrived, they looked pretty exhausted... I remember the feeling quite well. We went to the orphanage where Mitch and Tina could see the orphanage for the first time and hopefully get to see some of the kids before they went to school. Most of the kids were already gone. The new room looks amazing! I will try to take some pics today so you can see it. We can now double our capacity and be at 20+ kids if we had enough donors and sponsors. I am really hoping and praying that God will lay it on the hearts of churches, small groups, working environments and families to help fund this ministry of rescuing kids off of the streets and dumpsites.
After a quick breakfast we took off to catch the ferry that goes to Camotes where the donated property is located. Unfortunately we did not catch that boat..but this gave us time to rest some and find a store where a few supplies could be purchased. When we arrived in Camotes one of Arnell's friends picked us up for lunch. The team was able to relax a few minutes before we got to the land. The land was not very wide, maybe 100 feet, but it was very deep. I estimate close to a football field. It was great to pray while walking along the property and just dream about what God can do with a plot of land that has been designated to be used in His service. God can do alot with the VERY little that we have to offer. We found out later that day that the mayor of Camotes really believes in the mission of the orphanage as well. He has offered to donate a large plot of land owned by the government that we can use to teach others how to farm and live off of the land. We could potentially have a vocational school not only for our kids to benefit from but for other Filipinos who want to learn. This is a great opportunity...and I know nothing about starting a school (much like an orphanage)... so, I am quite intrigued about what God has in store for us!
The trip back to Cebu was long and the team was really tired; we had a quick dinner at the orphanage that was prepared for us...and then we got to go and see the kids!! They were all in their rooms and it appeared that they were getting ready for bed. We went into the girls room and got caught up some...and then we got to pray for them. Pray for their bodies, souls, minds, their families that they had left...it was great to hold their hands and pray to their Creator that great things will be done in their lives and that He will be known in their hearts. We did the same in the boys dorm as well. It was a perfect way to end a LONG day! (I had messed up the time on my alarm and woke up close to 2 hours too early (4am) so I was ALMOST as tired as the team...but they were exhausted.
So, now it is Tuesday morning... please pray that the team had a good nights rest. Pray for their strength to be restored and their minds to be clear. We have a wonderful day set before us. We arrive at the school at 10am to meet with the principal. We will then plan and discuss the Bible distribution and how we will teach the purpose of the salvation bracelets. Pray that God will use the Bibles and the salvation bracelets to reveal Himself to these children ...pray that God will help them realize that He is accessible by prayer and not through an idol or a saint. That He is personal. And that they can enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ today.....We hope to distribute over 300 bracelets today...and around 2,000 Bibles!! What an amazing opportunity that God has laid before us. Please pray for those children who will hear the plan of salvation for the first time in their lives.
Dustin
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