Trip to Davao
It is always interesting to go to a “new” area of the Philippines. It brings out the explorer/trailblazer in me. This time it was the area of Davao in the mid section of the Island of Mindanao. The traveling seems always the challenging part. A van ride down to a small ferry, 3hr bus ride, 1/2hr taxi, wait, plane ride, another taxi, sleep over in some low budget hotel, another taxi ride, & another 2hr bus ride. But then getting up & ministering in the anointing makes it all worth it. Besides ministering to a few dozen local church leaders, we were able to work out the final transaction of purchasing some church property. The next step will be to build a structure. While sitting with the church pastor & elders at our hotel restaurant, I thought someone had a nervous problem, because our table was gently shaking. When someone mentioned to me we were having an earthquake I could hardly believe it. I could look around the room and see things moving on their own. Fortunately it was just a mild tremor probably a 2.something. But it was my first earthquake! May God sh
ake our hearts with indescribable Love!FIM Youth Convention 2007
What an exciting time, over 200 youth from Faith Island Mission churches from around Negros Oriental. All camped out at a local beach
resort. (I use “resort” very loosely here), it was very campy. When I walked into one of the morning Praise & worship sessions I was taken up by such a spirit of Joy that could not help but rejoicing. These young people have such energy & joyfully give it to their Lord. I was privileged to speak to the kids, ages 12 to early 20s, on the subjects of “Breakthrough” and “Fellowship with God”. I emphasized the importance of finding your personal “secret place” with God and gave practical applications to ones prayer/devotional time. Ps. 91:1; “He who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the All Mighty.” Special thanks to my old friend Bob Smith of NJ for introducing me to Bob Sorge’s Book “Secrets of the Secret Place” I recommend it to all.
Local Crusade
This weeks crusade took us to a small village in the foothills of the Mountains that stretch the length of Negros Oriental. We traveled about an hours off the main Highway and on to some rough dirt and rock roads. Our vehicle, the old faithful “Chariot of Fire” is now in its 15th year of service. But this time the rear wheel drive truck could only get us within 1K of our destination. The last hill’s topography surpassed the truck’s capability, Yes I think FIM is in need of a new 4WD Crusade truck. The Crusade team of young people, mostly from the main church in Bais are the best. Without so much as a single murmur they carried all the equipment in down the last Kilometer. That night saw many touched of the Lord and a couple a dozen come to Christ. After an overnight stay, a Thanksgiving service & monthly leadership meeting (they make the most of these outings) the team carried everything back out. This time up hill and after heavy rains. Still no one complained.
Preparations continue for the arrival of the Monteocha, FL mission’s Team in June. It looks like it will be an exciting and busy week for them. Already we have planned out 5 or 6 crusades, a medical outreach, High School Ministry, Radio & Prison Ministry as well as local Church Preaching assignments. It is also a joy for me to be part of introducing others to this little corner of the world. Please be in agreement in pray that we follow God's plans for this time, that even now those who need Christ are prepared in their hearts & circumstances to attend these Crusades.
God’s Best & Blessings to You.
Russ Rutler
