You want me to preach?!

I've spent this week preparing for my upcoming trip across Mindanao. I have been invited to preach on the 30th at a church in Kidapawan, a city about two hours from Davao. After I preach there, I will travel with a man named Bonifacio, who is an apostolic man who overseas many ministries around the island of Mindanao. We will be traveling to his home in Dipolog which is on the west side of the island, approximately 10-12 hours from Davao. Bonifacio says that we will stop in at several churches along the highway, but I'm not sure for how long or in what capacity. In Dipolog he says he will take me to minister to the poorest people in the Philippines. He will also gather many pastors, though I'm not sure if he wants me to preach to them, or simply meet them.

The whole thing is a little scary and overwhelming. When I received the invite I was tempted to decline, telling him that I'm not a preacher. But then I realized that I have been praying and asking God to throw me into situations where I am way over my head so that I must rely solely on Him. Sometimes it can be very frustrating when God answers prayer.

Please be praying for me as I prepare. I'm not even sure how many times I will be asked to preach. I've only ever preached a couple of times, so I am way outside of my comfort zone and my skill set. I'm feeling somewhat overwhelmed because I there is a great deal that I want to share with them, but as far as I know I will only be able to preach one time in each city.

Please pray that I hear the Lord clearly on what he would like me to share next week. Also, please pray for my general safety and well being. I am not traveling with anybody I know, so I will be feeling a little isolated. It would seem that in order to get to Dipolog, one has to travel through a large Muslim territory that some deem as unsafe. I feel strongly that the Lord is going before me and I am right in the center of His will, but that doesn't mean I don't need your prayers.I'm not sure how long I will be gone, but I will most certainly write all about my adventures upon my return.

Lastly, please pray for Bethany. She will be all alone here, and I'm not even able to give her an exact time for my return. People seem to like pictures, so I'll include a photo that I took last week at dawn from one of the local beaches.

Cheers,
Tim.