Davao assignment complete!

Whew! We've just finished one of the most intense weeks of ministry I ever recall - and I think our entire team is feeling it (meaning: we're exhausted!)

Saturday was spent with a morning visit to the Family Circus, an Assemblies of God outreach to children led by Darrell & Sandy Blatchley here. Much like Pastor Bill Wilson's "Sidewalk Sunday School", the Blatchley's and their team minister to about 3,500 children every weekend, helping them memorize the Word of God through songs and age-appropriate exercises, as well as feeding the kids and just serving them and their families in one of the poorest squatter areas of metro Davao. It's hard to describe - you have to see it to believe it!

Then we had a quick tour of the Living Stones orphanage led by our hosts, Ken & Cris Sandberg, who are missionaries here with Calvary International.

Last night I had dinner with my friends Willy & Nelly Majaducon, who served alongside us when Chris and I were missionaries in Cebu City about 25 years ago.

Finally, today our team split up with Chris ministering at the "Releaser of Life Family Church" led by Pastors Tito & Nelrose Sassam, and I preached at the "Household of Faith Church" led by Pastor Herley Montes. These two congregations are among the most cutting-edge ministries in Davao, and it was a privilege to bring the Word to them.

Now it's Sunday afternoon and we're free until 6:00 a.m. when we head to Manado, Indonesia where we'll do it all over again - leading simultaneous conferences there for pastors and women in leadership. Can't imagine it right now, as tired as I am, so pray for fresh strength.