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/
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