Jing has served at Hope for the Island for 10 years. She is currently doing her DTS (Discipleship Training School) at YWAM in Manila. The following is an update from her:
I am always grateful to God for those of you who have been my partner in prayer in this season of my life. One of our YWAM lectures about the heart and all the issues surrounding it broke me before the Lord. I got a clearer picture of my spiritual walk and many past hurts surfaced. Although painful, God used this to show me that for a long time I was still living in the dark.
Thank God for this time of refreshing and bringing me into His light so I could shine it to this dark world. I feel like a new person as He healed these root issues. I have lived with so many insecurities, trying to hide behind them by doing more ministry. I am grateful to have time like this to press into Him without any distractions. I feel so free and want to shout how good is our God that He never gave up on me! I can now witness boldly about God’s goodness and love without any awkwardness because it is real in my life.
During our recent midterm outreach we ministered in an area where the people really struggle. They are prone to being flooded and some evacuate. Many who remain have nowhere to go and are exposed to sickness and disease from dirty, garbage filled, contaminated water.
We were ministering to gang members as well. They were thankful for the compassion and care they received. God reminded me He desires to save even the hardest people on earth.
It was a blessing to share with mothers that were eager to hear God’s Word. At first they were ashamed of the conditions they lived in but then warmed to sincere love shown to them. Three mothers gave their life to Jesus as I shared the gospel. Those with so little seem more open and hungry for God’s Word. Sometimes when man has so much to hold on to, they can’t hold on to the Lord.
Many children we encountered had no guidance and care. They were covered in dirt and their clothes were torn. After a little love and attention they were hugging us and didn’t want to see us leave. These parents who have no education and no money do not send their children to school.
I pray that God takes me back to this area some day. In the meantime please join me in prayer for those who experience such extreme poverty. Four of our YWAM workers continue to do outreach in this area.
