4-19 Thursday

Since the services and talent show went so late yesterday Bro Abner canceled morning devotionals, so we were able to sleep in a little bit, which we did as well as skipping breakfast.  The morning session included each of us giving our testimony and talking about soul winning, follow up, and discipleship.  We all talked about the people that mentored us in those areas, if we had anyone that followed up with us when we were newly saved.  Then Bro Gary went on to give a short lesson on the importance of each step of the process. They would go on to sing more specials. After that was lunch and break time.  Red Dog Lyster (Bro Russell), Georgia (Bro Mike) and I went for a walk to find a Jollibee (McDonalds/KFC restaurant combo) to eat lunch. They have some really good spicy chicken. We walked about 5 times farther than we had too.  They youth went on to play a game called amazing race.  They were broken up into 4 teams as they went all over town, we walked and watched and laughed as they had to complete each different task.  Once they completed the tasks we went back to get ready for dinner and the evening banquet, in which the Bro Gary brought the finishing message.  It was amazing to see the spirit of God work on these special young people.  There was a huge alter call and well as many people crying in the audience as they realized that worship is only part of service to God.  During the alter call Bro Abner asked the other pastors to come up and assist anyone that needed guidance.  Once the services were concluded the leaders gave awards to the youth as well as presenting each of us with a special gift.  It is awesome to see how God can work in just a short amount of time. Then came picture time and fellowship where we were able to exchange emails and spend more time with them as some of them sang songs on stage. Visiting with the youth and listening to their struggles and joys in life was a huge blessing. We are so blessed to be able to experience God working here in the Philippines. 

cole