Whatever you say God.

1/13/2015

Once upon a time there was a young man with a bright future. He had lots of people supporting him, a good resume, and a promising future with lots of possibilities to help people and make money; but all that changed. He chose not to go to college and not start a promising career. He ignored the opinions of everyone around him, including of those whom he loved and respected. He made a lot of people angry, sat through a lot of long conversations and lost close friendships. Many people called him rebellious, said he has no respect for authority; that "he's stupid and he thinks he knows everything". He explained what he was doing over and over, trying to get them to understand, but almost no one did. As much as they said he didn't care what anyone said, he really did. He wished so badly that everyone around him could see what he was seeing, hear what he was hearing, and feel what he was feeling. It came down to a choice; do what he thought he should or do what most people told him too. What would you do?

That young man is me. I did all those things. I had all those conversations. I heard hundreds of reasons why I shouldn't. But in the end I went. At 18 years old, I got married and moved to a foreign country only two months later. We had no organization backing us, no steady income, and the church we were attending told us they would not support us because we were not equipped. Well I am here to tell you that no matter what anyone said I made the right choice. I chose to follow what God commanded me to do. Over the last few months God has made it so clear that no matter what ANYONE says, I am to follow Him above all else.  I am not to be conformed to the world’s system, in fact Romans 12:2 tells me to do the exact opposite. I didn't need to GO to college. I didn't need to GO to Bible school. I didn't need to GO to a missionary organization. I just needed to GO. I’m not saying that any of those things are wrong, but what is wrong is standing still when God says GO.

The world (and most Christians) might tell you you’re crazy, but the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:25

 “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength”.

So don’t listen to the people who say you’re not old enough or you not equipped or you’re not “ready”. If God is calling you to do something for Him DO IT! Who would you rather please? A piece of dust that blows away when the wind comes? Or the God who created all things and holds the power over life and death?

Let me close  with a quote right out of scripture, Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

PROJECT TO PRAY ABOUT.

So right now Fishers of Christ Alliance Church here in Navotas, is trying to build a church building in the slum Paradise Village (where we hold bible study every week). We have a plot but no funds to build the church. It is estimated to cost about $7,000 USD to complete it. 

At first I thought about not bringing this up because we have asked people to give for Christmas Parties, as well as our living expenses, but I was convicted and reminded of Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, because it is the Power of God, which brings salvation to everyone who believes." as well as James 2:16 "If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?" 

God providing for peoples physical needs is part of His Gospel, and if He wants to use someone reading this to meet those needs I should not get in the way. Of course we ask everyone to pray for this Church but if God lays it on your heart to give specifically for this project please let us know and we will set that up.

Prayer Requests.

Sarah's health- She has not been feeling very well and has been plagued with both normal pregnancy stuff like morning sickness and several ear infections and head aches

Return trip- We are planning on returning to the states in April so Sarah can deliver the baby in the US. We are figuring out details like where to stay, part time job, and a few other things. We plan on returning about a month after the baby is born, but we are praying for God's direction for where he wants us. 

New Bible study- We are starting a new Bible study on Tuesday nights (first one right now!) with the teens here. The topic is how to be Men and Women of God. We will have lessons on Purity, Modesty, Leadership, Work, Competition, Communication and several others. We are hoping that these teens will grow closer to Christ and learn to be Lights in practical, day to day ways.      

-Michael and Sarah Jones. Navotas, Philippines. 

mjfjones96@gmail.com

sehodgie@gmail,com

www.journeytobacolod.blogspot.com

 Giving note. We have had some complications with our pay pal account but we would still appreciate financal support! If you would like to give please email us and we will set up a way to make that happen. Thanks!