blast off

Tuesday 3-31 Finally found the visa service office and greeted with, "Dennis Teague!"Last time we saw Cathy she was pregnant. Today the baby girl graduates from high school! (more connections) Lunch with pastors Bob and Delor included the laptop God led us to buy for them. After we had both received a word on it the same day, we went to buy it and then the money came in! Net result - no expense to us!
Wed. 4-1 repacked suitcases and stored 2 to travel lighter going south. Touche base (and lunched) with staff of ZCFB (formerly MCLC) and adjusted schedule. Got a slow taxi driven by former welder (here welders often do not use proper eye protection so we eren't sure he could see.) Got out early and crammed into the back of an FX (a toyota something like a blazer) Met with the elders of TNLF (where we were formerly pastoring for 3 yrs.) Mel (35yrs) had been hosptalized for vertigo so we prayed for him and ate pancit (filipino noodles) Then went to Rino and Merietta's house for dinner.... Talked to Noy, the groom for the wedding I will perform on 4-25.
Thurs. 4-2 up at 4:30AM stored luggage and promised laundry lost. Will catch it on the return next week. Flew 500miles south to Davao, Mindanao and greeted by pastor Julie (man) who drove us 4 hours around the gulf to Tibanban, 2 m. past General Generoso.
Friday 4-3 98 youth (ages 15-25) came for first camp! Theme "Walking with Jesus" They had basketball, volley ball, worship leading, extemporanious preaching, and other cometition! I wrote my first play! based on Acts 9 "Saul's Life Changed Forever", the conversion of Paul and got the youth to act ut the parts with me. Diane had the girls and then we guys presented to the whole group and I preached on it. Diane and I walked to town, road tricycle (motorcycle w/ sidecar) back and preached with prayer and bapt. of the Spirit.
Sat 4-3 In order to get a cell phone signal we had to stand outside the camp under a coconu tree. I was happy cause my Globe phone got a signal while the 2 guys standing on chairs got no signal on their Smart phones. Everyone here knows you don't stand under coconut trees. You can die from a falling coconut. but somethings are worth the risk.... I rewrote the song "Don't sit under the coconut tree with anyone else but me..."
Raining the whole time - supposed to be dry season. Girls volley ball called a tie because of a down pour. I woke up from my nap because of an earthquake and just laid there watching the room move. So much for preparedness. The youth went home rejoicing
Sun 4-5 Diane spoke in the main church while we ventured up the muddy road to the end. Abot 15 youth came forward to confirm their salvation (he result of God doing stuff in them at the camp.) In the PM meeting in town we arrived 20 min. late - 5 minutes before the pastors. 40 peope mostly young people came forward many with tears.
We mainly went there to support our friend's (Beth Lemm) mission, Future and Hope Ministries. We were the first foreign visitors since we were there 14 months ago! It was good to see God encouraging the people. Thanks to the Rivers gang who let us go to these places.
Mon. 4-6 Left 7AM and arrived at hotel in Manila 5PM. Lost laundry still lost. Departed in 5 min. to go to pick up Mike Oleles at Bob and Delor's. She is a fabulouse cook!
Tuesday 4-7 What a day! Diane spent all day buying materials for the puppet making seminar and building the stage. Mike and I went to OMF (my publisher) to meet the new CEO and get my Joy booklet reprinted. Then got a txt that James Pekas was rushed from Baguio City last night for emergency angioplasty because of a heart attack. Was successful, but please pray for him. During that visit I got another txt about a serious marital problem. While riding in traffic for 2 hours and txts and prayers over the phone, we have set up separate meetings with the couple tonight.
Wed 4-8Diane is sewing the curtain for the puppet stage. I bought Sky flakes (crackers) and more Off. Will visit James at the Heart center again today.
Another schedule change for camp - we leave tomorrow so no blog until next week.
Camp theme "Moving Forward" My series of 5 messages titled "Moving Forward Melting Mounains"
Other than that nothing, except laughter and sweat is going on....