By Roseanne Exner

        May 30th-June 13th, 2001

When I started writing this journal, I didn't realize that I would be sharing it with all of you.  It is my personal feelings about the trip.  But, Jim felt that it would give everyone a flavor and sense of the trip and experiences we encountered.  So with much fondness I relate my experiences with you.

Wed. May 30 - arrived at Rochester Airport (Bill Schoeberlein and Deanna Town took us).  When it was time to leave, we were told that American Airlines had canceled our flight with no explanations given.  That incident snowballed and affected the rest of the flight schedule. We were scheduled to fly to LaQuardia Airport and then travel by taxi to JFK, then board the plane to Tokyo from there.

We took a taxi to the airport at JFK and tried desperately to make our connecting flight. We arrived at JFK about 45min. from take-off but were told we couldn't board the plane because for international flights, you need to be there at least an hour before boarding.  So then we had to stand in lines for hours to see what to do next. At first, we were told we couldn't connect to another flight out until Friday (it was wed).

After much pleading with the agent, we re-scheduled our flight to go to Detroit and then on to Nagoya, Japan and then to Manila. This seemed fine with us until we were told the flight was for Thursday afternoon (12:30pm). So we wearily dragged all our suitcases around to find a bus that would take us back to the LaQuardia Airport because that is where the flight was departing from. We had made up our minds that we would have to sleep in the airport for the night and take the flight the next day.

Thursday We went back to the airport to find Dave, the agent. He told us he would upgrade our flight to Detroit by making it First class because someone had canceled out. It was awesome!

In Detroit, we had a small layover and then on to Nagoya, Japan. The flight from Detroit to Nagoya was 12 hrs long and then 4 more hours from Japan to Manila. It was grueling to say the least. It was quite an experience for me because I was terrified of flying especially taking off and landing really upset my stomach and hurt my ears. We had a lot of meals on the flight and it didn't help my stomach to eat them all.

Finally, we arrived in Manila on Friday at 10:20pm. By the way, we had many opportunities to witness to people on the airplane and at the airports. It was amazing how many people were curious as to where we were going and what we were doing. Everyone was very receptive. We were praying that Pastor Edgar had gotten our message and would still be waiting for us in Manila. He was the only contact we had. It took forever to get our luggage but finally we went through customs with no difficulties (Jim had the shofar in a bag and no one ever gave him any problems getting it through all the security we went through).

We headed down a hall hoping to spot Edgar. He wasn't around but someone told us there was a special area where people had to wait for people getting off the airplanes. So as we headed out of the Manila Airport, Edgar came up to us and greeted us. He seemed weary but very excited to see us and we were very happy to see his smiling face. He had stayed 2 days in Manila waiting for us. We took our luggage and headed outside into the street. Edgar informed us that there were no more flights out of Manila that night and we would have to stay overnight in Manila. Well, now the "fun" begins. As we walked out on the street, taxi drivers all wanted to "help" us.

Everyone was yelling and grabbing our luggage. Edgar asked 2 different taxi drivers to help because we had so much luggage it wouldn’t all fit in one taxi and he also had his sister and brother-in-law with him (they lived in Manila). It was very humid and hot when we stepped outside. Linda and I got into the back of a taxicab and Edgar's brother-in-law; Leo got in the front seat. I was very upset as I saw Jim and Edgar heading for another taxi and had left Linda and I alone with these strangers in a strange land. Everyone was speaking in a different language. All of a sudden an armed policeman came over and started yelling at the taxi driver.

The policeman flashed a light in the back seat at us and when he saw we were two American women, he yelled at the taxi driver and yanked him right out of the taxi and started frisking him. At that point I was freaking out (ask Linda) and I told Linda we need to get out of the taxi. I started to open the door and Leo (Edgar's brother-in-law) told us to please stay inside the taxi. I didn't know what was going on but it was our first experience in the Philippines and it was scary.

Thank God the other taxi that Jim was in had stopped and waited for us because we had no idea where we were going. Eventually, the police let the taxi driver back into the taxi and we drove to a very strange looking motel to stay for the night. It had metal bar doors around it to get in and when we went to our room; it had 2 doors to get into the room. Yup, go in lock one door, then lock door number 2 and you are in the room.

It was very scary. I couldn't sleep. I had to sleep with my bible under my pillow to fall asleep. Melanie Wadsworth had told me before I left that intercessors were praying for us and if at any time, I felt in need of pray to call out and ask the intercessors to pray for us. So at l am on that sat. Morning, I cried out for help to keep us safe and peaceful. Linda and I stayed in l room and Jim and Edgar stayed in another room, which was way down the hall, and far away from our room.

Edgar told us not to answer the door if someone tried to get in or bang on our door. We did by the way hear banging on our door and prayed for them to go way. Later the next morning we found out that the manager had tried to give us ice tea but we wouldn't answer the door. (Smile).

Saturday morning we headed off to the domestic airport to get tickets to General Santos City. What a nightmare - had to stand in lines again with our entire luggage. A shuttle bus took us from the hotel to the airport. Edgar said the tickets were all sold out and had to wait for standby tickets to General Santos City.

This airport was very small - we kept getting stared at wherever we go. Everyone looks at us - some smile, some don't. We meet a man named "Bong" who is another angel sent from God to our rescue. He takes us under his wing and tries to get us a flight out of Manila. He says the only arrangement that can be made is to get tickets to Davoa City (another Island near Gen San) and then take a 3-hr bus trip to Gen San City. The last bus out of Davoa City is 6pm.

We get a flight for 3:40pm to Dovoa City. It is now 8:30am on sat. Am. Bong lets us board our luggage early so we don't have to drag it all around till flight time at 3:40pm. We go to a small restaurant nearby and Bong tells the owner we are going to sit there for a few hours until we need to go catch the flight. We sat there from 9-noon and then went back to the airport to sit again until 3:40pm.

Planes are leaving on schedule one after another. It's finally 3:40pm and our plane to Dovoa City is delayed. It was the only flight delayed. It was about 20 min. late but we finally get on a plane for Dovoa City. It's an l l/2 hr. flight. When we get off the plane at Dovoa City it is very dark (it gets dark around 6pm) and there are hundreds of young "helpers" waiting to help us for money of course. They are all grabbing and wanting to get our luggage.

Linda and I head for the bathroom which by the way we discovered have no toilet paper in any bathrooms in the Philippines. It was an experience for Linda and to use the ladies room at the airport in Manila. Women would all shove and push their way and not wait their turn at all. Well, we are in Davoa City and need to get to the bus station. It is 5:45pm. I am getting worried we will have to spend the night in this city (Davao).

