Made it to Israel!!!

Well, I am finally in Israel, Praise God! I have been here for about 4 full days, and it has been amazing so far! I landed wednesday morning at about 6 am, and was of course questioned prior to coming inside the country. After a few questions regarding my reason for being here, whom I will be staying with, who I know, why so long, etc... I was released and allowed entrance!!! God is good and led me through. So after entrance, I exchanged some money, was stopped again by a military officer and was questioned again. Also, God got me pass the officer’s questions and I finally hopped on a train heading to Tel Aviv. I check in at the hostel, and immediately took off to Jerusalem to tour the Old City for the day. That has always been my desire to see, so I wasted no time in doing so once I arrived. It was truly amazing walking through the old city, hiking the Mount of Olives and also spending time in the word in Gethsemane. Overall, it was a great first day spent in Israel.

Thursday I was back in Tel Aviv, serving at a soup kitchen at Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv. It was such a blessing serving the poor and homeless and being able to engage in conversations w/them about our Messiah Jesus Christ! Of course the conversations always turned to God, which was a blessing to just be able to plant seeds, and hopefully someday somebody will continue planting that seed in whomever I got to speak with. The soup kitchen lasted about all day, preparing/cooking the meal and serving, and the fellowship after w/the other Believer’s was a great blessing as well. After the soup kitchen, I went and checked out of my hostel, spent some time on the Mediterranean Sea beach, and then took a Sherut w/Sosimo and a young lady, Emily, back to Jerusalem, where I stayed the night at the old Bible college dorms.

Friday, Sosimo and I went with Brian Harrington to help move him and his parents out of their apartment. Brian’s parents were the directors of the Bible College here in Jerusalem, but unfortunately they have been denied access back into the country so will be returning to the states after 7 years of serving in Israel. So we spent the majority of the day w/Brian moving furniture out of the apartment. When evening finally hit, that meant that Shabbat also started. It will last until Saturday evening. We heard that if we went to the Western Wall, we could possibly be asked to join a family to eat the Shabbat meal. So, Sosimo and I walked back to the Old City, and went to the Western Wall. We prayed there, and talked to a few people, and then we met a man who asked us our plans for the evening. Of course, we have none, so he told us of a place where we can eat and join in with a traditional Shabbat meal, and had a few young Jewish men lead us to the house. So we spent the rest of the evening splitting bread, eating, and feasting on a HUGE Shabbat diner, until about One thirty in the morning!!! It was truly a blessing to be able to be invited to eat a Shabbat meal, with people from all around the world, here in Jerusalem. Truly, a lifetime experience. And the food was phenomenal!!! A free meal right now is always a blessing!!! And this filled me for days! Ha! Also during the diner, the Rabbi who was the host, had asked Sosimo and I to stand in front of everyone, and share a bit of our hearts, “wisdom from Cali” as he called it. So Sosi and I both were blessed to share a few words, and of course always pointing everybody to Christ our King! Although we had to be very sensitive to the Jewish Religion and careful of what we said, I know in my heart Glory was given to God! The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob...Jesus! After the diner, we began to talk more w/the guys who led us to the house, and we ended up chatting w/them till about 3:30 in the morning. It was a great time learning more about them, and God really directed the questioning to the Messiah! The young man I spoke with was very intellectual, but when I mentioned Jesus, he did not understand so much of how He could possibly be the Messiah, though He wasn’t fully opposed to the idea. It was a blessing to share the Gospel to him, and tell him that the Messiah has already come, and Yeshua is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! He listened carefully, and asked questions. Although He didn’t accept Christ as Lord and Savior, I know the Lord will continue to grow that seed planted in Him. And who knows what will happen. For now, I will be meeting with him again tomorrow, and also may be going to his work next week to meet with him. He and I both have many questions for each other, and it has been a blessing talking with him so far right under Jaffa Gate, which is an entrance to the Old City.

