I hope everyone will take some time to watch the slideshow posted under “photos” on our website, for they tell the story of our recent Kingdom-building trip to Cuba. As they say, “a picture is like a thousand words.” As always, our trip to Cuba was amazing as God worked in mighty ways IN us and THROUGH us. He put together the perfect team from 5 different churches to come alongside the church in Santiago de Cuba. Our assignment was to build the Kingdom both spiritually and physically. Our team members were able to minister in three different services with 700-1,800 in attendance in each service. We saw Cubans hungry for more of God, His Word, full of worship and praise…even in their very adverse circumstances! In our words, the trip was humbling, inspiring, convicting, and a blessing….all at the same time!
We asked our team members to share a brief testimony of the trip, and here are some of their responses:
"But to me the most important thing is that we as a team came together, traveled to Cuba and helped people that we did not know, and may never see again, because that is what the Lord lead each of us to do"
"Sharing your time, talents and treasures is a gift that only you can give, and I am thankful to have been a small part of it"
"He did bring me to Cuba to change me and to draw me nearer to HIM and HIS heartbeat. I never going to forget what I experienced in Cuba"
"When we got to Santiago I even got a burst of energy. I never felt tired and walked up and down some thousand plus stairs. I felt great and started to see things very differently. Even seeing the assignment that the LORD gave me as very fun."
"We plan, we meet, we raise funds to go and help our brother and sisters in Cuba, and as Americans it is easy to pat ourselves on the back and say look at what we have done. We did not go to Cuba we were brought to Cuba by God so that we could be changed"
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Cuba Update
We are still painting on the 5th floor of the church. The engineer/architect is a woman and she is very pleased with our work. The ceilings took 4 coats of white and the walls 2 coats of green. We are having fun, but I have noticed that everyone is slowing down. Their midweek service, they call a bible study, is on Tuesday night. It didn't start till 8:00 and we had a great time worshipping. They moved the service to the old part of the church because of construction in what is to be the main sanctuary and it would hold everyone. They set up closed circuit tv and people sat all around on various floors in the construction debris and watched the service...so hungry!!! We were honored with the presence of the general superintendent of the assemblies of God Pastor Hector Hunter. He preached in spanish and we had an interpretor in english, so we actually understood the message!! It was powerful.
Every day they have prayer from 8:00 to noon and as we are working you hear singing, and praying all around the building in various rooms. It is amazaing!
We will finish our work tomorrow, and say our goodbyes. We begin our trek home early Friday morning and will arrive in tampa around 4:30 pm.
The picutres will tell so much, just cant get them emailed from here. You see few cell phones, the locals don't have computers and wireless in the public internet cafes is very new tecnology and very slow. Each of my emails have taken a long time to send.
We have had no interruptions from any of the officials and everything has been perfect. Continue to pray for our health and for a smooth exit and re-entry to the USA.
Every day they have prayer from 8:00 to noon and as we are working you hear singing, and praying all around the building in various rooms. It is amazaing!
We will finish our work tomorrow, and say our goodbyes. We begin our trek home early Friday morning and will arrive in tampa around 4:30 pm.
The picutres will tell so much, just cant get them emailed from here. You see few cell phones, the locals don't have computers and wireless in the public internet cafes is very new tecnology and very slow. Each of my emails have taken a long time to send.
We have had no interruptions from any of the officials and everything has been perfect. Continue to pray for our health and for a smooth exit and re-entry to the USA.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Quick Recap of Easter & Monday
Just want you all to know that we had a great time celebrating Easter in Cuba. We went to the sunrise service at 6:30 am. The music and celebration was awesome (the message probably was also but we couldn’t understand it), They fed us breakfast, then I preached the main service. My interpreter was amazing and God moved in a powerful way. My message was “To Know Him and the Power of His Resurrection” from Phil. 3:10. Then we had a short afternoon and rejoined them for evening service, which started at 8:00 and was over at 11:00!!
We were up early to work at the church today. We painted the Sunday school rooms on the 5th floor—3 coats on the ceilings of 4 rooms and hung some light fixtures. Tomorrow we paint the walls “verde” which is green.
We are tired, and blessed! We have had a couple of team members sick from food/water, so pray for healing and for protection for us all. God is amazing and we are thankful He chose us to be here!
We were up early to work at the church today. We painted the Sunday school rooms on the 5th floor—3 coats on the ceilings of 4 rooms and hung some light fixtures. Tomorrow we paint the walls “verde” which is green.
We are tired, and blessed! We have had a couple of team members sick from food/water, so pray for healing and for protection for us all. God is amazing and we are thankful He chose us to be here!
Arrived in Cuba and off to a great start!
We arrived safe and sound on Friday morning in Santiago de Cuba…what a beautiful country! The weather has been gorgeous and the mountains and the Caribbean are more fabulous that words can express. The Cuban people are lovely and the Christians are warm, friendly, and love to hug! We visited the church as soon as we arrived and they were busy working on their 5-story structure. It is a beautiful building and will be the largest church in Cuba when finished. Of course they are already meeting in the church and as we were discussing our week during lunch they invited us to minister in their services this weekend.
We started full-swing with Josh preaching for the “Youth” service last night. They said about 200 young people would be in attendance, but word spread fast that Americans would be there the first two floors were packed with all ages—over 700 in attendance. We had a party. Josh preached and the Holy Spirit moved and the team laid hands on those in need and the Holy Spirit moved! Then we had a dancing, singing, party in the Holy Ghost. They love to sing and dance, so we got our aerobic exercise. What a blast!