It was dark and scary not knowing where we are going. If it were not for Edgar being with us, we would have been taken advantage of big time. Edgar had to barter with everyone and they all want different amts. of money to do things. We get into a station wagon type taxi. One man is putting our luggage in the taxi and a crowd develops again and everyone wants to help us for money of course. I get the distinct feeling that they all think we are rich because we are Americans. As we are getting ready to leave in this taxi, another man jumps in the driver's seat of the taxi and takes out the keys and two men argue (in foreign languages).

This was frightening again for me as I didn't know what was going to happen next and they keep staring at us. Finally, both men go with us in the taxi to the bus station. One sits in back with our entire luggage and Edgar keeps a watchful eye on him all the way that he would not take any of our stuff out of the suitcases. It takes 45min. through much traffic to go to the bus station. My stomach is in knots by now and I am feeling very stressful. I pray that things will get better.

I cannot explain the city streets. It is very different and the transportation of all kinds of different vehicles. There are whole families riding on one motor bike. No one seems to mind. There are small vehicles with people hanging on top and out the sides. It is so amazing to see. I feel like I have gone back in time 30 yrs or more. We arrive at the bus station, which was small and very dirty. It is very dark but as soon as people see "Americans" they all gather around us again.

Edgar disappears into the darkness to arrange bus transportation. We have paid for everything so far because Edgar is very poor. It is very poor here and we had no idea what we were getting into. It is a total culture shock for sure. The 2 taxi drivers try to bargain with Jim (while Edgar is gone to find out prices of bus tickets). The taxi drivers tell Jim it would be safer for us to go with them and they want $50 to take us all the way to Gen San City. We think it is fair but Edgar says no, too much money and he gets tickets instead for us to board a bus for a 3-hr trip by land. People are all fighting over our luggage again to help us get it on the bus. It is sad to see how they are so desperate for money.

We are finally situated in the bus. It is only half full and the bus driver tells us we have to wait for it to fill up before we can leave. It makes stops along the way and Gen San City is the last stop of course. It is 6:30pm. As we sit waiting on the bus, we are flooded with adults, children getting on the bus offering things for us to buy. They won't leave us alone but finally the bus is full. We get stared at again from all that get on the bus with us. I feel a little safe but some look pretty scary looking for a 3-hr bus ride with them. The Lord has been really dealing with trusting HIM - do I really trust HIM - I certainly had to in all these terrifying situations (for me anyways).

There had been a group of Edgar's congregation and other pastors waiting for us at the airport in Gen San City to greet us - they have now moved to Edgar's church and then later had to move to the bus station to wait when they heard we were coming by bus. They had made a Big Banner welcoming us to their country. They all had been waiting a very long time themselves to meet and greet us.

We are on our way on our bus trip to the final destination. This bus trip is a whole tale of it's own. It is so scary and frightening. The driver can't be more than 15 yrs old and he is driving like he is on a race track- very very fast. For 3 hrs we are tossing and turning on this bus. At one point (the bus driver) hit a person on a bike crossing the street but kept on going and phoned for help but did not stop at all to see if the person was alive or dead.

When the bus made stops it would just slow down and the people would jump off. I seriously was worried we would die on this bus but I kept telling myself that God would not have gotten us this far and then have us die on this bus. It was pretty hairy to say the least. I prayed in tongues for the longest time and never have prayed that long in a long time. I also cried out for Help from God many times. It was the scariest ride of my life. But God is Faithful.

There were high mountain ledges on both sides of the road and sharp sharp curves. It seemed like the bus was traveling on two wheels at one point. Thank God it was dark and we couldn't see much. We reached Gen San City at l0: 10pm on sat. night.

It had taken 4 whole days of stress, delays and waiting but we had arrived. We were happy to get off the bus and were greeted with banners, smiles, hugs and flower Leigh's around our necks. It was very touching indeed. Now we were going to be ushered off to our hotel for a good night's rest. I thought I couldn't wait to be in a safe nice hotel. Well, I should have known. We pulled up to a strange looking building - there is a guard waiting with an armed gun in his holster and he opens up the iron gates that had been pad locked.

We all enter and go up 3 flights of stairs to our room. All Edgar's family and congregation follow us into the room. It is a large room - 3 single beds but very old and not too clean. At first, Jim tells us no hot water in the bathroom. The bathroom is the worst room - very filthy - Jim finally figures out a way that hot water can trickle on the sprayer. It works and at least we can have a little hot water with the cold. Everyone stays in the room to feed us some snacks before we go to bed. The food is strange and different but I am trying very hard with God's help to eat it. Mostly chicken and lots of rice, which is fine with us.

Edgar has 6 children and they are very poor. We could not imagine the living conditions. He has made 3/4 of his house, which is a shack, dirt and wood into his church. His small children use the church at night as their bedrooms. They sleep on the altar. There are no closed windows or walls so to speak of. It is all-open. The bathroom is a hole in the ground. Their water is taken from a hole in the ground as well. They are extremely poor - they have nothing - I mean nothing.

Edgar and his wife sleep on a plywood square - no mattress - no privacy - his two eldest children sleep next to them - one room - no dividers - only a small curtain here and there. It is so disturbing for our eyes yet they seem so happy and content with what they have. They have nothing yet they don't know they have nothing because that is their lifestyle. They know of no other lifestyle. The children are so beautiful. Their eyes sparkle and dance and they seem very happy even though they have nothing. We never saw any toys of any kind anywhere.

We had brought small gifts for the children, pencils, erasers, books, candy etch - I wish we had brought more things because we had no idea of their needs and they were just so excited to receive what little we had given them. To receive just a pencil seemed to them like we were handing them a million dollars. It was so very touching it brings tears to my eyes as I write this. Surely we are so blessed and don't know how fortunate we really are and what Americans have yet spiritually we have nothing compared to these precious people.

The children put me to shame with their sincere and vibrant worship - they sing out and mean every word of what they sing. They are so precious. Their faith and devotion to God has really touched me so. The children are very loving and keep touching us - one young boy in particular is very drawn to us. He is beaming at us and touching us a lot.

On Sunday their service is from 8am till noon. Then they rest and return to service again at night 7-11 pm.

Today on Sunday Jim was asked to dedicate four babies. He didn't know he was the one to do it. He did great though. Another pastor (Pastor June) had asked Edgar if Linda and I could speak at his church on Sunday while Jim preached at Edgar's church. Edgar told me that Linda and I would be leaving after worship and to another church and minister to the people. O.K. Lord - HELP - I say yes and then pray a lot and tell God HE needs to show up.

I don't know what to say and I am nervous. As we arrive the people have just finished worship and are waiting for me to speak to them. Linda brought her flute and so when they see it, they ask her to play it so she starts off by playing a song and speaks for a few minutes and then turns it over to me. Of course God is faithful and as I open my mouth to speak, I am calmed and the Holy Spirit is flowing out of me. I am so thrilled it is really happening. At one point I remember saying that I would pray for everyone who wanted prayer. (I said that?)

