Mabuhay! Welcome to the Philippines!
So far the Philippines has been an experience we will never forget! It is an amazing country and home to some of the most hospitable, kind people in all the world.
For the past week, our team of 12 Americans joined over 50 local church volunteers to distribute the Book of Hope to over 48,000 children and young people! It’s hard to imagine that in one week, 48,000 children have had the opportunity for their lives to be changed forever. 48,000 children and young people have received the truth with an opportunity to know Jesus as their best friend.
No matter how many students you have seen, no matter how many books you have given there will be moments when your are in a classroom, sweat dripping down your forehead, down your cheeks and dropping to the floor. Your clothes are damp, your feet are aching and tired…and then as you take the Book of Hope in your hand to give it to a child, you see their little hand reaching for it. Their eyes are lit up in expectation of what they will find inside. Their little faces are full of joy.
It is as if time stops and you see that little child as God sees them. It is a moment full of overwhelming feelings of love, astonishment, joy, thankfulness and hope. You realize that as you give this child this book, their hearts have been prepared through prayer. Finances have been sacrificed to reach this one. And as you hand them the Word of God, the feeling is so strong…you have just handed them truth, life and love. What they are now holding in their hand, the Word of God, has the power to convict of sin and lead to righteousness. It has the power to take a soul from death to eternal life. It is the revelation of God’s love and His plan for man.
Tears fall down your cheeks. It’s ok. The kids don’t know you are crying. Your face is dripping already. They are unaware of all that has taken place to get them to this point. They can’t feel the pain you feel for them to know Christ. They don’t know the yearning you feel in your heart for them to know the truth. All they know is that you care, and that today, you are in their school to tell them about a best friend that they can know. And that’s enough.
The seed has been planted. This day is marked in history and has the power to change the destiny of thousands.
Thank you for being part of this day! Just weeks ago we were in England and God poured out his spirit. Children and young people were praying the prayer of salvation and giving their hearts to the Lord. This week, thousands are receiving God’s gift of salvation in the Philippines. God’s Word will not return void but will accomplish the purpose for which it has been sent.
It is beautiful…us working together to spread the good news. Absolutely beautiful!
Our love to you always!
Continually Reaching,
Ryan and Jen
Check out photos from the Philippines at www.flickr.com/photos/ryanjen/
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
South Africa
I met this little boy at a feeding center in South Africa. Everyday he and over 70 other children come to play and to eat dinner. For many of them, this is the only meal they will eat each day.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Our First Fourth of July
We're back in Fla. just in time for the 4th of July. But before we get to that -- what was England like?
As most of you know, we carry a burden in our hearts for the children and youth of England. Most of them grow up thinking that religion is dead, that it belongs in a museum. That it is all tradition and no application. What a joy it was to not only plant the seed of God's Word but to also see it come to fruition.
We were able to take the same church team (only bigger this year) to the same community to work with the same church as last year. Our relationships were strengthened and the impact on the community was even greater. We worked primarily in elementary schools, sharing God's love with the children and giving them the Book of Hope. The children were so precious.
In one of the schools we went to, one of the team members shared about her father's death 2 years ago and how it made her sad. She told the children that God helped her to smile again and to be happy again even though she would always miss her dad. After the assembly one little girl began to cry. She told her teachers that her parents had split up the week before but she was afraid to tell anyone. When she heard Maris speak about her life, she knew that she didn't want to be sad anymore.
At one of the high schools where we ministered it seemed that everytime we turned around, the team was able to pray with students and even a teacher to accept Christ. Their stories are very impacting. The seed of God's Word was planted and definitely fell on fertile ground this year. God had prepared the hearts of children and young people ~ and for that we say thank you to you ~ all who prayed for us and continue to pray for us on each trip. You never know what God is going to do or how he is going to work.
We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. We were blessed to arrive home and find some surprise financial gifts. God is so good because His provision comes right when you need it. Thank you!
And where to now, well we are off to the Philippines in just a few weeks. We'll be leading a team of volunteers from Las Vegas and continue our trip with follow-up when they return home. We are very excited to experience this part of the world and share God's love with many, many children and young people. We invite you to go on this journey with us through your prayers...they are much needed and make all the difference.
And...if any of you are interested in going on a short term missions trip (for 10 days...6 weeks...4 months...1 year..or longer) let us know. We have teams that are going around the world throughout the year to share God's Word and His love with children. But just to warn you, you won't come back the same. We never do :-).
Now, what about the title of this article? Well, this is Ryan and my first 4th of July together in the States. We are really looking forward to thanking God for our country and celebrating with all of you. Yea!
Blessings and Love Always,
Ryan and Jen Smith
As most of you know, we carry a burden in our hearts for the children and youth of England. Most of them grow up thinking that religion is dead, that it belongs in a museum. That it is all tradition and no application. What a joy it was to not only plant the seed of God's Word but to also see it come to fruition.
We were able to take the same church team (only bigger this year) to the same community to work with the same church as last year. Our relationships were strengthened and the impact on the community was even greater. We worked primarily in elementary schools, sharing God's love with the children and giving them the Book of Hope. The children were so precious.
In one of the schools we went to, one of the team members shared about her father's death 2 years ago and how it made her sad. She told the children that God helped her to smile again and to be happy again even though she would always miss her dad. After the assembly one little girl began to cry. She told her teachers that her parents had split up the week before but she was afraid to tell anyone. When she heard Maris speak about her life, she knew that she didn't want to be sad anymore.
At one of the high schools where we ministered it seemed that everytime we turned around, the team was able to pray with students and even a teacher to accept Christ. Their stories are very impacting. The seed of God's Word was planted and definitely fell on fertile ground this year. God had prepared the hearts of children and young people ~ and for that we say thank you to you ~ all who prayed for us and continue to pray for us on each trip. You never know what God is going to do or how he is going to work.
We are grateful for your prayers and financial support. We were blessed to arrive home and find some surprise financial gifts. God is so good because His provision comes right when you need it. Thank you!
And where to now, well we are off to the Philippines in just a few weeks. We'll be leading a team of volunteers from Las Vegas and continue our trip with follow-up when they return home. We are very excited to experience this part of the world and share God's love with many, many children and young people. We invite you to go on this journey with us through your prayers...they are much needed and make all the difference.
And...if any of you are interested in going on a short term missions trip (for 10 days...6 weeks...4 months...1 year..or longer) let us know. We have teams that are going around the world throughout the year to share God's Word and His love with children. But just to warn you, you won't come back the same. We never do :-).
Now, what about the title of this article? Well, this is Ryan and my first 4th of July together in the States. We are really looking forward to thanking God for our country and celebrating with all of you. Yea!
Blessings and Love Always,
Ryan and Jen Smith
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