Sunday, May 30, 2010
back to perth
hi guys. thanks for the covering. we actually got put up in a hotel thanks to the airline instead of 16 hours in the airport, what a surprise and picture of G*d's grace. one of the students hurt her back two days before we left and needed a bed for the night and we were expecting a turn around of getting home this evening and showing up for report back not having had great rest...anyway we did have excellent rest and free food! so thanks guys and thanks G*d.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
mmmm yesterday
For all of those inte*cessors from yesterday, I wanted to pass on the happenings of the day...isn't G*d the best? I think so.
I was able to converse extensively with a man who is part of the Church of Ch*ist. It is disguised as Chris*ianity but rather cult-like in the engagement with G*d. So much truth was spoken, specifically through testimony and G*d's word. In the end he allowed us to pr*y for his wife who is struggling with infertility and share that we believed when she would be healed it would be from G*d (they are only allowed to pr*y 3 times a day, very specific pr*yers).
At another clinic Reinette finished a prenatal check and asked the mother if she could pr*y for her. When she finished pr*ying Reinette was surprised that the woman was crying and deeply moved, she shared that 6 months ago there had been a large conflict in her ch*rch, so much so that she hadn't been able to return to the ch*rch and was longing for G*d.
We also were able to facilitate a discussion at women's bi*le study about oral hygiene (massive need here!) and here them share their worries for their children and then brainstorm about ways to save up for toothbrushes and toothpaste for a family of six...even looking equally effective alternatives. The women left having heard G*d's thoughts on stewardship, the parental influence and blessing! It was a very spontaneous time of G*d bringing his love and care through the teaching!
I am inspired by the power of pr*yer, G*od really met us. He is here.
bekah
I was able to converse extensively with a man who is part of the Church of Ch*ist. It is disguised as Chris*ianity but rather cult-like in the engagement with G*d. So much truth was spoken, specifically through testimony and G*d's word. In the end he allowed us to pr*y for his wife who is struggling with infertility and share that we believed when she would be healed it would be from G*d (they are only allowed to pr*y 3 times a day, very specific pr*yers).
At another clinic Reinette finished a prenatal check and asked the mother if she could pr*y for her. When she finished pr*ying Reinette was surprised that the woman was crying and deeply moved, she shared that 6 months ago there had been a large conflict in her ch*rch, so much so that she hadn't been able to return to the ch*rch and was longing for G*d.
We also were able to facilitate a discussion at women's bi*le study about oral hygiene (massive need here!) and here them share their worries for their children and then brainstorm about ways to save up for toothbrushes and toothpaste for a family of six...even looking equally effective alternatives. The women left having heard G*d's thoughts on stewardship, the parental influence and blessing! It was a very spontaneous time of G*d bringing his love and care through the teaching!
I am inspired by the power of pr*yer, G*od really met us. He is here.
bekah
Monday, May 17, 2010
points of the day.
Hi Guys!
Tomorrow is the 18th of May and my day to make sure that the team is covered in pr*yer. A couple of people had said that they had wanted to partake, but I decided to send out the requests to many just in case the day has opened for you and you have a moment to talk to Dad.
-There have been MANY open doors to share with Catholics (in the Philippines they are into idol worship, sacrifices, lacking in relationship) about the way we meet with G*d. Please ask for more chances for today.
-Please ask for our final days in the health care centers, good byes will commence on Thursday. A final covering over good relationships specifically, so that will translate as the base here starts it's own birth center.
-Please ask for the women on 12th Street (where we have been joining in with community development). Few can afford to see the midwives after we leave or to be able to pay for a skilled attendant at their birth.
-Please ask for our transition. May 30th we will arrive in Perth for a final week of debrief and then the students will graduate!
Thank you! So, if you are able to cover this stuff, double thank you!
You guys rock, couldn't do it without you.
Bekah
Tomorrow is the 18th of May and my day to make sure that the team is covered in pr*yer. A couple of people had said that they had wanted to partake, but I decided to send out the requests to many just in case the day has opened for you and you have a moment to talk to Dad.
-There have been MANY open doors to share with Catholics (in the Philippines they are into idol worship, sacrifices, lacking in relationship) about the way we meet with G*d. Please ask for more chances for today.
-Please ask for our final days in the health care centers, good byes will commence on Thursday. A final covering over good relationships specifically, so that will translate as the base here starts it's own birth center.
-Please ask for the women on 12th Street (where we have been joining in with community development). Few can afford to see the midwives after we leave or to be able to pay for a skilled attendant at their birth.
-Please ask for our transition. May 30th we will arrive in Perth for a final week of debrief and then the students will graduate!
Thank you! So, if you are able to cover this stuff, double thank you!
You guys rock, couldn't do it without you.
