Mabini Project

The Father's gifts

2011-07-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Today was my last full day here. In the morning pastor Berwyn and I made our way to a church in Cabadbaran, the main town in the Mabini region. I spoke to the church about the woman at the well (John 4) and how the key to receiving from God is to know the gift and to know the Giver. In response to the message and the work of the Holy Spirit, over 10 people committed their lives to Jesus and were prayed over to receive the Holy Spirit. After ministering to these new creations in Christ, we spent some time praying for the sick and once again people testified to feeling God touch their bodies. Hallelujah!

After the time of ministry, Silvestre M. Sastrellas III, aged 12 (son of the pastor) sang a song and boy can he sing! Just listen to the snippet I recorded. This child has an amazing gift.

After lunch and checking out a papaya tree, pastor Berwyn and I visited his home and fellowshipped with the family. After that we made our way back to Butuan, an hour's drive from Cabadbaran and had a cappuccino at Margie's. The afternoon service was at 16h00 so we made our way to a place called Lemon. The pastor of the church picked us up with his motorcycle so I got to hang on for dear life once again whilst pastor Berwyn took pictures of me clinging to the bike.

We were welcomed with a joyful song and the people were really friendly and delighted to see us. Many kids attended the meeting so I knew I had to cater for quite a wide-ranging age group again. I spoke on the Father's desire to give His children good gifts and how He wants us to receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ. We had a lot of fun and after the message over 10 people gave their lives to the Lord. Once again I invited people forward for prayer to be healed and around 10 people were prayed for. Many testified to feeling God's touch and some reported immediate relief from pain. Hallelujah! Just as we were on our way to leave, another man was brought in whom we led to the Lord and whom God touched with His healing power. One of the pastors that attended the meeting told me afterwards that her daughter had been suffering from pain in her lungs and chest from asthma but after the meeting she could breathe deeply again without pain. Glory to God.

As today was my last day here I invited pastor Berwyn's whole family to dinner as well as pastor Jonathan and his family. We had a special time together at a place that had a kids area for the children to play. We enjoyed grilled chicken and for dessert we had halo-halo (fruit salad) with ice-cream in a coconut shell. Yummy!

These two weeks have been very exciting and very special indeed! God has glorified the name of Jesus through and through and I have had the joy of leading many to Christ and seeing many touched with God's healing power. The Father simply loves to give good gifts! I praise Him for His faithfulness and for giving me the grace to do His work here in the Philippines. I have been on the go for two weeks and have been fit and healthy and strong every day. His grace is truly sufficient for us and His favour has strengthened me daily. To God be all the glory for all the wonderful things He has done these past two weeks! Thank you for your prayers and for following me and the Holy Spirit on our journey together. God bless you!

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:10

"If you then, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13

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God in the jungle

2011-07-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Today, the first thing pastor Berwyn asked me was, "Are you ready for an adventure?" I half-convincingly said, "Yes!" We travelled to RTR and from there we were driven on motorcycles for half an hour up to the mountains into a very remote area where the children still stare at the sight of Europeans. It was a stunning trip and the views across the rice fields were breath-taking. I quickly got used to riding on a motorcycle and eventually relaxed enough to enjoy the ride - I still clung on for dear life though.

We eventually reached a tiny church made of wood, bamboo and leaves. The room was filled with children and parents, waiting in expectation for their visitors which they seldom get here. We worshipped the Lord in song as the pastor led us with his
amazing voice and guitar. The presence of God invaded the room amongst restless children and breast-feeding mothers and I sensed very quickly that the meeting was going to be special. Once I was invited to preach, some late-comers arrived and I waited for them to enter in the now pretty full room. As I waited, I noticed a group of 7 young people pass by the church. Thinking they were also late-comers I encouraged them to come in and take a seat. They cautiously entered and joined the meeting. After a message on the Father's love and how we can only know the life of God through faith in Christ, I invited people to make a decision to follow Christ. Over 15 people raised their hands and prayed with us. I then encouraged these new creations in Christ to be prayed over to be filled with the presence, the power and the love of God. It was wonderful! After praying for them, I invited any sick people forward to be prayed for. Again the Lord touched the people's bodies. All of the people testified to feeling something in their bodies and improvement of their condition. Hallelujah! After lunch I found out that the group that I had invited in to the meeting were actually just passers-by and all of them had given their lives to Jesus! God had drawn them in! Glory to God!

We then made our way back to Butuan and we had lunch with pastor Julius. Chicken again! It was yummy, cluck, but I am looking forward to pasta again. I had spied a coffee shop on the
way into Butuan so I aimed right for the place after lunch and was delighted to find a place that serves real cappuccino! I was in heaven and pastors Berwyn and Julius were pretty impressed with their iced-coffee too.

In the afternoon I spent some time with Berwyn's family and in the evening we had a meeting with Roszel (Berwyn' sister) to sort out the finances of our expenses for the conference and seminar that took place last week.

It has been another special day with God and tomorrow is my last day here. On Monday I fly to Manila and will see Mark Jayobo. On Tuesday I fly back home and I am looking forward to seeing my family and my church family again! I do miss you all!

"Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find." Matthew 22:9

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God at school

2011-07-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

Today I was invited to teach at the Buenavista Special Education Integrated School - an elementary school for gifted children. The children enjoyed the lessons very much and we had a lot of fun together. I was asked to teach on the theme, "The purpose of life" and so I taught the kids how God created man to be like Him (godliness), to know Him (fellowship) and to do His will (co-labour). I then showed how the Fall caused man to become ungodly, separated from God and spiritually unproductive and how Jesus came to model God's purpose for man as well as restore God's purpose for man through faith in Him. The children were very attentive and they really understood the message.

After each lesson, I offered to pray for the sick and we saw God do some amazing things. In one class I prayed for a girl's hearing and God healed her immediately. She got so excited that she raced to her friends and asked them to whisper something in her ear and when she was able to hear properly she was overjoyed! After praying for her, 2 other girls came forward with a similar issue and were also healed on the spot! Hallelujah! I had to teach 4 classes today, each an hour long and after each class I ministered to the sick and we witnessed some wonderful results. In the other classes, the pupils I prayed for testified to feeling better and to feeling God's power in their areas of need. I prayed for kids with asthma, eye infections, appendix problems, sore throats, goitre and back issues. The most exciting thing was the environment in which God was healing these children. As I prayed for the children the others just chatted away and messed around and watched God do His work. I loved it! God is simply not religious and He simply does not need a man-made atmosphere to do His work! What's more is that the children belong to different denominations (primarily Catholic) and some of the kids are Moslems! Now they know why Jesus came and that Jesus saves and heals today! Hallelujah!

Between lessons we were invited for lunch at a local home and I was asked to share a devotional with the family. I shared on the account of Mary and Martha and how Jesus commended Mary for spending time at Jesus' feet and treasuring her Master's presence.

