“ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me— the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
— Acts 20:24
Raining Rice
My name is Haley. I am living in Manila, Philippines, for the summer where the average rain fall is 25 inches during the months of June and July. However, that will not stop my ministry to the poorest of the poor. One of the staple foods is rice, but many people that I will meet this summer cannot afford enough rice for their family. I'm just heading out knowing that all I have to offer comes from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer Requests
1. That the letters will be accepted well and that we will get the names of the bargirls
2. That we would have some Filipino women from the church continue the ministry and that they will have perseverance
3. That God would continue to mold me and give me patience and understanding as I return home
4. That I would be able to effectively share God’s vision for the nations
5. That others would go out into the harvest field both from the U.S. and from the Philippines
Prayer, Family, and Dancing
This will be my last update before I fly home. Time here has gone by quickly. I have grown extremely close to the family that I live with here. Pastor Art even said during his sermon on Sunday that he has 5 children right now. haha. I feel so blessed that we have such a generous and loving family to live with. And I am constantly laughing because Filipinos have just a great sense of humor. We had an overnight prayer meeting on Friday night, and during some of the games Ate Lea would be up front just dancing away. I have learned a lot about prayer, and the prayer meeting was just a great way to start the last week. Thank you to all of you that have prayed for me this summer. I have been able to see God working through your prayers.
“ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
— Romans 10:14-15
An Important Question
The question that I have been asked the most here about my church at home is what ministry are you involved in? The question isn’t what is the name of your church? Or do they use hymn books? They want to know how I give to my church family at home. It is such an important part of their church life, and it is true we all need to serve in the house of God.
UMak
We were gone for a week, and the student ministry has taken off. Praise God! One girl accepted Christ at the gathering two Fridays ago. There is also a Bible study that is going on Tuesday afternoons. The church is a place where people feel comfortable coming and asking questions about God as they try to figure out what they believe. Hillary and I have been a part of this ministry. However, it is just getting into full swing, and the college-age students who are members at the church pour their lives into growing these students. Pray as they will continue this ministry when we leave. Pray that they will speak with boldness and clarity. They all have a hunger for learning, but continue to pray that they will draw closer and closer to God each day.
“ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me— the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.
— Acts 20:24
Finishing Strong
I just returned from the mountains this Saturday. What we set out to do we completed, and God used us to bless the people. There are many programs that we are looking forward to strengthening before we head to a time of debrief on July 26. We are really excited that the women at the church are helping out with the Door of Hope. The church is getting a foot in the door in the local bars. We had our first Bible study in a bar, and we had two girls come. We also have a couple more opportunities for Bible studies coming up. Pray… …that God would open up the hearts of the bar managers. …that God would put in the hearts of the men and women we have met a hunger to read the Word of God. …that God would continue to give us opportunities and that we would share the hope of the gospel with boldness and without restraint. …that the men and women would place God over money.
“ …and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. Acts 17:26
— God knows where he has placed each person, and I know that for this summer God prepared the way for me to be here. However, I was also born in the U.S. for a reason, and God has used that as a training ground for me to go out. As for the future God has already put the plans in motion, and I will wait as he continues to guide me. Many of you may be wondering my thoughts about Russia after my experience here, and my heart is definitely still with the Russian people especially with the orphans. I am excited to see how much I have changed when I come home.
God blessed us with a beautiful sunset which was very encouraging. Our God is so amazing, and we have seen Him work in so many ways. I have learned so much about prayer. Sometimes I do not see the results of my prayers, but I know my God is faithful. Continue to be faithful as God has prepared good works for you do to do wherever you are. (Galatians 6:9-10)
