New Chapter

Last week, Steve ventured into a new area.  The Bugkalot tribal churches where we do mobilization/training are divided into 3 "chapters" (kind of like associations of churches).  Until recently, we have been unable to go into one of the chapters (long, sad story).  However, things are changing (praising HIM!), and Steve was invited to do a leadership training there.

 The training went incredibly well, then for the next week, Steve traveled from village to village to meet the pastors and get to know the people in that area.  He said they were some of the worst roads he has traveled - and that's saying something!

 They got stuck more times than he could count, but our Montero Sport did remarkably well for a city 4x4!

 These are 2 of the pastors who traveled with Steve - and helped dig the Montero out on multiple occasions!

 Since there is no cell phone signal up there, it is difficult to communicate in advance, so this church was not expecting Steve and the others.  But when they arrived on Sunday morning, they asked Steve to speak for Sunday School...then for the main service.  Then they were so excited that they arranged an afternoon service so he could keep teaching...then asked him to do the evening service too!  He said by the time all was said and done, he taught about 8 hours that day - impromptu in Tagalog. :)

 They spent a lot of time on the trail going from village to village that week, gathering with the believers in that village in the evenings.

 This little church has been planted in recent years by one of the churches.  What a blessing to see how God is at work in that area!

 Breakfast anyone?

 They saw a variety of houses as they traveled.

 Steve said it was so cool because several of the pastors had attended the leadership seminar in the one location, then they went home to their own village.  A couple days later, Steve would arrive in that village, and as he visited with the people there, they were discussing things that had been taught at the seminar - even though they themselves hadn't been able to attend.  Such a good sign that it has really sunk in when they go home and discuss it with others!

In one place, as they passed by a house, they actually overheard the people inside discussing the things that had been taught.  Gotta love it when a seminar breaks out into real life!

 They saw some amazing sights as they traveled from place to place.

 And if there's ever a waterfall nearby, you can count on Steve to check it out!

 Steve was so encouraged after his time in this new chapter, and we are excited to see how God will use the people from those villages to bring the Good News to other tribal people!  Will pray with us about how to help make this possible?