Looking back gives courage to move forward: getting a life

Today 26 years ago (December 5, 1985) Amos, Micah, Mary Ann and I arrived in Manila the first time to begin our great adventure as ACTION missionaries here. We haven't looked back, have no regrets, haven't missed anything except our families and have received much more than we've given. Marking time, such as with anniversaries, cause us to look back and see God's faithfulness which can give us courage to move forward by faith. I praise God for the many dear people He's used to encourage and help us along our pilgrim's way.

We came to Manila to "remember the poor" (Galatians 2:10) and that's what our team did today. We gave relief supplies to 23 families who lost what little they had by fire a week ago. The families are involved in one of our Feed My Starving Children sites eked out life day-to-day before the fire now they're surviving in the open under the hot sun by day and cold air by night, in the rain, mud and debris wondering what they they should do next. I met new-born babies being cared for by young moms and dads, elderly, many school aged children, a pastor and his team who were very grateful for our limited help.

Yesterday while watching TV a guy on a commercial said "life is all about having fun." This guy needs to get a life by getting out of his bubble and engage reality. Jesus said in Luke 9:24 "whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" which I've found to be true.

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