Philippines 06' Chronicles #3

Philippines 06’ chronicles #3

“God says, You do the small thing;
I will do a large things. You do a foolish thing; I will do a wise thing. You do that something that only a human can do; I will do something that which only I, God, can do.”
From “Healing the sick” by TL Osborn
Dear Friends and Family,
Another busy week here on Negros Oriental and Faith
Island Missions. We had an opportunity to minister
at a High School of about 200 students up in the
mountainous regents of the Island. The trip up was
spectacular, but extremely rough the higher up we went.
This is a public school, which unlike our own in the
States, allows for religious activity and sharing of the
Gospel. I have a hard time putting into words the sense
of love I felt toward this room full of smiling faces who
gladly receive the simple songs I sung while strumming
a guitar. The conditions at the school are applorable by
western standards. The facility resemble more like a run
down summer camp then a school. Ceilings are falling
down, furnishing are primitive and supplies are almost
nonexistent. It seem Government funding favor the
more accessible & visible city schools on the coasts.
We talked with members of the local Rotary Club, which
Pastor Danden is a member and past President, and they
have some text books they are willing to donate. But I
would like to see more done.

Another opportunity we had this week was to minister in
the local jail of about 110 inmates. I preached the Gospel
message and saw 6 men repent and turn to Christ. The
Meeks from Australia supplied 110+ packages of toiletries
and fruit. Their motto is “it isn’t love until you put action
to it”. Many of the men here are Christian and the prison
actually has a local church and pastor (inmate) overseen
by Faith Island Mission. Jesus said “ …when I was in
Prison you visited me…” referring to our brothers
behind bars.

My other time right now is spent traveling with Pastor
Danden and getting acquainted with different church,
pastors, and ministries, preparing lesson plans for
the Bible School, studying, learning Cebuano(which
is going painfully slow) and getting the new computer
up and running properly. I’ve also was able to get an
official Philippine driver’s License. Driving the “National
Highway” is a story all in itself, let’s just say it makes even
This former NYC area taxi driver nervous.

Next week we head for the Islands of Behol and Balicasag
(Danden’s home island) to escort students on an field trip and
to check on the Gospel boat. The following week we will
travel to Surigao and Devao areas of Mindinao for Conferences.

God's Best is Yet, Love Russ