Currently Sosimo and I are sitting at a Coffee Shop in town (Aroma Coffee) here in Jerusalem. We just got our of Church Service, since today is Shabbat (Sabbath). We attended a Baptist Church today, where actually the Pastor is cousins with Raul Ruiz. Also, it was a church that Chuck Smith had once spoke at. It was also great being there, becuase the Lord opened many doors to speak with a lot of people at church .We had a pot luck lunch after (which they haven’t done in so long, so it was a blessing to be a part of) and I got to speak w/many different people. One man began a ministry here in Jerusalem and gave me his email and said he would love for me to come check it out. So it’s great to see the Lord opening more doors to serve in different places. It’s also been great to see how my heavently Abba has been constantly feeding us meals, and giving us a roof to sleep under. God has been so faithful to me so far, and I’m really enjoying trusting in Yeshua, and walking by Faith! I miss and love you all! Please keep me in prayer, as I will pray for all my friends and family back at home. I'll put up some pictures soon.

Christ be Magnified.

Shabbat Shalom!

Nick

Time is running down...

Well, I have been in the Philippines for 6 weeks now, and I only have a few days to go. I really can't express in words my time spent here in Himamaylan. Blessings after blessings, God is so Good, and I have fallen in more love with the Filipino people over here.

Today was a tough day, only because I had to say Good Bye to many many dear people. Basically the whole church family in the Bukid, I will no longer see, until the day the Lord brings me back, if He wills. It was tough leaving all the kids behind. They really have tugged on my heart, once again, and it's really hard to let go after growing to love them. Last night (Saturday) we had a HUGE Fellowship diner at the church! I went shopping in Bacolod last week and loaded up on groceries... Bembem and I also went to the market on Friday and stocked up on bags full of vegetables. Saturday afternoon, many people gathered at the church, mostly the group of teenage girls from the church, and we all cooked the meal and prepared for a night full of fun. After cooking, games w/the kids, and a little music, majority of people from church showed up and we all joined holding hands, thanking our God for the food He had prepared for us, and also for all His grace upon us. There was SOOO MUCH FOOD! And it was all so delicious! Filipino's definitely know how to cook and eat... They feed me so much all the time. You may not recognize me when you see me because I've added about 20 too many mango's to my belly (just in the past day), and twice the amount of lumpia rolls! Ha... but seriously!

The night was so much fun, and it ended for me, playing worship with some of the kids, while sitting on top of the jeep under a sky FULL of stars! It was truly a glorious time, seeking praises to God with all the kids. I sure am gonna miss that. (worship on Jeep picture above)

Today was an amazing sunday service, and my last time leading worship in Ilonggo at Simbahan Sa Bukid. I really have had so much fun being stretched the past 6 weeks, learning Ilonggo, and using it to Worship my God. But Jesus is so faithful to provide where I lack, and comfort me when I was in need. It's been great to be used to help with worship here in Himamaylan. We took one last final picture together as a great big family! (picture above). After saying goodbye, we came back home, I made one last Mango Float for the family, and after we all took naps, we headed back to the Bukid. We had our final Men's Bible Study in Calasa, just reminiscing on the how Faithful our God is to us, constantly! It really hit me tonight how Great of a God we serve, and truly how faithful He is. I remember before I came to the Philippines, I was stressing about my guitar skills (or lack of) and also stressing about teaching the Word! I didn't know if I was going to be able to pick up on the language or how well I'd be accepted here. I really was nervous about what was ahead. I was too busy living trying to figure out the future, instead of just serving God in the Present. Now that I'm about to head home, I look back and kinda just laugh at how silly I acted. The Lord took care of me so well, and I truly have another family here in the Philippines! Again, He has been so faithful to guide my steps, my teachings, my singing in another language, my hands playing guitar, and my every moment, which brought me not only closer to the people, but to Jesus Christ.

