Preparing

3/7/15

We are preparing to return back to the United States. It is bitter-sweet as always. Leaving a place that you have formed relationships with and slowly grown to love. As much as I feel ready to go, I equally dread the return. I feel as if we are leaving the safe cocoon of JUST Michael and I, and returning to a battle field of emotions that I am not prepared for.

That being said, I am excited to return to the states and start this next phase of serving God, ministry opportunities, and welcoming our first born in to this crazy-crazy world. We joke that this is our next short term mission trip. Perhaps 5 or 6 months? And then off to who knows where else? We will see what God has planned!

Pray for us as we prepare, pack up our home, say our goodbyes, and make it through this LONG flight back to America. Pray for us as we once again adjust to a culture, and learn how to ingrain ourselves in to the daily routine of living in another country.

Mark 16:15
He said to them, "go in to all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

Psalm 37:23-23
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. 

Forever a foreigner

2/20/15

If you want to skip the “boring” part of what God has been teaching me and scroll down to the quick updates, that’s fine. ;) I won’t tell!

I was writing letters to each of the girls that have slowly begun taking hold of my heart, and I was filled with sadness. I am leaving again, and once again I am leaving a large chunk of my heart. 

For the past 1 and a half years it seems I never stay in a single place for longer than 8ish months. I LOVE the life of traveling, but sometimes, the yearning to have a home to return too is there. I have slowly come to realize that home for me, is felt in many of the relationships I have developed, and once again, I am leaving “home”.

Around 5 days after I turned 18, I flew to the Philippines after packing up 18 years of my life into 6 boxes, and I traveled with 1 and a half suitcases. After staying about 5 months in Bacolod, I “moved” again to Manila, after a month there, I packed up again and flew back to America. After a few months “home”, I moved out AGAIN and moved in with friends after packing a backpack full of things. Fast forward to August and Michael and I moved in with a dear friend that was willing to put us up for a couple of months. After we had settled in, October 19^th came along, and off we were again. This time to Navotas, Philippines. We have now been in the Philippines for 5 months, and guess what? We are leaving in 20 days. The plan? Pack a suitcase (Essentially all of our worldly possessions at this point) (Hopefully one, we don’t want to pay ridiculous amounts in baggage fees and would honestly fly with just backpacks if we could), and fly back to the states for 5 months. Tops. Lord willing, and RETURN back to the Philippines. Who knows for how long? (We’re still looking at many, many more countries to travel, explore, and share Christ with. Go figure.)

My wonderful, amazing, husband continually tells me, “just pack the basics, and when we get there we will get whatever we need to furnish the house.” I know. Trust me, I know. It would seem I have been living out of a suitcase FOREVER at this point! The realization is dawning on me that once our child is born and we head back to the Philippines, it will have been a complete 2 years of traveling for me. Crazy, right!?

The meaning of one of the names God showed us for our baby (WE’RE KEEPING IT A SECRET!) is "God is my Nation". That really resonated with me; at this point I feel like a fish out of water no matter where I am. I am a half Americana that lives in the Philippines and is lost when it comes to language and culture. I am a half Filipina that lives in America that is lost when it comes to culture (not as much when it comes to language depending on the day ;) ). I do not belong to a Nation or a Country. Neither will my child, as he/she will be an American living in foreign countries. (I laugh when I think of the shock my child is in for. He/she is going to be born wondering where all of the familiar voices and Filipino accents are. Everyone is constantly talking to him/her and rubbing my belly!) I had read articles of missionaries returning “home” and not fitting in, never realizing that would be me too. God is gracious in teaching me, molding me, inspiring me and giving me so much HOPE!

BY FAITH we understand that the universe was formed at Gods command, what is seen was NOT made by things that were seen.

BY FAITH Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a RIGHTEOUS man.

BY FAITH Enoch was taken from this life, yet never experienced death. He was commended as one who PLEASED God.

BY FAITH Noah built the ark in holy fear to save his family. By faith he CONDEMNED the world, and he became heir of the RIGHTEOUSNESS that comes through faith.  

BY FAITH Abraham, when called to a place, OBEYED and WENT, even though he did NOT know where he was going. He lived as a stranger in a foreign country. For he was looking forward to a city where God was the architect and builder.

BY FAITH Abraham, even though he was past age-and Sarah herself was barren-became a father. Because he was considered FAITHFUL.

All of these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country that they left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore, God was NOT ashamed to be called their God! He has prepared a city for them. –Hebrews 11:3-16

By faith I will move when God tells me to move, and by faith I will continually seek his will and yearn to become a citizen of His heavenly country. Let this encourage you as you realize that YOU ARE a stranger in this world! An alien to your country and a foreigner to your people. I have been so inspired by this today… God gently reminding me of who I am and lifting my spirits! We are praying for you friends, as you also seek His will in your life.

