WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

Hebrew 13:2  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (ESV).

Like many of you, after many months of raising support, much reading, planning and prayer, we looked with anticipation and mixed emotions to the day when we would say our goodbyes to family and life as we knew it. We would soon be leaving America and proceed to a new place of calling in Asia, the Philippines. Did we mention we were also exhausted?!

THE WHIRLWIND:

• We were  married in December 1980

• I graduated the next May 1981

• We spent the entire  summer with 40 something young people in Philadelphia doing inner-city work

• During the month of August we joined a singing group and started  traveling with the group in September. At the same time we began our deputation (raising support and building partnerships) before leaving for the Philippines the following year.

Jim, my husband, lead this singing group of young people, where they would sing and he would preach. Our plan was that we would minister in various churches during the year and then all of us would finish up with a trip to the Philippines in May of 1982. I was only 23 at the time, with no kids. Jim was 25 and we had only been married for about a year and a half. Most of the students on the team traveling with us were only a few years younger than we were at that time.  

After arriving in Asia, our plan was to do a month of mission work with the team. Jim and I would then stay, making our new home and career as missionaries in the Bohol, Philippines,  while the young people made their way back to the States.  

I find it funny that God would put us with a singing group when I cannot carry much of a tune on any song I try to sing. And Jim, who sings wonderfully in the shower and is gifted in preaching and teaching, but giving him a microphone, he would say is a different story!

But he could direct and preach and that is what he did. He was hired with those strengths in mind.  This itinerate ministry gave us opportunities to build potential partners.    

But before I ramble too much…. as the story continues the following April of 1982:  

• Jim was ordained

• We started packing

• Sold our cars

• Jim graduated from college in May with one major, and four minors.

• We had a one week crash course with an intense training in cross-cultural work, before we left for the Philippines.  

(Warning: please do not try to do all the above at one time and in one year unless under the influence of the Holy Spirit!)

TRAINING HISTORY:  

One of Jim’s college minors was missions. Over that year he sat under one of his professors in an independent course, where he was mentored by this teacher in cross-cultural church planting.  

While in college I traveled on many short term traditional and non-traditional overseas trips. I knew that I had been called to missions. I was willing to go anywhere in the world that God wanted me to go. I interned several summers in inter-city work, as well as worked in the local church on various levels while in college. I read many biographies of historical women who sacrificed their lives overseas to serve God.  

I read most of the books that Jim was required to read, as well as the books for the independent class he took.  We would then discuss and process together what we were reading and learning. Along with a one week modular course, I felt I was ready! Little did I know the ride and adventure that would be in store for us. I was barely 23 years old and ready to conquer the world! So I thought! (Note: we have learned a few more things since then!)  

ARRIVAL TIME:  

We arrived in the capital of the Philippines, the first of June 1982.  The missionaries in Asia suggested we stay in a comfortable hotel to aid us in getting over jet lag faster. This gave us the opportunity to start off running once we hit the ground, without the fear of our immune system weakening. We ministered for a week in many churches in Manila with great success.  We then headed south to Cebu, which is the second largest city in the Philippines. We served also there for a week before going to Bohol. We, Jim and I, finally made it to Bohol where we would live the next 13 years. 

While in Cebu we stayed in this very nice missionary guest house. At first, the weather outdoors was tropical hot. Not accustomed to such heat we felt at times as if we could not breathe.  This place didn’t feel like home yet, but at least we could enjoy the air-conditioned rooms.

The week we were in Cebu, however, I got deathly sick, I mean really sick. As much as we tried to avoid, I caught some sort of flu and became dehydrated. Many thoughts were running through my mind at this time: “Where is mom when I need her? What kind of hospitals do they have here?  Do I have some tropical disease?  God has brought us this far, will we have to go home now?”

I knew that Jim was feeling for me during this time. Here he was with his new wife, who was really sick, in a new culture, with a team he was responsible for, and we had no idea what was wrong with me. On top of all of this,  Jim had to be gone alot with the singing group in meetings. I tried to reassure him that it was okay for him to be gone, but I wasn’t very convincing. In reality I became weaker each day.    

IN COMES AN ANGEL

In the midst of my sickness, in walked this lady to my room, a nurse from one of the churches where Jim was preaching. Jim and I thought we were looking at an angel. She offered to come and take care of me. She took me to the hospital where I could see a doctor. The nurse and the doctor wanted to rule out any tropical diseases. It ended up being only a bad case of the flu. I was given an IV for the dehydration where the woman brought me back to the house to sit with me.  This dear angel stayed with me every night and day that Jim was gone not leaving my side until she knew that I was okay. She was so sweet. She definitely had the the hand of God on her.

This encounter above was a great first impression of what the people that God lead us to live among were like and confirming God’s favor on us.  God often uses our personal needs to open up doors for us to connect with the people we are called to serve .

Personal Reflection: What were or are some of your first impressions in your new assignment? How can you allow the host culture to serve some of your needs to build trust and grow the relationship(s)? What is it about our story that spoke to you about God, your ministry or the principles given?  I would love to hear your story and/or thoughts in the comment section of the blog.

From one pilgrim to another, journeying together.

”Consider how you may spur one another on towards love and good deeds… encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

“Together empowering a movement of mission minded women on their journey and calling, so that they may feel valued, significant, purposeful, and confident in making a difference for God’s Kingdom in all season’s of life, one story at a time.”