When God opens doors of opportunity for us, it always leads to hearts opening up to Christ. After over twenty years of praying for a place where we can have a camping ministry for our Filipino churches, a door just may be cracking open.
Each year, we hold a summer camp to train believers, and to draw unbelieving teens to Christ. We often hold camp at church, with teens sleeping on the concrete floor and church pews. Space for sports or games is very limited, and transportation to and from the beach is always a big problem for a large group.
Recently, a relative of a pastor friend inherited a piece of property. This former beach resort is ideally situated for a camp, just ten minutes’ drive from our church and walking distance from the best beach in our area. We have been graciously offered the use of the property in exchange for help in developing the grounds.
Camp is a vital part of the work of the church. Nearly half of the youth and young adult believers in our churches point to camp as the time when God opened their hearts to Christ. In order to prepare this area for summer camp in April, we need to build 10 large tents for teens to sleep in, improve the bathroom facilities, and repair the pool. Also, we are asking God to provide the food budget for 100 campers, so the teens can attend camp at no cost to them.
Our hearts are open to move back to the Philippines to continue our ministry from there, as God opens the door by providing our full support. God has encouraged us again last month through some timely one-time gifts. David returned from the Philippines on Feb 13, and the same week, we were in a mission conference in Birmingham. Now we are preparing for a mission conference in South Carolina, and David’s next trip to the Philippines in April. If you know of an open door where we can share about our work, please let us know!
Thank you for keeping your hearts open to this ministry of opening Filipino hearts to Christ. We are blessed to be part of all that your prayers and financial support accomplishes.
Servants together,
David & Joy & Family
*Praise God for the use of property near the beach for evangelism camp this April. Pray God will give us land like this for camp.
*Praise God for one-time gifts that met specific ministry needs.
*Pray for tents and food budget for camp by the end of March.
*Pray God will prepare hearts to be opened to Christ at this evangelism camp.