This evening I was invited to a house church and we had a sweet time of fellowship together. I shared from 1 Thessalonians and showed how the church stood out as an example of a people of faith, hope and love because of the way they received the Word of God and allowed the Holy Spirit to convict them of the truth. I was pleased to see Jireh-Mae and her dad again who reported that JM has been able to be back at school but still needs prayer for complete recovery. Please keep her in your prayers.

It really has been another amazing day with God! I praise Him for His love and for His faithfulness and I am thrilled with what He did today. Thank you Lord!

"Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing." John 14:11,12

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Vision Day

2011-07-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Today I had a meeting with pastor Berwyn and his sister, Roszel to talk through the options of Kingdom Life setting up a ministry here in this area. We had an exciting time sharing what is on our hearts, particularly concerning our desire to help the many needy children here, in what is recognised to be the poorest region in the Philippines! Roszel and her husband, pastor Julius are passionate about children and are presently active in kids and youth ministry in their church as well as being key leaders for Compassion (click here for more information). They have a heart for all needy children, both within their church as well as those who never set foot into a church building. They recognise the desperate need to care for these poor children as well as the opportunity to reach their parents with the love of God. They are a great couple and I can see God's grace upon their lives to do great things for His Kingdom here in Butuan! They have a little daughter whose name is Yralee (right on picture above).

Pastor Berwyn's family (Liberty, Christine - left on picture above - and Christopher - picture on right) joined us for lunch and after a visit to the local shopping mall, all of us went to my hotel where the kids spent the afternoon in the swimming pool. It was a real outing for the kids and they were overjoyed and excited about being able to be in a pool and to be in the big city. Little Christopher did not stop running around and squealing with joy! He'll be dead tired tonight!

It is a joy to know these wonderful, godly people and I am excited about what God has prepared for us to do together in Butuan and Mabini. Please be in prayer for God to give us wisdom and to direct our steps as we seek to build His Kingdom here.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:16

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Smells like hell, tastes like heaven!

2011-07-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today we drove for over an hour to the mountain area around Butuan. We made our way to an Assemblies of God church that is under the supervision of pastor Rudi. Before the meeting, we went for a walk around the village and passed the pastor's house as well as some pigs. After our round trip we returned to the meeting.

Once again we had a congregation between the ages of 2 months and 79 years so I depended on the Lord to give me a simple message that everyone could relate to. I was led to speak about the paralytic that was brought by his four friends to Jesus and I explained how faith simply trusts in Jesus to heal and is not put off by obstacles in the natural. I then showed how Jesus would declare a spiritual truth and then demonstrate it in the physical realm. In order for Jesus to demonstrate that He has the authority to forgive, He healed the crippled man. Likewise, after announcing that He is the Resurrection and the Life, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. After the message I invited people to commit their lives to Jesus and over 10 people responded. I then prayed for each person to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then I invited people who needed healing to be prayed for. About 6 people came forward and all of them sensed the Lord doing something in their bodies, including a young boy who was very shy (see top).

After seeing God's Kingdom in our midst, there was much joy and we enjoyed some lunch together. The pastors have been dying for me to try a particular fruit that has been described as "Smelling like hell but tasting like heaven." I was curious! So I had a try and found the smell only slightly offensive and the taste was like a mixture between avocado and date. Apparently this fruit is extremely nutritious.

After lunch we visited a bed-ridden member of the church, anointed her with oil, layed hands on her and prayed in faith that Jesus would heal her (James 5:14,15). She experienced a touch from God and I am certain that what God has begun He will complete! Hallelujah!

We then returned to Butuan and enjoyed an early supper together. In the evening we attended a prayer meeting at pastor Jonathan's church and I spoke on how the believer's state should always be a state of peace as we allow the Prince of peace to rule in our hearts and we overflow with peace (Col. 3:15; Rom. 16:20; Phil. 4:4-7). After our time of prayer together, we enjoyed mango-shakes and avocado-shakes. Yummy!

"Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you.'" Luke 10:9

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Outpouring

2011-07-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today I was invited to speak at Guiding Light Christian Fellowship in the mountain area outside Butuan. Berwyn and I travelled with pastors Rudi and Paul in an off-roader that was purchased by pastor Paul with the compensation he received for the death of his young son who was killed in a road accident a few years ago! The road up to the church I called kangaroo road as it was so full of potholes that we were literally alternating hitting our heads on the roof and hitting our bums on the floor and I didn't even ger car sick!

Once we arrived it was dark outside and we waited for the congregation to arrive. We sat carefully on the rather fragile looking pews as we waited. The area is very rough and people had to walk quite a distance to get to the church. Once everyone had arrived (including a frog and a dog), we spent some time worshipping the Lord in song. I was then invited to speak and I began sharing from John 4 - the woman at Jacob's well. I spoke about the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally and how our asking and receiving will correspond to our knowledge of God. Jesus said to the woman,

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:10

During the message there was a mighty downpour and I was in competition with the heavy rain thundering on the tin roof. It was a prophetic sign because after 15 people gave their lives to the Lord and came forward to be filled with the Holy Spirit, I simply asked the Lord to pour out His Spirit and the people began weeping in His presence. Young women and men began sobbing in the Lord's presence even before I layed hands on them - they were being baptised in the Father's love and receiving assurance of their reltionship with Him. It was beautiful and very moving indeed!

After the meeting we had a quick photo session (a Philippine passion next to texting on their mobile phones) and some typical food. One member slept through the whole meeting, however! We then made our way home through the mud and bumps. Tomorrow I will be ministering at another church in Butuan.

Today I really sensed the wonderful truth of the Father giving His new-born children the Spirit of adoption. As I prophesied over these precious people, I repeatedly heard the Father say,

"I love you. You are mine. You are not alone. I accept you. I am proud of you. I delight in you. I will never reject you. Nothing can seperate you from my love. My son. My daughter. My princess."

These new creations in Christ were receiving the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, "Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6). Hallelujah!

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." John 14:18

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Reconciled to God!

2011-07-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today I had 3 meetings. The first 2 were in Remedios T. Romualdez (conveniently referred to as RTR). The first church service was at a Four Square church where the youth seminar was held yesterday. I spoke on sonship and the difference between identity in Christ and intimacy with God from the parable of the prodigal son. It was a wonderful meeting and when I invited those who had never made a decision to follow Christ and become sons of God, over 15 people gave their lives to the Lord. Hallelujah! I am amazed at the response we are getting in our meetings!

After a delicious lunch we made our way to New Life in Christ church nearby. When we arrived I found a group awaiting our arrival of people aged between 1 month and 60 years old! The majority of the church were the youth pastor's youth group and other youngsters from other churches. Using a mobile phone I explained the Gospel and how we need Jesus to be connected to the life, the power and the love of the Father. We had a tremendous amount of fun and after the message almost everyone gave their life to Jesus! I then invited people to be prayed for to be healed and 4 or 5 people came for prayer and subsequently testified to experiencing the power of God! Glory to God!

