Sunday Ramblings....

We're not doubting that God will do the best for us,

we're wondering how painful the best will turn out to be-CSLewis

Immediately after deciding to follow the Lord in obedience to the Philippines, I began to wrestle with thoughts and emotions surrounding my faith. I didn’t know what to expect coming 8,500 miles from my “comfort” zone and even more I wasn’t sure how I would handle the brokenness and poverty in this nation. If you know anything about me, you probably have figured out that I am very sensitive and have a super tender heart. Sometimes a good thing, other times not so much. Anytime you travel outside of what you are used to, things such as squatter houses, beggars, and children without moms and dads are definitely going to become more obvious. I knew that this was going to be hard for me and that the Lord would not withhold my brokenness just for this specific situation. After wrestling with these things fast forward to my actual arrival. Initially, I arrive and it was dark (since my plan was super late getting in-Thanks Tom!), so I was not able to see the condition and culture that night. The next day we took a trip to the school’s play ground-boy was I in for an awakening. On the way (in a more decent part of town, mind you) I was flooded with squatter houses, people crowding the streets and beggars coming to the window for money or food. This changed my whole outlook on the situation, instead of thinking of how I would personally react to the condition and culture, I had an immediate new perspective. I began to think, Why? How come we can’t fix this? What are Christians doing about this problem? I suppose this was a result of two things: First, my American “View” on how things in the world are supposed to look (which is definitely the WRONG perspective) and Secondly, I needed to understand suffering.

The Lord must have heard my thoughts and so graciously allowed me to begin to grasp a new outlook. Today at UCM, the pastor preached on Suffering: Why? He presented three kinds of suffering: Common (because I am a human), Carnal (because I sin), and Christian ( because I am a believer). Although not entirely aligned with what I was mulling over, I began to see these sufferings as a way to learn about the Lord. 1 Peter 4 has some great truths about the suffering of Christians and how it effects us (go check it out!). The verse that changed my whole perspective was Romans 8:17 “Since we are God’s children… if we share in Christ’s suffering we will also share in His glory.” Wow, I want His glory! I know that I have in no way suffered at the level of many of my Christian brothers and sisters, but I pray that I learn to turn my level of suffering into teachable moments for His glory and future plans for me. I pray that the Lord finds favor on me to suffer for His Name.

I hope this made some sense; if my words were all jumbled, I pray the Hold Spirit encourage you in some way through reading this. Thanks again for your prayers. I hope to write more soon! Check out my facebook for more frequent updates and previous blogs for addresses for support and mail Have a wonderful Sunday.

Awaiting His return, Mads

Mailing Address:

Faith Academy
MCPO Box 2016
0706 Makati City
Philippines

The first week...

Today was my last day of my first full week of student teaching at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines. When I arrived to the school last Friday, I knew from the start that I was going to fall in love with the school and the people who worked there. Boy was I right. From the first day on campus I began to build a relationship with the people I was working with and the students. For the first 7 weeks I am teaching high school and middle school special education. The students I have are amazing! I also have the opportunity to work directly with Mr. and Mrs. Stroud-Lusk, who are like a super cool mom and dad. They are so helpful, loving, and tease me a little too! Everyone knows I am gullible and naïve. I just found out yesterday that I get to be a part of Outdoor Education. Are you ready for this? Outdoor Ed is a weeklong adventure that the school takes all the middle schoolers on to learn about the environment and such. This year the students are going to Tohol, a volcano site, and another beach site with coral reef. The students also learn how to kill and prepare a chicken! I know what you are thinking, are you sure you want to go Mads? I am super pumped! I get to help with the cooking and the ministry projects that the students do during the week! I am actually excited about “roughing” it for the week and getting to know my students better! Overall, I am so attached already to Faith Academy and its teachers. It is such a breath of fresh air to be surrounded by people who have the same vision, mind and passions all using them to serve the Lord to the best of their surrendered ability.

On a completely different note, I have spent several hours in the last week at the local orphanages. I had the opportunity to go to TLC- the Little Children’s Home on Saturday and Gentle Hands on Sunday. I am in love. I held so many sweet babies and played with some awesome kids. It amazes me to see the great need that these kids have; I was blown away by the level of surrender in the lives of the families who run the orphanage and their commitment to see the gospel worked out in their daily lives. They give up their freedoms, privacy, and time to serve these children. I am completely hooked. If I could I would fill my suitcase and bring them all home with me. (that might not be a good idea...to put them in my suitcase.) Oh, did I mention we borrowed one of the sweet babies for the weekend? I can’t wait to go again on Sunday to do some more cuddling.

Ok. So I realize I am not the best communicator or the most eloquent with my words, but I am trying to do my best to spill out all the things that have happened and all the things in my head on paper for you to read. It’s hard, but stick with me. Thanks for faithfully reading and praying. You guys are the best. Dad is getting a box to send with someone coming to the Philippines from the states so if you want to send me a letter or whatnot send it to the address below by January 30. K. thanks

-Mads

Mailing Address: Madison Wheeler, 4432 Brookfield Drive, Wilson, NC 27896

Financial Support: Madison Wheeler, PO BOX 209, Stantonsburg, NC 27883

Prayer Requests:

- - That the Lord would open doors for me to build relationships and share His glory with those around me.

