Ladies Bible Study

It was a blessing to have some time with these young ladies in Cebu. I got to share a devotional on how God takes the ashes of our lives and changes them into beauty if we respond correctly to His will for our lives. After I shared my testimony with them, one of the young ladies shared her testimony. It was fun to be able to share with them and to be a part of their lives.

Saying Good Bye

Teary eyed, we said goodbye to our dear Filipino friends just minutes ago and were dropped off at the airport in Manila. We had a very kind and touching send off from Cebu at 6:30pm. Pastor and Mrs. Guill accompanied us to the airport not telling us that a surprise was awaiting us--the Yap family was waiting there to say good by. They gave us a nice gift. A huge box full of dried mango, coconut, and other dried fruits. We quickly rushed through security, negotiated with the airline to lower the overweight baggage fee, shifted more weight to our carry on bags, and rushed to catch our flight.

Such bittersweet feelings as we left knowing that God has done a great work, but there is so much left to do. Mr. Guill made a profound exhortation right before we left showing us the needs of the field and how it is ripe unto harvest as never before. He urged us each to consider what God is calling us to do. Would He call us to a time service here while the doors are so wide open? He is calling us to action! Have we taken it?

There is so much that has happened, it is hard to recap it all. It is so reassuring to know that it is God that works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

We are now safely awaiting our flight to Nagoya Japan. After befriending a nice information service desk man, he gave up his desk and is allowing me to plug in my laptop in one of three outlets that are available in the airport. To my delight I found some internet availability and am able to catch up on a few projects while we wait for another hour to check in our bags. We will try and keep you up to date as we continue on the Journey!

Robert, Jasper, Bob, and Eugene, we sure will miss you guys but will keep you in prayer! Thank you Pastor and Mrs. Guill for your tremendous hospitality and vision for eternal things. Pastor Rodney, thank you so much for your willingness to take on such a group as ours. You all sure are brave!

Thanks especially to all you parents who have trusted the Lord with the safety of your children! May God richly bless you all!

Approaching the End

Dear Friends,

As I write this, we are hours away from departing to return to the U.S. The Lord has really blessed our time here in the Philippines, and though we are looking forward to being home we have a sense of sadness leaving everyone here that we have worked with.

This morning, several of our group took the opportunity to climb up the mountain just outside the city of Cebu to watch the sunrise. From our elevation, you can see much of the city and the ocean surrounding it. We had a wonderful time rejoicing in God's creation and spending time in the Word. While I was up on top, the Lord gave me a verse that is a good send-off verse for all that has happened in the past three weeks. Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." The whole passage from Phil. 1:3-11 really stood out to me as I meditated upon it in view of the end of the trip.

Thank you all for praying for us, and hopefully our group members will continue to post updates of things that happened that we didn't have time to write over here!

May God bless each of you!

For His Kingdom,
Andrew

Story Time With Kuya Eugene!

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

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

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

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

Marriage Counseling

"We need some people to teach at our marriage counseling today." My first thought was not me I have no experience. Well, God had other ideas! Six couples who are engaged came for the training.
God gave me the wisdom I needed to share, since I have never experienced being engaged or have been in a marriage relationship.
I talked about what true love is from the passage of ICor.13. When I got up to share, words were coming out of my mouth that were truly from God and He kept giving me examples to share.
What was really encouraging was to hear from Richard, one of the young men who is working with us. He told me that what I shared really helped him to understand what true love is.
He asked me if I had a boyfriend, so I was able to share with him how I am waiting for God's Best. Richard told me that he is also waiting for God's Best and that he wants to finish college first, before he enters into a relationship.

Ministry in Malaybalay City Jail

We got to go to the Malaybalay City Jail. It was my first time to go in a jail that was in use. The jail was out of the city. They had one cell of ladies, the rest were men. I got to talk to the ladies for a bit. There were five of them. Some of us shared the testimonies of when we got saved. I was able to share about my response to my older brother Isaac’s passing, and how I was able to thank God for allowing my brother to pass away. After I shared with them one of the ladies shared that four of her siblings had died, three had hanged themselves on three consecutive years. She was crying. They told us some about their families. All of them except for one came from larger families (eight to eleven children). I am glad that I got to share with them. They sang a couple of songs for us. They said that it was the only thing that they could give.