After a couple mangos and a lovely time with the people and especially with the youth pastor Dennis who is a real character, we made our way back to Butuan where I was to lead a kids' meeting at the Free Methodist church. We waited a while for transport and eventually got on a rather crowded bus that was overflowing with adults, kids and a chicken! After 15 minutes travel, I suddenly heard a loud bang and the sound of air escaping as one of the tyres had burst. We immediately stopped and I praise God that nothing serious happened. Berwyn and I got off the bus as the rest waited for the bus driver to change the tyre. We then caught another bus and finally got to the church 20 minutes late.

I quickly entered the hall and found a group of about 100 kids worshipping God. Again, I spoke to them about how we need to be connected to Jesus in order to be connected to the Father's life, power and love. We had a lot of fun and they particularly enjoyed my action game I did with them inbetween some profound truth! Half way through the message, we had a power cut and I had to do the remainder of the meeting in the dark with the help of a few emergency lights! By now it seemed to me that the enemy was really trying hard to stop God's work. The darkness, however, didn't and couldn't stop us! I then invited anyone who wanted to decide to follow Jesus to pray with us and to my astonishment over two thirds of the chidren raised their hand to follow Jesus. I then invited those who had surrendered their lives to the Lord to come forward for prayer to be filled with the presence, the power and the love of God. The children all made their way to the front in he dark and one by one we prayed for each one of these precious souls. It was the most amazing atmosphere and the presence of God was wonderful. I was later told by the youth leader, Julius, that they do not usually get a response from the kids like we witnessed today. I praise God for His awesome work in rescuing these kids from the kingdom of darkness and placing them in the kingdom of the Son he loves! Hallelujah!

After the meeting I was shattered but we still went out for grilled chicken with a small group as it was pastor Julius' birthday today! At the restaurant I went to the men's loo and managed to lock myself in, unable to get out again as the door handle inside was broken! All I could do was bang on the door and wait until someone eventually rescued me. Praise God!

Tomorrow should be a day of rest but you never know what "suddenlies" the Holy Spirit has planned! It's been an incredible day. Many lives have been saved and healed. I am simply in awe of what God is doing here. His Kingdom is here and I just sense His passion for His creation and His longing for all to be reconciled to His presence, power and love.

"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the message of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting man's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5:18-20

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The Kingdom of God is here!

2011-07-23T03:52:00.000-07:00

Today I led a youth seminar at RTR, a town inbetween Butuan and Cabadbaran about 45 minutes drive from Butuan. Over 60 youngsters attended and I spoke on the reality of the Kingdom of God; how Jesus came to preach about the Kingdom and demonstrated it's presence by revealing the Father's wisdom, nature and power. I then showed how Jesus modelled a life lived from the Kingdom and how He empowers the believer to live the same Kingdom life! Before our lunch break, I invited anyone who wasn't certain of their salvation and of a relationship with God to make a decision to surrender their lives to Christ and receive His life in return. Over 15 young people gave their lives to Jesus today! Hallelujah!

After our lunch break (crumbed chicken, crumbed fish, chicken soup, chinese noodles, rice, mango, bananas and blue pepsi), I taught on how God calls us to be like Him in the power of the Spirit and how we are to continue to do the works of Jesus to reveal the Kingdom. I testified to the healings I had witnessed in recent days and the young people's faith grew by the minute. I then invited everyone to be prayed for and almost all the youngsters came forward. The presence of God was awesome. The Holy Spirit ministered to these precious young people in many different ways and I just sensed how God the Father was filling His children with His love and affirmation. It was very precious and many were truly blessed by God's touch. On our way to the bus, we passed a little rope manufacturing company and when we got back to Butuan, I treated some of the youth that were with us to donuts at Dunkin Donuts. It cost me less than 10 Euro to pay for over 15 donuts and 15 soft drinks! We had a lot of fun together as I showed them pictures of my beautiful family. I am missing them!

It has been a joy to speak about the Kingdom and witness God's Kingdom invade the lives of those who believe. I believe many were wonderfully filled with the Spirit today and many received God's healing touch. God is so faithful to confirm His Word and I am so excited about what He is doing in me and through me as I simply cling to Him and live to glorify His Name! Tomorrow I will preach in the morning and in the afternoon at two different churches.

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." 1 Cor. 4:20

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Holiness

2011-07-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today has been a quiet day and I spent time finishing my book by Andrew Murray entitled "Called by Christ" in which he urges ministers of the church to be earnest about the state of the Church and the need for spiritual renewal in the Body in order to be effective in missions. He writes,

"It is for this that we need a revival, that the Holy Spirit may take possession of us that the Father and the Son can live in us, and that fellowship with them, and devotion to their will and service, will be our chief joy. This will indeed be a holiness revival."

This evening I spoke to a group of youth leaders from different churches and organisations. We gathered in the home of a couple that are youth leaders for Youth With A Mission. The presence of God was wonderful and I was prompted to share about the need for leaders to be examples to the church as they follow the example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1). We then looked at the holiness and glory of God and noted how God commands the Church to be like Him (1 John 2:6; 1 Peter 1:15,16; Matthew 5:48) and therefore the Church must depend completely on the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of God's holy presence within her (Gal. 5:22). After God's Word I invited everyone to be prayed for and we had a very special time as the Holy Spirit ministered to each person present. As I prophesied over many, there were tears and conviction of sin and it seemed as though God's holiness began to manifest in the room. It was wonderful. The most amazing thing was that these leaders were from many different denominations including the catholic church! God wasn't concerned about denominations tonight - He was touching the hearts of His people! Christ, the Barrier-breaker! Hallelujah!

After the meeting Berwyn, Julius and I headed for McDonalds as I was curious to compare the taste with German McD's. I had a cheese burger and fries and to my amusement, Berwyn and Julius ordered chicken with ......RICE!! They serve rice at McD's here! Much healthier I suppose!

Tomorrow I will be leading a youth seminar and probably teach on Kingdom Culture. I will need to check with the Boss in the morning.

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Cor. 11:1

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Saved, healed and delivered

2011-07-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Glory to God! Today started with a visit to the police station and the office of the mayor of Buena Vista, a town near Butuan. I was asked to lead a devotional with a small group of policemen and police women. It was quite an experience to share God's Word with a congregation of armed men! I am glad I didn't offend them. I spoke to them about divine authority as it relates to faith and how submission to authority in the natural is the evidence of true submission in the spiritual. After God's Word to them, I prayed for each person in the room. They were visibly blessed and then I was taken to the mayor's office to share a devotional with the office workers. I was led to speak to them about how David knew the Lord personally as his Shepherd and that when we trust in the Lord as the One to lead and guide us, we will experience rest and protection.

