Trip to the Philippines

This is a picture of the creative ministries team at Church of God in Desmarines, Philippines.  It's a very large and vibrant church that fully utilizes the arts in worship.  As you can see from this picture, there were a lot of youth here and they brought a lot of energy to the training day.  We talked about creativity and creative process, acting skills and exercises, and shared some storytelling ideas too.  They were a great group eager to learn and excited to share their giftedness.

This was just one of the training events we offered while were with the team led by Tony Lane from the Church of God HQ in Cleveland, TN.  We spent two days in seminars and training with the Asian Christian Missions Seminary outside of Manilla.

The team of twelve member team led classes in  pastoral leadership, youth ministry, creative arts, administration, etc.  They gathered computers, curriculum, books, athletic equipment, toiletries, and a variety of other items that might meet the needs of the school and the 120+ students that attend the seminary.

Tony Lane is the head of children's ministry for the Church of God in Cleveland, TN.  The team He assembled consisted of pastors, evangelists, and lay leaders that have a heart for equipping the saints around the world.  They all volunteered their time, talents, money, and energy.  Each of these folks was a great blessing and brought a unique giftedness to the mission.  As Tony likes to say, "God puts the people on the bus that he wants to be there."  We also spent some time at a local orphanage and had an awesome time in community outreach there.  The staff who serves on location are an inspiration and their stories of sacrifice and commitment truly blessed me.   

For me, I learned that you just can't out give God.  The law of sowing and reaping is immutable and unchanging like God himself.   I believe that all the seeds that were sown in Manilla will bear good fruit.  I know it has already blessed me in abundance.

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