Show me your glory!

Day two began much the same as day one, a wonderful breakfast after a great nights sleep. Prayerfully the jet lag (which was minimal) is over and my body has adjusted to the 12 hour time change. I give the glory to God for that as in the past even 3 hours set me back for days.

Our mission today was to "walking prayer" as Tim calls it in the San Fernando town square. He asked us to walk around a set perimeter of the town center and pray for specific strongholds that need to be broken in this city. Homosexuality is very open and prevalent, the government is corrupt and the families are broken. Most are not saved or open to the gospel. Adam and Mariel walked together. Jake, Connie and I were a prayer team and Jim set out solo. We walked and prayed for about an hour. It was amazing to see so many people just sitting around the town square. Unemployment is great here. Of course, we stood out like sore thumbs but took advantage of the attention to draw interest to our mission. We did not pray out loud but Jake, Connie and I did take turns praying while seated around a play area. We prayed quietly and drew curious glances from adults and stares from the kids. Most smiled at us and I hope they felt our prayers on their behalf.

After that we went back to the center for a delicious lunch prepared by a young man who has dreams of becoming a great chef. We debriefed and shared what we felt God led us to pray for. When we finished we went to the Botanical Gardens to spend time listening to God and praying. Thinking this trip out of town would be quick and uneventful proved to be a mistake! The "minicab" that we were in literally blew up and left us stranded halfway up the mountain in a desolate, poorly inhabited area. Not to be swayed from our mission and knowing Satan was behind this, we finished the last mile on foot. Oh, did I mention that it started storming and pouring down rain. :( I truly thought after yesterday that I had reached my peak of sweating, but much to my surprise and discomfort, I was wrong! Wet, hot and REALLY sweaty we reached an oasis called the Science Center and found shelter. We waited out the rain in song, prayer and personal Bible study then on the gardens. They were a true picture of God's amazing creativity and handy work. We walked to a quiet spot then sat and shared what God spoke to each of us during our quiet time and then closed with prayer.

Our next venture was various cell groups. Connie and I visited the women in a very small, poor area of San Fernando to attend their cell group. I am humbled to admit that it was not I who taught these women, but they who taught me. The spiritual maturity of these Filipino brethren is truly breathtaking and surprising. They are truly spiritual giants whose lives are wholly devoted to Christ. I am learning much from these gentle, hard working, loving people and am increasingly honored to be serving here. Well, tomorrow starts at 6 a.m. and am praying for a good nights sleep. Adam preached his first sermon tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. and I could not be more proud. Adam and Mariel are proving to be great assets and eager to serve. This is proving to be a life changing experience for all so stay tuned!

Love to all, Debbie