Malaysia to Philippines Interlude

We have transitioned from Malaysia to the Philippines, but a lot of stuff happened. So let’s talk about stuff. 

Biggest stuff that occurred was a team change. Entirely different team for me except for my old leader, who is no longer my leader. My entire team except for my new leader are girls. That fact adds a different dynamic for sure. Our first time together we stopped at multiple places to shop. I’m going to have to take opportunities to evangelize in those moments. There were actually cross necklaces so I was able to talk to a person about that. Her name was Joice. God also set up a couple conversations for me at the laundromat and Uber drivers. I need to keep growing in that regard. We are finding our groove as a new team with the girls. I kill and clean up cockroaches, the girls help me find my lost phone with the power of modern technology. 

Roles shifted around, and I’m still the social media person. I’d like to lead at some point, but ultimately I need time for the videos I am preparing so I’m good with the decision. Plus the time will give me more freedom to explore and do my own thing. I have a plan, let’s see if it comes to pass. 

I wish I had more time to explore the capital of Malaysia. There was a restaurant that we found that had Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day specials, and I wanted to find out what is going on there with management. My leader is very adventurous, and as the only boys I’m sure we are going to have fun. You can serve and lead things very well while not being a leader of a team, and that’s what I’m going to try and do. Plus the new Worship Coordinator asked me to be the Worship Facilitator for my team, so that will be fun! 

In the time we had in the city we went to the second highest building in the world. We weren’t allowed in because there was still constriction, but that fact is still cool. Leadership made us do riddles to find out our new teams, and my partner was my new leader. We went to a library that doesn’t exist, and an actual library. It was interesting to see the Christian section. It had books about how Christianity led to Islam, Atheist books, and zero Bibles. There were a couple positive books about the Christian lifestyle but that section really hammered home that Malaysia is in fact a Muslim majority country. Another fun thing I did was pay for a movie ticket just so I could sleep in a dark room during travel day. The experience was 100% worth it. 

My first thoughts about the Philippines are wow these people don’t stay in lanes while driving, and they have sweet spaghetti sauce. 

The ministry for the Philippines is a lot like Thailand. Helping sex trafficking victims living right next to a red light district. But the ministry will actually be even more intense, because we are going straight to the bars. The situation there is very sad. Some of the girls are high school age and the guys can go up to eighty. It’s also super advertised with the girls on the streets. 

I’ll do my best! Prayers would be appreciated!