Philippines Journey of Compassion: Pampanga

Hanging over the Philippines, this land of over 7,000 islands and 93 million people, is an uneasiness, almost a sense of dread. In May, all over the country federal, provincial and municipal elections will be held. The people are not really afraid of the outcome of these elections; it is the country’s long history of violence connected to the campaigning and voting that they fear. Ironically, as individuals the Filipinos are among the most gentle people one could ever encounter. As I have heard story after story, it seems clear that this is not only a socio-political issue, but a spiritual one as well. This is a nation famous for its political corruption; too often politicians become wealthy through illegal means. Yet in the midst of this, there are courageous men and women who stand for integrity in the midst of the unprincipled system. Such brave people are worthy of our prayers, especially as the May elections approach.

Our Journey of Compassion began in Manila. The team gathered to pray and prepare. Once again, our friend Dennis provided medicine at incredibly low prices. We encountered Dennis on our first Journey a few years ago when one of his employees happened to drive by a mobile clinic we were conducting in one of Asia’s largest garbage dumps. He told his boss, and shortly thereafter, Dennis appeared to find out more about Impact Nations. Since then, he has been a wonderful help to this ministry. On the day we were sorting meds for the clinics, our ground coordinator and long-time friend, Cha Cha, received news that her mother (who lives in Manila) has suddenly experienced difficulty breathing and had been taken to the hospital. Sadly, by the time Cha arrived, her mother had passed away. That evening, the team went to the funeral home to meet the family. We were all struck by their faith and calm peace. Although we encouraged Cha to stay in Manila for the week, she would not hear of it, insisting that she come north to Pampanga with us. All week I have watched Cha as she has organized, prayed with people, dealt with politicians, hotel reservations, and even preached the gospel. She is an amazing woman.

On Tuesday evening we drove two hours north-west of Manila to the province of Pampanga. At a welcome dinner, we met the provincial Governor. I had a fascinating discussion with him and his head administrator. They are very interested in implementing the Bio-Sand Water Filter program that we are doing in Mindanao (southern Philippines). He has arranged for a meeting tomorrow afternoon with all of the relevant government department heads. Tim is flying up from Davao to make the presentation. Secondly, Governor Panlilio informed me that he has be coordinating a micro-credit program following the principles of Mohammed Yunus and the Grameen Bank for over twenty years. During that time, they have provided loans to over 42,000 people. We had a long discussion; I wanted to learn all I could since we are hoping to soon partner with our contacts in Zimbabwe on a micro-credit program for the poor.

Yesterday we conducted our first medical clinic in a town called GauGua. This is a rather notorious area, infamous for its prostitution and gambling. There was a very lively (boisterous?) crowd of about 200 waiting for us when we arrived. It took a while to bring order, but then we were able to see and treat every one of them. This was possible in large part because of the 30+ volunteers who had come to help us. They worked alongside of the Impact team until the final patient was seen. Later in the day, I took some local pastors out to pray for the sick on the streets; this was new for them. One pastor whispered to me, “Pastor Steve, you are really challenging us!” A few pastors came out with me; they were glad they did. We saw everyone receive healing. We prayed for an older man who had not even been able to stand for over four years. First the pain in his legs, hips and back left completely, then he stood, and then he walked. A crowd immediately gathered, also asking for prayer. A mother’s two children were instantly healed, which she told everyone about; a woman’s chest pain left her; another woman with 4 months of pain in her shoulder left pain-free, but not before opening her heart to Jesus. In fact, in the midst of this outbreak of healing in an alleyway, a number of people came to Christ (two women worked their way to the front of the small crowd to ask us if they could invite Jesus into their lives).

That evening, we gathered in the street to do an open-air meeting. I expected to preach, but God had something else in mind. Children gathered from all over and began to dance with our team. Cha & Rebekah began to address the kids over the P.A. (which I am sure could be heard a few blocks away). Rebekah is a gifted puppeteer. As her friend A.J. (who seemed more human as the minutes passed) and Cha held the kids spellbound. (And I noticed the adults were a lot quieter than they usually are when I preach.) Before long almost every child was raising their hand to invite Jesus into their hearts, followed by the adults who had been watching from the back. The presence of the Lord was very powerful. Then A.J. & Cha invited the sick to come forward. God had saved the best till last. Throughout the day at the clinic, we had seen a little 9 year old girl named Angelica. She was born completely deaf; she had also never spoken even a word. I was touched as her younger cousin brought her to me to receive prayer. When Angelica began to back away afraid, her cousin spoke to her with their own sign language, assuring her that it was safe to get prayer from the big white guy. Sadly, nothing happened. But as Cha and Rebecca invited the kids to come forward that night, Angelica was one of the first ones (again, brought by her cousin). As Rebekah prayed for her, suddenly Angelica’s eyes opened wide. Something was happening. Angelica’s head began to turn this way and that as she heard people speak all around her. Rebekah and I checked repeatedly by speaking and snapping our fingers behind her; Angelica heard every sound. A minute later, she spoke her first words. If there were any dry eyes, I certainly didn’t see them. A very excited team drove home, thanking God for what He had done. More than a miracle of healing, a little girl’s entire life had just been changed in an instant. When the Kingdom comes, everything changes; what was impossible yesterday, becomes possible today.