There were a lot of people there - dirt floor church, open, no walls, dogs and chickens roaming in the church. All the people stood and started coming forward for prayer. I had brought my talit (prayer shawl) and anointing oil. The pastor started singing and playing music on his guitar and Linda and I started praying for the people. There was an awesome anointing on the talit as we lifted it over on their heads. There visibly was much happening.

Many many were crying and some staggering around as we prayed for them. They didn't fall down because people were holding them up as we prayed for them. God showed up and it was so wonderful. Thank you Lord - so on the drive back to Edgar's church I am elated and relaxed - then Edgar tells me that Linda and I are going to speak at the evening service. Butterflies again - Lord - I get all nervous all over again.

After service Raquel (Edgar's wife) shows us her one room house and then tells us her neighbor is serving us lunch in their home. It's not much bigger - some furniture not much - small table and plastic stools. The table is full of strange food but I know I must try and eat it. So far the Lord has been protecting our stomachs from getting sick or diaherra, Thanks Lord -YOU are so good. It has been very hot and humid and it is hard to breathe the air here. It's full of pollution. Edgar returns us to our room at the hotel for a nap and then off to church again tonight.

Edgar tells the guard to keep an eye on us. Edgar and Jim go to a store to buy bottled water. Jim says it's fairly big and kinda like Walmart -(sure Jim - I must see it for myself to believe it). Someone knocks at our door- it's the guard and he has delivered our water to us. The hotel manager here at this hotel is a friend of Edgar's and has let Edgar use his car when we need to travel back and forth. It is a nice car with air condition and there is a driver named Philippe or nicknamed Ping who has been driving us around. We are very grateful for him.

Oops - I almost forgot to tell about the huge cockroaches I saw in our room. Jim beat it to death and killed it. It was freaky and not the only one that was there in the room. There are also salamanders on the ceilings and walls (oh boy - help me Lord). It was only by the grace of God that I had to deal with such things (grin)

Edgar came to pick us up and took us to a fast food restaurant before the evening service. It looked very much like a Burger King. It was called Jollibees. We got out of the car and stares again are all on us. There are 3-armed guards at the entrance of the restaurant with 2-barrel shotguns around their necks. They open the door and escort us in. Edgar keeps reassuring us that Gen San City is a peaceful place (grin). We order hamburgers - they taste O.K. but come with an orange looking sauce on them. The coffee is weird tasting also. It is instant.

When we got out of the car to enter the restaurant, very small children (3-5yrs) came running to us with their hands held open begging us for money. It was heart wrenching to see. Edgar shooed them away and told us if we give them money, the whole city would be surrounding us for a hand out too. Edgar said they are orphan street kids. No family or home. They are beautiful children. They keep staring at us while we are eating.

Edgar feeds and cares for the orphans at his church and in his neighborhood. He truly is a perfect example of a humble servant of God. He sacrifices much for others. He is always giving to others. He told us that his children only have come to that restaurant (Jollibees) once a year as a treat for Christmas. We told him we would send him money for him to bring them there for a treat.

He also told us that he has to pay money to enroll his children at school. They have no money for shoes or book bags and school supplies or uniforms. We will try to get to a store and buy some things for school. Edgar is very touched and he said he prayed that the Lord would provide for his children and he told his children God would provide for them and answer their prayers.

We arrived for the Sunday evening service and they are all worshipping. Jim gave a testimony, I gave my testimony and Linda gave her testimony and plays the flute. Edgar has to translate everything we say because only a few speak English. They can read it but hard to understand it. It is quite an experience having someone translate while you speak. Jim spoke on the Fathers love and then we prayed for the people. They were very touched and cried a lot. Edgar said he really sensed his people really are sensing the love of God through us. They are also ministering big time to us and they don't even know it.

Monday - most of the morning and afternoon is spent sight seeing the city. We went to the Dole Pineapple Plantation, a tuna canning plant and also a large fish port. We also saw a volcano which our hotel is named after (Matutum).

We had our first service tonight for the conference. The worship was totally incredible. The anointing was strong. Jim spoke and we used the fire flag we had brought with us and had all the people go under it as we waved it over them. They said they never saw anything like it and never saw flags or banners. I also used my flags for worship and they all stared at wonder over them. It was a new experience for all of them.

Edgar said they are open to everything but we need to explain what we are doing because it's all new to them. Even anointing them with oil is new to them. They are watching our every move and everything we do they watch. They follow us around and keep touching us - it's so very strange for us but I could see how easily we could become prideful and think we are really important - keep us humble Lord - thank you

They keep lifting us up and we keep telling them we are not special and we are like them - they are such servants and would do anything for us. When we walk on the street or go anywhere they are very protective of us. They are watching out for us and making sure we are safe.

Jim prophesied over some pastors and leaders last night (over 165) and it was a new experience for them. They don't understand how he could know things about them. They are totally amazed. Edgar said they are all eager to have more of God. It is so touching to witness. Last night I was awaken in the middle of the night crying very hard. I felt such a burden for these precious people and I cry out to God to forgive me for these people have such a hunger for God I don't want to disappoint God or the people. I keep asking God to show me what to do and what to say.

HE gave me things to say to them and I had to get up in the night to write them down. God is so good. HIS presence with us is so awesome. We can't wait to see what will happen next. Edgar told us 70 people from other churches and people from the mountains (tribal) are sleeping in his church for this conference. We are talking a small room with dirt and concrete floors. No screens, just barbed type wire for windows. Raquel his wife is feeding all of them rice in the morning for breakfast. When Edgar had the mountain people stay in his church, Edgar and his family all slept in his one room house - all in one bed - plywood - together so his guests could have room to stay in his church. He is so amazing and humble.

The people always feed us first and make us eat first. They will not eat until we say we are full and done. Then when we leave the table, the others will come and sit and eat the food that is left over. We felt really funny and awkward about this, but they insist this is their custom and we must honor it. Edgar does eat with us because I think he knows we would feel more comfortable about it. But all the other adults and children will not eat with us.

The scenery from the window of our hotel is the most beautiful spectacle you could ever imagine. It is hard to describe the beauty yet poverty looms and surrounds the beauty of the land. The mountains and ocean and trees are breathtaking and there is much lush greenness. But if we look below us we see the poverty of the huts and one room shacks people call their homes.

We had our morning mtg. today -Tuesday- Jim went first and talked about the prophet and Apostle and then prayed for the pastors. It was really awesome how the Holy Spirit shows up in a powerful way. After Jim spoke Edgar said it was my turn to do the next session. I couldn't believe it. I was suppose to speak for one hour but I lasted about l/2 hour and then said I was done - they have interpreters interpret all we say. Jim then got up and spoke a few more minutes and we broke for lunch.

