We made it!

Maayong Buntag! (Good Morning)

I made it to the Philippines! I am still in complete shock that I am living on an island for two months-AN ISLAND! God is so incredibly good. Our journey here was quite long but, we finally made it to our final destination in Butuan City. Orientation was some of the most intense training I have ever been through. Nehemiah Teams has prepared it's members to be incredible disciples of the Jesus Christ. Leaving Alabama and seeing my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ venture out into the world was exhilarating and so very encouraging-we are not alone in this battle or in the race for glory!

Upon arriving here we spent our first day in the market. It was quite the local experience and I am very thankful that our translators/Filipino teammates were there to help us along. Our white skin and height creates quite a  commotion anywhere that we go. The first day was probably the longest because of the time change. It has taken quite a few days to adjust {12 hour difference}. We have been going to bed at 7 and I wake up around 12 or 2 wide awake. My feet have been so swollen that they will barely fit into my chacos-but I am adjusting to the heat and I think my body will begin to embrace the tropical climate. Our days are slow but the heat is draining.

Friday was our first full day of ministry. It was a new experience for me, to say the least. I am so thankful that the NT gang had adequately prepared me for sharing the word of God and facing the problem we may encounter on the way so we set off to visit our first homes! We visited three homes our first day out. We are doing house to house evangelism in the local area. The last home we visited invited us in on our way back to camp so, of course, we took the opportunity to enter their home. We were able to share God's good news with the family! We came back the next day for a bible study and the family members were very curious about the message we were preaching. The major religion in this region is Catholic. There are some Muslims in the rural villages and many Jehovah's witness churches. Our messages is quite different from anything that they have heart - they are very receptive to the true message of the bible.

On Sunday, we visited a church of believers and I gave my testimony. I was nervous but the Lord calmed my fears and with the help of my translator I was able to get the message across. In this culture, the males are expected to do the preaching so I was off the hook there (hehe). The guys all did a wonderful job and the Lord spoke truth through them. In order to get to church, we had to cross the agusan  river - Home to the world's largest Alligators (21ft)! It was a teeny tiny canoe.Our church was wonderful and after the service we were escorted to the pastors home. They served us lunch while we watched game 7 of NBA eastern finals {who would have thought?!} -I was disappointed to have to sit there and watch the heat win. Not cool. Manny Pacquiao had a fight and the whole community stopped to watch the match. He is a local hero to everyone in this country. The family was so sweet to have us into their home and we enjoyed their hospitality. 

Monday, we visited the Burangay (village) captains. It was the most fun day I have had so far! The village I am assigned to will be visited often by the local government officials because of the level of security needed. However, I trust that I am in the Lord's palm and nothing can snatch me away. {MOM} Please do not worry for my safety- they will take care of us! I will be leaving to spend two weeks in my remote village on June 19th. 

Yesterday, we saw much of the country side while riding on top of the jeepney (basically a school bus). It was beautiful, breath-taking and absolutely surreal! I feel as if I am living in a dream on most days.

Today, we are in the city to get some food items and just to take a short break. We are planning to visit an outdoor store (I need a bigger water bottle) and take in a movie or two!

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts. I can truly feel them. There have been tough days and I am sure there will be more to come. Please pray for my mental and spiritual endurance. The devil will be at work as long as we are sharing the word of God. I miss my family-nothing can take their place in my life. I wish that you ALL could see this beautiful place-it is a true picture of God's craftsmanship.The Lord continues to be my rock and my shield. He is amazing and has blessed me greatly.

For updates on the team visit nehemiahteams.blogspot.com - our media team member will also be posting updates there!

Talk to you soon-In Christ Jesus,

Meagan