Since it is Easter weekend they did not want to work at the church today so they could get ready for Sunday, so we took a fun day, visited an old military fort on the coast that was used during the war. It is like time stood still and nothing structurally as changed since the 1950’s. We have some pics, but not a chance to upload, so hoping to get some pics of the country out in the next couple of days.
Tomorrow they will pick us up at our hotel at 6:15 am and we will join them for their sunrise service at 6:30 am. They will feed us breakfast at the church, they I will preach for the 8:45 am service—their theme “Resurrection Sunday” of course. Then we will have lunch and head back to the hotel for the afternoon. Then one of our team members from Orlando will preach the evening service.
Monday we will begin work on the church building. Laying marble tile on the 3rd and 4th floors, and painting the classrooms on the top story. We are not sure what else God has in store, but we are ready!
We started full-swing with Josh preaching for the “Youth” service last night. They said about 200 young people would be in attendance, but word spread fast that Americans would be there the first two floors were packed with all ages—over 700 in attendance. We had a party. Josh preached and the Holy Spirit moved and the team laid hands on those in need and the Holy Spirit moved! Then we had a dancing, singing, party in the Holy Ghost. They love to sing and dance, so we got our aerobic exercise. What a blast!
Since it is Easter weekend they did not want to work at the church today so they could get ready for Sunday, so we took a fun day, visited an old military fort on the coast that was used during the war. It is like time stood still and nothing structurally as changed since the 1950’s. We have some pics, but not a chance to upload, so hoping to get some pics of the country out in the next couple of days.
Tomorrow they will pick us up at our hotel at 6:15 am and we will join them for their sunrise service at 6:30 am. They will feed us breakfast at the church, they I will preach for the 8:45 am service—their theme “Resurrection Sunday” of course. Then we will have lunch and head back to the hotel for the afternoon. Then one of our team members from Orlando will preach the evening service.
Monday we will begin work on the church building. Laying marble tile on the 3rd and 4th floors, and painting the classrooms on the top story. We are not sure what else God has in store, but we are ready!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Cuba Itinerary
We are preparing to leave on our next assignment to lead a team to Santiago, Cuba, for a week of missions construction work and ministry. Gerald Jackson, an Assemblies of God U. S. Missionary to Cuba, will be leading us as we go to help complete the construction of one of the largest churches in Cuba. The building is in its final stages and we will be doing some finishing work, laying flooring tile, as well as some electrical work. In addition, Debbie will be ministering in women’s meetings throughout the week. We will be celebrating Easter in a Cuban church...sounds exciting!
Cuba Flight Itinerary
Thursday, April 1
Depart Tampa 3:40pm
Arrive Miami 4:45pm
Friday, April 2
Depart Miami 8:00am
Arrive Cuba 9:45am
Friday, April 9
Depart Cuba 10:30am
Arrive Tampa 4:10pm
Please keep our team in prayer as we travel, minister, and do construction.
Cuba Flight Itinerary
Thursday, April 1
Depart Tampa 3:40pm
Arrive Miami 4:45pm
Friday, April 2
Depart Miami 8:00am
Arrive Cuba 9:45am
Friday, April 9
Depart Cuba 10:30am
Arrive Tampa 4:10pm
Please keep our team in prayer as we travel, minister, and do construction.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Vietnam Recap of 1/30-1/31
We arrived safely in Hanoi Saturday and spend the afternoon getting acquainted with our surroundings. We are in a very Asian, basic hotel (The Lucky Hotel) right near the city center. We found the familiar KFC and had lunch, then ate on the third-floor Highlands Coffee Shop for supper.
We had a great experience this morning. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise, with recognizable choices such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and even hash browns. The rest was Vietnamese soups and such. The only challenge was the smoking in the little eating area downstairs. We have seen much more smoking here in the “north” than we did in the “south” of Vietnam.
Pastor Vinh picked us up at 8:30 in a taxi and we had about a 30-minute drive somewhere to an alleyway where the taxi stopped and we were instructed to quickly move inside the building. That is common for house-church in Vietnam. The government pretty much leaves the house churches alone unless they suspect they are getting involved in politics by swaying the church members to rebel against communism. Having two American women would be a definite “red flag.” We were escorted to the 3rd floor of the local Pastor’s house and there we found about 30 believers singing with a keyboard player, a song leader and a small sound system. When we walked in, they cheered. When I asked them who had never seen an American before, about ½ of them raised their hands. There were about 10 of them that were in my classes last year.
As they began to worship in their language again, I was awestruck by the grace of God that would bring me to this place where believers are persecuted by a very corrupt government. Even as communism goes, the government officials here in Hanoi are known around the world to be the most corrupt. Most of those in Pastor Ruth’s house church (her real name is not Ruth, but it is the Christian name she “earned” because she was arrested and persecuted by the police as one who propagates the Gospel) are young university students. Amazing! That is the hardest “people group” to reach in the U.S. and those have been the first here in this huge city. Then each student came to me after the message wanting me to lay hands on them and pray for them in their studies and for them to be strong in their faith and witness. Hmmmm, what ARE we doing wrong in the U.S?
The most exciting part of the morning was a young man stood up and introduced his “friend” that was there for the first time. I tried to imagine being a beautiful young college girl in a Christian house church singing praises to a Jesus I had only heard about from my friend. She listened closely as I preached about the Lukewarm church of Laodicea, and when the service was over, she came forward to declare before her friend that she wanted to receive Jesus as her Lord and make a commitment to learn about Him from the Holy Bible and serve Him by telling others about Him. When believers in Vietnam invite someone to their house church, they are always taking a risk that they are a spy for the government, or that they will leave and tell the wrong person of their experience. Wow, a risktaker…sounds like Paul, or Peter, or even Mary the mother of Jesus.