Raquel cooked lunch for us and kept apologizing for their house. She would not sit down and eat but kept serving us and fanning us with a piece of cardboard on our faces to try to keep us cool. It is very very hot here. They know we are not used to their weather. The children all stare at us while we eat and only can have food when we are done. The neighbors always peek over the railings and watch us eat too. People off the street show up and stare too. It is a new experience that is hard for us to comprehend. Edgar keeps telling us they are all staring because they have never seen white people before. He said we are like Gods to them.

Well - it's Linda's turn to speak for the next session. She's nervous but I know God will be with her. She is speaking and the Holy Spirit comes on her and she starts to manifest and laugh a little. At first her interpreter is just watching cautiously but soon the anointing is transferring and imparting on her and the translator is now laughing in the spirit too. It was cool. After, we all prayed for the people and there were many hearts touched. Jim spoke also. When we prayed for some people they fell on the ground laughing and rolling around. They were shocked but it was great fun.

Edgar took us to Shakey's Pizza for dinner. It was the first time we had food that was sort of American. The crust was a little different but it was still very good. While we were eating, a couple of little street boys stared in the window at us and it was very difficult to continue to eat. I told Jim if they were still outside when we leave I would give them some money. Edgar said if you do, do it quickly so others don't see. As I handed the small boy money as quick as I could there appeared out of no where other children begging. I gave them all money. I told Jim I couldn't refuse to hand out money to the children. From now on any children that beg for money, we will give them something even if it is pennies. So we did.

Wednesday - last mtgs. of the conference. The people are excited and very ready to receive. They are expecting something from God. At the women's mtg. we had in the afternoon, a young girl (teen) broke down crying about her mother. I didn't know what she was saying but she held on to me as tight as she could for over an hour. It was so hot and I was sweating profusely but she just cried buckets of tears as I held on to her. The Holy Spirit impressed me to take off my gold cross necklace and give it to this young girl.

I did so and she acted like I had given her a million dollars. She just kept thanking me over and over and wouldn't let go. Linda ministered powerfully to the women as she gave her testimony. There was much healing going on and the Holy Spirit was touching many women for emotional healing. I only got to pray for a few women because this one young girl took most of my time and energy but Linda had one of the pastor's wife and another pastor (lady) helped Linda minister to the women there.

We prayed for every woman and young girl. We placed a "crown" on their head as we prayed for each one. (The Holy Spirit had impressed on me to bring a tiara and put it in my suitcase) and so I threw it in my bag the last minute. It was so totally awesome how those women's hearts were touched as we put the tiara on their head. God is so good.

Edgar and his family are just so precious. They are truly an example of what Christians are and what a Christian family is. Never have we seen any of Edgar's children raise their voices in any way. They are very quiet and sit for hours on the floor with not a sound out of them. They also listen to what adults are saying and do not tune out or even act bored. It is such an amazing sight to behold.

When we walked in the mtg. on wed. night, the worship had begun and it was very anointed and powerful. It was electrifying. I was on my knees crying and as I sat up I saw 3 young girls about 7 or 8 worshipping and tears streaming down their faces as they worshipped so intently. No one sitting, roaming around, talking to others. ALL worshipping with their whole hearts.

These people are amazing. The mountain people are so sweet and their faith is so strong and they are even poorer than Edgar is if you can believe that. Edgar is truly amazing and sincere and genuine. He sacrifices all for others. He gives away what little he has. It is very hard to explain how the last night of the conference went. It is beyond words. There was an incredible anointing on Jim as he spoke and also that anointing kept transferring back to his interpreter. We declared, proclaimed, imparted.

Jim gave our Toronto testimony and then challenged them, those who were thirsty and wanted more to come forward. Every person came forward. We were trying to get them to stand in lines and move far back away from each other to pray but they didn't understand. Jim, Linda and I started to pray for people and they started to fall down. Some were shocked and acted scared but most were open to receive. It was a total blow out. But we had forgotten to tell them to soak on the floor so as soon as they fell, they all jumped back up again.

Jim told some of the pastors to start laying on hands and pray for the people too. So they started to copy what they saw us doing. They are so open and are so hungry for more. Edgar gave an opportunity at the end for testimonies and there were some awesome ones including some healings. Many lives were touched. Now we know why it was such a struggle to get here. There has been a wonderful breakthru in this city. All the pastors agree something big was happening.

Thursday - Thursday morning Edgar took us to his house to eat breakfast. They set a table in their church with chairs for us. The table is the altar that they use for services and then take if down and set it up as a table for meals. We eat first and they all stand around us and when we are done, they then eat. We know the food on that table is a real sacrifice to give us so we eat and are thankful for all the food. They go out of their way to provide their best for us.

They are honored to do so. All week Raquel has been asking to wash our clothes but we have hesitated to do so. We know it will be a big chore for her as there is no wash machines or Laundromats here). All scrubbed by hand with love no doubt. We feel we should give her the clothes so not to offend them. She beams that we would want her to wash our clothes. Later that day we see our clothes hanging outside on lines bright and shining, cleaner than we can get them in a machine. All done with such love, it's so touching. Our lives will never be the same again.

I must also tell you about our "driver" "Ping" who so graciously drives us here and there and waits for hours in the car while we shop, eat or whatever we do. We are blessed to be in an air-conditioned car to be transported around in safety. There are very few cars on the streets. Ping is always protecting us and watching and locking doors for us when we enter the car. He is a very humble servant. He is always there for us and waits on us with such love and respect. We are the honored to know them not the other way around. I wish they could understand how special they are to us.

Today was the day we took Raquel, her sister, children and two friends of Edgar's to the mall to shop. Linda gave Raquel money for the children to get clothes and supplies to go to school. If they do not have uniforms they cannot attend until they have one. The children are so excited to be at the mall to buy stuff. It is such a precious sight to see the sparkle in their eyes as they pick things to buy. It is only a small part we can do for them. They need so much but will never say so. I watch as two of Edgar's sons go to where there are some basketballs.

They fondly hold the ball in their hands and bounce the ball a couple of times and put it back. I could see on their faces how much they really would love to have a ball like that but would never ask for one. So I went over and handed a ball to the younger boy and put some money in his hand to buy it. Words cannot express the look in his eyes at me. He gave me a real tight hug and went to purchase the ball. I was laughing because they had put the ball in a bag and sealed it up but as we walked around the store, Jeff (Edgar's son) kept bouncing it on the ground while it was still in the bag. He could not wait to play with it.

