July 26: Gospel reaches for first time in Philippines Rice Fields

We have been in very rural areas and busy with relationships and teaching/ preaching prep. We were in a place with no electricity for about 4 days. We just arrived back in Bohol from the CPG islands. The last week was challenging but good. The team has taught the inductive seminar 3 times and we have one more coming up. We have been on the move a lot and the biggest need from Ronnie was preaching, ministry and visiting all the church members’ houses. Each time has been filled with preaching and encouraging through the word. One girl during the youth service really was hit by God's presence and we encouraged the pastor to follow up with her with discipleship. Revival in the heart is common here but discipleship is lacking. One church was very encouraged by Philemon because of the issue of forgiveness. I personally am doing well. We have another guest traveling with us named Aldren, and I swear he is a spiritual brother. We have had so much time to encourage one another .

I am finding time with God a lot and my devotions are crucial everyday for my strength. And it helps when we share because God has put many applicable parables on my heart for later sharing with church members. Especially ones about rice fields! The Spirit has been guiding me for sure and has given me insight into things that stretch past culture and language. We went to a rice field farming area a week ago and that was the FIRST TIME ANYONE HAS BROUGHT THE GOSPEL! I got to share a parable about the rice fields...I plan on writing it out when I get back. They need & love stories! God has been so good and the Holy Spirit has been our teacher and helper. We cannot to anything on our own.

Next on the schedule...
Loboc River for lunch
Inductive Seminar
Velencia waterfalls
Preaching and teaching
Arms of Love Orphanage (preach and teach) and maybe I will adopt :)
Then fly from Tag-Manila and stay the night in the airport :) and fly home Sunday

Love you all and pray for us as we are praying for you
Everyone is healthy...Jenner and Devin have a rash (nothing big though) and Devin has been sick to her stomach.

Got to go,
Eric