After praying with her, others in the crowd began telling how they heard about Jesus and how they were invited to this house church. Amazing! Their system is simple, just like the books of Acts, and the discipleship begins immediately as they gave her a Bible, a booklet to study, and told her they would pick her up for Bible Study once a week so she can learn about Jesus and His Word. Whew, one more “unreached” is now “reached.” There are millions more!
They cooked us lunch and we were joined by another pastor-friend of Pastor Vinh’s from Malaysia. The food was simple, rice, chicken, watermelon and papaya. No flavor, but filling. One thing is for sure, it is their very best and they are happy to serve the “servants of God.” Tomorrow we will be picked up again and I will teach on “The Authority of The Word, The Name, and The Blood” to pastors from house churches all around the city. Then tomorrow night Pastor Vinh invited the young students to come back and he will be teaching them on “Love, Sex, and Marriage.” On Tuesday we will do it all again in another part of the city for more pastors.
We had a great experience this morning. Breakfast was a pleasant surprise, with recognizable choices such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and even hash browns. The rest was Vietnamese soups and such. The only challenge was the smoking in the little eating area downstairs. We have seen much more smoking here in the “north” than we did in the “south” of Vietnam.
Pastor Vinh picked us up at 8:30 in a taxi and we had about a 30-minute drive somewhere to an alleyway where the taxi stopped and we were instructed to quickly move inside the building. That is common for house-church in Vietnam. The government pretty much leaves the house churches alone unless they suspect they are getting involved in politics by swaying the church members to rebel against communism. Having two American women would be a definite “red flag.” We were escorted to the 3rd floor of the local Pastor’s house and there we found about 30 believers singing with a keyboard player, a song leader and a small sound system. When we walked in, they cheered. When I asked them who had never seen an American before, about ½ of them raised their hands. There were about 10 of them that were in my classes last year.
As they began to worship in their language again, I was awestruck by the grace of God that would bring me to this place where believers are persecuted by a very corrupt government. Even as communism goes, the government officials here in Hanoi are known around the world to be the most corrupt. Most of those in Pastor Ruth’s house church (her real name is not Ruth, but it is the Christian name she “earned” because she was arrested and persecuted by the police as one who propagates the Gospel) are young university students. Amazing! That is the hardest “people group” to reach in the U.S. and those have been the first here in this huge city. Then each student came to me after the message wanting me to lay hands on them and pray for them in their studies and for them to be strong in their faith and witness. Hmmmm, what ARE we doing wrong in the U.S?
The most exciting part of the morning was a young man stood up and introduced his “friend” that was there for the first time. I tried to imagine being a beautiful young college girl in a Christian house church singing praises to a Jesus I had only heard about from my friend. She listened closely as I preached about the Lukewarm church of Laodicea, and when the service was over, she came forward to declare before her friend that she wanted to receive Jesus as her Lord and make a commitment to learn about Him from the Holy Bible and serve Him by telling others about Him. When believers in Vietnam invite someone to their house church, they are always taking a risk that they are a spy for the government, or that they will leave and tell the wrong person of their experience. Wow, a risktaker…sounds like Paul, or Peter, or even Mary the mother of Jesus.
After praying with her, others in the crowd began telling how they heard about Jesus and how they were invited to this house church. Amazing! Their system is simple, just like the books of Acts, and the discipleship begins immediately as they gave her a Bible, a booklet to study, and told her they would pick her up for Bible Study once a week so she can learn about Jesus and His Word. Whew, one more “unreached” is now “reached.” There are millions more!
They cooked us lunch and we were joined by another pastor-friend of Pastor Vinh’s from Malaysia. The food was simple, rice, chicken, watermelon and papaya. No flavor, but filling. One thing is for sure, it is their very best and they are happy to serve the “servants of God.” Tomorrow we will be picked up again and I will teach on “The Authority of The Word, The Name, and The Blood” to pastors from house churches all around the city. Then tomorrow night Pastor Vinh invited the young students to come back and he will be teaching them on “Love, Sex, and Marriage.” On Tuesday we will do it all again in another part of the city for more pastors.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
I am thankful that the Philippines Team is now safely in the U.S. and reunited with their family and friends. In a few days they will be recovered from the time change and readjusted to the American lifestyle. One thing is for sure, they are returning never to be the same...with a new zeal and hunger to see a move of God like we all saw in the Philippines. We can't wait to share with the church family all that God accomplished during our short time of ministry.
Robin Rogers and I have moved on to our next assignment. We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Wednesday afternoon...a city of more than 10 million people. Early Thursday morning we were picked up on motor bikes by members of Agape Outreach Fellowship and were taken to Pastor Vinh's house church--a 45 minute ride through the city. Pastors and leaders from around the city, the Mekong Delta, and the "highlands" (tribal villages) gathered for the Agape School of Ministry. I taught on the topic "Authority of the Believer" with Pastor Vinh as my interpretor. It was great to see old friends as 16 of the pastors began the school with me 4 years ago. It is amazing what they can endure; they remained attentive from 8:00 till 5:00 pm...so intent on learning, taking notes and asking quesitons.
