I just got back from Palanan last Friday!! What an experience! And what an honor to participate a bit in what God is doing in that remote area!
[Here is a photo of Heidi and me in the bunka (boat) moving up the river to the village of Dibungko.]
These photos show a view of Duane's nipa house.
I had to chuckle when he told me the Agta's were building him a house--several years ago someone prophesied over us that we would have many homes. Hmm . . . interesting!
All the materials were taken from the jungle-- not a nail in the structure! Duane helped 3other couples build houses for themselves, too.
I accompanied Heidi, speaker for the week, and HongBaek (from Member Care who wanted to see the place and what is happening). After the bus ride and an overnight stay, and a 45 minutes plane ride over the mountains, it was just a 4 day visit with the team. A very good time--I don't like the HOT weather or sweat dripping down my face and down my back but otherwise I LOVED the place and the people.
Quiet, peaceful, separated from the "world" with no electricity except by generator at night for 3 hours.
Heidi loved being there, too. Her teaching followed up on all that has been said so far and family, couples, Godly communication, to know their identity in Christ, love of the Father, learning how to affirm each other (rather than shame based actions).
44 students--about 17 or 18 "youth" (16-30 years, singles) from revival at outreach youth camp last May and the remaining are CMU missionaries who keep expressing that they feel so privileged to be part of this training. They really are excited to be there and want to learn and receive from God.
The people are wonderful! I can understand now how Duane feels when he leaves and wants to go right back--I felt the same way the morning I left on the plane to go back to Baguio.
This is an exciting time. But at the same time--intense, more so than a regular CDTS school. Please pray for the staff team as they are very busy with teaching -- everything being translated, leading small groups, having one-on-one meetings with students, doing their own cooking, hand washing laundry, and extra conversational English lessons.
Weekends are full with invitations to speak in churches of other villages, teach for seminars, or have leadership training for CMU missionaries.
When they have free time they may sometimes cross the river and walk 45 minutes into town for halo-halo (crushed ice with fruit and juice mixed in), then walk back and wade the river again before climbing up the steep hill to the village or just crash in a hammock for a bit. They will all come out for a 10-day break, weather permitting flying, Oct. 24. then back again for 4 more weeks of the discipleship training course.
Thank you for your prayers, love and support of what God is doing in this region. Let us praise God together for all He is doing in the lives of these beautiful people.
Blessings,
Lois
