It was 25 years ago that my family and I moved across the world to the Philippines. It was my second time to travel there and their first. It was a new adventure of faith and we didn't have any grand plan.
God put a vision for serving in the Philippines in the heart of my wife and I. Two distinct visions for ministry. My wife wanted to care for abandoned babies, and I felt called to equip pastors and leaders.
Out of those two visions, God gave us the privilege of establishing two ministries—Rainbow Village Ministries and Calvary Chapel Training Center (with CC Bible College).
Back home at full speed
Last year, we realized it was time to bring Rainbow's ministry to a close after 23 years of fruitful ministry. You can read that story here. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bible college I established in 1995. Susan and I still marvel at what God entrusted to us for a time.
This past week I taught the second year students. It's a course on applied hermeneutics for studying biblical prophecy, and we studied through the book of Malachi. This week many alumni will come, along with teachers and pastors who've served here over the past twenty years, to celebrate God's faithfulness.
Dumaguete City is still home to us. We lived here for fifteen years, and it's where we've had a church home for 25 years. Filipino culture embraced us and we gained an extended family of dear friends whom we enjoy fellowship with each time we are here.
Still my passion
So, my schedule is busy with teaching and fellowshipping over meals, and I'm enjoying it to the max. It also rekindles my passion for world missions, also known as cross-cultural ministry. I'm reminded of the simple truth Jesus told His first followers in Matthew 9:37-38—
Then he [Jesus] said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
More than ever this is true. There are billions in the world who have not heard the gospel, and billions who do not have anyone to disciple them in the faith. Below are some previous posts regarding this reality. Please read and pray!
And... please share with others what encourages you and touches your heart! Thanks!