Goodbyes
After spending 3 months in Manilla to work on my residence visa, Philippine drivers license, Philippine bank account, visit friends it was time to transition from Luzon island to Negros island. This meant saying goodbye to friends on Luzon.
Difficult Transition
To say transitioning to Negros island has been the hardest and most difficult one of my entire life, is not an understatement. Above photo is of a 3 wheel motorbike taxi I now take. No automotive taxis here. And the next photo is rush hour on the main road through town. Most of my YWAM friends live on the island of Cebu, but at the present the Lord has not given me release to go to that island. So I came to an island I knew very few people. Thank God for the Church and other contacts I’m starting to make here which is helping to create community and ministry work. So it is a sacrifice I’m making living on Negros and not Cebu.
One area is electricity. The electric is shut off here all day at least 2 times per month. And goes out regularly throughout the week. Cebu island does not see these frequent power outages. But here it does. Just last night I woke up at 2am with the power shut off and was off for several hours.
Another area is my CPAP machine I use for sleep apnea. Due to the continual power outages I had to invest in a small power station to keep it running at night. But my machine also started failing. Wondering if the continual power outages at new location was partly a cause. Which meant I had to buy an unknown brand from China and have it shipped here. Another unexpected cost. Still not sleeping as good on the new machine as I did on the old one.
Then the water. The water kept shutting off when I first arrived for a few weeks until the owner manually opened the valve in the street to allow more water. But even with this the pressure is very low and water still shuts off occasionally.
And the AC starting failing on me when I moved into the apartment. I had to dip into emergency funds to deal with fixing the AC issue.
There is no washing machine here. So I wash all clothes by hand. I have to set aside time at least 1 day each week to wash all clothes by hand as it takes more time. With the low water pressure and water outages using a washing machine here is not realistic. Also, I do not have room for one in my small studio apartment.
I’ve also been dealing with and ant infestation since the first day I moved in.
I also was dealing with some health issues (I think due to the stress of moving to this new location) that are now starting to clear up.
Learning that everything here moves much slower than America or Europe. Takes more time to get things done here.
Lastly, I received an alert from the US Embassy that they are kidnapping Americans (mainly for money) on an island close to the one I’m on.
But…
In all this I want to thank the Lord because His Grace has been amazing and the only reason I’ve made it this far. Thank You Lord.
New Community
Above photo is the Church I’m attending. Jesus Saves Fellowship Assembly of God. It is the first outdoor Church I’ve ever attended in my life. New experience dealing with mosquitos as you sit through service. Or you see a baby chicken walk past the pastor up front in Church as he is delivering his sermon. Getting to know the the pastoral staff and others at the Church has been good. And being apart of the community. Again, thank the Lord for His Blessing and Grace.
Ministry To Poor
The Church has several monthly outreaches to poor communities in the area. Including children. I’ve been thankful to be part of these and to sow into them. And plan to continue too.
One outreach in March we had over 90 children. The 2nd outreach was to a new area I was told was a slum area. It was the first time at this location which is probably why the low attendance.
Ministry Computer Support
I’ve also been doing volunteer (for free) computer support for some YWAM ministries. This has helped to create more connections, community and build relationships.
Amazing Grace
On this new missions journey I’ve been on now for 7 years the Lord has taught more about His Grace. And how many times I’ve desperately needed it. So much so that I now tend to get a bit emotional when I think of His Lovingkindness Grace towards me. The words of the well know song Amazing Grace seem appropriate here.
Through many dangers,
Toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought
Me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
Or as Paul so accurately stated…
9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [a]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
1. For God’s Grace. I would not have made it this far this new location without His Amazing Grace.
2. For the new community I’m building at the new location.
Prayer
1. For God’s continued Grace to live here
2. For good health
3. Protection from kidnappings
4. That more children will show up at the new location (slum area)
5. For money to purchase a 2000 watt power station so I can run the small window AC unit when they shut the power off all day
Blessings – In Christ Service
Doug
Contact
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