Tribal Workers Gathering

Our tribal partners in Bicol recently hosted the first "Tribal Workers Gathering" where everyone who has a heart to reach the tribals in Bicol gathered together for a time of fellowship, prayer and training.  One of the main goals was to determine how we can work together more effectively to make sure that all the tribals in Bicol have the opportunity to hear the Good News.  Some of the ones who attended were our Bugkalot tribal partners.  Others were lowland Filipinos from local churches.  One couple is from another tribal group who have come to Bicol.  Others are tribals from Bicol who have come to faith and are leading others to serve Him and reach the rest of the tribals in Bicol. So thankful for each and every one of these precious partners in the Task He has given us!

We hosted the gathering at our training center.  Meals were shared under this tarp outside.

 Everyone just slept together on the floor of the training center (notice Steve is there on the far side against the wall).  They were packed in like sardines - which is a GREAT problem to have when you consider the shared passion and purpose of the group who gathered!

 The meetings themselves were also held in the training center (click on the pic to see an enlarged version of the panoramic).

 Steve invited Pastor Billy (in the white shirt) to come and share with the group.  Steve has been so impressed with Billy's heart for the tribals and his confidence in them as they follow the Spirit.  It is always so encouraging to hear what he shares.

 The group spent a lot of time in prayer together and sharing in small groups what God is doing in the area where they are serving and how they can lift up one another.

 

 

 

We are so thankful for these men and women who share our heart to reach the tribals in Bicol with the Good News!

10 Years!

10 years ago today, our little family boarded the plane to fly to the Philippines for our first term.  We have had the amazing privilege of a front row seat to see all that God has done in the past 10 years.

 Crazy how itty bitty the kids were for that trip!  When volunteers arrive, complaining about how difficult the trip was, I tell them to try it with a 5, 3 and 1 year old, THEN we'll talk.  (Not a very compassionate response, I know.)  They look all cute and sweet here, but it really was a tough trip, mostly because Ben cried for most of the loooong flight over the Pacific.  When we finally landed in Manila, I told Steve, "I know they say the temptation to quit and head home during your first year is strong, but buckle up, cuz we're not flying ANYWHERE till these kids are bigger."  (Not a very spiritual motivation, I know.)

 This pic was taken just as we arrived in our new home.  I don't know that we have ever been more exhausted than we were at that moment.  And there was a plumbing leak that was spraying water everywhere, so Steve spent the first couple hours working on that.  Welcome to the Philippines! :)

 I went to the blog from those first couple months, and it was fun to read through our first impressions and adventures.  Here are just a couple of the pics I posted of the kids during that time.

 

Things sure do change in 10 years!  The kids are now 15, 13, and 11; and it has been amazing to watch God work both IN and THROUGH them in the past 10 years.  We are so thankful for the opportunity we have had to serve in the Philippines for the last 10 years, and we can't wait to see what God continues to do with tribals here in the years to come.