So you may already be aware that I have returned home from the Philippines. Spending time in Belize and the Philippines for the last 5 months has been a journey full of joy, adventure, and growth. I'd love to recap what all God has done in the lecture and outreach phases for all my supporters.
Leaving behind everything familiar in order to spend 3 months learning about God and growing in my relationship with him in the beautiful Carribean was a wonderful time in my life. I have felt my faith tested and it has grown tremendously- just in witnessing God's faithfulness and provision. I am so convinced of His goodness and love towards humanity. It was also amazing to see God at work in the lives of the other students on the DTS; so many people had breakthroughs with the struggles they were going through. Not to mention the island life was pretty amazing, being right next to the shore, scuba diving and spear fishing...yesterday I even bought plantains because I've definitely missed the Belizean cuisine.
The outreach phase, which consisted of various ministry opportunities in the Philippines, gave me the chance to really experience life as others experience it, in a nation much poorer than my own. The last week of our outreach we spent time in an orphanage, holding and feeding disabled children. We also visited a home for the dying, where we were able to sit and talk with the elderly, letting them know they are loved. And we worked with a human trafficking ministry called Renew. There we visited the sex bars and were able to observe and learn about what really goes on behind the scenes. Our hearts broke for the girls who had been kidnapped or deceived and brought to the bars to be sold. In the two months that our team spent there we learned what sacrifice meant- yet it didn't even feel like sacrifice when I looked at those around me. Serving in the Philippines matured me in a way that I didn't expect. I met some amazing people who really shined Jesus' light, love, and joy. I never want to forget the people and their condition.
The journey isn't over yet. The last leg of the DTS includes an internship phase, and for that I will be going to Russia to work with a Christian ministry. The details are still being worked out and I need to raise support for travel and living expenses, but I am so excited to see what God has for me in this time. If you could please be praying for God's timing and provision for the final phase of my Discipleship Training School, I would surely appreciate it. If you would like to help just message me and I can tell you how. I will be sure to give updates on how the Russia situation progresses!
Love,
Amanda
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