Quick updates:

• Our visas went through! We now are “missionaries” rather than tourists and legally have a full year of residency here! 

• Thursday we went to MFH (My Fathers House orphanage) and spent an evening enjoying the kids! I have missed those faces so much! They are as precious as always. 

Photo credits go to My Father House, Manila, Philippines. 

• Tagalog lessons are still continued twice weekly. We have an AMAZING teacher and we are learning so much! 

Michael is becoming more and more Filipino and is now the proud owner of a barong. Also, he will be singing in Tagalog this Sunday.He finds it hard being so handsome here and continually complains about his “pogi problems”.
(Pogi = handsome)

Where He leads

2/13/15

Do you want to go down and see them? Krissa asked. 

I looked at Sarah, trying to tell if she was okay with it. I didn't need to ask, it didn't matter that we were walking underneath a bridge on a two foot ledge covered in river water, along the Manila River. It didn't matter that we were wearing flip-flops and could catch an infection from the black water. It didn't matter that Sarah is 5 months pregnant and was super clumsy even before she was pregnant; nothing was going stop her from serving. 

I climbed down under the bridge and as I walked along, I silently prayed that Sarah would pay attention and not fall into the river beside us. We walked about 10 yards, when I hear Sarah yell, “Shoot! Grab it Krissa! Grab it!” 

I turned around to see my wife standing with one blue flip-flop on and its pair floating away down the river. Our friend, Krissa was holding onto a beam, reaching her leg out to try to rescue the runaway shoe. Oddly enough, I wasn't surprised. I have come to expect events like this from my beautiful wife, I guess it’s what makes life exciting. 

We made it to the end of the bridge, where a ladder stood leading up into a house, literally under the bridge. Several families had placed boards and cardboard along the beams of the concrete bridges, and that is what they called home. 

What do they do to make sure there house doesn't flood and their family doesn't drown when the river rises? Pray. Besides that, there is not much you really could do. We talked to the mother, father and their three children for a bit, prayed with them, and gave them a sack of food before leaving. 

We were able to give out five food bags to different people in that area today, and had a wonderful time doing it.

We were reading Katie Davis’ blog yesterday, a missionary in Uganda, and she spoke of having kids following her everywhere she went, yelling “Auntie Katie! Auntie Katie!” I commented that I would love for that to happen to us whenever we went out, and Sarah replied that we could have that, we just needed to get out more. Most of the work we have done here in Navotas has been organized, but this last week we have started just walking around, giving out food, or just talking to people. It has been amazing and I wish we had stared earlier. I’m realizing more and more that you don’t need to bring 50 sacks of food and a whole team to witness, in fact you don’t need to give anything but Jesus’ love.

Sarah and I will be returning to Boise on March 13, and I have very mixed feelings about this. I love it here, but also know that it will be better to have the baby in the US, and we can raise more funds and come back (if it’s God’s will) more prepared and excited than ever. But it is sad, because we are just starting to “fit in” and just starting to understand the culture and language. We are planning on returning after the baby is born, but we know God may lead us in other directions. As we've lived away from the US, we have seen (like never before) the need for Christ inside the US, our hearts are being pulled by both sides of the world (literally). But even as uncertainty rises, my faith and confidence in my Savior rises higher. I know that my God who paved the way for us to come here to begin with, will continue to pave the way for us. And I am learning (slowly) to be content with wherever He leads.  

Little kitten sleeping on the bridge

Sarah and Ate Krissa (pronounced Kree-zah)

One of the homes that is alongside of the river. Yes, a family truly does live on there. 

A wooden scooter made out of salvaged scrap wood 

Another one of the homes alongside the river

One of the families from church lives just beyond (next lot) this lot in a tiny house

A bridge made out of odds and ends

The home of one of the men we met down near the river today in Malabon City. Both he and his cousin live there. They have lived there since the year 2000 and previously had lived directly under the bridge until they were flooded out.  

The homes under the bridge. The ladders lead up to little lofts that house families. 

Inside one of the homes. The ceiling was only tall enough to sit. It was about as big (length and width wise) as a minivan and housed a couple and their 3 children (ages 8, 10, and 11)

Prayers for the husband. He is sick (flu like symptoms), has a running fever and a severe pain on his left side. He believes it is his kidneys. He collects trash and sells it as a source of income for his family but has been unable to work. 

