Dear Family and Friends,
Recently a colleague of mine told me that he had heard someone recently preach, and that he talked about our responsibility as missionaries to tell those who are praying and supporting us what God is doing. I have been convicted of this and realize that I need to more frequently, at least once a month, be letting you know what God is doing. Please don't be afraid to say something to me to help me to be more accountable. That being said, God has been very faithful to us.
About a month ago, Becki took her first major Tagalog (Tu-ga-log) (long o sound) test and did quite well on it and has continued on in her studies. Just this last Tuesday I took the same test, and the Lord helped me to do well and to not be so afraid, although I still have so much to learn. He has been teaching me that it is all about Him and giving Him the glory, and that I don't have to worry about "making it" in learning the language here. He has given me courage as I go out into the community to practice the language and build relationships with Filipinos.
One thing that has been difficult is that we have been sick quite a bit these past couple of months, especially Isaiah and myself. It can be quite discouraging at times, and also frightening, as here when someone gets sick, it could be more than the flu, such as dengue fever, typhoid, or some type of amoeba. We don't want to live in fear, but at the same time, it is an adjustment in terms of trusting the Lord again with our children on a different level. Pray for Isaiah that he will gain wait as he recently had a bad bout of diarrhea along with the flu. He was already skinny and didn't gain any weight in the last 2 months and even lost a little. I don't usually live in fear with health related issues, but here I've had to trust the Lord in a different way. Pray that both Becki and I will be able to do this. Also, pray for a season of health for all of us, especially Isaiah.
Recently, I, Matt went on a retreat with the Street Impact Team, missionaries with ACTION that are doing street kids ministry in Manila and also outside of Manila. Even though I am still in language school, they graciously invited me, and I really appreciated the invitation. Much of the dialogue was in Tagalog, which was really good listening practice for me. They talked about the various ministries that they have been involved in and how they have been going. In addition, we also spent time praying together for each other and sharing our burdens. I felt like I was able to get to know them on a more personal level and see their hearts for Christ and for children in crisis. One thing that the Lord did in my heart during this time was to lead me more into what our work or roles will be here in working with children in crisis, both in the near future and several years down the road. As I heard different people speak about different ways of serving children in crisis here and one particular story about a failed reconciliation of a child and family, the Lord confirmed in my heart what He had been leading us to do, and that would be to help children find healing from their trauma and reconciliation with their families through counseling and therapy. I was tired when I went bed, but my heart was so heavy with how much these children are hurting that I couldn't sleep. However, I believe that they can find healing in Christ through Christ-centered therapy and counseling. Of course, right now, I do not have the training to do that, nor do I have the experience with working with street children. However, it is definitely a seed that God has planted. After we have finished language school, Becki and I would like to work with a church that has an existing ministry to street children, to support and work with them in a community-based setting. We don't know all of the details of this, but that is all right as the Lord will lead our steps, and we have a great support team here that I am confident will help us through the process. I have come back home here refreshed and encouraged. Pray that we will both continue to persevere, as sometimes we can become weary. Pray that we will finish strong in language learning, and that we will always have the attitude of being learners, not only of language, but of culture.
In terms of our adjustment here, we feel like our adjustment to the culture recently has been a little easier. I think we have learned about having realistic expectations, i.e.when we go somewhere and have to wait a long time, and learning just to be patient in general. It is a daily task of realizing how easy it can be to have a negative attitude and to come before the Lord and ask Him to help us in our weakness. That being said, our love for the Filipino people continues to increase. We are building relationships with people in our church, in the community, and at our school, which we are really enjoying. We are so glad to be here where the Lord has called us, and ask for your continued prayers for us. Thanks again so much for your love and support! If you have time, drop us a comment on here! Bye for now!
Love,
Matt and Becki and the boys