We were picked up again on Friday morning and when we arrived at the training center, everything was buzzing as they prepared for the first ordination service for the 16 pastors completing the 4 years of trainig. A special lunch was prepared, Pepsi was put on ice (a real treat for them), ties were passed out, hair was combed, some even put on their shoes for the service!!! The candidates were invited to share the testimony of their call and I wept as they stood before their peers, expressing the difficulty of serving Jesus in this type of persecuted environment, yet declaring by faith they they were committed to serve the Lord in their new office. They take very seriously the call to the office of pastor as well as the call to the office of evangelist. Each one knew shared where the Lord was calling them to minister...all of them to unreached areas of Vietnam. Some as far as 16 hours away by bus. It was the most humbling experience I have ever encountered, and also the most inspiring. It was truly the book of Acts in "action."
I was given the privilege of sharing the Word of God to them--to encourage them as well as challenge them. The Scripture on the banner you see hanging over the small platform is Colossians 4:17. After the Word, Pastor Vinh and I laid hands on each candidate, anointing them with oil, as they dropped to their knees in submission to the call of God on their lives. Pastor Vinh shared with them at the conclusion of the ceremony, as a true spiritual father, with tears running down his face, as he claimed the unreached in his nation for the Kingdom of God. I can hardly type this testimony for the tears in my eyes now as I recall the day. What an honor that God would allow us to be part of history in the making here in Vietnam. God was faithful to provide the money to sponsor these pastors for this service through Kingdom Builders, and I was blessed to see that Pastor Vinh used some of it to purchase Bibles, tracts, postors, and other materials to equip the new pastors for the work of their ministry. They loaded up backpacks and suitcases with these materials after the ceremony. Some got new helmets and jackets to wear on their motor bikes so they can take the Gospel deep into unreached territory in the highlands. Some of the women pastors got new blouses and were so proud of them.
I pray each of you are inspired and motivated to become actively involved in "preaching the Gospel in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." Matt. 24:14.
Pictures have already been added to the website to help tell the story.
Robin Rogers and I have moved on to our next assignment. We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on Wednesday afternoon...a city of more than 10 million people. Early Thursday morning we were picked up on motor bikes by members of Agape Outreach Fellowship and were taken to Pastor Vinh's house church--a 45 minute ride through the city. Pastors and leaders from around the city, the Mekong Delta, and the "highlands" (tribal villages) gathered for the Agape School of Ministry. I taught on the topic "Authority of the Believer" with Pastor Vinh as my interpretor. It was great to see old friends as 16 of the pastors began the school with me 4 years ago. It is amazing what they can endure; they remained attentive from 8:00 till 5:00 pm...so intent on learning, taking notes and asking quesitons.
We were picked up again on Friday morning and when we arrived at the training center, everything was buzzing as they prepared for the first ordination service for the 16 pastors completing the 4 years of trainig. A special lunch was prepared, Pepsi was put on ice (a real treat for them), ties were passed out, hair was combed, some even put on their shoes for the service!!! The candidates were invited to share the testimony of their call and I wept as they stood before their peers, expressing the difficulty of serving Jesus in this type of persecuted environment, yet declaring by faith they they were committed to serve the Lord in their new office. They take very seriously the call to the office of pastor as well as the call to the office of evangelist. Each one knew shared where the Lord was calling them to minister...all of them to unreached areas of Vietnam. Some as far as 16 hours away by bus. It was the most humbling experience I have ever encountered, and also the most inspiring. It was truly the book of Acts in "action."
I was given the privilege of sharing the Word of God to them--to encourage them as well as challenge them. The Scripture on the banner you see hanging over the small platform is Colossians 4:17. After the Word, Pastor Vinh and I laid hands on each candidate, anointing them with oil, as they dropped to their knees in submission to the call of God on their lives. Pastor Vinh shared with them at the conclusion of the ceremony, as a true spiritual father, with tears running down his face, as he claimed the unreached in his nation for the Kingdom of God. I can hardly type this testimony for the tears in my eyes now as I recall the day. What an honor that God would allow us to be part of history in the making here in Vietnam. God was faithful to provide the money to sponsor these pastors for this service through Kingdom Builders, and I was blessed to see that Pastor Vinh used some of it to purchase Bibles, tracts, postors, and other materials to equip the new pastors for the work of their ministry. They loaded up backpacks and suitcases with these materials after the ceremony. Some got new helmets and jackets to wear on their motor bikes so they can take the Gospel deep into unreached territory in the highlands. Some of the women pastors got new blouses and were so proud of them.
I pray each of you are inspired and motivated to become actively involved in "preaching the Gospel in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." Matt. 24:14.
Pictures have already been added to the website to help tell the story.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Recap of 1/22-1/24
The last you heard we were headed to Pagadian City for 3 days of ministry. We have been so busy that it was impossible to find time to give a progress report, so here is the recap of all that happened. We arrived safely Thursday afternoon…after having our first meal of familiar food along the way… McDonalds!!! We were greeted by Pastor Robert Pagashian. It didn’t take long to make a new friend in the Lord. He is a powerful leader and church planter and so humbled to have us come to minister in his city. The churches he oversees have never had American guest speakers/preachers. Wow, it is amazing that God would choose to send us…who are we but servants of the most High God, willing and ready to be used.
Pastors and leaders came from around the city, tribal villages, and outer islands. They were from various denominations, including Assemblies of God and many independent Pentecostal denominations. The first service was 2:00 on Friday and Pastor Garcia spoke a Word in season. They were so hungry for the things of God, they made a demand on the anointing and God moved in a mighty way. Every altar service over the entire weekend has been powerful…always salvation, always deliverances, and always conviction, brokenness, repentance, and release from chains! The attached pictures tell the story!