We were scheduled to meet the mayor himself but apparently there was a change of plan so we proceeded to a tiny church in a very rural area outside Buena Vista. About 15 people (including children) attended and I spoke to them about the Father's love. I was prompted by the Spirit to ask if anyone wanted to give their life to the Lord and all of the people came forward. I double checked with pastor Berwyn whether they understood what I was asking and he confirmed twice that they were indeed responding to the offer of salvation! Hallelujah! I subsequently found out that the church is new and that some present were there for the first time! Praise God!

We then made our way back to Buena Vista and passed a coconut production area where workers were taking the shells off the coconuts, splitting them and leaving them to dry on the ground. We then had lunch in Buena Vista and while we waited for the chicken to be ready that was roasting right beside our table, I was asked to share another devotional with the church members that joined us for lunch. I shared an encouraging message on clinging to God from Psalm 63.

After lunch we made our way to the coast to meet a group of fishermen who had formed a fishermen association (not fishermen's friends) that I was to speak at. As it was still raining, we met in a tiny hut amidst other huts and boats and so about 20 of us huddled in the tiny room. The fishermen were very attentive as I shared the Gospel very simply with them and

subsequently asked whether anyone wanted to give their life to God. To my astonishment and delight, all the people stood and gave their lives to Jesus! In my message to them I had explained how Jesus proved the truth with miracles and His resurrection, so I invited those of them who were sick to be prayed for to be healed. Three precious souls came forward and Jesus healed each one of them. I asked them to test whether the affected areas were healed,

and they were overjoyed to discover that they were healed. They were so surprised that they kept testing their healing whilst we prayed for others. It was absolutely brilliant to then observe those who were healed tell about and demonstrate their healing to their friends! I believe their whole village will be affected by today's demonstration of God's Kingdom! Hallelujah!

We then proceeded back to Butuan where I was asked to visit the mayor's wife who was stationed in intensive care after having undergone surgery but with subsequent complications. We went in to see her and layed hands on her. She was visibly moved by the love we demonstrated and I am sure the Lord touched her body. At the hospital, I found this amusing sign in the hospital chapel...

After a couple of hours back at the hotel with pastor Berwyn, where we continued to discuss the future of the ministry in Mabini and KLF's support, we made our way back to Buena Vista to attend an evening church meeting. About 12 of us gathered in a small chapel-like room to worship God and enjoy His Word and His presence together. I shared on the parable of the sower and the difference between natural faith and spiritual faith. After the message I prayed for these precious people and prophesied over some of them. The Lord was present and there were many tears. After I had prayed for each person, the pastor of the church asked people to share what God was doing. One lady confirmed the prophetic words I had shared and another shared that the oppression she had previously suffered from was lifted after I prayed for her.

It truly has been a day of salvation and a day of God's favour. Now I am bushed but tomorrow I can rest as I only have a meeting in the evening.

"When Jesus had called the twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." Luke 9:1,2

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Conference in Butuan - Day 3

2011-07-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Today was the third and final day of our conference in Butuan. This morning we looked at how those who fear God live new lives for God. We looked at the examples of Moses in Hebrews 11 and Paul in Philippians 3 and noted how they had made a definite decision by faith to turn away from the world and to turn toward God. We then looked at how God must become our Source and not just our Solution as we learn to approach the throne of grace. After the session after our lunch break we shared communion together and the presence of God was wonderful. We then invited people to share their testimony of what God was doing in their lives and many reported to having been revived and inspired by God's revelation to them. We also heard today and witnessed that Jireh Mae is now able to walk by herself without the help of her dad, who had to help her previously because of the pain in her body! Now she is walking around without pain! Hallelujah!

The conference has been great. The pastors and leaders that attended were very hungry for the reviving truth of God's Word and the presence of His Spirit and they did not leave disappointed but were filled spiritually and physically. Many testified to being greatly encouraged in their faith and strengthened to persevere in the fear of the Lord as they rely on, respond to and revere God's presence in their lives. I praise God for His awesome revelation to the people that has stirred their spirits to live for His glory. Hallelujah!

On the way to the conference hall I saw these signs that I found interesting. Mc Donalds really is all over the world and look - you can rent some jungle! The common method of transportation are tricycles that are fun to ride with. During the lunch break I had to get something from my hotel so Berwyn took me on one of the pastor's motorcycles.

Tomorrow is another full day but I am living from the Source and relying on God's grace. Glory to Him!

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:2,3

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Conference in Butuan - Day 2

2011-07-19T03:48:00.000-07:00

Today started with a wonderful testimony. Yesterday we prayed for a young girl called Jireh Mae (see picture) who has been diagnosed with cancer in her brain and spinal column, causing her severe discomfort and pain. We ministered to her for quite a while yesterday morning and I sensed God touching her body and so did she. This morning we received the report from her father that the previous evening was the first time this year that she slept without pain! Hallelujah! God is amazing! We believe God is healing her and that what He has begun He will bring to completion! Please pray for this precious child of God for her complete recovery.

Today we looked at the truth about salvation and our union with God through Jesus; faith and the fear of the Lord as well as how the believer must learn to rely on, respond to and revere the presence of Jesus. After lunch I invited those who desired prayer to come forward to be ministered to. The Holy Spirit touched people's spirit, soul and body and many testified to having experienced a touch from God and the infilling of His presence and power. Tomorrow afternoon I will give opportunity for people to give testimonies.

After our meetings today which went from 9h30 to 16h00 a few of us went to Dunkin' Donuts and had a lot of fun together.

The thing that excited me most today was finding out that the pastors and leaders that are coming to the conference come from very different denominations. I spoke to the leaders about the unity we have in Christ, how denominations are formed and how so often church denominations forget their roots. I explained the origin of the Methodists, Four Square and Pentecostals and showed how the Holy Spirit was behind their beginnings as men and women of God honoured the presence of God and gave Him room to move. I then encouraged and challenged the leaders to return to their roots and allow God to take hold of their churches as they honour the Word and the Spirit!

"Is Christ divided?" 1 Cor. 1:13

"There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and in all." Eph. 4:4-6

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Conference in Butuan - Day 1

2011-07-18T04:04:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of our 3 day conference in Butuan on Living in the fear of the Lord. Over 90 pastors and church leaders attended today's meeting which started at 9h00 and finished at 15h00. Today's sessions were used to lay the foundation of what it means to fear God. We looked at the need to make room for the Holy Spirit; God's purpose for creating man and how Jesus came to model and restore mankind to God's original purpose for him on earth. We then looked at how living in the fear of the Lord is living from God by relying on Him to be like Him (godliness); living because of God in response to Him (fellowship); living for God in reverence of Him (co-labour). In the last session we looked at how Jesus feared the Lord and delighted in the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1-3).