Later we all went back to the hotel where we are staying because it is cool there and room for all to sit. We have given them all the snacks we had brought for our ourselves. They are fascinated with the granola bars and tootsie rolls and red licorice. They keep giving us Coca-Cola because they think we want to drink it all the time (they must have seen this on TV or somewhere). I dislike coke so I always take a few sips (smile) and then pass it on to Jim to drink. He tells them Pepsi is #1(but they don’t know what he's talking about). Edgar had invited this couple to go to the store with us because they are both catholic but Edgar has been witnessing to them and they had come to some of our mtgs. They were very open as we shared with them. I shared my testimony with Edith as we walked around the stores.

Back at the hotel room they asked about the last mtg. we had when people were falling on the floor. They had questions but were very interested. Before they left, we laid hands on them and anointed them with oil and prayed for them. They were touched that we would do that for them. Edgar and his family left us alone to get some rest. Jim was very exhausted.

He went to bed around 6pm and slept till 5:30am the next day. I wrote in my journal for a while and then fell asleep. By one am I was wide-awake but dozed off and on. Edgar is picking us up at 7am to have breakfast at his house. They start their day early here because by 6pm it is dark. There is still a lot going on in the streets though. Traffic and people everywhere constantly moving. There are bikes, motorcycles and small motorbike buses with side carriers to transport people from one place to another.

Every morning we go to the back of the hotel where there is a small balcony overlooking the ocean (Sarangani Bay). It is such a spectacular view. Yet if we look down in front of us by the seashore we see much poverty. I looked out and saw a small child playing with a stick sitting on the roof of a small hut that his her home. She looked to be only 3-4yrs old yet walked on top of that roof with ease and no fear of falling.

I had forgotten to mention about the couple that went with us to the store - they had invited us to their home for lunch. This was the first house that actually had walls (concrete and a real roof). It was a modes house but large and we knew they were influential people compared to what we had seen. We were served again first - grilled tuna which was a luxury to Edgar, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, mangos, bananas and a sweet sticky rice that was yummy-tasted like the inside of a mounds bar - coconut and rice. Also fish and other food. It was a feast and all was very good.

Edgar took us to a few homes of his neighbors. One tiny room for all. It is hard to believe that people actually live this way but seeing it first hand brings much reality to it all. We know this trip is totally in God's Hands. He has ordained it and every step we have taken He has walked with us. We have been so blessed in such a way our hearts cannot express. You all need to experience it for yourself to understand what I am trying to convey here.

Edith (the lady where we had lunch, was very blessed to have us). She gave me a ring she had on her finger as a gift to remember her by. I felt funny taking it but I knew I must take it from her. Linda's interpreter had taken off her ring at the conference and given it to Linda. Both rings that were given to Linda and I are the same (cool).

We had given Delia (Linda's interpreter) the crown tiara that we had used to pray for the women at the conference. Delia is a pastor's wife and we told her to use the crown at her church to pray for the people as she is led. She was touched by this gesture.

Erlinda was my interpreter. She is a woman pastor that networks with Edgar. She asked me if I would give her a bible like the one Jim gave to Edgar (spirit-filled). Linda and I said we would send Erlinda and Delia bibles when we get back home. I also told Erlinda I would send her a watch because she told me she has been wearing the same watch for l0 years and it doesn't work.

Friday - we went to visit some small sister churches that Edgar has connected with. We drove in a maze of huts and bumpy dirt roads and could not believe these churches. They were made out of cocoa-bamboo wood, sticks and dirt and whatever they can get their hands on. Humble humble people. We blessed and prayed for each pastor and then went on to the next church. It was quite an experience. We gave each pastor or his wife some money before we moved on to the next church to visit. They seemed very blessed to see us.

At the third church we had lunch waiting for us. This was Pastor June's church where I had spoken last Sunday morning. We had rice, tuna, fish, cod, pork, coke and sushi which they had bought special as a treat for us because they had heard Americans love sushi. We told them we don't like it but tried it to be polite. They said it was very expensive for them to buy it so I ate it with rice and swallowed fast and prayed I wouldn't get ill from eating the raw fish. (smile). Their hospitality is beyond words. They will not eat until we have said we are full. Then - they will eat the leftovers.

The pastor (June) said it is our custom but it is still hard to adjust to. Also, they all burp very loud while they are eating. I know I had heard about this somewhere that this is a custom of eating good food. They say thank you when they burp (?). They are also always fanning the food and us because there are many flies while we are eating. They keep telling us how honored they are to be in our presence. They do treat us like Kings and Queens. We could get spoiled very fast. (grin)

Raquel told Linda and I that her children told her that they are blessed we have come and that God has sent us here to help them and answer their prayers. These are children that are saying this. They are giving God the Glory for all that we have given them (materially). I thought that was so awesome!

Tonight is a special service for some tribal people who live in the city area. Jim is supposed to be speaking. Tonight was another amazing night. We drove down dirt streets that just barely fit the car. If Edgar had not planned for this car we could never be doing what we are doing. After much driving thru mazes of huts and huts, all crowded together, we pulled up to a brick but half-built building. One small light on at the altar. It is kind of dark as we walk in. There are a lot of small children, young people and adults all waiting patiently for us to arrive. The children are all staring at us.

They have never seen white people before. They stared at us all thru worship. The parents kept yelling at them to pay attention to the music. The worship was inspiring again - I am so touched by the children and how they are truly worshipping God. We are surprised by all the children. 3/4 of the building is full of very small children. A young girl around 9 gets up and sings a solo that is a special dedication to their visitors (us). She has tears running down her face as she sings from her heart. We can hardly believe what we see.

The hunger for God is so real and special here. Jim has to change his message because of all the children. He sits on a small stool and Edgar sits next to him to interpret. Jim starts telling a story about Jesus to them and Edgar interprets along. (I am impressed, Jim was so sensitive to the spirit). Then Jim asked me to give my testimony and then Linda gave her testimony and then Jim spoke a little more.

The children all sat very quiet and listen intently. No one yelling or crying or fussing. They all yell "amen" whenever Jim says anything. A mother starts nursing her baby. It’s so amazing. We feel like we are living the book of Acts going from village, preaching, prophesying, and praying for the sick, with signs and wonders following.

Jim tells everyone that we are going to pray and bless each child there that wants prayer. Every child responds and they are pushing to get to the front. We anoint every one of them with oil and it is so very sweet to see babies and l-2yr olds stick their heads up waiting for us to pray for them. It took quite a while but we finally finished as they all waited for their turn. While we prayed for the children, a couple of young girls had fans and they stood over us the whole time fanning us and never stopped until we had left.

They followed us and when we sat down on a bench they stood behind us fanning away the whole time. It is so humbling how we are treated. When we left everyone came to us and hugged us and they all were pushing to grab and touch us. They always grab our hands and lay them on their forehead for a blessing. It is strange.

