Scott and Annalou Sievers are members of our church, Tree Of Life, in Pflugerville. Annalou was born and raised in the Philippines and most of her family still lives there in the Dapitan region. Over a year ago we began making plans to go to her home church to assist in ministry. While there worked with them and were able to evangelize, do outreaches, and minister to the leaders, men, and women from her church and nearby congregations. We arrived on April 9 and began by ministering to the local police department with words of exhortation followed by prayer.
I nearly postponed our plans to travel as I have been challenged with a formidable attack on my body in the form of a pinched sciatic nerve in my right leg plus a small tear in my lower vertebrae. The pain began after lifting heavy bags of soil for our front lawn project. I immediately began going to our chiropractor and an orthopedic doctor who scheduled an MRI x-ray for me. This is where the tear was discovered. I have been receiving treatments from chiropractors for about a month now and with their help and exercises, and God, the pain is subsiding plus mobility is improving.
We pressed on and were able to fulfill the ministry obligations for the first leg of the Philippine outreach. Our team of five consisted of Jack Adams, Scott & Annalou Sievers, Cheryl, and myself. After traveling from Manila to Dapitan province we began our first day by ministering to the members of the local police department. Jack and I gave a short message and words of encouragement followed by us praying for all who were present. As the week progressed, we used funds raised at Tree of Life Church to purchase 200 flip-flop sandals. These were handed out in two different areas to needy individuals, young and old, who were very appreciative as they received them. We were also able to do a leadership conference, two church services in separate locations, and ministry events for the Men’s group and the Women’s group. An unexpected blessing we received was the opportunity to connect with a pastor and his wife who have a thriving church near Dapitan City. Pastor Bong was one of Annalou’s professors during her enrollment in a university in the area. He founded the church over 10 years ago and now has over 200 members, mainly under the age of 30. We hope to return to this area to conduct more leadership and discipleship conferences.
A big “Thank You” to those who prayed and those who helped in financial support for this outreach. We touched the lives of several hundred people and initiated some divine connections that will bear more fruit in the years to come. God is doing amazing things in the Philippines, especially among the Youth. There is a great need for leadership training and discipleship throughout this country of many islands. We are believing God for lasting fruit and even more impact in the Dapitan region in the days ahead.
Looks like a great missions trip to the Philippines. Praying your back is healed.