Today was a good start to the conference and I am pleased with the great response and how people are getting excited about God's revelation to the Church to strengthen and encourage her. Tomorrow we will dig deeper and I am convinced many lives will be revived by the Word and the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

At my hotel they have set up a philippine scaffolding to paint the walls - quite a contrast to the one on my office building in Bockenheim! Below is a picture of pastor Julius (pastor Berwyn's brother-in-law) who is doing a wonderful job at leading the worship at the conference.

"The church...was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." Acts 9:31

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Honouring the Holy Spirit

2011-07-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

As KLF is in the middle of their meeting right now, I am getting ready to retire after a wonderful day in God's presence. Today I had 3 meetings in Butuan. The first was this morning at pastor Jonathan's church. The Lord led me to speak about the relationship between honour and faith from Mark 6 and how blessing is received in proportion to the degree we honour God and one another. In response to God's word we simply spent some time honouring the presence of God and many then came forward for prayer for healing. The Lord was visibly touching His people and His presence was very tangible. Hallelujah!

After a lunch break with pastor Jonathan, his family and pastor Berwyn, we made our way to another church where I was to preach at a parents' meeting, mainly attended by women and later in the evenng I was to preach to the church's kids and youth.

In the afternoon I was led to speak on the Father's love and favour. As I prayed for the group, the Lord gave me words of knowledge that clearly ministered to those concerned. God's amazing love was being poured out and I believe many women received healing, both emotional and physical. Hallelujah.

In the evening I ministered to over 80 youth and spoke to them about being a supernatural and extraordinary people. We had a lot of fun and the Lord was spoke very clearly into the hearts of these precious young people. In response many came forward and over 20 people gave their lives to the Lord and all of them received prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The atmosphere was electric and there was much rejoicing! Hallelujah!

Today has really been a day of honouring the Holy Spirit and His work; of acknowledging His presence and expecting His power. The Lord is so faithful to His word and His promises and I praise Him for the work He has done today! Lives have been touched and God has been glorified and I get to be part of it all. Hallelujah!!

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..." Acts 1:8

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Mabini Christian Fellowship

2011-07-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Today we spent the day in Mabini where I visited Berwyn's family and ministered to his church, Mabini Christian Fellowship. In the hot and humid little church we praised God and met with

Him. I am always amazed at the attentiveness of the younger generation here - it's wonderful to see how hungry they are for God. I spoke to these precious people on the difference between knowing about God and knowing God personally. In response to God's very clear word to His people, 4 people gave their lives to Him and have already spoken to pastor Berwyn for follow up. Hallelujah! After the meeting we enjoyed some rice and noodles and some traditional sweet rice. We had a lot of fun together and the kids kept flocking around me - must be my shiny head. It was good to see familiar faces again and to see how Berwyn's children, Christine and Christopher have grown.

I was also pleased to see the small addition that Berwyn was able to build with the generous Christmas donations we gave the church last year. The children now have their own little hut to meet in during the adult meeting so we had children worshipping in the background whilst we listened to God's word in the main church hut.

On our way home, cramped in 15 seater van, the Lord gave me a word of knowledge for a young guy sitting right in front of me. I asked Berwyn to share it with the chap and he was visibly surprised and encouraged. His response confirmed that what I had heard from the Lord was accurate. Hallelujah!

The Lord is really impressing on me the urgent need for the Church to be revived. I believe it is time for the Church to wake up and move with God's purposes for His people in His power. Only a revived people will make an impact and have a influence on a lost world. Andrew Murray writes,

"There can be no forward movement in missions, no great offering of life, without a deepening of the spiritual life of the church leaders and a real spiritual revival among the church members."

Oh, that the Church would hear and obey God's call!

"'Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Eph. 5:14,15

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KLM

2011-07-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

How nice of the airline I flew with yesterday to call themselves KLM - Kingdom Life Missions! After being delayed because of storms in Amsterdam, I still managed to get my connecting flights from Amsterdam to Manila and from Manila to Butuan. When I arrived in Butuan, Berwyn and members of his family fetched me and we had a splendid day catching up and getting excited about what God has planned for our second missions trip to the Philippines. We have great expectations! Just being here and seeing all the needs around, I am certain that God has immeasurably more in store for us than we can possibly ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20,21)!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared
for those who love him" 1 Cor. 2:9

2011 trip

2011-06-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

From the

15 July to 1 August

pastor Richard will be travelling for the second time to the Philippines.

Check this blog during that time for the latest news.

Prophetic Word Confirmed!

2010-07-24T00:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Richard,

Greetings.
Thanks for the visit here in Butuan and your message in myself i was so Bless
from the beginning until you end the meeting....

I remember the word you give to me during the washing of feet.
that you release a prophetic word which is confirmation of the prophetic word which is given to me last two years ago by a Canadian Minister who visit to us.
Thank you brother i know God will do more great things about this.
You mention that i would be a blessing and travel to different nation in Asia and other.
as the same as they said too.

Healed!

2010-07-22T00:45:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed with your life... Indeed, we really see that God is really at work in you and He blesses you so much. Thanks for your kindness to all of us. We appreciate it very much.... BY the way, you know Pastor, I forgot to tell you and to thank you for praying for me. Remember, when we were in Dotties, I had a very bad headache and my eyes were swelling already due to sinusitis? You know after you prayed for me,everything back to normal. I can really testify it coz before every time that I had a sinusitis and its really bad, it will really take 2 weeks to 3 weeks or sometimes a month before it will be cure. The last sinusitis that I had that really last for almost 1 and half month was last December until January 2010. It was really bad coz I almost had a very bad headache everyday and I can't even concentrate in my work. But now, thank you so much. God is really using you to blessed other people. God is so great to us. His is so powerful and do miraculous things unto us. Thank you very much Pastor.

Testimony

2010-07-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Pastor Richard,

We were not able to go with you to the airport in Butuan to say thanks for all that you have done in our lives but our prayer will always with you that God will keep you always with His loving arms. Please greet and say thanks to your brethren and family for us as they allowed you to come to the Philippines to blessed us with food for our stomach but most of all the food for our souls.

Your visitation in the Philippines is a great blessing to our people, to our church, to my family and to me personally. I really touch by the love of the father through your kindness and humbleness you have showed to us. Since I become a Christian I don't seen leaders or pastors washing the feet of the brethren even from the leaders of the group which I am connected. I am learned now how the father loves me through His son Jesus Christ. The truth you share to us it encourage me with eagerness to desire for more of His presence and the revelation about Jesus. As you continue to teach us the more I know Him the more I honor Him and praise Him and I see myself very little and unworthy but praise God that Jesus is in me and I in Jesus as you have said many times during your seminar. I am forever accepted of the father because He sees Jesus as my righteousness, holiness, health and my success. Hallelujah!

