Wednesday, September 26, 2007

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.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tim,
We are praying already that God will prepare the way and anoint your steps and your words as you share with the people. You have been anointed for such a time as this! Wow! This IS a stretching time but exciting to see God use you in such a dimension. We are looking forward to hearing what He will do through you!
Love ya,
Mom Mc

Anonymous said...

We are with you in the Spirit, Tim and Bethany, and will certainly pray for God's protection and provision for both of you next week. Much good will come from this experience for both of you, because our Father is faithful and he will enable you to meet each challenge as it comes.
Thank you, Father, for grace, grace, grace. Pour out your joy and give them strength.
Love and prayers,
Aunt Sylv

Anonymous said...

Hi Timmybomb,

Seems like your getting quite an initiation into walking the barbarian way. You have all that you need - a great big God, who loves you.

We will keep the two of you in our prayers (more).

I know that you are & will be a blessing.

Make lots of photos on your journey.

Love,

unklrbrt

Anonymous said...

Will pray for you Tim. Jesus will be with you all the way. The Holy Spirit will fill your mouth with what to say. Be safe. We love you and Bethany

Anonymous said...

Amen to all of the above! Don't forget what I said about your unique gift of leading people into the place of intimacy and the Father's love in worship.
Awesome photo!
Love, Mum

Anonymous said...

As you begin your journey tomorrow we will be praying for you both. The more more we TRY to do God's will the more we fail. It is in letting go completely - stop thinking, reasoning, figuring and even praying - and simply listening to the still small voice of the Lord that we fall into His devine will. I know that you will be challenged immensely during this period of ministry and will be strengthened througout. We look forward to your reports when you return!
Nicole

Anonymous said...

hello tim and bethany..its ur friend wilson...i made some v spicy chicken wings today for our church pot luck....missed u guys...i wanted to pack some separately to you my friend tim then i realised u must be eating adogo in the phillippines or crispy patta...miss u guys ...email me at wilsonramanujam@hotmail.com ....love and blessings...wilson

Anonymous said...

ey tim and beth...did u get my comments....my email address. ..wilsonramanujam@hotmail.com..plse email me ...i have a web com too....love and blessings..wilson