Today I had so much trouble thinking and preparing the story for orderliness! That was my first time to share it in a big assembly (500) with a mixed group of high school, and elementary students. I prayed that I could make it, I got really nervous, but I just prayed that God will strengthen me and give me the confidence to tell it. They said it went good, so I thank God for helping me tell the orderly chipmunk story.
Eugene
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Teaching and playing basketball with ETCP students
Hello Everyone!
Today our team had an incredible day teaching Character First! The Lord has been directing each day while we have been here. I am so grateful for each one you and for your prayers for us.
Late this afternoon after teaching I was able to play some basketball with Jasper and some university students. Each of the guys were so friendly and enthusiastic. There were enough people to play full court, which made it even more fun. Even though I haven't played much basketball they brought me right in and treated me like a Filipino. We had a great time of fellowship while we played and to finish it up, our team won!
It was neat to interact with the students and get to know them better. I look forward to talking with them more in the next couple of days.
Thank you for all your prayers. I know that the Lord had been directing each step of our way.
In Christ,
Ryan Barth
Today our team had an incredible day teaching Character First! The Lord has been directing each day while we have been here. I am so grateful for each one you and for your prayers for us.
Late this afternoon after teaching I was able to play some basketball with Jasper and some university students. Each of the guys were so friendly and enthusiastic. There were enough people to play full court, which made it even more fun. Even though I haven't played much basketball they brought me right in and treated me like a Filipino. We had a great time of fellowship while we played and to finish it up, our team won!
It was neat to interact with the students and get to know them better. I look forward to talking with them more in the next couple of days.
Thank you for all your prayers. I know that the Lord had been directing each step of our way.
In Christ,
Ryan Barth
More Memories from Malaybalay
I want to recount some of the last few experiences I had while we were still in Malaybalay city.
YWAV Youth Meeting
Last Wednesday evening, most of our team was invited to speak at a christian youth gathering called YWAV (Youth With A Vision). I was going to speak and share the block tower illustration, and Tammy was going to share her testimony of how God had brought her through difficult circumstances in life. The Lord put a burden on my heart as I prepared to share with them (young people are some of my favorite age groups to speak to). Since this was a christian group, I was looking forward to sharing some of the important truths of God's Word that I have learned about having a relationship with God, meditating on His Word, and abiding in Him.
When I got in front of the group and started to share, I could tell that God was challenging their hearts through me in a way that I never could. I challenged them to be a disciple of Christ by being in the Word, and by deepening a relationship with Him. I then shared the block tower illustration that shows how important each decision is for our life, and emphasizes the need for good character.
Tammy's testimony went well, and afterwards in our small group discussion time the students really seemed to hear and understand the need for good choices and a relationship with God. I went away from the evening very encouraged about the seeds that were sown.
BSU Scholars
The next evening, our group shared with several hundred college students from Bukidnon State University on the same topics - the block tower (this time presented by David), and Tammy's testimony. They again both went well, and afterwards the leader decided to put each of us on the team as a small group leader with some of the students. After everyone was counted off and assigned to a leader, I watched as my group came walking my direction - I realized that it was a group of eight girls and no guys! I decided that since it was only for one night, I wouldn't make a big problem out of it (though it was slightly awkward!). I challenged them in the areas of life that are needed for everyone - relationship with God, meditation, etc.
We had a good discussion, and some of them asked some really good searching questions. One curve ball that was thrown at me was the question "what do you think about the saints - can they help us have a relationship with God?" The Lord really gave me wisdom to answer that question (I don't think I've ever been asked about that before), and I told them that they were human beings like me, and they couldn't help me with a relationship with God. However, each of them had a relationship with Christ, the same way that we must! Additionally, I said that Christ gave me a relationship with God, and that's good enough for me! We had a very encouraging discussion, and despite the initial awkwardness, it went very well!
We will continue to give updates on what goes on as we're here in Cebu, and I thank each of you for praying for us!
For His Kingdom,
Andrew
YWAV Youth Meeting
Last Wednesday evening, most of our team was invited to speak at a christian youth gathering called YWAV (Youth With A Vision). I was going to speak and share the block tower illustration, and Tammy was going to share her testimony of how God had brought her through difficult circumstances in life. The Lord put a burden on my heart as I prepared to share with them (young people are some of my favorite age groups to speak to). Since this was a christian group, I was looking forward to sharing some of the important truths of God's Word that I have learned about having a relationship with God, meditating on His Word, and abiding in Him.
When I got in front of the group and started to share, I could tell that God was challenging their hearts through me in a way that I never could. I challenged them to be a disciple of Christ by being in the Word, and by deepening a relationship with Him. I then shared the block tower illustration that shows how important each decision is for our life, and emphasizes the need for good character.
Tammy's testimony went well, and afterwards in our small group discussion time the students really seemed to hear and understand the need for good choices and a relationship with God. I went away from the evening very encouraged about the seeds that were sown.
BSU Scholars
The next evening, our group shared with several hundred college students from Bukidnon State University on the same topics - the block tower (this time presented by David), and Tammy's testimony. They again both went well, and afterwards the leader decided to put each of us on the team as a small group leader with some of the students. After everyone was counted off and assigned to a leader, I watched as my group came walking my direction - I realized that it was a group of eight girls and no guys! I decided that since it was only for one night, I wouldn't make a big problem out of it (though it was slightly awkward!). I challenged them in the areas of life that are needed for everyone - relationship with God, meditation, etc.
We had a good discussion, and some of them asked some really good searching questions. One curve ball that was thrown at me was the question "what do you think about the saints - can they help us have a relationship with God?" The Lord really gave me wisdom to answer that question (I don't think I've ever been asked about that before), and I told them that they were human beings like me, and they couldn't help me with a relationship with God. However, each of them had a relationship with Christ, the same way that we must! Additionally, I said that Christ gave me a relationship with God, and that's good enough for me! We had a very encouraging discussion, and despite the initial awkwardness, it went very well!
We will continue to give updates on what goes on as we're here in Cebu, and I thank each of you for praying for us!
For His Kingdom,
Andrew
Monday, December 8, 2008
Now in Cebu!
Dear Friends,
Just a quick update - we have arrived in Cebu city where we will spend the rest of our time here. Our boat ride from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu went well.
We will be planning and teaching tomorrow, but we will continue to post updates on what happens!
Thanks for praying everyone!
Andrew
Just a quick update - we have arrived in Cebu city where we will spend the rest of our time here. Our boat ride from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu went well.
We will be planning and teaching tomorrow, but we will continue to post updates on what happens!
Thanks for praying everyone!
Andrew
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