I am very grateful to Pastor Berwyn also for his big heart not only for the lost souls but for the leaders like me. He didn't forget us when he is blessed with spiritual blessing as well as material blessing. He always encourage us to attend the "Prophetic Leadership Seminar." His heart is really a heart of a leader and he is faithful friend from the little children even to the leaders. Yesterday he is like angel sent by God to meet our needs, God really knows what we need. During our devotional hour early in the morning I used to ask prayer request from the children and I notice that from that day is the exam of the children from college to the high school and they really need money to go to the school. It seems that I tempted to worry but praise the Lord pastor Berwyn show up from the airport with smiling face and I surprise when he shake hands to me there is white envelope as I open it wow! there is blessing inside. Praise the Name of Jesus! My wife is very happy and excited and want me to go Cabadbaran to buy fish and medicine for her diabetic maintenance. And the rest of the money that Pastor Berwyn give are for the children for the next two days. Pastor Berwyn is really a blessing to me, to my family even to the body of Christ. Pastor Richard, we are so happy that you keep in touch with this young man that have a heart for God like you have. For all the spiritual and material blessing you have given to us, all of these things will not go unnoticed to our heavenly Father.

May the Lord bless your ministry, your people and family always.

With our love and prayers,

Pastor Memucan Lumba

Fire Ignited!

2010-07-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

This will be my last entry as tomorrow I fly back to Frankfurt via Manila and Hong Kong. Today was another special day with God. This morning I spoke at a small church near Mabini Christian Fellowship, called Lift Jesus Christian Fellowship. On the way to the church I passed a place where they make their traditional roast pork - most interesting...

After I spoke to this dear church family about how God has ignited us with His fire to set the world alight, I ministered to each person, again asking the Lord to touch His people and once again the Lord was faithful and ministered to His children. I interviewed the pastor's very talented young son who played the drums...

We then had lunch at the Villadares' home before we made our way back to Butuan where I was invited to speak at a Free Methodist Church in the evening. About 50 young people congregated for the evening service and I spoke to them about how we must honour the Holy Spirit if we are to receive a greater revelation of the Father and the Son (John 16:13-15). In response to God's Word I simply asked the people to recommit their lives to honouring the Holy Spirit in every area of their lives and to repent of any way they believed they had grieved Him or ignored Him. The response was precious as we worshipped the Lord and the people engaged with God and responded to His presence.

After the meeting we went for a coffee and the guys had a traditional snack (Balut) which you can see in the clip below...

It's sad to leave this wonderful place and the many new friends I have made. God has been so faithful during my entire visit here and I praise Him for His abundant grace and love. I believe a fire has been ignited! To Him be all the glory for all the wonderful things He has done here and will continue to do here! I am excited about KLF partnering with Pastor Berwyn and His wife Liberty in continuing to build God's Kingdom in Mindanao and the Philippines. God is richly blessing our relationship and I believe we will see even greater things yet! Hallelujah!

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." "Philippines" 1:3-6

Worship Seminar

2010-07-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

Today we had a worship seminar for youth at a Free Methodist Church in Butuan City. Over 80 young people attended. Before I even got to talk about worship in song, the Lord prompted me to talk to the young people about sexual purity and why it is so important to understand how the believer is one with Christ and therefore should not be joined to one who is without Christ (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

We then looked at John 4:1-26 and saw how we need time in God's presence to receive a greater revelation of who He is, in order to "worship what we know." As the woman at the well spent time in Jesus' presence she moved from knowing Jesus as a man, then a prophet and then the Messiah! The Lord also spoke to us about what it means to worship in spirit and truth and how it is only by the Spirit of God that we can address God as Father! God's presence was wonderful and when I asked how many people wanted to recommit their lives to Jesus almost all those present responded. Hallelujah!

Their response really opened the way for God to do even more. After speaking to these young people about honouring God with their lives as their spiritual act of worship (Rom 12:1.2) we looked at the account of David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem in 2 Sam. 6:1-23 and how the believer must honour God's presence and treat God with reverence and fear! God just continued to pour forth spiritual revelation on passages I had never preached from before and the people were taking it all in, despite the intense heat and humidity. I then asked everyone who wanted to be filled to come forward for prayer and almost everyone came forward. We then worshipped the Lord and I asked the Holy Spirit to minister to them and as they responded to the Lord's presence I laid my hands on them and they all received. Many fell over into the loving arms of the Father and sobbed on the floor as God revealed His overwhelming love to them. It was wonderful!

I praise God for what He did today. I subsequently found out that these young people had never experienced the manifestation of God like they did today as many of them come from churches that are not open to the Holy Spirit's work. So I praise God for His amazing love and faithfulness and for the many changed lives today! Hallelujah!

Tomorrow is my last full day here and I will be preaching in the morning and evening.

From the highest to the lowest

2010-07-16T03:55:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of contrasts! This morning Pastor Berwyn and I had an appointment with the mayor of Cabadbaran. It was on our hearts to meet him and not only make Berwyn's work known to him but also to encourage him as a leader in this nation. We were warmly received and I was encouraged to discover that he is a Christian. He told us that they have a weekly prayer meeting and that when the new City Hall was built he had the words, "To God be all the glory" put over the entrance! We assured him of our prayers and told him that we wanted to encourage him as a leader to pursue God's will. I told him that God had spoken to me prior to my visit that the Lord has it on His heart to restore the value and dignity of the women in this nation. Pastor Berwyn shared what he is doing with Mabini Christian Fellowship and the poor "mountain people" and the mayor was pleased, encouraging Berwyn to continue this much needed work. When I was in Hong Kong, I had bought a book on leadership that I gave the Mayor as a gift. He was very pleased as he enjoys reading and he asked me to write something in it. We then prayed together and we blessed him and his work. It was amazing! Praise God!

After visiting the mayor we again looked at some plots and premises to get an idea of the cost and availability in this area. After a quick lunch we made our way toward the mountain area near Butuan City where the "mountain people" were waiting for us to lead the church service. Because the place where the church is situated is quite remote we had to travel by motorbike! A first for me and a little scary.

The church was full of children and a few adults and I knew I was going to have to rely again on the Holy Spirit to communicate whatever He had planned for us. After a few songs I was asked to preach. I praise the Lord for His Anointing as I taught the children and adults how God can turn the little we have into a miracle as I graphically described the feeding of the 5000 from the little boy's perspective who shared his lunch with Jesus. I also told them how important it is that we taste God for ourselves using a mango to explain the goodness of God! It's all God's grace and I praise Him for His faithfulness! I then asked those who wanted to taste God for themselves and who wanted to give their lives to God to respond and over 10 people gave their lives to Jesus! Hallelujah!