After the study, we headed over to Nanay and Tatay's house, and had one more fellowship diner with just the Miguel Family, Doug, and myself. It was truly a sweet blessing, and the even presented Doug and I with some gifts!!! I was really shocked, but they gave us a weaved bag full of goods! I'll have to show you when I get home! Diner filled me beyond my own good again, but I couldn't stop eating the Duck, Rice, and Mango Float.

Well in about 3 days from now I'll be on a plane heading back to the states. While I am very happy and excited to see my family at home, I am also sad and hesitant about leaving Himamaylan. Again, I now have another family here, and if you know anything about me, you know how much I love my family, and how hard it is for me to leave them. So anyways, it's bittersweet. I don't really know much more to say about it.

I will be home for 4 days, and I'm so Excited to spend time with my family, friends, and especially to see my nephew Elijah! I miss him so much, and can't stop thinking about him! A week from tomorrow, I will be on another plane heading to Israel. I will have a 16 hour layover in London, so I will tour the city that day, and then head to Tel Aviv, Israel. As of right now, I really have no idea where or how I'll be serving in Israel. I have gotten in touch with a few contacts, and plans keep changing. So as I have learned here in the Pi, trust in the faithfulness of the Lord. I am a bit worried, but I know after my 3 months in Israel, I will look back at my time now, and again just laugh at how silly I was being worried, and doubting God's ability to provide. I am so excited to go serve in Israel. This whole "Living By Faith" deal is such an adrenaline rush! I'm just glad I serve a loving, gracious, merciful, promising, and faithful Jesus!

Please keep me in prayer. My life has been radically changed while here in the PI, and I know the Lord will continue to perfect me while in Israel. Pray for my lack of Faith, and for a calm spirit about heading to Israel. I just want to trust that He will be my "I AM". Well, I love you all and miss you much. Your prosperity in Christ is in my prayers! Be Blessed, be bold, and stand for Truth... Jesus is all we need, in every circumstance... Don't seek happiness. Seek Peace (whom alone comes from Jesus) and there you will find true happiness. This world is quickly passing, and now is the time to cling to Christ, our Solid Rock. All other ground is sinking sand. Love you. Lord Bless you and keep you.

May Christ Be Magnified!

Nick

Ps. The third picture above is one with me and Cat-Cat. That is her nick-name, but it's what she goes by. For the first few weeks I was here, she would not let me hold her or pick her up. I could barely lay a finger on her without her running away. About 2 weeks ago. She finally began to yell my name, and run after me with arms wide open! It was truly a blessing to just hold her in my arms, and feel accepted by her. She really knows how to grab a hold of my heart with her little cute face! I love when she laughs, dances and yells my name! She now lets me hold her whenever and often just runs to me hugging me. Just a few days ago, I said "kiss kiss" while holding her and she reached up and gave me a small kiss on the cheek! It was such a precious moment! Ok... well Ps's are supposed to be short, but I just wanted you to know about her! I truly am gonna miss her and love her so much! All the more reason I'm excited to get home to my little nephew who is just about the same age. I can't wait till Tito (uncle) Nick gets a great big hug and kiss from lil' Eli, aka monkey! See you all soon, Lord willing!

What's next?

