Jail Birds

Yesterday most of our group ended up in jail! My whole family spent some time there. We went to the Baguio City Jail to minister. This was actually a follow-up from the previous night when we had shown the Jesus Video in Ilokano. Many men gave their hearts to the Lord. We were all disappointed when we needed to leave, several were still praying with the men. But we took heart knowing we would be back the next morning.

So yesterday the majority of our group returned to the jail. We had a nice time of worship. We also presented a couple puppet shows. We also had a time of prayer for any inmates who wanted us to pray for them. I stood near as Adriana prayed for and held Marianne. She and Adriana quickly became friends. The morning went by quickly and the inmates had to leave for head count and lunch. After lunch we went to the women’s cell block. We had a fantastic time of worship and sharing. Adriana and I were able to spend some more time getting to know Marianne and a number of her cell mates. For many from our group, the time spent in the women’s cells is the highpoint of our trip so far.

The prisoners loved to fuss over the children from our group. The women who were near me were thrilled when Annalise would sit on their lap. Alayna was excited to take me to another cell to meet her new friends there. Often, the prisoners, both men and women would stroke the blond hair of the kids.

The “success” of our ministry has been a mixed blessing. It is indeed a wonderful thing to be part of some one coming to the Lord Jesus for the first time. But it is sad to leave them behind and not follow up on their discipleship. Fortunately, in all of the situations we have been in so far, there are others who will be available to disciple and encourage these young believers.

Today our group split to attend two different churches. At both churches we lead worship, gave testimonies, and presented a sermon. Our family went to Blessed Armor of God Church. Lisa and Alexie helped to lead worship with Fred and Carol. Adriana followed her Daddy’s technical bent and managed the projector and transparencies. Alexie and Cynthia later sang a duet. Then I preached my first sermon. I think everything went very well.

Annalise can read Ilokano as well as she can English!

During worship, three women with tambourines stood in the center aisle. In perfect rhythm and unity, they played their tambourines and danced. It was beautiful. For the first time in my life I wanted to be part of the worship time. Then I would have been able to watch them without turning around and looking through the crowd. (Of course, had I been singing with a microphone they probably would have covered their ears and run out in terror.)

It was hard to decline their invitation to stay for lunch, but we had the only set of keys to the house and the cooks couldn’t get in to prepare lunch for the rest of our team. As it turned out, the other group had accepted a similar invitation from the church they visited. Oh well, lunch was very good. We have been blessed to have several local ladies prepare our lunches and dinners. So much better than PBJ!

By the way, we are all well now. Pink eye has left our family. No coughs or colds are evident right now. Montezuma hasn’t been around for a while now either.

Part of our group loaded up in a Jeepney - the primary mode of transportation.

Note the reassuring sticker inside the Jeepney!