After a brief break things started back up again at 6:00 in the evening for what was called a Revival Service. It was open to all in the city and the church (which holds about 300) was packed. Praise and worship included a women’s dance team, a youth dance team, and a children’s dance team. Each worshiped the Lord to a song and God was magnified!! Pastor Garcia preached and God moved again—more souls for the Kingdom. We came back to our hotel exhausted and blessed!
Saturday started early with the first session at 9:00 with Pastor Garcia and the second session with Debbie. Once again, a powerful altar call and altar ministry time. Every person wants the ministry of laying on of hands. They are so hungry to have more. Your team stepped up to the plate every time and God used us all to do His work in their lives. During the second session Barbara took the young people and children’s workers outside for a brief training session on puppetry, face painting, and balloon animals. She brought them before the congregation at the close of the morning meetings and shared some tips for successful children’s ministry. We managed a brief lunch and things started up again at 2:00.
Pastor Garcia started the afternoon with two hours of “Ask the Pastor.” It was obvious from their questions that they hunger for teaching concerning practical Christian living as well as the deeper things of God and His Word. We then called every pastor/leader forward for an impartation of the gifts and anointing that were upon and within each of us to equip them for the work of their ministry. The Lord led us to do a “prayer tunnel” as we are so familiar with at GWOC, and with anointing oil in each of our hands, the line formed around the room. For over an hour we laid hands on every believer, spoke prophetic words, broke demonic spirits, declared words of knowledge, flowing in all the gifts as the Holy Spirit empowered us. Amazing!
After closing the service, only a brief break and praise and worship started up again as the youth from churches around the city as well as their friends gathered for a “Youth Revival Service.” Most of the pastors and leaders stayed; they just couldn’t get enough. Jamal preached and God moved amongst the young people. The team gathered once again for the altar ministry. Whew! God was strong and mighty in us and through us.
A short night’s rest and we were up again on Sunday morning, ready for our individual assignments as they picked us up and took us to various churches across the city. Pastor Garcia reached the anniversary celebration service at Pastor Roberts church. They had the church decorated, a huge fellowship meal cooked, dignitaries from the government were present, and they celebrated “Philippino styel!!!” It was awesome to sit around the lunch table and hear the testimonies of each team member about what God did in their services. After being flooded with gifts and honor by the church in front of all , we parted ways and are now finally able to rest and recuperate this afternoon.
We will begin our trek home to the US Monday. We will leave by van for our 4-hour drive back to Dipolog City. We will spend the night and board our plane on Tuesday morning to Manila where we will spend the night. Then very early on Wednesday morning we will turn our hearts toward home, arriving home Wednesday evening. Pray for us, that we will rest, remain in health, receive grace and favor, and walk in the fruits of the spirit on the long journey home.
Remember that Debbie and Robin Rogers will not be returning with the team, but will leave Wednesday afternoon for a week of ministry in Vietnam.
Pastors and leaders came from around the city, tribal villages, and outer islands. They were from various denominations, including Assemblies of God and many independent Pentecostal denominations. The first service was 2:00 on Friday and Pastor Garcia spoke a Word in season. They were so hungry for the things of God, they made a demand on the anointing and God moved in a mighty way. Every altar service over the entire weekend has been powerful…always salvation, always deliverances, and always conviction, brokenness, repentance, and release from chains! The attached pictures tell the story!
After a brief break things started back up again at 6:00 in the evening for what was called a Revival Service. It was open to all in the city and the church (which holds about 300) was packed. Praise and worship included a women’s dance team, a youth dance team, and a children’s dance team. Each worshiped the Lord to a song and God was magnified!! Pastor Garcia preached and God moved again—more souls for the Kingdom. We came back to our hotel exhausted and blessed!
Saturday started early with the first session at 9:00 with Pastor Garcia and the second session with Debbie. Once again, a powerful altar call and altar ministry time. Every person wants the ministry of laying on of hands. They are so hungry to have more. Your team stepped up to the plate every time and God used us all to do His work in their lives. During the second session Barbara took the young people and children’s workers outside for a brief training session on puppetry, face painting, and balloon animals. She brought them before the congregation at the close of the morning meetings and shared some tips for successful children’s ministry. We managed a brief lunch and things started up again at 2:00.
Pastor Garcia started the afternoon with two hours of “Ask the Pastor.” It was obvious from their questions that they hunger for teaching concerning practical Christian living as well as the deeper things of God and His Word. We then called every pastor/leader forward for an impartation of the gifts and anointing that were upon and within each of us to equip them for the work of their ministry. The Lord led us to do a “prayer tunnel” as we are so familiar with at GWOC, and with anointing oil in each of our hands, the line formed around the room. For over an hour we laid hands on every believer, spoke prophetic words, broke demonic spirits, declared words of knowledge, flowing in all the gifts as the Holy Spirit empowered us. Amazing!
After closing the service, only a brief break and praise and worship started up again as the youth from churches around the city as well as their friends gathered for a “Youth Revival Service.” Most of the pastors and leaders stayed; they just couldn’t get enough. Jamal preached and God moved amongst the young people. The team gathered once again for the altar ministry. Whew! God was strong and mighty in us and through us.
A short night’s rest and we were up again on Sunday morning, ready for our individual assignments as they picked us up and took us to various churches across the city. Pastor Garcia reached the anniversary celebration service at Pastor Roberts church. They had the church decorated, a huge fellowship meal cooked, dignitaries from the government were present, and they celebrated “Philippino styel!!!” It was awesome to sit around the lunch table and hear the testimonies of each team member about what God did in their services. After being flooded with gifts and honor by the church in front of all , we parted ways and are now finally able to rest and recuperate this afternoon.