Well, as I'm sure most of you have already heard, the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Jerusalem has closed down suddenly this semester, which means I no longer will be studying abroad in Jerusalem. I don't really know where I'll be next... Lately I have been trying to figure things out on my own, and forgetting that God is my Lord, and He is in charge and I'm just a dumb ol sheep trying to stay on the right path. I'm looking at about 3 different options ahead of me right now, and who knows if God doesn't want me to take any of those, because He has something completely different. I'm looking at either attending school in Germany, or back in Ensenada, Mexico, depending if I can get a refund on my airline tickets or not. The third option is to possibly serve as a missionary in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the next months. I would absolutely love to do that, since I love missionary work, and have learned so much more about ministry work being here in the Philippines the past 5 weeks then I did from 4 months at Bible College. I would love to step out and serve the Jewish culture and learn more about them, and why God has chosen them. I also would love to learn more about the Historical sights of when Christ walked the earth, because as I've heard, it makes the Bible become so much more living and real. Well I have sent an email out to Germany, Mexico, and CC Tel Aviv, so now I'm just waiting on the Lord to see what He wants me to do. I could really use some prayer right now, some intercessory prayer from all of you asking God to reveal the next step to me. Selfishly, I want God to reveal the whole next part of the year to me, but I know that while I serve Him, He will direct me step by step. Remember the flashlight story, walking around the waterfall cliffs at midnight. All I can see is my feet, and not what's in front of me... Boy, talk about learning to trust in the Lord and His perfect timing... It's nervous and exciting, and a bit of an adrenaline rush. I don't know what's next, but now that I think about it.. I never really have known what was next in my life.. God knows far more than I, so pray that I can just put my full faith and trust in Him, my Solid Rock, Jesus Christ! Psalms 50:15 really spoke to me last night. Maybe it can bless you during your season of confusion as well. I'm praying for my second mom that she would continue to press on toward the Prize, and know that in Christ she is more than a Conquerer. Nothing will separate us from the Love of Jesus! (Romans 8:38-39).

Keep your eyes on Jesus our Christ, our Lord, our King, our Love, our Great "I AM". Trust in Truth!

Lord Bless you always.

Wow it has been a while!

Sorry everyone for not posting anything sooner.. We have been extremely busy here in Himamaylan, and it seems that when I do finally have time to get on the internet, we lose internet service, or have a "brown out". Well the past few days here have been so exciting! This week was filled with so much Joy!

Sunday was the first of the month, so we got to take communion at church with the whole Body of Christ! It was really a blessing and joy to be able to partake in Communion with people, half way around the world. The Saturday before, I taught the girls a song in english: "The Nails in Your Hands." So on Sunday after communion, we all sang that song, worshipping to our Lord, remembering the Beautiful Sacrifice, which demonstrated how much God the Father loves us!

Monday, Doug and I took off early in the morning and caught a three hour bus ride (should have only been 1.5 hrs) to Bacolod City to visit the Rosmarino family!!! The bus ride was a slow bus that stopped every 10 feet which is why it took us so long, but it was definitely well worth it, as we got to spend the next day and a half with all the kids at Calvary Chapel Bacolod!! It was so great to see all the kids again. I really forgot how much I missed them until I saw all their glowing faces again! I really feel at home every time I go there! The Joy of the Lord is overflowing abundantly out of all their lives, and the Unity in the Family, which is about 160 total people, really blows my mind! Well, on monday, the kids did their "Program" for us and sang a bunch of songs. They really have great voices and are so cute when they dress up and dance for us! From ages 4-18, they are all dressed, dancing and singing, in perfect unity! Tuesday morning, I got to play with the kids a bit outside, and they after they took off to school, Doug and I left to come back to Himamaylan. Overall, it was so much fun to visit them again! God willing, I can come back in January to see their faces again!

Tuesday night we had a Bible Study with Bembem and his brother Dandan.. I had the opportunity to share a lil bit of the first half of the life of Joseph, from Genesis. I absolutely love the Character of Joseph from the OT, and love how he is really a type of Christ! He is actually the only character in the Bible, other than Jesus, who has no recorded sin! Not to say, he didn't sin, because we know that ALL have sinned, but I find it fascinating that there is no record of his sin! It was a great time, and a joy. God willing we will finish up His life next tuesday.