Before we were ready to leave, the pastor of the mountain church (High Landers) tells us that his wife is home in bed and needs prayer for healing. So we go across the street to this tiny hut with a group of people following behind us. I'm telling you we feel like we are in the Book of Acts. We walk into this tiny room and there is a young woman lying on a thin bamboo mat. She lifted her head up and gave us a smile and we anointed her with oil and laid our hands on her and prayed for healing and then we left. People had their heads sticking in the windows watching.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts, which are few, and between General Santos City. This was the first real cup of coffee I have had since leaving home. It has always been instant. Coming out of Dunkin Donuts are two young boys begging for money. I tell Jim to give them money because I can't stand to turn them down. I want to send Edgar money to just give to the street kids. They are thrilled with only pennies. Edgar says these are street orphans.

We got dropped off at the hotel and tomorrow morning will be the water baptism of some of the mountain people. Whenever we go to a service of any sort, the women always greet us with corsages and flower leighs around our necks to welcome us and then hug and kiss to follow.

At the mtg. Friday night at the village where the mountain people live (the ones from the city) at the end 3 woman were being prayed for. Jim and I prayed for one and Linda prayed for l and Jim told Edgar to lay his hands on the last woman who was a pastor. As soon as Edgar laid his hand on her - down she went on the ground straight back on the dirt floor - no catcher (and she was praying loud in tongues). Edgar was amazed. Later we told Edgar that the Holy Spirit used that demonstration of only having that woman that Edgar prayed for go down like that to show and encourage Edgar that he also has received and has been imparted to do what he saw us doing and God has given him the anointing to continue to do it when we are gone.

The demand on us has been hard to do at times. To do things that do not come easy for us (me especially). To speak at a moments notice, to pray constantly for people of all ages, to be ready to do anything they ask of us. It is difficult but God has been and is always faithful to us. Linda and I have even had microphones handed to us one night to join in the worship and sing some songs they did not know (Toronto songs). (I was chuckling to myself)

The Lord was showing me today that I was first crabbing about our room at the hotel and yet our room is bigger than some of the people's homes here. To them, this room which is not that great to us is like a luxury to them.

Saturday - we went down to the Seashore to have about 27 people baptized youth and adults. It took 3 busloads of the mountain people and we road in our first motorcycle jeep (form of transport). It's quite an experience to ride in one. Everyone finally gathers at the waterfront and Jim was so moved by all the one's that have come to watch. They gathered around to see what we were doing. It was very hot but they don't seem to mind or complain. They wait patiently and wait quietly. Now that the baptism is over we head back to the hotel to change and all those people who were at the waterfront need to wait to be transported back to their village. Edgar had on the 24/7/365 T-shirt we gave him and Jim had on the Rebuilding the Tabernacle of David T-shirt from the Harp and Bowl meeting with Stuart Greaves. It was at that meeting that we started taking offerings for the poor. The Spirit of God sure does know how to prepare us for His purposes.

We are now going to visit a few more churches. Edgar said at 2pm there is a service they are going to have and we are speaking at it. It turned out that we were just visiting churches that Edgar is connected with. Sunday is the combination service of all pastors at 2pm. We visited 4 churches maybe 5 (I can't remember). Each was unique and very needy. They all say they are pioneer churches. They have big dreams and visions for their churches.

At one of the stops we had lunch prepared for us by the pastor's wife. We ate in the church, as that was the biggest room. Their huts (homes) are only l room or maybe 2 room's tops - you have to see it to believe it that families actually live like this. We were served rice, sweet potatoes, baked chicken and a noodle type dish which was very tasty. We have been trying all the food they put in front of us even if it's only a taste. There was also fresh corn beef, which was good.

Our driver Ping who has been a God send to us has been driving us everywhere protecting us - locking doors - walking near us - he has been just wonderful. He had to go on another call so he left us at one church. Edgar said we would have to ride a jeepny (motorcycle type vehicle) to get to the other church. It was quite a ride - on our way to the other church, the chain fell off the vehicle and was broken down on the side of the road. Well of course, we are the center of attention wherever we go - every single person in Gen San City has stared at us.

We were just getting out of the jeepny and low and behold, Ping, our guardian angel driver pulls right up behind the broken vehicle and we all jump in the car and go. There are hardly any cars in the city. They are very rare. It is a blessing that we have a driver and a car at our disposal. I don't know how we would have ever gotten around without much confusion and attention if not for the car. We also went to visit Raquel's sister Esther. We have just finished eating lunch and at Esther’s house she gets out more food and drinks for us. We are stuffed but don’t want to hurt her feelings so we try all the food she offers Pepsi (Jim is happy J ) and us. Every stop we make we are offered something to eat or drink. It is their custom Edgar says.

The problem is there are no bathrooms anywhere to use. No public facilities, only at the mall and the hotel. So we have to hold it a lot. The bathrooms they have at the churches and at all the homes we visited are just a hole and shovel - that's it folks. At the hotel we have to keep asking for toilet paper because they don't use it and they look at us funny when we request it. Also they never use napkins like we use. There's all that food and nothing to wipe your hands on and no where for that matter to wash your hands before eating. They bring a bowl after dinner with water to wash your hands with.

The Holy Spirit has put on my heart and Linda's to give away all that we have including our possessions that we have brought. It is a small sacrifice for us compared to the large ones they have made for us. I have given all books I had brought with me to read while I was here. I have also along with Linda, given away all my jewelry that I had brought with me to wear. Two things that were very close to my heart - one was a gold cross that my parents had given me for my birthday and the other was a sterling bracelet that Jim had special made for me and it was my favorite bracelet that I had worn all the time. It was hard to let go of it but I heard the Lord very clearly say, "give it away to Esther". So I did so.

About the oil - we have anointed everyone we have prayed for with oil. This is new to them. They have never experienced this before and yet Edgar tells us that the people are telling him that when we put the oil on their forehead or on their hands, they feel the fire of God in the oil. In some churches we visited they use very old tattered yellow paper on the wall with words of songs they sing for worship. One pastor said her song sheets were 8 yrs old. There are tambourines that are very very old and missing parts but they joyfully play them.

Edgar kept watching Jim, Linda and I putting breath mints in our mouths and asked what strange thing is this? They have never seen mints like that or know why we would use them. Edgar liked the gum (icebreaker and mints). Everytime we popped a mint in our mouth, his hand would always be there too.

Sunday – I don’t think I mentioned about my flags. At the end of the conference, the Holy Spirit told me to give the flags to Edgar. It was difficult for me because I did not want to give them away. He was very excited to have them and on that Sunday during worship the children took turns passing the flags around and using them. It blessed my heart to see this.

