We have had the exciting opportunity to
serve the Lord in many different areas and been blessed in doing so.
As I have stated school has been out now for some time and that has
opened the door for alot of time with the children of our borongay. We
(the americans) have had some real breakthroughs with the youth around
our house. For the last few months we have been ministering to one
such youth, he is about 15, both of his parents have been dead since
he was in 2nd or 3rd grade. He actually watched his father die while
they were getting drunk together. This young man as you can imagine
is full of hurt. At any rate the young man spent most of the time that
he is not at work drinking and being a street child, up to no good. He
doesn't speak hardly any english so communication is minimal. He has
spent several months just observing us and our daily lives, recently
he has showed much interest in Christ. For almost two months he is
alcohol free and we were blessed with the opportunity to sponsor him
to youth camp, where he could hear the gospel message in his language.
There is one other such boy who we had a huge breakthrough with, from
the time of our arrival he has been a thorn in our side. Even to the
point of Sarah having to have him escorted off our porch drunk because
he was demanding money, I was at the time doing some business in
Manilla. About a month ago at the basketball court the Lord sparked
something in this young man, he is now somewhat active in the
Lalawigan youth group and again had the chance to attend the youth
conference. These are just two of the lives that have been changed by
the witness of us 9 americans. As I stated in my last letter the youth
camp was a huge blessing. We had a very rough start as both vehicles
broke down on the way, the jeepny had two flat tires in the middle of
the "jungle" with all the Lalawigan youth and Marissa and the
multi-cab that I was driving broke down at Jollibee the Philippines Mc
Donalds, with the remainder of the Nelsons and the Catbalogan youth,
it would not start and had to go to the shop for repairs. We arrived
late but no harm done. After the initial trials all was well and
without hitch. The first day was sports events in which we missed most
of, the schedule was adjusted and all fit well. We had seven sessions
and three workshops. The theme was I want to be more like Jesus. Sarah
and I were given the task of teaching a drama workshop, being that I
am a drama expert it was no problem J/K. The task at hand was rather
interesting as I never really took an active role in drama until
arriving here in October. The thing was to teach not a drama but
rather teach the importance and effectiveness of the YFT drama
technique, using real life situations and applying scripture to them.
Dan and Becky were gracious enough to equip us with their video and
music disk as well as the drama book explaining each of the dramas, I
in return passed this information on to five youth groups reaching as
far as Cebu. What a blessing. All three days were exhausting and a
huge blessing seeing the youth be challenged in being more like Jesus,
and to see two boys hear about Jesus and how He loves them. The week
ended with us going to Calbayog with plans to spend a few days with
Pastor Ron and doing some fishing. Well... welcome a level one
typhoon! So it is official we have experienced just about all this
group of Islands has to offer save a volcano. Praise the Lord all have
been relatively small and we have not been harmed in any of them. We
are currently in Tacloban for tonight and tomorrow, we will travel
home Thursday. Today we had to say goodbye to Caleb, one of the other
americans that will most likely not be returning to the Philippines,
what a blessing to have this time with him and to get to see another
young man follow the call of the Lord no matter what emotions say. I
have yet to upload photos as my equipment is at our home I will try to
get some up soon. On another note in two weeks I will be heading home
for a few weeks to take care of a few things and spend some time with
Pastor Gerry Brown in regards to our upcoming transfer to Thailand.
Please keep this in prayer. On that note a few other prayer requests:
The two boys that attended youth that I spoke of earlier that this
time with Jesus would have an everlasting effect. The youth in general
that they would take this time in their lives to make the decision to
follow Him and not waver. The fellow americans traveling home that
they would have safe travel. And just us in general, health, love,
example,witness etc. Thank you and God Bless.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tsunami Update!
Hi gang. I just got news from Joe and Sarah about the recent evacuation they had because of the tsunami warning resulting from the earthquake off the coast of Japan. It's amazing how the Lord works and the news they sent is another awesome example of how He uses what we consider tragic to do great things! Here is what Joe had to say about the ordeal:
As all of you know, we were recently evacuated for a tsunami warning. We spent the evening in two evac centers. It was really neat how the Lord brought everyone from our village into one of the two areas. We were given the opportunity to meet many of the parents of the kids we minister to on a daily basis. We were able to pray with many people that were afraid and also for sickness and other misc. prayer needs. Sarah and I did this sort of ministry while another American student went and shared a salvation message with everyone that would listen. Some decisions were made for Christ this night. We were able to go home about 11 pm. The following day Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoeboxes were to be passed out in our village by us. About 150 children from our area came to receive. I was given the opportunity to share the gospel message. To my amazement all of the children raised their hands and bowed their heads to receive the gift of God and the salvation found in Jesus. This was Saturday. Each child was encouraged to get to a Bible teaching church and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Sunday morning we had 82 children in church, about thirty or forty more than normal. Most of them were from our village. What a blessing to be a part of the work of the Lord. Again Sunday I was given the oppprtunity to share in Lalawigan, the village that the church is in, and there were about 80 children. Not nearly the results as the day before but more realistic at least to me is that about half the children raised their hands and bowed their heads. Now that is not to limit the Lord. It is just to say that you never expect everyone to receive. All efforts are worth it if even one person actually hears the gospel message, right? That has been our last few weeks' events. Sunday school is off to a good start with Pastor Angel really liking the format and Pastor Lem fully supporting the change and extra work (giving me the outline). The idea is to get it in the format of CCVV that works so well. Pastor Ron saw my files and really liked the format. Aside from that we are all doing good. Please pray for Jacob as we are pretty sure he has staph in his leg. We are treating it with antibiotics both internally and topically but pray our efforts will be blessed by the Lord and all will be ok.
