This morning as I woke up, I just couldn’t believe that my last 24 hours in the Philippines was already here. As I lay in my bed reflecting over the last 17 weeks, tears came to my eyes. I knew that I should post a final blog entry in country. As I try to type the words that are filling my heart, I am discovering the impossibility to put my emotions into words. The Lord has done a tremendous work in my heart while living in a country that is not my own. I wish that I could explain to you the changes in my heart and life; however, I pray that you will not even need an explanation as you see the difference played out in the story of my life. Instead of rambling on while trying to make sense of all my feelings, I think it would be most appropriate to tell you two of the biggest lessons the Lord has taught me in the Philippines.
1) God is enough. The day that I stepped on the airplane, said goodbye to my parents and began the first day of my journey to the Philippines was a big day for me. If you know me (up until this point in my life), you know that I am not generally a person who is super gutsy or adventurous; however, it is amazing how things change when you know that you are right in the middle of God’s will. God is enough. These past 17 weeks, I have learned that He is enough. All of the clutter of my previous life took away the beauty of knowing and resting in the fact that no matter what “God is enough.”
2) The Gospel is urgent. Growing up, you learn that you need to share the gospel with others, but so many times I let the excuse- “well, they can see me live like a Christian so I don’t need to tell anyone” -get in my way. Arriving in the Philippines has changed my attitude towards the gospel. The Gospel is urgent. People need to hear it, see it, be loved by it, and experience it. It makes me sick on my stomach to think of all of the opportunities that I have wasted, by letting my pride stand in the way. I haven’t used all of words, time and resources to tell everyone that I know how Jesus changed my life and how He can change theirs. I live with all the material possessions, privileges, and extras a girl could ever ask for and yet I selfishly gripped them with all I had. A missionary once said, “The Gospel is only good news, if it gets there in time.”
These two lessons have rocked my world. I am committed to doing all I can, for all I can, however I can until the day Jesus comes back. I pray that you will too. Thanks for following this journey and praying for me along the way. I fly out at 7:45 am on May 10 (7:45 pm May 9 in the States) and land at Raleigh at 8:00 pm on May 10 (8:00 am on May 11 in the Philippines!). May God bless you and keep you. To God be the Glory.
Sincerely,
Madison
PS- My family will be hosting a "Welcome Home/Graduation" party at Peace Church on May 15 from 2-5pm (floating). I would love to see you there! [Email me for more details or directions: mcwheeler@liberty.edu]