—Sarah Waller

An Interesting Meeting a Few Days Ago

On Sunday night, I had a very unusual opportunity that the Lord allowed. Pastor Rodney, our host here in Malaybalay, told our team about a special group of people that he ministers to—the city gangs.

He asked if we would like to have a character teaching session with them. We agreed to go. I had a rich time of fellowship with the Lord while I asked him if I should join the small team that was going. I felt that it was the right thing to do and told David that I would go.

Not knowing for sure what would happen, we traveled downtown to a soup kitchen where the gang agreed to meet us. After getting there and setting up, the gang carefully filed in one at a time. After they ate and we talked with them for a while, David stood up and began to teach.

Using several object lessons, he shared with them why it is important to make right choices, and how to rebuild your reputation if you make wrong choices. It was amazing to see the attentiveness they showed and how much they seemed to understand.

The saddest part of the evening was the small eight-year-old boy in the middle of this mostly twenty-year-old gang. It is sad to think of the influences on his life. Please pray for this boy and others like him who need the light of Christ here in the Philippines. Praise the Lord for what He is doing here in Malaybalay

- Josh Mathews

More Pics!

Over one hundred pastors and their wives met for several hours of training on character. I was surprised at their enthusiasm for the concepts of Character Training. We praise the Lord for the great response and for the potential of this impacting the churches of the city.

This particular pastor found me a day or so later and showed me the book that he purchased entitled, The Power for True Success. He pointed to the different character qualities and stated, "I am so convicted because I have been an angel in the pulpit but, but a devil at home. I practice all the character qualities with my congregation but all of the opposite qualities with my family." He went on to point them out.

This gentleman is thrilled with his new resource!




















The Mayor of Malaybalay has been so gracious to host us providing for all of our trainings, venues, and several of our meals. His vision as a Christian is to make Malaybalay a model for the nation to follow of a city of Character.






Many of our trainings have been conducted in the Mayors hall. We are grateful for his tremendous enthusiasm for what we are doing and promoting!

"This place has been a blessing in disguise!" A incarcerated man told me that had he not come here, he never would have turned to Christ for salvation.












The Malaybalay City Jail is now a proclaimed correctional facility of character. The guards have purposely used this captive audience to help them reconstruct their lives. Most of the prison guards have accepted Christ as their savior. The chaplain said that his goal is to turn this jail into a Bible School. He mentioned that most of them read through the Bible or hear the Bible read every month. They for the first time in the history of the jail have had so many turn to Christ that they had a mass release recently due to the outstanding progress in each man's attitudes. Other jails are now visiting this jail to find out their secret--Christ!

Visiting the City Jail of Malaybalay

When our team started to discuss the possibility of visiting the Malaybalay City Jail, I was very excited. I knew that this would be a great opportunity for the whole team and I was also looking forward to meeting the staff and inmates.

When we arrived at the prison we were greeted by the chaplain. He began to tell us how they had already been using and implementing Character First! in the jail. It was a blessing to see his desire to have character in the jail and I saw it being modeled by those in charge.

After we introduced ourselves and met the rest of the staff, David briefly shared about character and what that means to us as individuals. The chaplain then explained their vision and goals for the future.

Soon after going in to meet the inmates, the chaplain wanted me to talk to a man who was in charge of some others in his cell. This man was a Christian and he told me how his conversion came about during his time in prison. He had grown up in a Christian home but because of wrong influences in his life he was drawn away from the truth. Now as a Christian he wants to be a pastor and have a prison ministry.

I was challenged when I heard the story of his changed life. It is a reminder to me of God’s power and love and His desire to seek out his own, drawing men unto himself.

Ryan Barth

Snapshots!

Tammy is on her way to Malaybalay boarding the airplane right from the tarmac!










Ho, Ho, Ho! Pastor Rodney, our host, and his assistant take our laundry.










A motorella with precious cargo!










There is another shot of the transportation in this region.










Training for the ROTC was an inspiring time!










Meal time. An experience!

Some of Our First Teaching Engagements

Thank you for your prayers for our team as we are here in the Philippines. Our contact back home is limited because internet is not readily available. Our team right now is in Malaybalay, on the island of Mindanao, in the southern part of the Philippines. We arrived in Manila around 1am on Thanksgiving morning (Filipino time) and spent the morning at the IBLP training center in Manila. Then, that afternoon we flew from Manila to Cagayan de Oro and then drove 3 hours deeper into the island to Malaybalay. We will be staying here until next Sunday, and then we’ll leave for Cebu in the central part of the Philippines.