Bekah
tstmny
Sunday night we were wandering down a boardwalk, near the beach, where many foreigners come, in between the lighted walkways are bars and dance clubs. I met a young girl who was trying to sell bracelets and small trinkets. My heart hurt to see her there in a lustful environment, going from tourist to tourist, up late, doing things children shouldn't be doing. I didn't have any money with me but so badly wanted to win her over, look into her eyes and tell her how precious she was. She didn't speak any English and was frightened when I would softly touch her shoulder. I asked G*d "what can I give to her?". I reached into my bag and remembered a bottle of nail polish that I had bought for a girl in India that I never saw again. I handed the shiny, red bottle over to her and she accepted it and walked away, not receiving what she was hoping for. All I could think was that she deserved a bigger picture of life then what poverty was giving to her family. As we were leaving I ran into this same little girl, her whole demeanor had changed; a joyful little girl with light in her eyes waved me over to see the masterpiece on her friend's hands. Even if only for a moment, she was able to shrug off the responsibility and see the creativity given to us through a child's eyes, it was a glimpse of G*d's kingdom. Thank you G*d.
This week concludes our work in the clinics here, next week we will say our good byes, pack our belongings and head back to Perth, Saturday the 29th. I am wrestling with the reality of this, wondering what life is going to look like when I am back in Perth. Although I will be involved with the school (doing background prep-for outreach, and participating in small groups, etc.), I will also be serving in other ministries. My heart is preparing for the painful good byes that are ahead and the sudden changes that will follow.
This week concludes our work in the clinics here, next week we will say our good byes, pack our belongings and head back to Perth, Saturday the 29th. I am wrestling with the reality of this, wondering what life is going to look like when I am back in Perth. Although I will be involved with the school (doing background prep-for outreach, and participating in small groups, etc.), I will also be serving in other ministries. My heart is preparing for the painful good byes that are ahead and the sudden changes that will follow.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
abridged april.
Hello my dear ones...
“Ground breaking” were the words that G*d spoke as we began the first week of April in Subic Bay, The Philippines. The month has been a compilation of transitions, meeting midwives and learning from them in their clinics, crying out for this nation, joining with the work of community development and meeting G*d in rich ways to carry us through these last months. I have some stories to share with you and hope that they will give you at least the slightest view of all the ways the kingdom of G*d are breaking into the lives of the Filipino people we are doing life with.
Here in the Philippines, the enemy has sabotaged relationships. Absolutely.
As team, three times a week, we sit in groups of four or five and ask G*d, "What do you want to say?" Almost every time, G*d reveals the twisted views of women and men and family life here. In one time of int*rcession, G*d brought this up and raised the question to us of “What are you going to do about the teenage pregnancies that you are seeing everyday?” There are too many fatherless homes, a lack of commitment in male and female relationships and it has caused teens to move into relationships, searching for that intimacy that was not received from their fathers, therefore skewed their vision of G*d, therefore almost every day of prenatals we are meeting 16, 17, 18 year olds. Out of this time of listening, G*d gave us the strategy to link in with some teen girls in the area we have been doing community development with and begin to share with them our stories of finding relationship with G*d in the midst of the world telling you to find value in boys. We also got to do teaching on G*d’s view of women and how that is seen in the way he has created us (always my favourite teaching). We have a larger group of girls that we will be meeting with to share this same message next week.
As a team, we have been looking into Jo*hua 1 for the last month and this week we were talking about being the “first fruits”. That we are a “first evidence of the new creation” coming… “a foretaste of future glory”. So just by being here, G*d’s kingdom is here in Subic Bay. How encouraging.
More stories and pictures are on my blog (www.bekah29.blogspot.com) if this has left you hanging. Just one month is remaining for the 2009 Birth Attendant School. In some ways I think, “it has been so quick” and then when I stop to breathe my body tells me that it’s tired and yes, it has been 11 months.
So, until next month...bless you family, bless you friends, for all your support, reading this email and blessing me with your love.
Bekah
we went to "zoobic", a home for tigers here in subic bay.
to all my zoo hating friends: they have been raised in captivity. i feel like they are well cared for there.
this was an amazingly large and gorgeous white tiger who was very hungry because he hadn't been fed yet that morning when we met him.
here is a tiger family. this was also my favourite picture, this one is for you molly.
this was to make up for the previous photo "the bad one" (according to the photographer).
here we are, ready to go for the day.
there are more pictures, not that i have yet. just a taste.
“Ground breaking” were the words that G*d spoke as we began the first week of April in Subic Bay, The Philippines. The month has been a compilation of transitions, meeting midwives and learning from them in their clinics, crying out for this nation, joining with the work of community development and meeting G*d in rich ways to carry us through these last months. I have some stories to share with you and hope that they will give you at least the slightest view of all the ways the kingdom of G*d are breaking into the lives of the Filipino people we are doing life with.
Here in the Philippines, the enemy has sabotaged relationships. Absolutely.
As team, three times a week, we sit in groups of four or five and ask G*d, "What do you want to say?" Almost every time, G*d reveals the twisted views of women and men and family life here. In one time of int*rcession, G*d brought this up and raised the question to us of “What are you going to do about the teenage pregnancies that you are seeing everyday?” There are too many fatherless homes, a lack of commitment in male and female relationships and it has caused teens to move into relationships, searching for that intimacy that was not received from their fathers, therefore skewed their vision of G*d, therefore almost every day of prenatals we are meeting 16, 17, 18 year olds. Out of this time of listening, G*d gave us the strategy to link in with some teen girls in the area we have been doing community development with and begin to share with them our stories of finding relationship with G*d in the midst of the world telling you to find value in boys. We also got to do teaching on G*d’s view of women and how that is seen in the way he has created us (always my favourite teaching). We have a larger group of girls that we will be meeting with to share this same message next week.
