Bugkalot Conference

Studies have shown that apostles who are sent out to new areas are more effective and have greater longevity on the field when they have regular conferences for the purpose of fellowship, training, and spiritual refreshment.  We have had a dream for a long time now of having a conference like this for our Bugkalot tribal partners, and this past month it became a reality!

 Many people worked together to make the 3-day conference possible, and we met at a summer camp style resort between here and Manila.  Four volunteers joined us from a church in Singapore, and they helped with the logistics, kids' program, and a gazillion other things.  For most of the Bugkalot, this was their first time at a "fancy" resort like this (though for many of you, it would probably seem fairly rustic with no airconditioning, 6 bunk beds per room, thin mattresses, and sketchy plumbing - it's all a matter of perspective! :) ).  The grounds are absolutely gorgeous, and we all had a blast together.

 The adults spent the mornings in sessions like this one; some of the sessions consisted of strategy training, others provided much-needed spiritual refreshment.  We brought in some guest speakers as well to encourage them from the Word.

 Our good friend, Joe Mauk, also did his "tops" presentation.  He uses tops to illustrate spiritual truths, and the Bugkalot were enthralled.  Steve joked that we would have to use some of the pictures we got of them while listening to Joe (mouths hanging wide open in wonder) and pretend that is the look on their faces when he is teaching church planting strategy principles. :)

 We also set aside some time for personal spiritual retreat - just them and their Bible in the presence of God. 

 Part of the afternoons and evenings were spent in small group discussion time where they discussed what they had learned in the sessions as well as struggles and victories in their families and ministries.  Everyone agreed that these times were very encouraging.

 While the adults were busy in sessions, the kids had a blast with their new friends from Singapore.   

 They played lots of games...

 ...went swimming... 

 ...and just enjoyed being together. 

 But before you think that it was all work and no play for the poor adults stuck in sessions...we managed to have some good times too!

 We sang some silly songs...

 ...played some really silly games...

 ...and had some good fun together.

 Basketball was the main attraction for the men in the afternoon free time. 

 Another favorite activity was the obstacle course, completed as a team.

 Since this was only the 2nd time most of them had ever been to a pool (we took them to one in November), swimming was an adventure too - especially the 70 ft waterslide!  THAT was a first for everyone, and even the non-swimmers gave it a shot, with someone waiting at the bottom to help them. :)  Which was all great until one of the ladies' false teeth fell out at the bottom of the slide...no harm done though because we found them at the bottom of the pool, and everyone got a good laugh. :) 

 While it blessed my heart to see them in meaningful discussions about the truths of the Word and how it applies to their lives, I think my favorite part of the time was seeing them have FUN.  Laughing together, playing together.  They are living in some very difficult places, behind Enemy lines where the darkness often seems all-consuming.  It was wonderful for them to be able to come out of that situation for a couple days and be refreshed and renewed in this way. 

 On our last night together, we enjoyed a bonfire where Steve shared a challenge for all of us, then everyone shared either a testimony or song of encouragment with the group.

 The Bugkalot wrote a thank-you note to all of you who have been praying for them and partnering with them to reach the Agta.  Since it was written in Tagalog, here are some translations of what they said,

“We cannot measure how full our thankfulness for you is, hopefully our Lord Jesus will bless you greatly…Thank you for the beautiful insides (heart) you have shown us; if it wasn’t for you, I would not have been able to experience this joy; thank you and this has done something very big for my spiritual life…Thank you all for your goodness to us…Thank you for everything and we pray that God will bless you…Thank you for the help that you have given us…We are thanking God for you…”

We are so incredibly thankful for these men, women, and families who have partnered with us to reach the Agta.  Serving alongside them is such a privilege.  Thank you for the way that you stand behind us and them to make this possible.