Sunday

So we spent Saturday night worshipping and hanging out with the kids.  It was great to swim with them earlier in the day and end the night confirming their commitments to follow Christ.  On Sunday morning we started with breakfast with the kids.  During worship time we sung O Happy Day.  I preached about what Jesus said about Eternal life and connecting that to believers baptism.  At the end of the service Pastor Lemuel requested all who was interested in being baptized to stand at the front.  My wife (Sheryl) stood first.  She gave her testimony of her confusion when she was younger and now wanting to get baptized in the Philippines where her heart is. 

Next the youth from the orphanage gradually started to stand and walk up front.  Emily, Jeraluz, Ronnellio, Jolly and Michelle all stood stating that they wanted to participate in believers baptism.  My heart jumped for joy as the young and the old in the orphanage were bold enough to say that they wanted to be bold enough to have a believers baptism versus the traditional teachings in the country.  This act of faith is rarely observed and seen in the Philippines and I cannot express enough how amazing and encouraging it was to see them step forward.  Myself and pastor Lemuel then went out to the ocean to baptize the 6.  Pastor Lemuel was the one who baptized and I was standing on the other side to help hold/pick up the ones being baptized.  They one by one came down and their faces glowed as they came out of the water.  Symbolizing the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I was further excited because I did not know that Michelle and Jolly were believers yet.  It was so refreshing and amazing for all of us.

After the baptism we had our lunch and went back to the orphanage.  We rode about 4 hours in the back of a jeepney.  When we got back to the orphanage the team that was leaving that night (Cathi, Bev, Summer, Melinda and Gini) packed their belongings and started taking as many pictures as possible of the kids.  We then had our dinner and then our despidida.  The despidida is a time of reflection of the time spent, you say your goodbyes, you sing, present gifts, etc. etc.  The kids/staff danced a native dance for us.  They gave several words of thank yous for all that was completed/done and gave several gifts.  As the the despidida was endings, we had to start saying our goodbyes.  All of the team was crying as well as the kids as we were saying our farewells.  It was amazing to see how close we all had become in such a short period of time.  The kids had taught us so much and impacted our lives so much it was difficult to believe that the time is now over. 

Most of the team stated that they want to come back some day...and if they were not able to return they want to continue to be involved in the lives of the children that so impacted their lives.  What a beautiful picture.. of when we step out of our daily lives and routine...and we allow God to call us and lead us to areas of discomfort and unknown what He can and will do in and through us.  I am so thankful of what He has done in and through this mission team.  I am also VERY thankful for those who provided pillow cases, vitamins, clothing, books and contribute financially to make this all possible.  Hundreds heard the gospel, hundreds if not thousands were fed, hundreds were clothed, 5 were baptized, 5 were rescued out of their circumstances and are now at a safe Christian home.  In the coming weeks, my wife and I will share the stories of the 5.  you already know some of Robi and Boo.... but there is so much more.. and we look forward to sharing.

blessings,

Dustin