As a team, we have been looking into Jo*hua 1 for the last month and this week we were talking about being the “first fruits”. That we are a “first evidence of the new creation” coming… “a foretaste of future glory”. So just by being here, G*d’s kingdom is here in Subic Bay. How encouraging.
More stories and pictures are on my blog (www.bekah29.blogspot.com) if this has left you hanging. Just one month is remaining for the 2009 Birth Attendant School. In some ways I think, “it has been so quick” and then when I stop to breathe my body tells me that it’s tired and yes, it has been 11 months.
So, until next month...bless you family, bless you friends, for all your support, reading this email and blessing me with your love.
Bekah
we went to "zoobic", a home for tigers here in subic bay.
to all my zoo hating friends: they have been raised in captivity. i feel like they are well cared for there.
this was an amazingly large and gorgeous white tiger who was very hungry because he hadn't been fed yet that morning when we met him.
here is a tiger family. this was also my favourite picture, this one is for you molly.
this was to make up for the previous photo "the bad one" (according to the photographer).
here we are, ready to go for the day.
there are more pictures, not that i have yet. just a taste.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Relationship Perversion. How do our sins affect others?
I haven't researched my thoughts and opinions, and probably never will, but need to get them all out on "paper". So have a look if you'd like. I don't if I have pinpointed the beginning of the sex trade, but these are the conclusions that have roughly been formulated these past couple weeks through inter*cession and interaction.
What are the implications of a massive hub, drawing mostly men, in and out, day after day, hour after hour...
Years and years ago the US Navy planted a base here in Subic Bay. It was around that time that Olongapo city was stigmatized as "Sin City". The chains that poverty leaves cities in has outworked itself into the sex trade...For years and years the women of the city have found that this is how they can provide for the family, this is what they capable of doing. Still today, when I walk up the street, there is bar after bar after bar advertising their "women", it is a booming industry.
Why did the women need to provide for their families? What are the implications of such a thriving economy stimulated by prostituting of bodies?
Each time I have done prenatal checks with women, they have had a "partner". The term "partner" is widely accepted here in Olongapo as a proxy for "husband" and vice versa. Most families are matriarchal because the father is such a temporary or ever-changing figure.
What does this do to the family structure here in Olongapo?
Girls are missing their fathers. Boys are missing their dads. The value that is due to each child from a father has been withheld. This also means that the view of G*od as our father, that is most greatly affected by our fathers, is absolutely thrashed when fathers are not a part of the picture. Meaning that boys and girls are searching in other places for what they are longing for.
How does this affect who I interact with each day?
I have seen maybe ten women, in total, that have been over the age of 25 in prenatal care. Our greatest number of pregnant women fall into the 15-19 category. I would say 4 in 5 of the women we see fit in that category. The teens of this city have not found the value that G*od intends for them to receive and the cycle of either prostituting themselves or rushing into relationships is the outcome. Daughters, mothers, sisters, women, have been absolutely raped of their value.
So what now?
G*od let your kingdom come in this place. Through man and woman being in covenantal relationship with you. Men and women who are committed first to you and then to each other. We want to see burst of your kingdom in this place.
What are the implications of a massive hub, drawing mostly men, in and out, day after day, hour after hour...
Years and years ago the US Navy planted a base here in Subic Bay. It was around that time that Olongapo city was stigmatized as "Sin City". The chains that poverty leaves cities in has outworked itself into the sex trade...For years and years the women of the city have found that this is how they can provide for the family, this is what they capable of doing. Still today, when I walk up the street, there is bar after bar after bar advertising their "women", it is a booming industry.
Why did the women need to provide for their families? What are the implications of such a thriving economy stimulated by prostituting of bodies?
Each time I have done prenatal checks with women, they have had a "partner". The term "partner" is widely accepted here in Olongapo as a proxy for "husband" and vice versa. Most families are matriarchal because the father is such a temporary or ever-changing figure.
What does this do to the family structure here in Olongapo?
Girls are missing their fathers. Boys are missing their dads. The value that is due to each child from a father has been withheld. This also means that the view of G*od as our father, that is most greatly affected by our fathers, is absolutely thrashed when fathers are not a part of the picture. Meaning that boys and girls are searching in other places for what they are longing for.
How does this affect who I interact with each day?
I have seen maybe ten women, in total, that have been over the age of 25 in prenatal care. Our greatest number of pregnant women fall into the 15-19 category. I would say 4 in 5 of the women we see fit in that category. The teens of this city have not found the value that G*od intends for them to receive and the cycle of either prostituting themselves or rushing into relationships is the outcome. Daughters, mothers, sisters, women, have been absolutely raped of their value.
So what now?
G*od let your kingdom come in this place. Through man and woman being in covenantal relationship with you. Men and women who are committed first to you and then to each other. We want to see burst of your kingdom in this place.
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