We will begin our trek home to the US Monday. We will leave by van for our 4-hour drive back to Dipolog City. We will spend the night and board our plane on Tuesday morning to Manila where we will spend the night. Then very early on Wednesday morning we will turn our hearts toward home, arriving home Wednesday evening. Pray for us, that we will rest, remain in health, receive grace and favor, and walk in the fruits of the spirit on the long journey home.
Remember that Debbie and Robin Rogers will not be returning with the team, but will leave Wednesday afternoon for a week of ministry in Vietnam.
Recap of 1/18-1/21
On Wednesday evening we were sitting around the dinner table in the restaurant of our hotel basking in the Glory of God. We are amazed at how He has used us to further His Kingdom here in Dipolog City. The last two ministry opportunities were amazing. Here is a recap.
Tuesday morning we first gathered and went to the government offices to meet with the governor of this province. We were welcomed with open arms and much gratitude was expressed for our coming to make their country a better place to live.
In the afternoon we loaded up and went to an area near the seaside where families and street children were relocated due to coastal flooding. When we pulled up it was total chaos! There were small children, teenagers, and mothers and fathers with babies EVERYWHERE! Bishop Emmanuel and his pastors set up a stage area where they sang songs with the children and did a great puppet skit. The altar call at the end of the puppet skit brought around 200 children into the Kingdom of God…Praise the Lord! When we arrived, a “brownout” had occurred and there was no electricity and it was very dark. We spent about an hour hugging and loving on the kids and babies. Bishop sent for a generator and they couldn’t get it cranked. Satan was at work!! BUT GOD! Just as we decided it was time to leave and headed to the car…the electricity came back on. Robin Cook cheered at the top of his lungs and led the crowd in “Praise the Lord.” The power of God swept over and we had praise and worship and then Debbie preached the Gospel. God moved and there were at least 100 teenagers and adults that gave their heart to the Lord. We were amazed to see Bishop’s pastors and leaders at work as they had notepads and began to write down names for follow-up and discipleship. Bishop introduced the pastor that is attempting to plant a church in that area through home Bible Studies and told everyone they would be contacted. The true Book of Acts experience of church planting!!!
The amazing thing is we got to do the same thing again on Wednesday night in a different area of the seaside. This time, after the puppet show, Barbara Lemoine and Robin Cook shared their testimonies with the crowd and Jamal brought the Word. The enemy of our soul was at work again and just as Jamal said, “I have just one question for you…” the lights went out! But we were ready this time. Bishop cranked the generator that was already in place and we were back in business within minutes. God moved once again and over 200 children, teenagers and adults prayed the prayer of salvation. To God be the Glory!
We praise God for all of you that labored in intercessory prayer for us here on the field, so He could bring in the harvest! We are packing up tonight and heading out to our next assignment in the morning. Our trip will be approximately 5 hours by van and we will be ready to start ministry in Pagadian City with Pastor Pagashian on Friday.
Tuesday morning we first gathered and went to the government offices to meet with the governor of this province. We were welcomed with open arms and much gratitude was expressed for our coming to make their country a better place to live.
In the afternoon we loaded up and went to an area near the seaside where families and street children were relocated due to coastal flooding. When we pulled up it was total chaos! There were small children, teenagers, and mothers and fathers with babies EVERYWHERE! Bishop Emmanuel and his pastors set up a stage area where they sang songs with the children and did a great puppet skit. The altar call at the end of the puppet skit brought around 200 children into the Kingdom of God…Praise the Lord! When we arrived, a “brownout” had occurred and there was no electricity and it was very dark. We spent about an hour hugging and loving on the kids and babies. Bishop sent for a generator and they couldn’t get it cranked. Satan was at work!! BUT GOD! Just as we decided it was time to leave and headed to the car…the electricity came back on. Robin Cook cheered at the top of his lungs and led the crowd in “Praise the Lord.” The power of God swept over and we had praise and worship and then Debbie preached the Gospel. God moved and there were at least 100 teenagers and adults that gave their heart to the Lord. We were amazed to see Bishop’s pastors and leaders at work as they had notepads and began to write down names for follow-up and discipleship. Bishop introduced the pastor that is attempting to plant a church in that area through home Bible Studies and told everyone they would be contacted. The true Book of Acts experience of church planting!!!
The amazing thing is we got to do the same thing again on Wednesday night in a different area of the seaside. This time, after the puppet show, Barbara Lemoine and Robin Cook shared their testimonies with the crowd and Jamal brought the Word. The enemy of our soul was at work again and just as Jamal said, “I have just one question for you…” the lights went out! But we were ready this time. Bishop cranked the generator that was already in place and we were back in business within minutes. God moved once again and over 200 children, teenagers and adults prayed the prayer of salvation. To God be the Glory!
We praise God for all of you that labored in intercessory prayer for us here on the field, so He could bring in the harvest! We are packing up tonight and heading out to our next assignment in the morning. Our trip will be approximately 5 hours by van and we will be ready to start ministry in Pagadian City with Pastor Pagashian on Friday.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wow, God is good, all the time. We have had more incredible services and experiences. There is no doubt that we continue to fall in love with God’s people here in this nation. As we share team devotions each morning we get a glimpse of what God is doing in each of us. I have posted pictures on our website that briefly tell the story of our ministry Sunday and Monday. Sunday morning our rides arrived and we went in many different directions. It was hard to split up because we didn’t want to miss what God would do, but we knew it was our assignment.