- - Families for all of these precious children at the orphanages

- - A greater reality of the sin in the world and a vision of taking the gospel to the nations

- - Wisdom and Discernment for the future

Travel Tuesdays

Living in another country presents many new challenges and adventures, one being: transportation. In the Philippines, traffic is absurd times one million. Cars, jeepneys, trikes, mopeds, buses, vans and more cars crowd the roads all trying to get to their destinations. The most important lesson I have learned so far is: view the road as if it were a river, flowing in and out. Sounds like a peaceful experience? Right…. This flowing river called Philippines traffic is one hundred percent opposite from a nice peaceful flowing river; however, the traffic does flow, road lines are just suggestions, speed limits don’t exist and horns are a sign of awareness. Really you must come and see for yourself. Being from a small town, I never had much experience riding public transportation. Now, I ride public every day. I leave my house, walk to the end of the subdivision (not quite the same as the states), cross the major road and hope on a jeepney (one of the most unique public transportation vehicles, very unique). After only riding public a handful of times, I have an endless supply of funny stories and lessons learned (actually, kind of embarrassing) that I can share: 1) Always be sure to get off at the right stop, or you will have to walk all the way home; 2) Some Jeepneys play really loud terrible music and the drivers smoke: both illegal (both no fun to ride on), 3) When in doubt, ask someone! Filipinos are very helpful! Traveling in another country is very exciting and also kind of intimidating; however, it has changed the way I look at transportation.

Lessons from the Lord...

Sunday, Jan 16

Now that I am been in country for five days, I have started to feel the overwhelming emotions of doing life in another country. While I still feel like I am in the “honeymoon” stage of the transition, small things have started to surface in my heart that is shaking my heart. I attended Union Church of Manila in one of the main cities with my house mate. It amazed me to see the variation of cultures and nationalities in the congregation. I can imagine heaven will be sort of like that: so many different people all singing praises to the King. I couldn’t help but let my eyes wander to the differences and similarities to the States. I was overcome by the presence of the Lord in the place. The sermon was about Matthew 20, where the sons of Zebedee’s Mother (Mary the mother of Jesus’ aunt) asked Jesus to make her sons be positioned at His right and left hands in glory. Jesus responds with a comparison of what greatness looks like in the Roman world and what greatness looks like for them. After church, I was able to join a small group Sunday school that discussed the sermon; I was floored to hear the ideas and reflections of the people in the group. I walked away with one key thing on my mind.

So often in the States we come to Jesus and say ‘Lord, here is my agenda could you please bless it?’ It seems as though we think that we are to bring our ministry or desire to the Lord and He will make us fruitful because we are in His ‘circle’, just like the sons of Zebedee. But, what is it that makes one great? The pastor said that, ‘Greatness does not come from tyrannical leadership, but from faithful presence.’ What would it look like if greatness did not simply fill the room, but enlarged it? I was left pondering how in the next 17 weeks, and for the rest of my life, will surrender to not my own definition of greatness, but to that of Jesus?

"It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts, they are definitely felt here in Manila. More to come soon!

-Mads

Right in the Middle...

In the last 72 hours, my life has been dramatically changed forever. I started this journey not even knowing where I would end up, but I can say with ease I am right in the middle of God's will... On Sunday, I found out that my flight was canceled due to snow in Atlanta and I would need to find another way to Manila. If you know anything about me or my personality, I started to have a mini melt down. In my head I was thinking, “OK Lord, you want me to go and now you are going to cancel my flight?” Not such a smart thing to say to the Lord. In that moment, someone who I respect very much says to me, “Madison, this trip isn’t about you, its about Him.” I stopped in my tracks at the reminder that this whole adventure is not about me, it never has been. If it was about me, I would have turned around by now. It was in that moment that my perspective for the next four months was refreshed and renewed. Within thirty minutes, I had a new flight (thanks to my mom’s intelligence and the Lord’s provision) that was so much better than my origional flight for no extra cost. After arriving at the airport on Monday, I was so kindly informed that there was a precious little embargo restriction on baggage. Frantically, I unload and reload my bags, trying to fit their restrictions. Now I was on my way for approximately 20+ hours of flying time. I met several wonderful people on the planes and the Lord was faithful to remind me that He was in complete control. I have been here now for almost 24 hours and the jet lag is beginning to wear off. I am staying with a gracious family for a few days and then I move on to my more permant residence.

I am already overwhelmed with the differences in this country compared to America. My prayer is that the Lord would completely change my life and perspective towards His people. Hopefully, this blog will give you a small insight into the journey He takes me on. More to come tomorrow.

Be Thou' My Vision....

With one week left until my flight to Manila, I am so overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord... There has been a song that won't leave my mind and I really feel like is speaks the cry of my heart. I pray that these lyrics resound from my heart as I prepare in obedience to follow the Lord.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,

Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.

Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

All for His Glory,

Mads