We are staying at a resort type of area here in Malaybalay. It is a very beautiful and scenic area – we are nearly surrounded by mountains, and the trees and other plants growing here are very pretty. We are living in cottage huts with bamboo walls and grass roofs, but thankfully they do have hard cement floors! The other people here are very good, and they’ve kept us well fed!

Last Sunday, we were at a church that our hosts are the pastors of, and our group sang some songs and I had the opportunity to preach. I preached through a translator because not everybody in church is fluent in English, which was a very new experience for me! I talked about relationship with God, the importance of being in His Word, and accepting and living in the love of God. It went very well, and I was encouraged to see God work.

We have a very full week ahead of us, and we are scheduled to teach in government offices, university students, and several other groups. It has been very neat to sit and watch God work around us in many different areas as we’ve ministered here. I have enjoyed resting in the Lord and abiding in His Word over here, and I have been walking in the joy and love of Christ!

Thanks for praying for us! Leave a comment and keep in touch!

Andrew

Meet the Team

Derrick Waller:

I am the third-born (of ten) in the Waller household. We have been together as a family in Oak Brook area for about the last year or so. I enjoy helping out with various missions around here as I am able to, although I am working full time with my Dad where he is working as an engineer in Chicago. I have also been managing the farming operation in Wisconsin. Last year after getting back from Mongolia and a short time in the Philippines I spent a few months framing houses and commercial buildings with a friend of mine in Oklahoma City, OK. Our time in Mongolia and traveling back and forth is packed with many meaningful memories and a fair amount of adventure. Life is exciting!

I was privileged to be involved in our previous missions to the Philippines in 2004 and 2006. I feel very strongly the need for equipping and lifting up the hands of our fellow believers in the Philippines and bringing the message of freedom to those who see a lot of hopelessness. I feel that we must continue to sow at this time, building upon what was invested, and strengthening the hands of those who remain there to serve. I am excited to see what God will do even among our team. James 5:7-8

Joshua Mathews:

My name is Josh Mathews, and I am 18 years old. I am the second oldest in our family. I live on a farm in central Minnesota.

My experience in ministry has included: children's seminars (unofficial Children's Institutes), backyard Bible clubs, Good News Clubs in the public schools, and working with my brothers and sisters! I am grateful for the Lord's faithful work in my life, and I am looking forward to what He will do through us in the Philippines!


Andrew Mathews:
Hello Friends!

My name is Andrew Mathews, and I am 21 years old—the oldest in a family of 6 children. I live in Minnesota on a small farm. Right now, I am completing my first year at the International Ministerial Institute (IMI) in Burnet, TX. The Lord has been doing a wonderful work in my life at IMI as I have learned to hear His voice, and deepen my relationship with God. In the past, God has given me other opportunities to serve in various children’s ministries, including children’s seminars and backyard Bible clubs.

I am excited about going back to the Philippines to be a witness of Christ’s life to others that He brings across our path—the Lord really used the first trip I took two years ago in a powerful way in my life. God is going to do mighty things on our behalf as we look to Him to fulfill His work in our lives and the lives of others for His Kingdom’s sake!


Staci Shrock:
My name is Staci Shrock and I am 17 years old. There are four kids in my family, and I'm third born. Over the last five years or so, I have been so blessed to be involved with children's ministry. In 2004, I attended Operation Salt and Light in Oklahoma City (3 week children's ministry training course) and in 2006 and 2008 attended Operation Eternal Impact here in Oregon (A two week children's ministry course).

I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the Lord in the Philippines! Our Lord is so good and wise! When I look back on this last year, I can't help but see how He had been preparing my heart for this trip long before it was even scheduled. Although I'm sure it will be very stretching, I look forward to doing whatever God has for me and wherever He has me!

Gabe Shrock:
Gabe, my big (and only) brother is 20 years old. Gabe is our family "court jester:" He always knows when we need to be cheered up with a laugh! He has a heart for God and truly lives out what he believes. He has helped with (and helped lead) five day clubs many, many times. In 2006 he attended Operation Eternal Impact and in 2008 he helped as staff for the Impact. Gabe has had a desire to do overseas missions for a while, and when this trip came up, God directed him to go for it. He is very excited to go and serve the Lord with you all in the Philippines!


