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.