Walking back

One of the little ones that lives under the bridge

One of the children who lives under the bridge. Their family washes clothes to earn money, she is 11 years old.

Worst missionary EVER

1/28/2015

People keep telling me, “This is a time of rest. Enjoy it!”
I keep telling myself, “this is a time of rest. Enjoy it.”
I go over and over in my mind all of the reasons as to why I need to “rest” so much- and I believe them.

For a time.

Until I get fed up of “resting”.

I sit and listen in my tiny house to the worship that goes on Sundays, and I REALLY question myself. I must be the worst missionary ever. I can’t even stand to be in a building, worshiping God with the body of Christ without getting sick and throwing up.
I wake up Sundays refreshed and ready for church and a full day of activities. Only to last about 10 minutes with these beautiful faces, before I’m sent running back to my bathroom doubled over.

Why Lord?

I head out with the team to pass out food to these precious children of God, only to end up on my knees in the dirt spilling out my last meal. Failed. Again.
My deepest fear, is that these precious, precious people, will believe this reaction is to THEM. Their living conditions, their way of life, their hearts.

Why Lord?

How can someone who professes Jesus and professes to be a missionary be as lazy and out-of-the-picture as I am? I can’t even get out of bed without feeling overwhelmed and sick and crawling back in.

I KNOW God called me here. My husband felt the tug on his heart as much as I did. We are greatly encouraged as more doors open up and dreams and desires to honor God fill our hearts. I am so blessed to be learning from these people here, yet I question; is it enough?

(I chuckle as I write this because some of the beautiful woman here call me Sarai, mother of nations.)


Abram was 75 years old when it is first recorded that God promised him a child. Or rather, that he would one day become a great nation, and that his name would be blessed. (Genesis 12:2-4)


I was around the age of 12 when I felt God softening my heart for the Philippines and the children here. I held tight to the promise that he laid on my heart of provision and hope for this seemingly impossible dream. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Abram asked the Lord again, “Who will be my heir? I have no children.” The Lord promised him again that he would have a son. This time specifically saying a son from his own body. 
(Genesis 15:4) When the waiting seemed to be endless, Sarai decided to take matters into her own hands. She demanded Abram sleep with her maidservant in order to conceive a child, since she seemed to be barren. (Genesis 16:2)

Abram and Sarai doubted God. He had clearly spoken to them, and yet they decided to make things happen in their own way. Over and over again I doubt. I know I am here for a reason, yet I question why my stomach doesn't cooperate with my heart. I try to take matters into my own hands-and fail. Surprise. I am waiting for God to reveal his plan for me, and I am learning to be content. If you know me at all, this is NOT an easy thing! My desire to be on the move and wanderlust sets in, and the first thought that pops in to my mind? “Let’s move to Africa!” “Calm down Sarai, let’s let God work in his own time!” Don’t worry guys. I still firmly believe I am where God has called me. Africa is just my Sarai side pulling at me.

When Abram was 99 years old. NINETY-NINE. God made a covenant with Abram, he also changed their names to Abraham and Sarah. And guess what? God ONCE AGAIN told Abraham that Sarah would bear a son for him. Abraham fell on the floor laughing. Actually he fell on his face… “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” (Genesis 17:16-17)

Unbelievable! We’re old now! And still waiting!
I’m 19, not quite old. AT ALL. Imma baby! (And having a baby…) This 4 months of being sick and “waiting” have been PURE torture. This time of “resting and waiting” is practically killing me. I can’t even imagine what Abraham’s Sarah is thinking! If she is anything like me, she is probably going crazy.



So Abraham and Sarah sit and wait. One day 3 visitors show up. The Lord speaks again. This time he says, “This time NEXT year, you will have a child.” Sarah laughs. Then denies laughing, but still laughed. (Can you imagine lying to God? I guess we try to do that daily whenever we try to justify our sins…)

Over and over again God showed me that being an overseas missionary was where he wanted me. Regardless of my hesitations at times. This time he’s blowing me away. He’s telling me to sit and wait. How do I know? Well… If I get up and join in the festivities going on I puke. Probably a message to go back to sitting and waiting. Trust me, I’ve tried. It just results in public displays of my last meal. I also know that he is telling me to stay here and that he has HUGE plans for me. How do I know this too? Well, not only am I reminded by the precious faces God is putting around me. But as soon as I even mentioned moving on to Michael, he started slamming open doors saying STAY, and slamming shut the doors that allowed us to go. He’s pretty obvious when he wants to be and you’re willing to listen. “Yes Abraham’s Sarah, you are going to have a kid next year. All things are possible with God right?”

