March 7, 2014
I
took the generator and the
equipments with me at the back of my small motorcycle because the big
dirt motorcycle needs big repair . The trip was an ordeal considering
that the small
motorcycle stuck easily on
rocks across the river and I
was traveling alone. The weight of the load made it difficult to push manually many times I got stucked in the middle of the river. I reached the place almost dark and the last ascend to the village was so steep that I had to stop in the middle of the 20-meters 40 degree climb so helpless. I tried to push the vehicle while accelerating but, the automatic clutch system proved it impossible to succeed. I stayed there in the middle for 2 minutes of so, waiting for somebody to see me. I could not leave the motorcycle behind because I had to hold the brakes to prevent it from going downhill. Then I saw somebody from the distance and honked my horn on him signaling for help. Praise God!! what a Relief to see 3 people running toward my direction and hurriedly pushed the motorcycle uphill. A simple words of Thanks paid their kindness then I headed to the church.
The stress I felt was released
when I was surprised to see more than 200 youth gathered in the
open field finishing the
outdoor games. They were
in the venue 2 hours ahead of me and are finishing the games as the night is coming.I did not expected that number based on our regular attendance on the last two fellowships. A stress reliever indeed.
The Mountain church in Balsinang is very small that can only seat
50 people and that large number of Youth who came became a challenge to
the leaders. We were glad that we are in the middle of dry season and
the excess of the people can stay outside without fearing that there might be rain.
There were 17 churches
represented during that time and the program went longer until past 2 am
the next day since the contests were participated with more churches than
expected.
Food was served after the activities were done, then the pastor met and
discussed the next fellowship's venue and adjustments as we are
expecting more youth to join. After the meeting, we prayed
for each other then every one departed at 10 am. Faces of the people left in that village were sad, they told me to stay longer but i refused as i have to go also. But i promised to be back for a film showing. Below are photos taken during the fellowship.
Thank you for your prayers,
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| picture taken on my way back and lots of helping hands on their way home |
rocks across the river and I
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| Carrying the portable generator and projector on this ministry adventure |
was traveling alone. The weight of the load made it difficult to push manually many times I got stucked in the middle of the river. I reached the place almost dark and the last ascend to the village was so steep that I had to stop in the middle of the 20-meters 40 degree climb so helpless. I tried to push the vehicle while accelerating but, the automatic clutch system proved it impossible to succeed. I stayed there in the middle for 2 minutes of so, waiting for somebody to see me. I could not leave the motorcycle behind because I had to hold the brakes to prevent it from going downhill. Then I saw somebody from the distance and honked my horn on him signaling for help. Praise God!! what a Relief to see 3 people running toward my direction and hurriedly pushed the motorcycle uphill. A simple words of Thanks paid their kindness then I headed to the church.
The stress I felt was released
when I was surprised to see more than 200 youth gathered in the
open field finishing the
outdoor games. They were
in the venue 2 hours ahead of me and are finishing the games as the night is coming.I did not expected that number based on our regular attendance on the last two fellowships. A stress reliever indeed.
It was such a joy to see people gathered sharing one
desire, to enjoy in God’s presence.The activities were
resumed in the morning after the morning devotion.
for each other then every one departed at 10 am. Faces of the people left in that village were sad, they told me to stay longer but i refused as i have to go also. But i promised to be back for a film showing. Below are photos taken during the fellowship.
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| The main transportation in the highlands. I was following this motorcycle and i stopped to capture a shot |
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| Bla'an Youth on the evening i arrived in the village of Balsinang |
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| The youth during the last round of their outdoor games |
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| The youth during the last round of their outdoor games |
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| The participants preparing/washing up at a water source on the side of the hill |
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| How a small church was packed with participants. A young Pastor gave the message that night |
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| How the church looked like from the outside |
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| The portable generator and the small motorcycle outside the church |
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| One lamp lighted the whole place while 2 participants gave a special number. |
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| Participants were getting ready for their presentations |
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| A coffee break with sweetened Cassava for the midnight snack |
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| The participants enjoying the presentations after the worship service |
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| Pastor Elmer Mada, a bla'an pastor facilitating one of the contests. |
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| Coffee break with sweetened cassava for midnight snack |
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| Highland youth from Faith Gospel church in their song and dance presentation |
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| Youth from Kihan General Baptist in their song and dance presentation |
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| Youth from Napoleon village General Baptist in their song and dance presentation |
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| Youth from Lipunan Assembly of God in their song and dance presentation |
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| some of the villagers who were enjoying the youth presentation |
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| The participants waiting for their part |
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| Balsinang Assembly of God Youth in their presentation |
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| Lamlao Faith Gospel Church Youth choir |
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| Kihan GB youth Choir |
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| Participants after the morning devotional meeting |
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| Breakfast line |
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| While waiting for food |
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| The Sarangani Highland Pastors discussing the next Fellowship at Kihan |
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| The Sarangani Highland Pastors discussing the next Fellowship at Kihan |
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| Pastor Benjie Peco heating up water for coffee |
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| Early morning coffee and relaxation |
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| Some kids of the village |
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| The church where we met |
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| Highland kids heading toward the farm early in the morning on the back of CARABAO |
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| CARABAO is a water bufallo known as the farmer's best friend. A farmer's important tool. |
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| participants relaxing after breakfast |
A JOURNEY BACK HOME
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| some of the participants leaving the village |
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| Some of the participants i followed going downstream |
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| crossing the river on foot several times is our monthly experience during the fellowship. Very exciting!! |
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| 2 motorcycles loaded with corn on their way to the town |
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| Some of the participants walking under coconut trees |
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| These particicpants walked 1 hour to this place from the venue under the heat of the sun. |
Thank you for your prayers,
Pastor Jojo Gubal
EFM ministry associate