David Waller:

I am the fifth of ten Waller children. We currently are serving in Oak Brook, IL at the Institute in Basic Life Principles Headquarters. The work that I do serving at the Institute has been very challenging, yet very fruitful. I have been blessed to work for the last year and a half amidst Godly people who have an earnest love for God. This has challenged me immensely. My desire and passion is to serve the Lord by challenging and motivating others to a closer walk with Him.

In an attempt to do this, I have served with Character First! Education in Oklahoma City, Character Training Institute of Mongolia, and numerous smaller children's ministry opportunities. Though I enjoy teaching character, my greatest enjoyment comes when I am able to see the practical applications of the rich truths of Scripture and share them with others and watch them gain moral victory, relationships restored, and genuine love for the Lord in action in their daily lives. “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all” (Philippians 2:17).

Rachelle Waller:
My name is Rachelle Waller; I am 25 years old and am the fourth-born of ten children. I have had the awesome privilege of serving for three years in Oklahoma City teaching Character First! in public schools and was then able to go bring that training that I received to Mongolia with my family to teach character principles there. Since we left Mongolia a year and a half ago we have been living in IL serving in various areas at the Institute in Basic Life Principles.

Having been a part of the trip to the Philippines in 2004 and 2006, excitement built as God began revealing various verses to me regarding a potential trip in 2008; one of them being from Is. 54:2-4a. Each experience in the Philippines has been one of the most unique, memorable, growing experiences that I have had been a part of. It has been so neat to see how God has worked during each trip in the past and I anticipate that He will do the same on this trip. Thank you so much for your prayers for us!

Sarah Waller:

I am 18 years old and 6th born out of 10 children. This summer I helped with a summer camp for intercity children of Oklahoma City and just finished nine weeks of intense training and teaching character in the public schools of Oklahoma City.
My past experience in working with children includes helping organize children's programs while my family served in Mongolia, teaching at Character Family Seminars in China, and teaching Backyard Bible Clubs in Minnesota.
There have been verses that have stood out to me about telling others about what God has done for me. Psalm 118:17 "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord." I never pictured myself as someone who would speak before large audiences, but God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Julia Clearman:
My family consists of Dad and Mom, four very close sisters, and then one favorite brother. We live in the woods of Minnesota. Our precious Lord has been good to us and we thank Him for His blessings! I am right in the middle of five siblings and will be twenty in January.
Our family is involved in ministering to those around us who are in need: food, music, love, children’s ministry, and time, wherever service is needed and with whatever God has blessed us with. As long as I can remember I have had the desire to serve the Lord in other countries. The Lord has given and continues to give me a heart to, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). I am very excited that the Lord opened up the possibility for me to participate in the Philippines trip!

Tammy Sellin:
I am 28 years old and from a family of eight with one sister-in-law. In May I moved back home to live with my family helping with schooling for my younger brothers and sister. I had been working with Character First! Education in the public schools of Oklahoma City for the past eight and a half years.

The thing that brings me the greatest joy is helping those who He brings into my path, including overseas missionaries. God has blessed me with the opportunity to travel to Singapore, Fiji, the Philippines, and China. I am really looking forward to this trip. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do in and through our lives as a team and what He will do in the lives of the Filipinos

Ryan Barth:
Hello Everyone!
My name is Ryan Barth. I am seventeen years old and the fourth born of ten children. Our family has been serving at the IBLP Headquarters for the past thirteen years. Looking back I am grateful for every opportunity and the many blessing the Lord has given us here.

My biggest involvement with ministry has been serving others in need with my time and talents. I have also been able to participate in small programs for the IBLP staff children, which have included Bible themes, games, and skits. When I was asked and this opportunity came up to go to the Philippines, I sensed almost right away that the Lord would have me go. I have a real burden and desire to see the hearts and lives of people changed and turned to the Lord during our time over there. My prayer during our time in the Philippines is that the people will see the character of Jesus Christ in us and as a result be turned to Him.

Early morning send-off

After a brief night of sleep at the Waller home in Oak Brook, Illinois, eight members of the team left on the first leg of the journey.


We had just enough space in the back of our van for all the luggage as the team prepared for the drive to the airport on Tuesday morning.












A portion of the team poses for a photo before leaving from Oak Brook, Illinois.

Back row: Ryan, Andrew, Josh, David, Derrick
Front row: Julia, Rachelle, Sarah

Note from Japan

David wrote from the airport in Japan to let us know that the trip had gone well thus far, and they were looking forward to the final leg of the journey.