Reflections on the Philippines

My three week break is quickly coming to a close.  I will arrive in St. Petersburg on February 4, and will begin teaching again within a week or so after that.

Russia and the Republic of the Philippines are completely opposite in nearly every way – culture, climate, geography, spiritual climate, education,  I could continue for a few pages.

Many surprises have come my way during the break.  Many invitations to teach, preach, and sing have been the biggest surprises. Last Sunday, I taught at local church.  This Sunday, I will be preaching at a tribal church.  This trip has confirmed that sometimes God chooses to use me  in ways that I least expect and I am the least comfortable with – always growing, always stretching and always being tested.  I have grown to embrace the process and will share in more detail in a future post.

It is a humid 88 degrees in Davao (31 – C) and I am preparing to practice,  share and hang out with the worship band at a local church later this evening.  The thought of a band rehearsal is making me think about enjoyable times with the band at Capital Church – enjoyable rehearsals, great Sundays, a few evenings hanging out, and the Chick Corea and Return to Forever concert last summer.  I REALLY miss you guys!

While I enjoy listening to podcasts from Capital Church, K2 and a number of other great churches in the US, nothing has been able replace the community and the experience of doing life together with friends in Salt Lake City.

On Monday, I was invited to go island hopping with a local pastor and his leadership team.  Yes!  Pasty white me from no-sun Russia.  The experience was outrageous!