Joyful Church and Arakan Valley
Hi all, well are having a wonderful time here and enjoying meeting and sharing with many new friends.
On Sunday we spent the morning at the Joyful Church with Pastor George which was a blessing to worship with fellow believers here in Davao city. Their enthusiasm in worship was inspiring. I was privileged to be able to preach in both morning and evening services. At the morning services many came forward for prayer after the message. Their eagerness to follow God is always and encouragement.
During the afternoon we took some children from Kids Aglow ministry to the shops, bought them lunch and then some clothes and shoes. These are wonderful children who are so impacted by the ministry of this program. Spending time with the staff of Kids Aglow has been great, to see their love for the children is rewarding. They are so committed to sharing with these children and their families.
On Monday we rose early and headed off at 4.45am to the Arakan Valley. This is a very remote valley where Pastor Efron had invited us to come and share for the day. We were not quite sure what to expect or what we would be doing for the day. After driving for about 11/2 hours we left the taxi and got into two 4×4 vehicles as the valley road was extremely rough and hilly. About 15 minutes into our trip we found ourselves at the first school where the whole school, about 45 students. We were introduced and then I was invited to share a message, I had about ten minutes warning of this and was not quite sure what I should say. The principal was a Christian and I was able to share a brief encouragement to staff and students. We then got back in vehicles for the next 35 minute drive, Rod travelled in the back this time on a wooden plank 
and bounced his way through the valley.
Upon arrival into the valley we were ushered into the Mayors office and welcomed to the area, then it was off to the church for the regional conference of Southern Baptist convention. I was the guest preacher for the first two sessions, during the second sessions the others went off in two groups to share at other schools. It was a great day and such a joy to share with churches in such a remote area. It was quite hot and the building was open at each side to allow air through, but still very hot inside.
On our trip on the way out of the valley I sat in the back of the ute with 5 cousins and their “uncle”. These girls were such an encouragement to see how they sang worship songs as we bounced along and showed me their valley with such pride. They were beautiful girls who were so interested in us and wanted to know more and learn from us, but also share their life with us too. I will always consider them as my friends, this is what I love about the Filipino people they are so welcoming.
My backside is still recovering from this trip in the back of the ute 
We are off to a graduation service now for the bible college students at Joyful Church.
