So Real

After the hike to Bato

We hiked into Bato in the heat of the day, took a look around, and knew one thing immediately. They were poor. Total, maybe 200 people. So, it was the smallest barangay we'd been to. They put us up in a vacant house that was literally falling apart on account of termites. Mike, Mark, and Joal left soon after we arrived to go find some fuel and food. The rest us meandered around, played with the kids, and rested.

Later in the afternoon, Cheryl and I spoke with the First Councilor about a Bible study. He said we could use the school house at 6:00 p.m., and we agreed. Well, 6:00 p.m. rolled around, the sun started to set, and there was no one at the school house. About 6:15, in perfect Filippino fashion, six adults started walking towards the us. Unfortunately, it was getting dark very quickly, and there was no electricity. So, we relocated to the basketball court where there was still a little sunlight. A few men carried out benches and set them around in a square. Our team sat down, and people kept coming. By the time we were ready to start there were about 30 adults and a 20 kids gathered around us.

As I started to the share the Gospel, the sun set and it became completely dark. I thought it was pretty sweet that the people were willing to sit in the dark and listen. Then a younger man asked me to stop so he could go get some light. A few minutes later he came back with three kersene lamps made out of Coke and vodka bottles. After the lamps had been perfectly arranged on the cracked asphalt, I looked around. The brown faces had a golden glow from the lamps, as they waited patiently for me to start.

I opened my mouth and some words came out. Now, it's all a blur. But I do remember pausing at one point, paralyzed by the scene before me. "This is how they did back in Paul's day, huh?," I thought to myself. After Wesley had translated the last of the my words, we asked if they had any question. The barangay Captain spoke up first and asked us how could they receive Jesus Christ's salvation. Definitely was one of those jaw-dropping moments, when you almost don't believe what's happening is real.

The thing is…that was real. All of those Waray people really prayed to receive and follow Christ. Now, certainly, there needs to be a follow-up, baptism, and discipleship. Lord-willing, another missionary can come behind us and do those things. Nevertheless, the Word of God really worked in hearts that night. And those three kersene lamps put out just enough light to illuminate the glorious riches of the greatest mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

-Hebrews 4:12