From a heavy heart.

I began to write this post several times. Not knowing where to start or how to unload my thoughts into words. Tonight, I am hurting for this precious little boy at the local orphanage that is soon to be with Jesus. Although I have only known little Christian for a few weeks, it was extremely difficult to watch his fragile little body seize. Unconscious. After weeks of praying, “Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours”, I can only imagine that it breaks His heart to see one of His dear children dying. I walked away from what would have been a normal Sunday evening (at Gentle Hands with the precious children) with a heart full of emotions. In my head, I am trying to grasp how this is alright and how the Lord can allow this to happen. He is completely able to heal his little body; but, in my heart I know that sweet Christian will be with Jesus soon, safe in His arms. Somehow this must bring glory to God?

^Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

^Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

[Precious Jesus, I am full of brokenness for one of your own is hurting tonight. Soon sweet Christian will be with You. Lord, wrap your arms around him now and sing sweetly over him as he rests. I do not understand, for Your ways are much higher than my ways; but Lord somehow I pray that you would work in my heart. I love you Jesus.]

I conquered Taal Volcano!

This past week I had the privilege of traveling to Taal Volcano and experiencing a week of Middle School Outdoor Education with Faith Academy! When I was told I could go with the group of 200 middle schoolers plus staff on this trip, I had no idea what I was in for! I had such an amazing week of roughing it and real encounters with the Lord. Here are a few snippets from my journal for the week:

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Today, the seniors and a few staff left for Taal Volcano! We took a short jeepney and a banca (small boat) to the main island. Prior to this day, the water on the lake was very choppy and we weren’t even sure if the boats would make it over; however, today the water was smooth and calm. The Lord answers prayers! After arriving to the island, we unloaded the bancas and set up the Taal Camp. This involved tents made of tarp and a CR (comfort room- aka toilet) that was a big hole in the ground. We started our hike up the volcano around lunch time. It was so very hot, but when we got to the top it was totally worth it. The water was bubbling hot in some places and the volcano was surrounded by hot sulfur mud. That I accidentally sunk into, blistering my heel. I actually got within a few inches of the main fumeral! After the hike, we rode the banca back right about the time the sun was setting. It was a great, hard, awesome day!

Monday: February 7, 2011

Today, we went up to the school that we are going to be doing ministry at and met the teachers. The teachers were so welcoming and greeted us with banana lumpia and coke! The school, San Isidro Itaas, was beautiful and simple. I am so excited to work with the kids in the following days! We also visited Pastor Vick and Raquel’s house and church. It was an open air church on the top of this mountain. The pastor and his wife produce soya to make soy milk that they feed to the malnourished kids in the area. It was definitely a reminder that church is not about the building, but about the presence of God. Thank you Lord for being more than the structure we go to. Thank you for your presence.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

We were up early to have devotions and breakfast, before helping the kids load up and move out to their sites. During the week the students stay at three sites: Reef, Taal, and Beach (Base) Camp. After the traffic calms down, I helped prepare the stuff for the chicken kill before leacing for ministry. This was our first day at the school with the kids. It was great! The boys painted a cross walk for the school and the principal was so thankful! In the afternoon, we taught the kids how to kill, clean and prepare their chickens! It was an interesting event and some of the kids were rather disgusted! I now can say I know how to kill, clean and prepare a chicken! I am not sure if that’s a good thing!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

This morning I rode on the back of a jeepney for the first time! It was awesome! I can’t wait to do it again! We were able to paint the gate at the school today! It looked really good after the students were done. Today, I realized what wonderful Godly mentors the Lord has placed in my life. I have had the privilege of learning and gleaning wisdom from two women at Faith Academy. I am serving right beside them this week and it has really made me appreciate their Godly influence in my life. God is so good.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Today was the last day at the school doing ministry and painting. We were able to paint the inside walls of the church to help Pastor Vick and Raquel. The Lord definite honored His Word and the Holy Spirit showed up at San Isidro Itaas. Over 100 children and 8 adults prayed to receive Christ! God is so good. I was overwhelmed with the presence of the Lord and how He moved in such a huge way! In three days, we have killed over 50 chickens! PETA would not be happy. I will sleep good tonight because I am completely exhausted!

Friday, February 11, 2011

The week is over and we are packing up the cars and heading back to Manila. This week has truly been amazing and the Lord has been so faithful to move in the hearts of His people. I pray that I continue to allow the Lord to use me in a way that honors and glorifies Him above all else!

Father, thank you for your safety and presence this week during outdoor education. I pray that you take the seeds that were planted and continue to nourish them until their hearts are enlightened with Your goodness. I pray that whoever reads this blog will be encouraged and draw closer to You. Lord, make us more like your Son, Jesus. Amen

-Mads

Mail:

Faith Academy
MCPO Box 2016
0706 Makati City
Philippines

Life's not fair. God is good.

Life is so not fair. Seriously, I look all around me and see so many things that I think are not fair. Like a boy from my high school passing away after having the flu, a friend getting paralyzed after a football tackle, the number of orphans in the world, people starving and living in squatter towns, and I could go on. More now than ever in my whole life have I began to wrestle with this great question: Why aren’t things fair? Fair: impartial and unprejudiced.

“Really God, I don’t understand. If you love us so much then why are all these things happening that are not fair. Why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?” I was brutally honest with the Lord and myself in the emotions I have been feeling. I felt like it wasn’t fair that I was born into such a great life while there are so many who are suffering. These feelings continued to build for the next several days becoming more and more overwhelming. I begged God for some sort of answer or peace. And then one night, alone with the Lord in my room, I was overcome with the peace of God.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 Well that’s not fair at all is it? God sent His only Son WHILE WE WERE STILL SINNERS to die for our sins, to take our place. God is not fair! Praise the Lord! If God were fair, the all of us would have no hope of ever spending eternity with God. But God is a just God. Just: honorable in one’s dealings and actions. God is a good God. Good: morally excellent. The Lord flooded my heart with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.

I came to the conclusion in my heart: Life is never fair because sin is present, but God is always good. He sent His son to take what was for us, what was fair, and in exchange we get eternal life with Him. God is good. So despite the suffering and grievances in our lives, never forget Romans 5:8: “While we were STILL sinners”.

“Abba Father, Thank You for not being fair and giving us what we really deserved. Thank you for being just and for being good. You deserve all of our praise. Give us a peace when dealing with the things of this world and may we always give you the glory. Amen”

-Mads