Safe In Davao Philippines

Laurie and I are on our first time mission trip and we are delighted to be the guests of Dr. Edgar and Luz Aungon in southern Philippines.

Getting here was a delightful experience and I want to share. It began when I decided to buy this computer I am using to give it to a pastor friend in Agdao, a "Squatter Community", near Davao.

I called to register the computer and see if the warranty is good in the Philippines. The person working for Toshiba had an accent and that did not surprise me until I asked where he was stationed. You guessed it, he was in Manila. His name was Lawrence and I informed him that the next day we would be in Manila. We both laughed. The warranty is not good in the Philippines but who cares. It will at least last a year I am sure. It will probably last longer.

We arrived in Manila airport with a four hour Sunday morning layover. What were we to do? Well we got a cab and I introduced Laurie to Philippine culture at 5:30 a.m. So what did we do? You did not guess it. We went to McDonalds. Yes the golden arches. There, this security guy greeted us at the door. If you look closely you can see the merit badge with the arches on his chest on the same side as the gun. She was not amused.

Back at the airport there was a Catholic Mass being held in the north end of the terminal and I decided to attend. About 75-100 people gathered there mostly dark skinned, some with airline uniforms either flight attendants, pilots or airport workers. Others were passengers who heard the announcement on the LOUD speaker. The priest wore a baronge under the vestment. He read from the gospels and presented an evangelical message about Jesus feeding the 5000. It was very refreshing. I wish however he had given an invitation to come to Christ by faith not just to come to the Eucharist that was offered at the end. I was proud of him and his persistence to preach even though often he was interrupted by the latest flight announcement or the announcement to report any lonely bag left in the departure area. I was proud to know we were not the only ones presenting the gospel.

I need to back up. On our flight we met a lady in seat 62 I. Her name is Celliv and she is a nurse, of all things, in Los Angeles going home to see her parents and to give support and encouragement to a ministry her family founded in the Vasaias. That is in the center of the country between Manila and Davao. It is the island hit by the recent typhoon. She was a dynamic Christian with the penetrating eyes of a faith walking person attune to the Lord and with a laugh that would make you want to hug her immediately. She was fun and full of vision. She invited us to stay with her in L.A. on our return so we would not have to stay in the airport. We will certainly think about that.

Back a little further. While standing in line at LAX to check our baggage for the big trip we met "Hero." Yes that is his name. He is a recent graduate of an engineering school in San Francisco and was on standby. He is from the Philippines and offered helpful information about the i-pods we were taking as gifts to some teens we know in the Philippines. We were sad that he did not make it on the plane that evening. He took our phone number here in Philippines to call Laurie to see how she likes the Philippines after a week. We are praying he will make it here in a few days.

We are settled into the home of the Aungons. The Panaongons with their daughter KenKen, son John Mark, daughter Gracia and son DemDem came to visit us for dinner. They live in an extremely poor area by choice to minister to people in the squatter community of Agdao. John Mark's face when we presented the laptop and other gifts was priceless. That is what ministry and life is all about. Anecito and Lolita are the parents. Lolita teaches a kindergarten in the church for 42 children and Anecito owns a Jeepney business, is chaplain of the local High School and is the pastor of the church. He reminds me of someone yet he is just a little younger. He is also very handy and assists CRI with many projects directed by Ed.

I am up early doing this and anticipating my first day. I am going to speak to about 6 high school classes today and then who knows what else. I am studying for my messages to the graduates for the CRI module and for the students at Southern Baptist College. I am in Mt. Carmel for the graduation this Friday and at Mlang, North Cotabato both in the south. There are Muslim students in Mlang.

Luz loved her PayDay candy bars and anti-itch cream we brought her from WalMart. We take some things for granted. Ed loved his new 2 gig flash drive. Ed and I are both 57 and need all the gig we can get. He has the same kind of virus on his computer that I have on mine. Adriel Paul, or KA (King Allen) nick name, his three year old grandson is all over his computer. His picture is everywhere just like Macon, my granddaughter on mine. Grandpa's are the same even in the Philippines. LoLo is the name for grandpa. They informed us that he loves dinosaurs. We just happened to bring a coloring book of dinosaurs and stickers. We have not given it to them yet. God is always prepared to lead us even in the simple things.

Well we are safe, sound and comfortable. I am awake and ready to go. Keep praying for us.