Pastor Garcia, along with James and Robin Cook, went with Bishop Emmanuel to a small rented facility where Bishop moved his church service because he knew so many would come. The place was packed and the move of the Spirit was evident. After the service they passed out gifts we purchased for the children.
The rest of us were taken to small churches either in the city or in the outskirts. There are pictures attached of three of the small churches we ministered in just to give you an idea of the places where they worship. Most of us were ministering alone with a national pastor to interpret so it was hard to get pictures as we ministered. Jamal was in a church here in the city, Robin Rogers and Barbara went to a church that also housed orphans. They shared their testimonies and 7 people got saved! Richie and I were taken way out of the city to two separate churches—what a beautiful country with lush tropical trees and plants. It was so much fun coming back together and sharing what God had done.
Sunday evening Bishop called a special service at his house church because there were so many that could not get in the service where Pastor preached on Sunday morning. When we arrived the place was packed—half of them were young people. God moved powerfully through Pastor’s message. The young people packed the altar. One woman was called out by the Lord through a Word of knowledge and was set free of a breast disease.
Monday morning we loaded up and went to the city jail where approximately 120 of the 310 inmates (men and women) came to the service. After praise and worship, Pastor preached and we laid hands on all of the prisoners. Afterward we passed out care packages with some basic necessities to the inmates. The good news is that while we were God opened the door for Bishop to come once a week to the prison to disciples those that were saved (approximately ½ of them raised their hand for salvation). Woohoo.
Tonight we are preparing for our street crusade (I use the word street loosely, for it is a hard-packed dirt road that runs between the seaside and the river with shacks along each side of the road. There are families that live there and also many children that roam the street begging rice or anything they can find to eat. The crusade will start at 4:30 your time—so pray for us!
Pastor Garcia, along with James and Robin Cook, went with Bishop Emmanuel to a small rented facility where Bishop moved his church service because he knew so many would come. The place was packed and the move of the Spirit was evident. After the service they passed out gifts we purchased for the children.
The rest of us were taken to small churches either in the city or in the outskirts. There are pictures attached of three of the small churches we ministered in just to give you an idea of the places where they worship. Most of us were ministering alone with a national pastor to interpret so it was hard to get pictures as we ministered. Jamal was in a church here in the city, Robin Rogers and Barbara went to a church that also housed orphans. They shared their testimonies and 7 people got saved! Richie and I were taken way out of the city to two separate churches—what a beautiful country with lush tropical trees and plants. It was so much fun coming back together and sharing what God had done.
Sunday evening Bishop called a special service at his house church because there were so many that could not get in the service where Pastor preached on Sunday morning. When we arrived the place was packed—half of them were young people. God moved powerfully through Pastor’s message. The young people packed the altar. One woman was called out by the Lord through a Word of knowledge and was set free of a breast disease.
Monday morning we loaded up and went to the city jail where approximately 120 of the 310 inmates (men and women) came to the service. After praise and worship, Pastor preached and we laid hands on all of the prisoners. Afterward we passed out care packages with some basic necessities to the inmates. The good news is that while we were God opened the door for Bishop to come once a week to the prison to disciples those that were saved (approximately ½ of them raised their hand for salvation). Woohoo.
Tonight we are preparing for our street crusade (I use the word street loosely, for it is a hard-packed dirt road that runs between the seaside and the river with shacks along each side of the road. There are families that live there and also many children that roam the street begging rice or anything they can find to eat. The crusade will start at 4:30 your time—so pray for us!
Monday, January 18, 2010
We are in Dipolog City, Philippines, and as of Sunday morning we have completed our first two assignment--The Pastors and Leaders Conference "Making Kingdom Leaders and Disciples," as well as a Youth Revival Service. We arrived to a group of pastors and their families with a large banner, with hugs and flowers strung around our neck. What a greeting!
After a day of rest, we began our ministry in a rented facility where pastors and leaders traveled from the remote areas of Mindanao and other outer islands, some by boat, some by plane, and many on foot camping along the way. They came hungry and expecting. This is the first event of this kind they have ever had and we were humbled that God would choose us to be His vessel to speak into the lives of these men and women of God. The attached pictures will tell the story. Pastor Garcia preached the first three sessions on Friday and God moved in a mighty way. Friday night Jamal shared his testimony to a packed room of teenagers and college students. Pastor Garcia pressed through and God finally broke through and over 100 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. There was much dancing and singing after the meeting!!
Saturday morning Debbie preached a NOW Word and pastors and leaders were set free as the team laid hands on everyone in the room. Then in the afternoon Pastor Garcia preached on the anointing and prayed for everyone to increase in their anointing as they returned to their churches. It was a powerful time in the Lord and God did His work. He also prayed for the team, imparting an anointing for evangelism as we are all sent out to seperate churches this Sunday morning--pray for souls!!!
We will rest Sunday evening and then on Monday we will go into the jail and minister to 310 men and women prisoners. We visited the Riverside where we will be holding our outdoor crusade on Tuesday (see the pics outside with all the street children gathered around us). It brought us to tears and we were moved with compassion to meet their needs. We have purchased food to feed the children and the surrounding families, flip-flops, and basic items that we will bless them with after the crusade. We will stretch out a tarp, do puppet skits, face painting, make baloons (thanks to donations from Pastor Jim) and love on the kids. Then Pastor Garcia will bring a message and God will save souls!!!
We have already begun posting pictures. Check them out on our website. www.kingdombuildersdc.com.
We sense your prayers and know that God is answering. We will update you again soon. Love to all!
