Let's Go!

Lets Catch Up!

It has been crazy since I have last updated my blog and I completely apologize for that, but let me fill you in with all the craziness going on here and there at ANM. Last week, Monday, we had been preparing to leave for our “pre-tour” to NYC. Our “pre-tour” was just Mindy, Kelsey, Raleigh, and myself going to NYC, Queens actually, to visit and help a Filipino church put on their VBS.

Welcome To The Philippines

Mindy, our fearless leader, wanted us to go really experience a little bit of the Filipino culture before we actually began touring with them so she arranged for us to go into a Filipino church in Queens, NY called Queens Bible Church. This church is majority Filipino and according to Mindy, is exactly like being overseas. As soon as we entered the church it was like walking into a family reunion. Everyone young, old, was so welcoming and loving that I felt as though I was visiting and meeting family for the first time.

VBS In Action

First of all let me mention that a few years ago Kelsey and myself went with a smaller team of girls from church to record the music for the VBS that we actually helped host at this church. It was really a blessing and encouraging going to a church and actually seeing our songs being performed, used and kids actually enjoying it. Kelsey, Mindy and I were even asked to help sing the songs and help lead the kids with hand motions. I never thought I would be able to go help, see and perform these songs and it truly was an amazing experience.  Once we got there we were asked to help a little bit but mostly they wanted to do anything to serve us.

Hospitality At Its Finest

One thing that surprised me was the hospitality of the Filipinos. The whole point of this “pre-tour” was for our group to come serve and help them out with their VBS but once we got there it was really hard to serve because their culture focuses on serving those around them. It seemed like the entire time it was an on-going battle to see who could serve whom (which is a great battle). On Saturday we were able to help with the dramas that were written into the VBS and also talk with some of the youth of the church. I was able to get to know a few people like RJ, CJ and Immanuel who are only a few of the guys’ names I can remember.  One thing I found super cool was the youth were so all over involved in this VBS willingly and truly loved spending time with the kids. Every night our hosts made sure we got to see the city and anywhere we wanted to go do. Our hosts truly spoiled us and made this “pre-tour” not seem like work but pure fun.

Leaving Queens Bible Church we were able to see 6 kids come to know Christ and tons of donations for Bong’s ministry overseas! There was a whole lot of great things that we saw happen on this trip it makes me even more excited to begin our actual tour. We will be leaving Lynchburg Wednesday and hopefully arriving by Saturday, Lord willing, to make our way to go see Bong at her camp in Illinois. Please continue to pray and send funding as this trip is just beginning!