The Youth at River of Life, Bacolod City, Philippines

Yesterday afternoon, while shopping at the mall here in Bacolod City, I learned that I was to speak to the youth group just a few hours later. Yes, I heard for the first time. Last minute. So, of course what else would I speak on but worship? Luckily, I had brought a few of my notes from other things I've taught, and so I had a good starting place. 

After a couple of hours of preparing, and getting a message together, Andy and I were picked up by the youth pastor, Peter, and his wife, and our driver Adrian at the same time the rest of our crew was heading to the Spa for massages. (I do believe I will be making time later this week for one of those massages! They are so CHEAP here!!) We were taken to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant. 

Adrian drove us the back way to the restaurant to avoid the heavy traffic, and we truly got a look at some of the homes in the area. It is definitely a different world, and a humbling experience for us spoiled Americans. When we arrived at the restaurant, the sidewalk outside was fairly crowded with people, some of which were children. On the way inside, we were greeted by a few of those children. Peter let us know that these children have recently started coming to River of Life for Sunday worship. During dinner we found out that these children live on the street outside the restaurant. Many of the children look after others who are younger, but not related. It was both heartbreaking and inspiring. These children that have nothing still look after one another, and they still smiled and laughed and looked happier than many children you might encounter in a normal American home. We packaged up all of our leftovers to give them when we left. Not enough. I wish that we could build them all homes and provide them daily meals and clean clothes. 

After our delicious dinner, we headed to the church, briefly met Pastor Emilio, and found the youth gathering in the well-equipped sanctuary. Peter was disappointed that about half of the youth, who range in age from 13 to 25, couldn't make it to church due to the downpour of rain that hit the area earlier that day. Still, there were about 30 youth present. To me, that is a big group! 

The service began with worship, led by a VERY talented youth band. I truly enjoyed the worship and was able to enter the presence of God. It was encouraging to look behind me and see that 90% of the youth present were also entering in, hands raised before the Lord. After a short message from another youth about the importance of tithing, and the giving of the offering, Peter introduced me, and I shared what I had. 

After my message, which was about personal destiny and finding that destiny in worship, Peter gave an altar call and asked Andy and I to pray with each of the youth that came forward. When I stood up to begin praying, I asked God for guidance for the 10 or so youth that stood ready for an encounter with Him. If that was not overwhelming enough for me, the line just kept growing, so that by the time we were finished 2 hours later than their normal end time, we had prayed for about 25 youth! 

God was good and He spoke specifically to many people. It was humbling for me to be treated with so much honor: my doors were opened for me, my bags carried, my dinner paid for, and showered with thanks. I still am praying that I was obedient to the Father; that I spoke His words and not mine, and that He was able to use me to minister all that He wanted to. 

Although I left completely and totally exhausted, I also came away with a completely new experience that filled me with an excitement for what is to come. 

-Staci