We also gave all the oil we had to Edgar as they have never been prayed for with oil and they were just totally blessed to do so. Sunday was a full day for us. We started out eating breakfast and then went to a store before the service to purchase drum sticks for Jeremiah, Edgar’s son and drummer of their church. Linda said someone had given her money to buy something special while she was on her trip, so she gave the money to Jeremiah to purchase the sticks.

He had been using old sticks he had made from tree bark. He was beaming all thru worship. They are so grateful for whatever is given them and they thank God for what we give them. Edgar said some people have told him they think we are giving them things and money just because we are rich and can do so. They don’t think it is much of a sacrifice for us. Edgar has to explain to them that we are not rich but we are giving them all that we have.

Many people keep handing us notes with requests for money to help them. One young mother handed me a note saying her 6mo.old daughter was in the hospital and they don’t have the money to buy her the medicine she needs. Another boy handed Jim a note to ask for money to buy a guitar so he can worship God on the worship team. We look around and see old tattered bibles – very old and worn or some with no bibles just listening intently to everything being said.

I pray we will be able to help these people when we return home and tell everyone how much is needed here. We are seeing Jim Goll’s prophecy fulfilled right before our very eyes. It is so amazing. Jim got out the prophesy here to show it to Edgar – it is truly happening here – our hearts are being knitted together with these precious people and we know we must help them in every way we can. We know everyone reading this journal will feel the same way. It is God’s work for sure – God will be pleased!

I must mention the toilet paper. I kept seeing toilet paper on the altar at church and thought "oh my" but later saw them using it as napkins at meals and as paper towels (which they didn’t know what they were). We keep forgetting to move away from the table when we are done eating so the children and others can eat when we are done. The customs are so different – thank God I live in America.

The worship and service at Edgar’s church was wonderful. They are so free in worship and our hearts are truly lifted to the heavenlies. The children are mingling around us and want us to touch and bless them. Whenever we touch them, they are so excited and run and tell someone. Jim gave the message on being baptized in the Holy Spirit and there is more than salvation available to them.

Jim keeps telling Linda and I that he has nothing to say or doesn’t know what to share or do but when he opens his mouth to speak there is an incredible anointing on him. His prayers here echo authority and power that we have not witnessed at home. God is so good. He is so faithful. We have prayed for many sick people and they have been healed. Because they have no doctors or medicine (no money) they ask for prayer for every ailment. Their faith is great.

While we were eating lunch at Edgar’s, a woman from his church came and asked if we would go to the hospital to pray for her father who is going to have surgery the next day. We agree and after lunch we are wisked away in a jeepny (but is bigger like a tiny truck with seats) and it’s an open vehicle. We are in for quite an experience as we arrive at the hospital. Stares of course again at us and everyone whispering as we walk past people.

We cannot believe our eyes as we enter the hospital. Edgar tells us this is a public hospital (for poor) and then there are private hospitals for ones that can afford better care. As we enter, there are people laying every where, sitting, lying in the halls and on the floors in the halls – the filth is so unbelievable. We enter the room where the man is that we are going to pray for. It is a big room with about l0 other patients in there. Some beds have 2 people lying in them and just lying on a mattress with no sheets.

The room is very dirty and I see cob webs all over the walls and filth everywhere. The man is in the corner bed – his daughter wakes him and he is surprised to see us but is happy for us to pray for him. We pray and lay hands on him and anoint him with oil. All eyes are on us as we pray and it is very quiet. Edgar then turns around and asks the others in the room if they would like prayer as well. They all say yes and so we lay our hands on them as well. We are so blessed that God is using us in such a way. He truly is challenging us to live out what we were being trained for back home. He is saying, "there they are – do it". Oh man what stretching! But HE is Faithful!

After the hospital visit, Edgar tells us we re now going to pick up 2 more pastors and then go to the center of the city to pound in the stake that Jim has brought for them to claim their land. They are estactic to do this. They also are not going to wait until dark but at 2 p.m. in the afternoon they have scheduled to do this. We arrive at the park (which is called "Freedom Park". We go to the center of the park and they pray and then the pastors take turns pounding in the stake. Jim prayed with them also. It was a very anointed time. Edgar told us next week he would bring all the other pastors there to that spot to show them and they would meet there on a regular basis to pray for their city. The pastors that are connected with Edgar (about 15) are the true example of Psalm 133. Their hearts are one and they prefer one another and it is so obvious how they respect each other with no competition.

Now we are off again to a combined service set up with a group of pastors to hear Jim speak. There is a huge welcome sign on the altar for us and we are given flowers and hugs again. They have begun worship again and it is awesome. We are ushered to the front. They really know how to touch God’s heart with their worship. The songs are old that we sang back in the charismatic movement but to them they are life to their souls.

They sing with all that is within them. This church seems newer than the ones we had been in – there are no windows and no doors and only half walls. Jim is told he is speaking again which he didn’t know until we were on our way there. He does fine – Holy Spirit comes thru again and the people are touched and blessed. The service is not over yet but we have to rush off because Jim is scheduled to speak at a radio station – there is a time limit on that so off we go again – we feel funny just walking out of the service because they are worshipping again and we sense they don’t want us to leave but we must.

We are running late to get to the station so the driver is really driving fast to get us there on time – Linda and I are praying in tongues all the way. It is a scary ride but we make it safely and we are l0 min. late but Jim really has plenty of time to give his testimony and then I also spoke for about 5 min. too. We go back to the hotel after that because there is no bathrooms and Linda and I are always taken back to the hotel to use the bathroom there. We haven’t yet had to use their toilet "hole and shovel" J . We see men going to the bathroom on the streets but Edgar says this is normal. Edgar tells us we can rest for about 30 min. and then there is another service at another church. People are there waiting for us to come and speak to them.

Jim is totally exhausted and we can see it on his face and eyes. He asks if Linda and I can do the service tonight. We agree and both have written down the same message that we thought we should be sharing on (amazing). So we combine our notes and we both shared together. We spoke on blessings and not cursing and on the book of Jabez. Later the pastor told us that the message was what her church really needed to hear. They were all totally blessed. In the middle of our speaking, the electricity went out – but not to worry they immediately ran and got candles and we continued the service without no interruptions or panicking or complaining – no concern, no one leaving.

Before we were done speaking, the lights went back on. Linda and I said we would pray a blessing over all that wanted it. We placed the talit on each one’s head and anointed him or her with oil. This church was filled with mostly young people. They were on fire for God. They all came up for prayer and were touched by God. Edgar said next year he would like to have a youth mtg. at the conference because there are so many youths here on fire for God but have no training. He would like us to bring some young people next year to train them.

