One of my major answered prayers this year was seeing my PCCC family commit to a long-term effort to not only provide relief but even do rehabilitation for a specific area that was affected by a national tragedy named Ondoy. On the morning of December 12, we sang Christmas carols, went house to house, shared the Gospel, prayed for people, gave away noche buena packages and kiddie loot bags with a children’s Gospel booklet.

i’ve told you about this area before, Tagumpay Compound.  i love it’s name.  Even a quick survey of the Bible shows us that names matter.  So, adopting this area just really gives us a good goal to shoot for – that the residents may find their truest victory in turning their lives over to Christ for help, strength, wisdom, healing and real progress.

It was a thrill to hear that several of the residents, in the weeks since our last visit in October, had already become believers and are now regularly attending bible studies.  We might give them fish but it is still good that they are learning to fish themselves.  Do pray for the church near the area as it leads the effort in following up those who make professions of faith or who have expressed spiritual interest.

i know that there isn’t a whole lot of JOY in the world right now, certainly in many parts of the Philippines joy is in very short supply.  But i thank God that at least for this community of about 250 families, we were able to spread a little bit of the holiday cheer bringing with us not only the Christ of Christmas but also some concrete ways of saying, “God has not forgotten you.  He is Emmanuel and He is PRESENT to you amidst all that has happened.”

My prayer is that as the Lord knocks on the doors of their heart they will open up to Him for a daily reality of Emmanuel, for them to experience what real victory is.  Pray with me towards that end?  Thank you!

Under: About Your Missionary, Co-workers in the Harvest Field, Prayer Points