After a day of rest, we began our ministry in a rented facility where pastors and leaders traveled from the remote areas of Mindanao and other outer islands, some by boat, some by plane, and many on foot camping along the way. They came hungry and expecting. This is the first event of this kind they have ever had and we were humbled that God would choose us to be His vessel to speak into the lives of these men and women of God. The attached pictures will tell the story. Pastor Garcia preached the first three sessions on Friday and God moved in a mighty way. Friday night Jamal shared his testimony to a packed room of teenagers and college students. Pastor Garcia pressed through and God finally broke through and over 100 young people gave their hearts to the Lord. There was much dancing and singing after the meeting!!
Saturday morning Debbie preached a NOW Word and pastors and leaders were set free as the team laid hands on everyone in the room. Then in the afternoon Pastor Garcia preached on the anointing and prayed for everyone to increase in their anointing as they returned to their churches. It was a powerful time in the Lord and God did His work. He also prayed for the team, imparting an anointing for evangelism as we are all sent out to seperate churches this Sunday morning--pray for souls!!!
We will rest Sunday evening and then on Monday we will go into the jail and minister to 310 men and women prisoners. We visited the Riverside where we will be holding our outdoor crusade on Tuesday (see the pics outside with all the street children gathered around us). It brought us to tears and we were moved with compassion to meet their needs. We have purchased food to feed the children and the surrounding families, flip-flops, and basic items that we will bless them with after the crusade. We will stretch out a tarp, do puppet skits, face painting, make baloons (thanks to donations from Pastor Jim) and love on the kids. Then Pastor Garcia will bring a message and God will save souls!!!
We have already begun posting pictures. Check them out on our website. www.kingdombuildersdc.com.
We sense your prayers and know that God is answering. We will update you again soon. Love to all!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Philippines & Vietnam Itinerary
Our trip is just a few days away. Below is Debbie's itinerary for both the Philippines and Vietnam. Please keep her and her team in your prayers as they travel and minister.
Philippines (Leading Team of 8 from Grace World Outreach Church)
Time Difference: 13 hours ahead in Manila, Philippines
Monday, January 11 Depart Orlando: 7:00 am
Tuesday, January 12 Arrive Manila: 10:25 pm
Wednesday, January 13 Depart Manila: 9:50 am -- arrive Dipolog 11:20 am
Thursday, January 14 Rest all day
Friday, January 15 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Saturday, January 16 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Sunday, January 17 Team preaching in several churches: morning
Youth service: evening
Monday, January 18 Jail Ministry: all day
Tuesday, January 19 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Olingan: afternoon/evening
Wednesday, January 20 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Riverside: afternoon/evening
Thursday, January 21 Travel by van to Pagadian City: 6-hour trip
Friday, January 22 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Saturday, January 23 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Sunday, January 24 Anniversary Celebration Service: all day
Monday, January 25 Travel by van to Dipolog City: 6-hour trip
Tuesday, January 26 Depart Dipolog: 11:50 am – arrive Manila: 1:20 pm
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila: 6:20 am -- arrive Orlando: 2:48 pm
Vietnam (Debbie and Robin Rogers)
Time Difference: 12 hours ahead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila:12:50pm – arrive Ho Chi Minh City: 2:30 pm
Thursday, January 28 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Friday, January 29 Teach Agape School of Ministry/Ordination Service: daytime
Debbie preach in Revival Service: evening
Saturday, January 30 Depart Ho Chi Minh: 10:30 am –arrive Hanoi: 12:30pm
Sunday, January 31 Debbie preach in House Churches: daytime/eve
Monday, February 1 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Tuesday, February 2 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Wednesday, February 3 Depart Hanoi: 11:00 am
Thursday, February 4 Arrive Orlando: 7:44 pm
Philippines (Leading Team of 8 from Grace World Outreach Church)
Time Difference: 13 hours ahead in Manila, Philippines
Monday, January 11 Depart Orlando: 7:00 am
Tuesday, January 12 Arrive Manila: 10:25 pm
Wednesday, January 13 Depart Manila: 9:50 am -- arrive Dipolog 11:20 am
Thursday, January 14 Rest all day
Friday, January 15 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Saturday, January 16 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Sunday, January 17 Team preaching in several churches: morning
Youth service: evening
Monday, January 18 Jail Ministry: all day
Tuesday, January 19 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Olingan: afternoon/evening
Wednesday, January 20 Street Kids Ministry & Crusade-Riverside: afternoon/evening
Thursday, January 21 Travel by van to Pagadian City: 6-hour trip
Friday, January 22 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Saturday, January 23 Pastor & Leaders Conference: all day
Evangelistic Service: evening
Sunday, January 24 Anniversary Celebration Service: all day
Monday, January 25 Travel by van to Dipolog City: 6-hour trip
Tuesday, January 26 Depart Dipolog: 11:50 am – arrive Manila: 1:20 pm
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila: 6:20 am -- arrive Orlando: 2:48 pm
Vietnam (Debbie and Robin Rogers)
Time Difference: 12 hours ahead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Wednesday, January 27 Depart Manila:12:50pm – arrive Ho Chi Minh City: 2:30 pm
Thursday, January 28 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Friday, January 29 Teach Agape School of Ministry/Ordination Service: daytime
Debbie preach in Revival Service: evening
Saturday, January 30 Depart Ho Chi Minh: 10:30 am –arrive Hanoi: 12:30pm
Sunday, January 31 Debbie preach in House Churches: daytime/eve
Monday, February 1 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Tuesday, February 2 Teach Agape School of Ministry: daytime
Wednesday, February 3 Depart Hanoi: 11:00 am
Thursday, February 4 Arrive Orlando: 7:44 pm
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