Saturday Afternoon in Manila

I arrived at my first stop with only one slight delay leaving Tokyo. Brent picked me up as planned and we made it back to the Burdick's home about 1 am this morning. I got about 5 hours of sleep and then we were off to the church. About 60 of their cell group leaders gathered for our session which they called a "leadership summit." I was thrilled with the turnout, especially when I realized I was competing with Ann Graham Lotz who was holding an event nearby this morning...Yikes!

They opened with a worship set that just about brought me to tears. I am always overcome when I travel to the other side of the world, in this case Manila, and am able to immediately join with believers from another culture in worship. As usual, I am also struck by the power and expectancy of their worship...it always supercharges me. In spite of being warned of their cultural reluctance to speak up in large group discussions, they responded very well and the 2.5 hours flew by. I'm still amazed any time God allows me to train his leaders around the world!

Afterwards, Brent and I had lunch at a "Mongolian Barbecue" and it was delicious, then we saw the end of his daughter's basketball game at Faith Academy where most of the area missionary kids attend school. This afternoon has been a great opportunity to visit with the Burdick family. So, all is well so far...Thanks for your prayers!

Matthew