So, at the age of 90 years old, Sarah bears a son. Isaac. Finally, Gods promise came through. (Genesis 21:2-5) They had waited and waited. They had doubted, sinned, taken matters in their own hands, yet they waited, and God’s promise was fulfilled.


God's promise to Sarah was a son, God's promise to me is the joy and fulfillment of knowing I served Him well.  I have yet to receive my "Isaac". I am waiting for God’s promise, I just don’t know when that promise will be fulfilled. I have my doubts as I lie in bed feeling as if I were a failure, I try to take matters in to my own hands when I push my body and end up regretting it. I sin daily, but I also come crawling on my knees to my Lord daily. I sin. I fail. I am a HORRIBLE missionary. But I guess when it comes down to it, being a missionary isn't supposed to be me doing what I do, but God doing what He does THROUGH me. Right now he is working on growing His child in me. A child that will be raised to be a failure so that God can redeem him and work through him. Why? Because his momma was created to bring glory to God. That’s the promise I hold on too. I believe God promised me that he will use me for His glory. That He would shine through me and eventually color my words in everything I do. In turn, I pray that each of my children hold to the promise that God will use them to bring him glory too.  

Isaiah 43:7

Bring your sons from afar, bring your daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by MY name, whom I have created for MY glory, whom I formed and made.

A few of the precious girls from the streets have been joining the Gumbas!

Iv(B)a and Jhem!

One of the boys in Paradise Village praying.

Guess who ate balut?!? Michael did! He was a trooper and ate the whole thing. He is now officially a "real Filipino"

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!

Prayers

12/21/2014

First off, we would like to say thank you to everyone that has supported us in our mission work here in the Philippines. Prayers, gifts, financially, etc.
Especially the last few weeks, several have blessed us with the funding to provide Christmas parties for children that are less fortunate. As soon as we have the parties we will send pictures!!

There are so many things that we are involved in here. Its a blessing to see how these people live; I am daily encouraged by their tenacity. We look forward to becoming more involved and finding more ministries to be a part of.
Lately I've been slacking a bit! I'm pretty tired and nauseous most of the time so I'm not as involved as before. But Michael is! I can't wait to be on my feet again and working alongside everyone else.
This coming Sunday the teens are putting on a musical drama for the Church. Michael worked hard putting it together and directing it. (I will tape it and post it too!) So that should be pretty fun.

Many of you have offered to give financially to our trip and we are very grateful for that! Up till this point we have tried not to focus on the money side of things, but having to pay for things like plane tickets and visas is very expensive and we do need your help! We are confident that God will provide for our needs but the Bible says in James 4:2 "You do not have because you do not ask God."
God works through his body, so we know that God wants us to ask him AND the people he uses.

We are asking everyone to prayerfully consider giving to the work God is doing here in the Philippines. We know not everyone can give, so please do not feel guilty if you can't. But if God lays it on your heart we would really appreciate and need your support. We still have not found out how to make your gifts tax deductible but we will be glad to share how we use any money given. If any of you have any ideas on how to make gifts tax deductible we would really appreciate hearing those as well.

Here are a few random pictures from the past few days:

Honored to work alongside this team of INCREDIBLE people!

Life for some

10/1/14

Daily living in the Philippines is different for many people. Yesterday Pastor Gumba,  Michael, and I were very blessed to be welcomed into the home of one of the woman that attends bible study in Paradise (Slums). We followed her through a hazardous maze of sewage water and wood that shifted and sank under our feet. Upon arriving we removed our slippers (flip flops) and stepped inside. I tried to smile and concentrate as cockroaches darted back and forth near my feet (Not my thing!).
We were all surprised as they explained their livelihood and story to us. Her and her husband had 3 children, the two eldest children had graduated high school and one had finished 6th grade. He would love to go back to school but it depends.
You see, this family fixes laundry clips for a living. You know the cheap plastic ones you buy at the dollar store? Those ones. For every kilo of clips, they get 3 pesos. Only 3 pesos. For a whole sack full of clips they get 60 pesos. So this family of 5 works from early in the morning until dark and makes around $1.03. Not even enough to feed even one of them. So yes, schooling for the youngest depends. Michael prayed for the family, for God's protection and provision. They have been living in this slum since 1992- 22 years. Their first home had burned down in a fire and they had rebuilt in the same place.
We are excited as the husband said he would attend bible study next week. He has never attended before. Prayers for this family!!

Prayer requests:

• Felit and her family
• My little friend that fell and received a deep gash in her head:( Prayers for healing and no infection!
• The ministries we are involved in
• Decisions that we face
• Language
• Our baby!
• God providing for our Christmas parties. We are still praying that we receive funding!