MIKE MISLAN in the Philippines!

WHILE HE ATTENDED OUR CHURCH, OUR DEACON'S CARIBOU WAS STOLEN AND SLAUGHTERED FOR ILLEGAL PROFIT AT THE MEAT MARKET, BUT...

He recognized the horns in a slaughter house three towns away, the criminals were caght, and our Deacon was awarded more than twice of what he paid for this caribou! And when a team who had visited us from CA learned of what happened, their Pastor and church also sent him a large amount, with the feedom he could use it however he wanted. And on Sunday, it will be my joy to personally hand over a thick envelope of cash to my faithful deacon, who left his rice field to worship in our church. Oh, and as far as the one who stole our Deacon's carabou, it turned out to be his neighbor, a trusted friend. But later he was found hung, in an apparent suicide.

In the Philippines, caribos are like heavy duty tractors which are greatly needed for plowing rice fields. To lose one can be a very serious set-back. I believe God was moved by the humble faithfulness of our deacon, and decided to compensate him for his loss, with his cup running over! This deacon has often donated rice to our needy members, for church fellowships, and even to me on special occassions. It's nice to see how God can come to the aid of one of His humble servants.

"And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ..  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions.." (Jer 3:15, Eph 4:11-12, 2 Tim 3:10-11)

Last Sunday my Pastor preached an excellent message. On Tuesday, despite having back pains, he came out and helped us with some heavy work we were doing on the church property. When he sees me he talks with me and confides in me. Now, this Wednesday, he taught a great lesson on Philippians. What am I saying? When God gives you a good pastor, don't take him for granted. He is God's gift you.

While in VA, I learned a Pastor had died. This pastor had helped me when I first got out of the Marines, and had advised me to Bible College. And while we seldom cross paths, I always felt indebted to him.

So after I had taught, preached and fellowshipped at the Anniversay of the Filipino Independent Baptist Church, I immediately drove to the funeral home where they were viewing his body. I arrived late and didn't think I would make it in time. People who I didn't know were already leaving the building and entering their cars as I approached. With my preaching suit still one, I entered the funeral home as fast as I could, and was seen by the deceased pastor's son was surprised to see me. At first he didn't know what to say but then started calling, "Mom, Mom, guess who's here?" as he told me "We were just talking about you." Then he immediately directed me to a room where his mother was, and when she saw me, her face lit up and we hugged. It was a long hug, and it meant alot to both of us.

Now I could have just called, made an excuse that I had a busy day, or that it would be too late. After all, I was leaving the next morning for a ten hour drive to the WV OH state line. But I was determined to see her and hug her. I just had too. And I'm so glad I did! Simple things, like a hug, can mean so much!

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." - Phil 2:4

After a Missions Conference in Virginia Beach, VA, I was going to drive to a Missions Conference in Knoxville, and then return to my family in Michigan. But a good pastor friend asked me if I could attend his church anniversay. His church was located in Norfolk, VA, and to attend, I would have to drive all the way back to TN from VA, and then drive from there back to MI. It would probably add another 900 more miles on my trip, and I wasn't even scheduled to preach. I would be going just to support a good friend. I decided to go, and take the loss in gas and time.

But then I received a message on Face Book. He invited me to teach his Adult Sunday School and to preach his afternoon service. And he'll probably help me with gas too.

Now if I was selfish, I could have just drove to Michigan, and declined his offer to attend. But if I declined, I never would have been invited to teach and preach, and be helped along the way.  So do what it right. Don't always think about the costs. Value your friendships. And God will bless you for it.  I never imagined he'd ask me to preach.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." (1 Cor 2:9)

Sometimes, God blesses us in ways we never even imagined. For a missionary to be scheduled to preach at a "Pastors" Meeting is unusual.  But this happened to me.  And then, after I preached, two pastors came up to schedule me. One of those pastors, even asked me to be the main speaker for their Missions Conference which was to start only one week later. This is VERY unusual. Then the church exceeded their conference goals by ten percent!  The pastor went out and bought me a new suit, gave me new shirts and ties, and took me and three other missionaries on for monthly support. I never dreamed these things could happen. And it just goes to show you - God can do far more than we ever can imagine. And He does it, when we expect it the least. So if you think it can't happen, it CAN! have hope.

"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized." (Acts 9:10-18)

When Ananias questioned God, you would think God would get angry, or rebuke him.  But instead, God explains His reasons and plans.  And what was the result?  Ananias was able to overcome his great fear of Paul who persecuted Jews.  Knowing Paul had a bad reputation for arresting Jews, somehow, because of God's explanation, Anianias was able to visit him and greet him by calling him "BROTHER SAUL."

Now this might not seem like much, but it was.  It overcame many fears, distrust, barriers, anger and bitterness.  So let's be patient and give explanations when our children, or even our church members ask questions.  By be more humble, we may help them overcome obstacles and fulfil God's will.