Back Home!
This was one of the shortest international trips I have been on. I came back home feeling good -- (I was only "sick" for about eight hours). I was happy to get back home with the satisfaction and confidence that God is doing something great in Manila through this project. I also was deeply encouraged by the high level of commitment the leaders of this project continue to demonstrate. We are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people -- the attendance of the UCPP churches is now well over 3000 and the pre-school enrollment is near 1500. For these young people, the future is bright and a way has been made for them to escape the entrapment of an impoverished life.
Friday: Final Day in Manila
The Task Force Retreat ended yesterday with the groundwork laid for an exciting re-organization that will better serve this growing project. The Task Force members were highly engaged in each discussion that we had along with some very helpful outcomes addressing the challenges of growth, training, and improving the effectiveness of the ministry.
Yesterday there was a coup attempt here in Manila which ended peacefully.
This afternoon I have a final meeting with Val Chavez and the Executive Committee to finalize plans for changes and the 2008 calendar. Unfortunately I feel real sick today so I appreciate you continued prayers. Thank-you.
Tuesday morning -- UCPP office. We are leaving now for the retreat. In the photo you can see UCPP secretary Evelyn and Pre-school Coordinator, Glo, with the boxes of the Bags of Joy.
Monday Morning, November 26th
Redeeming the time…
I make my way through the impersonal mazes of the airports moving slowly closer to the mission that awaits me. The hours crawl by and sleep on the plane is uncomfortable, elusive and restless. As I am now approaching Manila (in one hour we will land) I feel grimy and aware that this will be a long day – It is 2:43 a.m. in Manila and once I arrive I will stay awake for as much of the day as possible.
At the same time, this has been a good day of travel. I had the luxury of completing two books and starting another. My reviews can be found on “Shelfari” on the right column of this blog. I had a fresh read of “The Monday Morning Church” – Jerry Cook’s book which I will be giving to the Task Force Members and using a basis for some of our discussions. I just completed “Mission Mover” – an abrasive, confrontational yet truthful examination of institutional Christianity and a compelling challenge to be driven by mission while avoiding the trappings of organizational religion. This book has also given me helpful perspective for the work that is ahead. I also am 100 pages into “Three Cups of Tea” – a book that I suspect may be life changing. It is a remarkable account of a mountaineer who became lost after a failed attempt at climbing “K2” in Pakistan and after stumbling into a small village, began a new journey of building schools in remote communities that were without schools or teachers. The author’s passion and methods resonate with the heart behind what we are doing in Manila -- a passion for the children who are full of determination but without opportunity. By building schools we provide them with an immeasurable hope that otherwise would be non-existent. For those of you who support the UCPP, thank-you for making a difference!
Saturday, November 24th
Today my journey begins at Seatac. From there I fly to San Francisco and then to Manila. I arrive in the Philippines on Monday and then the work begins on Tuesday. Please PRAY for me as I meet with the leaders of the Urban Church Planting Project. We will be having our "Task Force Retreat" on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I fly home on Friday. During the retreat we will be formulating a strategy for strengthening the project, improving our leadership training, calendaring for 2008, setting new goals and confronting areas that need improvement. The Task Force is comprised of the key leaders of the project -- the staff of the UCPP, the District Supervisors and the President of Foursquare Philippines, and a handful of other select leaders.
I will post updates and some photos whenever I can. Thank-you for your prayers!
The Task Force Retreat ended yesterday with the groundwork laid for an exciting re-organization that will better serve this growing project. The Task Force members were highly engaged in each discussion that we had along with some very helpful outcomes addressing the challenges of growth, training, and improving the effectiveness of the ministry.
Yesterday there was a coup attempt here in Manila which ended peacefully.
This afternoon I have a final meeting with Val Chavez and the Executive Committee to finalize plans for changes and the 2008 calendar. Unfortunately I feel real sick today so I appreciate you continued prayers. Thank-you.
Tuesday morning -- UCPP office. We are leaving now for the retreat. In the photo you can see UCPP secretary Evelyn and Pre-school Coordinator, Glo, with the boxes of the Bags of Joy. Monday Morning, November 26th
Redeeming the time…
I make my way through the impersonal mazes of the airports moving slowly closer to the mission that awaits me. The hours crawl by and sleep on the plane is uncomfortable, elusive and restless. As I am now approaching Manila (in one hour we will land) I feel grimy and aware that this will be a long day – It is 2:43 a.m. in Manila and once I arrive I will stay awake for as much of the day as possible.
At the same time, this has been a good day of travel. I had the luxury of completing two books and starting another. My reviews can be found on “Shelfari” on the right column of this blog. I had a fresh read of “The Monday Morning Church” – Jerry Cook’s book which I will be giving to the Task Force Members and using a basis for some of our discussions. I just completed “Mission Mover” – an abrasive, confrontational yet truthful examination of institutional Christianity and a compelling challenge to be driven by mission while avoiding the trappings of organizational religion. This book has also given me helpful perspective for the work that is ahead. I also am 100 pages into “Three Cups of Tea” – a book that I suspect may be life changing. It is a remarkable account of a mountaineer who became lost after a failed attempt at climbing “K2” in Pakistan and after stumbling into a small village, began a new journey of building schools in remote communities that were without schools or teachers. The author’s passion and methods resonate with the heart behind what we are doing in Manila -- a passion for the children who are full of determination but without opportunity. By building schools we provide them with an immeasurable hope that otherwise would be non-existent. For those of you who support the UCPP, thank-you for making a difference!
Saturday, November 24th
Today my journey begins at Seatac. From there I fly to San Francisco and then to Manila. I arrive in the Philippines on Monday and then the work begins on Tuesday. Please PRAY for me as I meet with the leaders of the Urban Church Planting Project. We will be having our "Task Force Retreat" on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I fly home on Friday. During the retreat we will be formulating a strategy for strengthening the project, improving our leadership training, calendaring for 2008, setting new goals and confronting areas that need improvement. The Task Force is comprised of the key leaders of the project -- the staff of the UCPP, the District Supervisors and the President of Foursquare Philippines, and a handful of other select leaders.
I will post updates and some photos whenever I can. Thank-you for your prayers!
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