Other prayer requests:
(1)Our village. Pray that they would continue to receive the gospel and grow in that and that they would seek the Lord for their provision.
(2)The school. Pray that we as students would be compassionate, uncompromising, Holy examples of the God we serve.
(3)Our family. Pray that we would continue to grow and also be that example.
That's it for the narrative from Joe. He also included a number of photos and you can see them below:
As all of you know, we were recently evacuated for a tsunami warning. We spent the evening in two evac centers. It was really neat how the Lord brought everyone from our village into one of the two areas. We were given the opportunity to meet many of the parents of the kids we minister to on a daily basis. We were able to pray with many people that were afraid and also for sickness and other misc. prayer needs. Sarah and I did this sort of ministry while another American student went and shared a salvation message with everyone that would listen. Some decisions were made for Christ this night. We were able to go home about 11 pm. The following day Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoeboxes were to be passed out in our village by us. About 150 children from our area came to receive. I was given the opportunity to share the gospel message. To my amazement all of the children raised their hands and bowed their heads to receive the gift of God and the salvation found in Jesus. This was Saturday. Each child was encouraged to get to a Bible teaching church and to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Sunday morning we had 82 children in church, about thirty or forty more than normal. Most of them were from our village. What a blessing to be a part of the work of the Lord. Again Sunday I was given the oppprtunity to share in Lalawigan, the village that the church is in, and there were about 80 children. Not nearly the results as the day before but more realistic at least to me is that about half the children raised their hands and bowed their heads. Now that is not to limit the Lord. It is just to say that you never expect everyone to receive. All efforts are worth it if even one person actually hears the gospel message, right? That has been our last few weeks' events. Sunday school is off to a good start with Pastor Angel really liking the format and Pastor Lem fully supporting the change and extra work (giving me the outline). The idea is to get it in the format of CCVV that works so well. Pastor Ron saw my files and really liked the format. Aside from that we are all doing good. Please pray for Jacob as we are pretty sure he has staph in his leg. We are treating it with antibiotics both internally and topically but pray our efforts will be blessed by the Lord and all will be ok.
Other prayer requests:
(1)Our village. Pray that they would continue to receive the gospel and grow in that and that they would seek the Lord for their provision.
(2)The school. Pray that we as students would be compassionate, uncompromising, Holy examples of the God we serve.
(3)Our family. Pray that we would continue to grow and also be that example.
That's it for the narrative from Joe. He also included a number of photos and you can see them below:
Sunday, February 13, 2011
West Side Story
Hi all,
Joe and Sarah have sent us yet another update about their trip west. Go west, young man!! (and young woman). As I reported last time, they were heading west to take part in medical missions. The latest news is that they are doing great and the mission is going great! They just started their second day and had about 350 people hear the Gospel and get medical attention. They are expecting more as time goes on. For now, they are mostly doing crowd control. Sarah did the registration while Joe was working the waiting room before people got to the nurse's station.
This is such as AWESOME way to reach people with the Gospel. I am reminded of James 2 where James talks about seeing a brother or sister naked and destitute of daily food. If one says to them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, and yet they do nothing for them, it's what James calls dead faith. Well, Joe and Sarah and the others there are showing their faith by their works and people will respond to the compassion, grace, mercy, and salvation that Christ has to offer through His people.
Please continue to pray for the Nelsons. There is NOTHING more powerful in all the universe than prayer. James also says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Lift them up in your quiet time with the Lord and also very seriously consider contributing to their work over there. Joe and Sarah and their four kids are living by faith for financial provision and we as the children of God should rise up and meet the needs so that they can focus on what they are called to do there!
In His service,
Mike Larsen
Joe and Sarah have sent us yet another update about their trip west. Go west, young man!! (and young woman). As I reported last time, they were heading west to take part in medical missions. The latest news is that they are doing great and the mission is going great! They just started their second day and had about 350 people hear the Gospel and get medical attention. They are expecting more as time goes on. For now, they are mostly doing crowd control. Sarah did the registration while Joe was working the waiting room before people got to the nurse's station.
This is such as AWESOME way to reach people with the Gospel. I am reminded of James 2 where James talks about seeing a brother or sister naked and destitute of daily food. If one says to them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, and yet they do nothing for them, it's what James calls dead faith. Well, Joe and Sarah and the others there are showing their faith by their works and people will respond to the compassion, grace, mercy, and salvation that Christ has to offer through His people.
Please continue to pray for the Nelsons. There is NOTHING more powerful in all the universe than prayer. James also says that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Lift them up in your quiet time with the Lord and also very seriously consider contributing to their work over there. Joe and Sarah and their four kids are living by faith for financial provision and we as the children of God should rise up and meet the needs so that they can focus on what they are called to do there!
In His service,
Mike Larsen
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