Wednesday was a national holiday, so nobody had school. So wed morning, we loaded up the van, and 5 of us headed back up to "Mag-Aso" where the beautiful waterfalls are! Doug had never been before, so it was great to go again and see them. We spent just about the whole day there, swimming, playing water basketball, taking pictures by the falls, and even swimming in the waterfalls pool. They were very strong and actually a bit scary if you got too close. One guy thought he could handle swimming behind the falls, but what he didn't realize is the strong undercurrent of the water. When it falls it hits the water creating a whirl-pool and though it looks manageable to come near above the service, under neath the water is pretty rough, and can suck you right into the falls. So this guy was behind the falls, and for a while was doing good.. but when he tried to come back, he realized the harder he paddled to try and swim back the more energy he was wasting because he wasn't moving an inch... He began to panic a bit and started to cry out for help... Well of course, if you know me I kinda like to live risky, so at this time I was only about five feet away from this guy swimming.. I had nearly got stuck as well.. but managed to swim my way out and grab on a rock and pull my self further away from the falls. But this guy was stuck and couldn't grab a rock near him, and began to panic. So I had to go back towards the falls hold onto a rock under the water, and reach out for this man's hand.. finally he grabbed mine, and pulled him back to the rock where I was holding on to. He was very thankful, and we began to talk while sitting now only feet from the falls. He was a very nice man, spoke english pretty well, and I told him why I was in the PI. We talked a bit more, and it really was a joy to be used by God, to lend a helping hand to a person in time of need. I thought ministry was directed at the church, but am beginning to realize that phrase that we ought to really be living Gospels, for we may be the only Bible anybody ever reads.. Well as you can see, I am a HERO and without me this guy would have died. I am so great and Marvelous, and can rescue anybody! HAHA..JUST KIDDING! Thanks be to God for bringing me and Julian out of the falls safely, and allowing us to grab a hold of that rock. Because I must admit, I was a bit scared that I was going to get stuck as well, but the Lord took care of me and that man. So praise God, and thanks be to God!

Grabbing ahold of that sturdy rock in the midst of a few thousand pounds of water reminds me of Jesus Christ being our solid rock and our firm foundation we must be rooted in! When times get scary and we began to panic, we can't try to fight the rough waters on our own strength for we could surely die.. But we must grab onto and cling tightly to Jesus Christ, and receive with meekness the Word and implant it deep into our hearts, which is mighty and powerful enough to Save us from any chaos we may be experiencing. Just yesterday, I found out that I will no longer be studying abroad in the Holy Land... I was really crushed reading that CCBC Jerusalem is closing down, due to low funds and some other complications. But I was so so excited to study in Jerusalem for the next four months. I was supposed be flying out on Aug 21st to Israel, so that's just in a few days. I have already bought my plane ticket, and am basically ready to go, but now that I won't be going, I'm questioning if I'll be able to get a refund on my plane ticket or not. If not, then I don't really know what I'll do.. If I do get a refund, well also, I don't really know what I'll do. The past day and a half, I have been trying to figure out what to do on my own, and in my own strength and own energy, I have been trying to figure out how to scramble out of this mess I am now in.. Just as that man stuck in the falls, all this energy I have spent on this issue, and I haven't moved an inch.. still stuck in the same position. So pray that I remember constantly to turn to my Lord, and remember on His solid rock, Jesus Christ, I will find peace for my soul! I know Jesus has far greater plans for me than I could ever think or dream of... so pray that I will be accepting to His guidance and willing to follow His voice. I only have a few days to finally know what I will be doing, and I'm becoming anxious, when I know I should not be.. So also pray that I can be patient on this issue and allow God to work it for me. I was listening to a Pastor speak earlier, and he said this quote which really stopped me in my path of seeking what to do on my own: "We can NOT do the work of the Spirit, in the energy of our flesh." I love that. I want God to be God, and me to be His servant. I can't try to do HIS work on my own. I need your Help Lord!

Well, I miss you all dearly, but also love it here in the Philippines so much. I thank my God every time I remember you, for your loving support and your helping hand to send me to the Philippines. It has been a blessing so far, and really life changing. Without all my friends and family's obedience to God, I probably would not be here right now.. So thank you for being a part of the missions trip with me. I will be seeing you soon, and who knows if I'll end up staying home this fall semester of school. If so, it will be great being with all of you again! Take care, Stay in the Word of God, and I'll be seeing you soon. I love you much. God be with you, always!

-Nick