Padens in the Philippines

We live in the Philippines and there is water all around us, I love the water, I love the beach, but very rarely do we get to go enjoy it. Why that is? We don't make time? We don't have time? We are just too busy with "life" to set time aside? Probably all of the above and more. It's easier to just keep going with our busy schedules (and we know busy- we have 4 kids) than to find the time and make the needed sacrifices to get there. This last time though (as pictured above) we did make a lot of sacrifices and I think we all would agree that it was well worth the effort! What a beautiful day, what a fun time as a family, and what fun new experiences. Then I think to myself, why don't we do that more? Rainy crowded boat ride home Probably because it's hard. It took us a long time to get there. Our van is broken so we had to take a very cozy taxi ride with all 6 of us smashed together, we then had to walk through a crowded market to get to the pa...

Gilmer having the opportunity to preach at our church named CFC Partnering with the Filipino church Gilmer went to Taiwan on a short-term trip with our church Like any young person, Paul, was preparing for his future. For many in this country that means trying to apply for a job overseas in order to make better wages. He grew up in a Christian family, went to church, and was actively serving in his youth group. When he decided to join our short term missions trip to a muslim area here in Mindanao it was because he liked to travel, but soon his eyes were opened to a whole world he never knew existed. He came back from that trip changed. How could he be a Christian his whole life and not understand that there are so many who have never had a chance to even hear about Christ? What is his role in all this? What did God want to show him? We have heard from so many just like him. That’s why we are here. To teach, train, and send Filipinos. We believe that if the Filipino...

Kumusta! Hello from the Philippines! We hope you are enjoying the beautiful changes that often come with springtime.  As we all transition from one season to the next and the passing of time, it is a good habit to look back and remember God’s faithfulness in our lives. I was thinking about the rich heritage of missions work that has come from the United States and the Western Culture for centuries. Do you realize that the United States has been sending missionaries out into the uttermost parts of the world since the 1800’s; and can you name a few? We should be proud of that rich heritage! If you've gone to church in the States for very long you’ve probably been exposed to missions and the need for it. Each church looks a little different in how they choose whom to send, where to send them and how much money to designate to missions work. Whether it's signing up for vocational missions, going on a short-term trip, praying, financially support...

Merry Christmas- Maligayang Pasko- Maayong Pasko Those are the languages that we speak here in Mindanao. (Tagalog and Cebuano or commonly known as Bisaya. Bisaya is almost the same as Cebuano just adapted over time to form different words and phase from area to area.) As Gilmer introduced him at church to the mens group, they were all equally excited. The man from Luzon (the northern island where Manila is located) was excited to share about his work and opportunities he has to share with Muslims on a weekly basis. The mens group at our church were excited because they have heard about fellow filipinos reaching out to their own countrymen, but had not had a chance to meet many in person. He shared stories with them about being involved in the lives of the children by helping them in an after school tutoring program, thus opening up doors to reach their families. He shared about the community work they are involved by providing work and means for families to better support ...