Sept 20, 2009
On Friday I went with Ate Gigi to Youth Ministry in a different slum then the one before. The slum is different in many ways, it is more spread out and open, having more space then the other one. It also has a different feel to it, the students are more well the only word I can think of is “adjusted to society”. If there could be an upper class slum, this would be it, but by no means are they upper class. They still don’t speak much English either.
There were about 10-15 youth that showed up for Bible study, mainly girls. Like any teenagers they are hyper and so full of personality. They had tons of questions for me and were so interested in my hair, touching it every moment that raised. Filipinos love to sing, so we loudly sang worships songs, studied the Bible together and I gave a testimony.
I quickly made friends with this one girl, named Joy, and her name fits her well, she is a joy to be around. For female in the Philippines it is natural to be physical with each other, holding arms going down the street, sitting right next to each other and using your hands when you talk. The young students have welcomed me in this way also, and I find it a privilege.
Today we went to a neighboring church for an outreach. The YWAM team performed dances for the church, I gave a testimony and Manny gave the sermon. The service lasted a fairly good amount of time, from 9:30 till 1. Which included many upbeat songs from the churches worship team. The sermon was mostly in Tagalog so thankfully Gigi interpreted some of it for me. After the service was over the church fed us lunch, which was greatly appreciated! There was so much food too! So much that we could not come near to eating it all. I love the Philippines a lot because they are so hospitable. Hopefully I can learn a thing or two about hospitality while I’m here. J
Hey Maggie.
I’m very proud of you. What you’re doing is inspiring to say the least. I am glad you are enjoying it and that you have a dedication to it. May God continue to use you in great ways to minister to others and to grow the Kingdom.
Blessings to you,
Ivan
Hey Mags,
Its really great to hear your doing good.Your are so inspiring and I know you already know this but I’m am so proud of you and proud to know you. I am glad you are following your dreams and being a good example as a christian. Good luck mags
Love you much,
Angela