Professions of Faith

San Dionisio, a coastal town just a few miles northeast of our BOOST agricultural project, was ground zero for super typhoon Haiyan nearly three  years ago.  Buildings were destroyed.  Livelihoods swept away.  Many died.  But the town slowly recovered.  Today, little evidence remains of the catastrophic destruction that hit on November 8, 2013.  Houses have been rebuilt, public buildings restored, and the trees are blooming again.

Yesterday, I arrived in San Dionisio at 3 p.m., parked my car on a dusty road, and walked along a dirt path to a bamboo and nepa structure, under which had gathered about 20 Filipino men, women, and young people.  This was the home of Lydia, one of our BOOST graduates.  She had gathered some of her friends and neighbors to hear God’s Word.

Refreshing ocean breezes brought waves of relief from the tropical afternoon sun.  Some noisy children were playing in a nearby field while dogs barked their complaints.  Close by, a lady worked a hand pump, bringing up water for her laundry.  Lydia’s sister was preparing a snack of cheap bread and pineapple juice.  But under the shade of our little bamboo sanctuary, the people sat to hear what this white foreigner and his team had to say.

After introducing myself and my Filipino friend, Bro. Eliu, I shared a brief testimony of how I met Jesus and began my relationship with Him.  Next, Bro. Eliu shared the Bible story of the Pharisee and tax collector who both went up to the temple to pray, but only one was accepted by God.  We asked questions that generated good discussions.  Afterwards, a brief gospel presentation was shared.  About 15 of them then bowed their heads and prayed to Jesus, asking Him to forgive their sins, confessing Him as their Savior,  and asking Him to take control of their lives.

In the days ahead, Lydia will continue meeting with them, sharing more about God and their response to Him.  In a few weeks, she will invite them to be baptized.  Time will tell how many of them were sincere in their decision.  I usually don’t list a person as ‘saved’ until he or she is baptized.  But to see men and women bowing their heads and lifting their souls to Jesus is a sight that always brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.  It's why I'm here.