S.E.N.T. - Paula Vargas

Day 9

1/26/2018

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalm 2:7-8

God is still at work saving souls! Today we had our outdoor crusade ministering alongside the Free Gospel Churches and the FBI students. I'll be honest, my head is spinning with how busy we have been but the Lord has been so faithful. We ministered in songs, testimonies, and Bro. Pahlman preached outstanding. The response in the altars was amazing. I Know there was so much more accomplished than what we saw with our eyes and I'm believing God will continue the work in the hearts of the people.

Day 8

1/25/2018

Every day we have been here as been tremendous, but today as to be my favorite thus far. Today was the day I had been looking forward to the most for some reason. We received a fantastic surprise, a proper Filipino welcome!

As I stated a few days ago, it has been a real battle for us since we arrived and now I see why. We went into the devils stronghold and took ground today (Sis. Petit's words). We traveled into the mountains again to another school, except this time it was a high school grades 7-11. Sin is rampant all over this world and Dingras high school is no exception. Sis. Petit has been coming to this school for several months to minister to the 11th graders, and she informed us she felt that some were on the verge of making a decision for Christ. Well today was the day that many of them did! The SENT Team, along with the students of FBI, shared the Gospel in songs, skits, and object lesson. Bro. Petit preached a great message, "He Made It not to Waste It" and we all could feel the Holy Spirit so strong dealing with hearts. By the time the altar call was given, many students, and even teachers responded! Some were crying out to God not caring what their friends thought. So far we know at least 20 people confessed Christ, and I firmly believe more fruit will come as a result of today.

Day 7

1/24/2018

What a busy day we had today! It was HOT, but oh so exciting. We took a journey up into the mountains to minister at a public school. There was over 200 kids ranging from kindergarten all the way up to grade 12. It was the first time I have ever seen a kids crusade held at a public school and it was incredible! (America can learn a few lessons from the Philippines in my opinion) The SENT Team put on a skit, shared several testimonies, and many songs. The joy I felt at having the privilege to be a part of such a special event that brought much laughter, smiles, and the Gospel to these young people can't fully be explained. It was a day that neither I, nor them, will forget. After Bro. Petit preached on "The Value of One" and have the altar call, there were many hands that went up from elementary to high school when he asked if anyone wanted to pray to receive Christ. I believe God did a great work today and I look forward to hearing of the fruit that will come from the events of this day.

Day 6

1/23/2018

The devil sure has been fighting us since we arrived here in the Philippines. But we will rise victorious because our God is greater and stronger! God has been helping us and moving in spite of it all.

Today was the Home Missions Conference here at the bible school for all the local pastors and their families. Bro. Pahlman and Simeon did so well preaching what the Lord laid on their heart. It was a blessing to see the pastors and their wives seek the Lord and get the help and encouragement they needed. To me, that is one of my favorite things to see; parents, pastors, and pastors wives seeking the Lord with all their heart. Already my heart has been challenged, and I am looking forward to see what more there is in store for the SENT Team and the Bible school here.

Day 4

1/21/2018

It feels good to have my feet on the ground again. We arrived in Laoag around noon Saturday, and my first impression was, "Oh, what a beautiful country!" The airport itself has sort of an exotic look and feel to it, which is makes it stand out to me.

Today we separated into two groups and ministered in two different churches. My favorite part of the whole service was the worship. I can't understand when the Filipinos speak in their language, but I can understand the sweet presence of the Holy Ghost when He steps into our midst. Our great God transcends all language and distance!

Back at the bible school for night service, we were able to finally meet all of the students and begin to get acquainted. I know God has great things in store for all of us this week!

Day 1

1/18/2018

Wow, what a journey we have had! God has been nothing short of good to us the entire way. After a very long flight from Chicago to Hong Kong, we arrived late at night in Manila (or very early I should say). During our long flight, we enjoyed excellent service from some of the flight attendants, Patrice and Ramin. We were blessed (and even spoiled with extra treats) by their service and thrilled to discover they are Christians. When they discovered that we were headed to the Philippines for a missions trip, they could hardly contain their joy at seeing a group of young people willing to serve the Lord so far from home.

Right now we are waiting for our final flight to Loaog, and I am thankful for His hand upon each of us. I can feel the prayers that are being uttered on our behalf, and I am looking forward to see what God is going to do in us and through us.