Testimonies

I've just returned from Purok 5 - part of an urban village here in Baguio.  We gathered this morning in houses to meet with each other and Jesus.  The ladies shared testimonies and stories from the week.  I don't usually get time to convey all God is doing, but today I wanted to just jot down a few stories...

A new creation
One lady shared that before she was baptized it was like she was reminded of every bad thing in her life she had ever done. She told us how she had hoped that when she went under the water that all those things would be left behind and she could start new, for herself and for her family.  Smiling through tears, she said that after she was baptized she felt so peaceful inside and all she wanted to do was sleep.  She felt like the sin and old ways of life were completely gone and she had perfect peace.  One of her daughters is a His Heart Sponsored Child and she is changing before our eyes also.  She has become hungry for God and is sensitive to His presence.  Thank you Jesus! 

Holy Spirit touched me
Just now, (after a time of ministry) I felt the Holy Spirit come so deep in my heart, that I just could not control my tears.  The only words I can say is "Thank you" but its not enough.  


Making things right
A mother shared, "Before the baptism, there were many bad words spoken, even in my jeepney as we were driving there.  I felt bad inside and so I went to the person and I said sorry to her even though I was hurt.  When I came up out of the water, all those feelings disappeared and my old ways are behind me."

God is awesome! 

Lives changing one by one

The kids streamed in the gates first, with infectious smiles and excitement, followed by the teens and the adults.  Today is baptism day!  We had filled 4 jeepneys for the 30 minute descent down the mountain to a swimming pool for this special day.  Although our entire family could not be there for various reasons, more than a hundred of us gathered to witness lives changing before our eyes. 

Our His Heart family surrounded the pool and the sound of worship filled the complex.  Strangers watched and even participated in witnessing this moving event! 

One by one they publicly declared their love for Jesus and their willingness to put behind them their old life.  

One by one we baptized them and worshipped.  
One by one, the Holy Spirit has drawn them to Himself, healing their hearts and their bodies. 
Yesterday, one by one, God poured His love and power on each precious child, taking this step for Him.  
And now?  One by one we will get more and bring Jesus His treasure. 
The harvest is truly plentiful.    

Pictures speak...

It's difficult to put into words, our experiences and situation here in Baguio. 
Every Wednesday we have street church, which is a happy, chaotic conglomeration of our team, street vendors, street kids and adult street dwellers and sometimes an interested passer-by.  It's our street family.  They smile and laugh as much as anyone else here, but every day is a struggle, that most of us could not even imagine. 

We bring the good news of the gospel to them, not with words only but with action.  Providing help with medicines, food, love and a fresh word from heaven, these precious people are growing.  I'll let the pictures speak ....

 

...."Love them like Jesus, carry them to Him, His yoke is easy and His burden is light"....