Diary of a young mission tripper

22/6 On board PH 501 heading for Manila airport.
Dear Lord,
Wow! Can’t believe we are really on our way. Planning for this trip has been a roller-coaster ride and through it all we’ve seen the manifestation of your powers. At first it seemed so close that not everybody would be able to go due to the unfavorable conditions in Philippines, but you proved faithful and made a way for each of us to receive confirmation or blessings from our family. My heart is filled with anticipation for what is to come. I believe this will be a real adventure, witnessing the ways in which you can work in and through us. Please use us as your instruments to be a blessing to the missionaries and people in Philippines. I have nothing much to offer, but I give unto you a willing and teachable heart.

23/6 Care Channels
Dear Lord,
You mean people actually live in rubbish dumps?! It was a heart-wrenching sight to see so many beautiful children living in such terrible conditions when we visited Payatas today. Some were bathing with water found in crevices on the road, most have yellow and decaying teeth, it is not possible to guess the children’s ages simply by looking at their physical forms… I felt tears welling when I heard their prayer requests. 10 year old James spoke hesitantly about wanting his house to be repaired. Michelle, an adopted child of the resident Pastor asked for reconciliation between her parents and to be able to support her Mother soon. Some were too young to voice out their concerns but it was evident that they did not always have meals on the table. I felt so ashamed. What do I pray for? Good results, strength for a busy schedule, problems with friends…
Father, why are there so many poor people? Why is there so much suffering? If I a sinful mortal can feel so much for the poor, how much more must you feel for these children of yours?

25/6 Care Channels, just had Bible Study with Seng Eng.
Dear Lord,
I thank you for speaking to me so quickly and powerfully. Today, through Seng Eng, you answered my questions. Deuteronomy 15: 4-11 reminded me that you do not desire for people to be poor materially, but yet there will always be poor people. You speak clearly that therefore those who are more privileged materially ought to give generously without a grudging heart, and command us to be openhanded toward the poor and needy. We are all stewards who are entrusted with an amount of wealth and what we do with our ‘talents’ will reveal our faithfulness to you. Naturally, more is expected from those who are given more. As much as wealth is a blessing, it is also a responsibility.
I have so much more to learn and am grateful that Seng Eng and Chwen have been so patient. Their lives are a living testimony of your grace. Father, you know their request for a LCD projector and a vehicle as they form an evangelistic team and I pray that you will be their Jehovah Jireh and provide the resources needed. I know this money will be put to good use and many lives will be touched by it.

27/6 Leaving Tondo and heading for Seng Eng’s place.
Dear Lord,
Today is the most depressing of all. Tondo gave me a glimpse of living hell. Humans living in makeshift huts amidst river of rubbish and filth. River of rubbish!!! The corridors were suffocating, damp and dark. And there were all these children running around. All the while we were following Brother Cesar in giving out gospel tracts, I was overwhelmed with a sense of inadequacy and helplessness. Lord, what can I do?