There Is Still Time

 A few posts below I shared about some of the people we met who lost their homes in the fire.  Last Saturday 69 of them, not including children, attended our church for an outreach we helped with.  We were so thankful that so many of the 84 families were present to hear the good news about Jesus.

 Our pastor's wife, Ate Gina, welcomed the visitors and encouraged them in the Lord.  You can see behind her the many donations we collected.

 Blankets, rice, soap, clothing and New Testaments!  They lost everything in the fire except their lives.  Many were still smiling because they were glad to have escaped with their lives.

 I preached my 2nd Cebuano sermon, though it was much shorter this time.  I shared from 2 Peter 3 and from Romans 5 about how there is coming a day when everything will be destroyed by fire, but that the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  I gave an example of Kuya Jun, who saved his girl from the fire.  I said he is like a hero, and Jesus is our hero, saving us from the fire by giving His life for our salvation. 

 People prayed with Pastor Brian, and I hope many put their faith in Jesus for the first time.  I'm so glad that our pastor also has such a heart for discipleship, because he knows that we can still build the relationships with them long-term and continue to teach them about the Lord Jesus.

 They signed their names on this sheet so that we can follow-up and also so we could share the gifts with them.

 Here is one lady receiving her gifts.  Thank you to those who contributed to this outreach!

 After our time together, Emi and I walked to the site to see what is happening.  Some wood lays quiet since the people are not allowed to build for a time.  Pray that the people will be able to re-build soon and that they will find a place to live in the mean-time and daily food to eat.

 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40.8

This is a part of the Psalms that was found in the fire rubble. 

Here's the family that my heart is praying for the most--it is Kuya Jun's family.  You can see they were the first ones to re-build, and I'm praying they can become leaders and a light for Christ in this community.  Thanks for continuing to pray for them all!