Once again I had a lot of fun with the children and the adults and after our supper together the children began surrounding me and talking to me. They then sang me their songs quite spontaneously and they even continued whilst I filmed them. I was absolutely overwhelmed with their joy and love for God. These children have nothing and yet they have everything! Berwyn was telling me how they once asked for spaghetti as they had never tasted it before and wanted to have some! He also told me that he and some other pastors are fighting for the rights of the "mountain people" who are discriminated against as many don't even have birth certificates or marriage certificates. The kids were also telling me how they sometimes have 6 to 8 brothers and sisters! They were such a joy to be with today and it it was such a blessing for me to lay hands on each one of them and declare the Father's love over them.

"Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God." Mt. 5:8

The day began with the richest but now ended with the poorest. What a day of contrasts!

Preparing the Ground

2010-07-15T05:27:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the day with Pastor Berwyn and his family. We went to the local beach for lunch and in the afternoon Berwyn and I scouted the area to get an idea of what God has in store for the ministry here. Berwyn has it on his heart to provide a proper facility for the children in this area in order to educate them and provide for their physical needs. There is a real need here to look after these poor children (of which there are many) and provide them with some form of stability to give them hope in life. The goal is also to reach the parents with whom relationships will be formed as the children are connected to the ministry. This already happens when Berwyn has enough resources to be able to feed a group of children and share God's love and Truth with them (sometimes only twice a year). The children love Mabini Christian Fellowship and know that they are loved and accepted and can even get some food there sometimes. As we travel along the roads here there are literally hundreds of little children around, playing on the streets. Apparently this nation is over productive and the government has had to address the issue of using birth control in order to try and reduce the growing birth rate. Many religious groups however do not allow birth control and therefore the issue still remains! The short clip reveals the amount of kids at the beach and this is not the weekend! When the children saw me filming, they started to get really excited...

Tomorrow we have an appointment with the Mayor of Cabadbaran. The purpose of our meeting will be to create a relationship between the Mayor and Pastor Berwyn and to simply make him aware of the work that Mabini Christian Fellowship is doing and desires to expand. We also want him to know that we are praying for him and that he has our support as a leader in this nation. God is at work here! Hallelujah!

The Fullness of God

2010-07-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today was the third and last day of our prophetic leadership conference. In the morning the Lord spoke to us about what it means to fear Him and how to honour His presence in our lives. After lunch we looked at Heb. 10:19-23 and the Lord showed us how to enter into the Most Holy Place. We then spent time in the Lord's presence and worshipped Him. The room was electric with God's presence and people began to respond to Him in various ways as He revealed Himself to us.

After a coffee break I asked everyone to sit next to each other in a large semi-circle so that after teaching from John 13 on Servant Leadership, I could wash everyone's feet, bless them and prophesy as the Lord led. I cannot explain in words what I felt as I ministered to these precious people, taking time to share God's heart with them. People wept and were overwhelmed with God's love for them. Many times I myself wept because of the Lord's compassion and had to wait until I could speak again to continue to share the Father's heart. After 90 minutes I had washed everyone's feet and the room was filled with God's love and tenderness. God did something in our hearts today that I will never forget! Jesus truly showed us "the full extent of his love" (John 13:1).

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph. 3:17-19

Testimonies of God's Grace

2010-07-13T05:36:00.000-07:00

Today was another wonderful day in the Lord. The word has spread and over 120 leaders attended today's prophetic leadership conference. A Free Methodist seminary professor cancelled his class and brought his entire class to the conference because he heard about the revelation God is pouring out upon His people. In the morning we continued to look at the nature of the prophetic and after a tasty lunch (including a whole pig and a birthday cake for me), we gave people the opportunity to testify about what God is doing in their lives and what has really spoken to them. We spent over an hour listening to stirring testimonies of what God is doing during this conference. Some testified that they were about to give up the ministry but God has so encouraged them and so strengthened their faith that they have recommitted their lives to His call. The Lord is really enlightening the hearts of the leaders with spiritual revelation and everyone is being revived by the Word and the Spirit - it's more than I could ever ask or imagine. Glory to God!

After the testimonies I taught on "Building Kingdom Culture" and how the leaders can apply what they have learned very practically. The feedback is very positive concerning the simplicity of the communication and the clarity of the messages. God's grace is evident and we are rejoicing in God's revelation to us.

"...this grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery..." Eph. 3:8,9

Prophetic Leadership Conference

2010-07-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of our 3-day Prophetic Leadership Conference. About 50 pastors from Butuan and the surrounding villages attended. These precious people are so poor that they would not have been able to attend if we hadn't paid for their bus fare to get to the conference hall! We also included a free lunch and refreshments to bless these men and women of God.

In the first sessions we looked at the diffrence between the natural and the spiritual, and the nature of the prophetic and how it is revealed in the lives of Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul and the early Church. On this first day the Lord led me to emphasise the foundation of "Christ in us" and to encourage the people to realise what they have received in Christ by being united to Him. We also looked at the significance of spiritual revelation and how the believer can only know the secrets of the Kingdom by the Holy Spirit.

The leaders responded very positively and are feasting on the revelation of God's Word. The feedback I have received today is that the teaching is simple, easy to understand and people are able to apply it to their lives. There is a real buzz in our time together - excitement about the revelation of God's Truth, and enjoyment of fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

After the teaching session in the afternoon I invited all those who were hungry for more of God to come forward to be prayed for. Almost everyone came forward with faith and expectation. We began to worship the Lord (without instruments or any "props") and waited for the Holy Spirit to do His work. As I observed the Father touch His people I simply worked with Him and prayed for those who were already responding to God. Once again people wept, laughed, fell over, stood quietly, shouted, spoke in tongues and allowed God to do His work in them. I watched the Holy Spirit fill pastor couples simultaneously as they both fell into the Father's arms. When everyone had been prayed for I encouraged the leaders to do the same with their people and to pass on what they had freely received today. The Lord is equipping His people to spread the fire of His Truth and Presence to the people in this nation. Hallelujah!

We closed the meeting a little earlier than scheduled because the Holy Spirit was done and many of the people still had a 2-hour journey home by bus! These people are so hungry for the Word of God and they so appreciate that someone would come all the way from Europe to share God's heart with them in Mindanao. Apparently US citizens are not allowed to travel to this area because of the radical Islamic terrorists present in parts of Mindanao. Pastor Berwyn had planned for me to visit the "mountain people" on Friday but because of his concern about potential danger, he has arranged for these people to come to his church in Mabini.

Tomorrow promises to be another exciting day in the Lord and I will be sharing some key principles on leadership to help the spiritual leaders become a Kingdom influence in their churches and in their communities. Hallelujah!

"Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to build and to plant.'" Jer. 1:9,10

Baptism of Love

2010-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I was invited to preach at a church that is associated with the Four Square Church that Treffpunkt Leben also belongs to. The church building has no doors or windows and is basically a sanctuary without walls. The pastor and his wife are good friends of Berwyn's and after a wonderful time of praise and worship (mostly in English) with drums, e-guitar, keyboard, bass and voice I was invited to bring God's Word and minister to the church. The Lord spoke to us about how Jesus has restored our intimacy with the Father and that we have access to know and experience the Father. After the Word I invited the people to come forward who were hungry to know God and experience more of Him. Many people came forward for prayer and as I began to minister to the people and lay my hands on them, the Holy Spirit came. I was not ready for what the Holy Spirit began to do because as I asked the Lord to fill His people and I prophesied the Father's heart, I was overcome with His compassion and aching heart for these people and I wept with His compassion. At the same moment the Father poured out His abundant love on those I touched and some began to weep, some shouted out as though they were being touched where it really hurts and God was healing them, some fell over with tears, some cried out as the Spirit released something in them. It was truly a baptism of love as the Father ministered to His children.

"God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,whom he has given us." Rom. 5:5

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" 1 John 3:1

No human power nor human words could ever do what the Father did in the lives of these precious people today. I give Him all the glory and I praise Him for His overwhelming love for us!

I had it on my heart to teach the worship team some principles for worship so right after the church meeting I asked to meet with them. They came and so did 20 other children of all ages who also wanted to hear what I had to say. These people are so hungry for God! I then spoke to them about worship in heaven and how we have the privilege as citizens of heaven to bring God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. It was a very special time.

I then had lunch with the pastors and Berwyn and I continued to share the same principles with them as well as how to develop Kingdom culture. They were so excited about the revelation and are now eager to put what they have learned into action. Hallelujah!

After lunch we made our way to another Pastor's home and on the way it began to rain and I mean it poured as though a bucket of water had been tipped out over the Philippines. We travelled in a very crowded bus once again but this time the very poor folk were travelling on the bus who literally have nothing but the clothes on their back. A family was in the bus seated next to me with 2 twins and a 2 month old child, dirty and smelly and very hungry. Berwyn asked the bus driver to pass a place where we could get a few rolls for the babies and so he gave them some food. This family's home had burned down and they were telling us how they simply did not know what to do. My heart aches for these people and for the broken lives I am seeing every day. They so need the Father's love and proper social care.

On the way to Berwyn's parents' home near Butuan, I sat in the bus next to a young girl who asked whether we were born again because she had seen the lad who accompanied us with a Christian band around his wrist. Berwyn and I then told her we were indeed and that we were pastors and I began to prophesy over her and she began to beam from ear to ear. Our God is such an encourager! She opened up to us and told us how her mother is working in Dubai and her father is a drunk and doesn't work. It was a God encounter and she was mightily blessed by the Father. Hallelujah!

It's been another wonderful day in the Spirit and I am looking forward to tomorrow's first day of the prophetic leadership conference. Glory to God!

Let the little children...

2010-07-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the morning with Pastor Berwyn, encouraging him and equipping him by giving him spiritual revelation and Kingdom principles - tools to work with to continue to build when I leave again. We then traveled to Mabini and had lunch at Berwyn's brother-in-law's home where he was celebrating his birthday with family and friends. We had a traditional roast pig and lots of sea food and I got to meet some more of the people in the community.

At 2pm we were supposed to begin the church service but Berwyn explained that in the Philippines it is common for people to come over an hour late. So the meeting "began" at 2pm with a room full of children on plastic chairs waiting for some action. There were about 30 little ones present so I began to play with them and very quickly had their complete attention. I then told them the story of Lazarus with all the actions I could think of as well as the story of Peter throwing the net on the other side of the boat and catching many fish. I was amazed! I had the children's attention for over an hour and was able to communicate that Jesus gives life and that when we depend on ourselves we will only catch one fish but when we depend on Jesus, we will catch a whole net full. It was a wonderful and most thrilling experience as well as a lot of fun and laughter!

At around 3pm the adults began filtering in and after a time of worship in song I preached and ministered to these precious people for over 2 hours. The Lord was present and the Holy Spirit touched the lives of those who came forward to receive from God. One man gave his life to the Lord and I prophesied over almost everyone, revealing God's compassion and love for these poor and broken people. The Lord affirmed and declared His abundant love to them and they were deeply touched and encouraged.

I praise God for His faithfulness and outpouring of love.

Tomorrow I will be ministering at another church and I am looking forward to what God will do!

Arrived

2010-07-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

As the plane broke through the clouds and we approached Hong Kong airport I couldn't help thinking how this prophetic picture was symbolic of heaven invading earth as I determined in my heart to be available to God to further His Kingdom wherever and whenever. I had a 12 hour layover in Hong Kong so I set my face toward the city centre, ready for an adventure with God.

After walking around and exploring the streets I came across a small garden that led up to a buddist temple. In front of the temple there were a few beggars and some locals enjoying the cool shade of the willow-like trees. As I sat and drank my water I observed how the worshippers entered and exited the temple, paying no attention to the beggars. After a while I felt prompted to go over to a cripple in a wheel chair to speak to him. After explaining that God loves him he gave me permission to pray for him and lay my hands on him. After a short prayer I could see he was touched by the attention he received. Jesus took notice of him!

I then wandered around some more and stumbled across a Christian Book store. I went in and had a wonderful time of fellowship, sharing the Word and praying with the precious Chinese shop owner. After some dim sum for a late lunch I made my way back to the airport to continue my journey to Manila and then Butuan the next morning.

I arrived in Butuan this morning and was welcomed by Pastor Berwyn and some members of his extended family with a huge banner. After lunch and checking into the hotel in Butuan we made our way to his village, Mabini, to see the church building and to visit Berwyn's home. Around the church building (which is about 80 meters squared) I met a lot of the locals and particularly a large number of children. I received quite a few inquisitive stares but was blessed by the openness, friendliness and receptivity of the people. At Berwyn's home I met his wife, Liberty and their two children as well as Berwyn's mother-in-law who is suffering from gout and arthritis. After ministering to her with Berwyn she told us she felt God touch her body as we prayed over her. Glory to God!

Later this evening 3 more young women visited Berwyn's family and we had supper together. After an interesting meal I felt prompted to prophesy over the 3 girls and was deeply moved by the Spirit concerning God's heart to restore the honour and dignity of the Philippine women. It was another very special time in the Lord's presence and I am excited about what God is going to do tomorrow.

Mabini Project

2010-07-02T01:57:00.000-07:00

Mabini is the name of a small village, near Butuan on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. I (Pastor Richard), will be travelling from 7 July - 20 July to this area to pursue a relationship God has orchestrated between Pastor Berwyn and me and between Mabini Christian Fellowship and Kingdom Life Frankfurt. During my 10 day visit I will be leading a 3-day prophetic leadership conference, a 1-day worship seminar for the youth and I will be ministering to various churches and leaders in the area. The purpose of the trip is to establish the work God has begun and to find out how God wants KLF to support and build in this area of the world. I hope to keep a regular report of what God does during my visit on this blog together with pictures and videos.