Yes – they are already making plans for their conference for next year. They are positive we will be back and will bring others with us. We pray that will come to pass. After the service is over the custom is to bless the visitors so they take the table from the altar and it is now their food table. The pastor takes money from the offering (which we know is not much) and sends some teens to buy coke and crackers for us to eat.

I forgot to mention earlier that before we went to the evening service, we stopped at a store and small restaurant and had ice cream and sponge cake. The ice cream was purple. It tasted very good – kinda like coconut and cream.

They called it magnolia ice cream. There was a small portion left over and Raquel said she would save it for her children. She carried that tin to church and then of course it became just liquid but she said her children would be happy to have a taste (drink) of it.

At all the services, the chairs are benches made of wood with no backs. Very hard and uncomfortable but these people will sit on them for hours without moving.

Monday - today is our last full day with Edgar and family. We were supposed to go to the mountains to see the tribal people today. It is a 3-hr ride by car, then walking up a mountain (2 miles) and then Raquel said they meet us with horses for another part of the trip to their village. Edgar told us that as he was praying the night before, the Holy Spirit told him that it was not safe for us to travel to the mountain people at this time. I am glad he says this because I had a bad feeling about going and didn’t know if it was the Holy Spirit or just plain fear.

Edgar said that since this incident with the 3 Americans that were captured by the muslin rebels and some Philippines too, that some of the rebels would be hiding in the mountains to get away from the fighting and the troops that are out looking for them. Edith also had told me that she felt the Lord telling her that we should not go to the mountains because it would not be safe. She said she prayed real hard that Edgar would not take us there.

So after breakfast, we went to the mall and Edith and Peolo were with us and took us on a sightseeing tour of Gen San City. After that we went to lunch at a restaurant and then we went to Edith’s’ house. She told Linda and I that she wanted to do our nails and so she gave me a pedicure and then did my fingernails as well. It was a humbling experience because I did not want her to do my feet but she insisted and said she was honored to do so.

After Edgar and Raquel came back to our room at the hotel to say good-byes and thanking each other for everything. We are sad to leave them yet we are also anxious to get back home. We have mixed emotions. Jim empties out his pockets and gives Edgar all the money we have left. Edgar said he would phone his brother-in-law Leo to meet us at the Manila airport. We started packing our clothes when Edgar left the room. I filled a small suitcase with clothes and as much as it would hold to leave behind for Edgar’s family.

I have given a lot of things away and so has Linda. Edgar and Raquel have bought us gifts to take back home and gifts for us as well. We wished they had not spent their money on us but we know they will anyways. They are always giving right to the very end.

Edgar tells Jim that 4 other pastors want to continue the work that has been started and birthed here and they want to connect and be an extension of our ministry (SACF) here in Gen San City. We are honored and privileged to do so. Jim will send them more materials and training books in the near future. They want whatever we can send them. They said a group would be here tomorrow to send us off back to our home.

I am trying to gather closing thoughts of these past two weeks. It is very hard to explain unless you have experienced it for yourself. We will miss the new friends we have made. We feel like we have known them already even though we just met them. Especially Edgar and Raquel. We have really knitted and intertwined our hearts together and like Edgar says " we are one". I know that he is worried that we will forget them when we go back home but we will never forget and we will keep our promise to help him and his ministry as much as we can.

Yesterday at lunch we had a famous dessert that they wanted us to try. It is called halo-halo made with ice cream, jelly beans, ice, bananas, coconut, nuts and other unidentifiable objects. They mix it all together (halo mean to mix) and I mean mix until it looks like a big bowl of cold mushy soup and then they spoon eat it. It was good believe it or not.

Tuesday – well this is our final day here. Edgar came at 7:30am to greet us and have our last breakfast together at the hotel. Raquel, Esther, Roden (her husband) pastor Erlinda, pastor Danny and wife and pastor Stalin all came to eat breakfast with us and see us all off. After breakfast, we all prayed for a safe journey home. Esther said she heard on the radio that one of the hostages (American) had been beheaded. We all joined hands to pray for protection.

Edith and Paelo joined us at the airport with all of Edgar’s family plus some members of his church. They sat outside the airport for over an hour in very very hot weather waiting for our plane to take off. They are not allowed to enter the inside of the airport. Their security is very tight and guards are everywhere checking everyone. Edgar is allowed to come in with us to wait for our plane to leave Gen San City. At l2: 40pm we are ready to board the plane to Manila. It is very hard to say goodbye to Edgar.

He doesn’t want us to leave and we feel his love for us so strongly. He has tears in his eyes as we head for the plane. When we are on the plane, we can see thru the window and they are all waving vigorously at the plane as we take off. Edgar told us Leo his brother-in-law would be waiting at the airport in Manila to meet us for help. We arrive in Manila at 3:30pm and Leo is waiting for us. We get a cab to a hotel nearby because our flight out of Manila is at 8:20am and we need to be there by 5:15am.

When we were at the airport in Manila, we had to go thru one last custom’s area and a terminal to get to the place where the planes were taking off. There was a $11 fee per person to go thru this gate. Jim had given all his money away and there was no ATM or banks to get money anywhere. I had kept a $20 bill tucked away for an emergency and Linda had done the same thing, so we used our emergency money to get thru the gate to our final destination home. God is Good!

Leo is another "God sent" again to us and he has helped us in communication and interpretation. We found a very nice hotel – Coca-Cobana, which has a huge room and it, has a huge living room, kitchen, and 3 different bedrooms with doors. It looks like an apartment. It is $65 a night to stay here. We went downstairs and have a nice dinner with Leo. We had hamburgers and fries, which tasted very good to us. Leo is so hungry for God.

He is drinking in everything Jim tells him. He has many questions and he is so precious and wants to know everything Jim has to say. He doesn’t want to leave us. He wants Jim to tell him everything he knows. Leo is poor also and so Jim gives him some money to get home and also for his family. We laid hands on Leo before he left and prayed for an impartation for him. He was touched and cried when he left us.

Our trip home will be a long one but we pray that all will go well. Edgar had called Leo twice while we were in Manila waiting. Edgar is very concerned that we get home safely. God has been with us thru this whole trip and walked with us thru every step we took. I have personally learned how to "trust" God more than ever thru this trip and how faithful God really is.

One last thought, since we have been home, many people have said "how could you have done that, or "I don’t think I could have lived like that or do what you did". Well, what I would say to them is "It is by the Grace of God that I did do what I did and only by the grace and mercy of God". God was so faithful and basically let me know that if I did my part, He would surely do His part.

He equipped and prepared us for that trip and I have no doubt it was for such a time as this. I would not hesitate to go back and minister to our new brothers and sisters and let them in turn minister to me. I really do believe with all my heart that every American should go to a third world country to see and experience for themselves how other people actually live. It is an eye opener for sure.

God bless to all

Roseanne Exner SACF/ Ministry Leader