Final Fling

Manila airport does not sleep and hence nor do I! The farewells are a flight away, the tears dried and the experiences God has allowed us to share have ceased to flow. They gather now in a pool of memories. To round off we gathered with the believers in Ayala for one last time to worship the Lord who is the One who has brought us together. It was my turn to preach and there seemed no better place to explore than the reality of heaven in the face of persecution, weakness and struggle, portrayed by John in Revelation 4. The open door; the throne of heaven; the fact that the throne is occupied; the dynamic of worship and the confidence of prayer. It's brilliant stuff although others will need to judge if the sermon was although its a start that I was gripped and moved by the Spirit - always good if the preacher is engaged! Suffice to say it felt and looked like the Lord was encouraging, strengthening and comforting his people.
What better way to celebrate than to sit down after all the formal farewells and photos to a whole barbecued tuna fish? Sorry to have to resort to an Americanism but it was AWESOME!
As the afternoon unfolded we were treated to some more moving stories of how the gospel is spreading underground right in the heart of Muslim strongholds; of a baptism in mud because the tide was out and one where a young man being baptised in a dirty river swam away underwater when he was dunked and popped up on the other side - so to speak!
In a bid to stave off the farewells - not to mention necessary diets - Cesar, Ludima and the girls took us for pizza and in order to get there John and I had to ride in a motorised tricycle - now that was an experience!
There is no doubt we have been treated to a whole spectrum of experiences of God, his people, moving stories and food. We are utterly grateful. Hope you've enjoyed what we've been able to share courtesy of email and this blog. To God be the Glory!