The adventure began one week ago and here we are, finally in Cebu, Philippines! Here’s a short snap shot of our first week through our own eyes…
Katie Ruh :: “We are already having such an incredible time. During training camp God brought all of us together. Feeling emotions from every extreme left us vulnerable as God steadily worked through us. Training camp ended and we were physically, emotionally and spiritually ready for Cebu! Over 20 hours of flying left us all quite tired; however, arriving in Cebu safely was such a relief and blessing. We are now ready to work wonders for God!”
Margo Cassidy :: “Wow! It’s been quite the week! God has blessed me with an amazing team of 6 girls and 3 spectacular leaders. Our team bonded fabulously at training camp, especially with all the team building exercises. For example, we had to get our entire team through ‘The Spiders Web’ which consisted of getting covered from head to toe in Georgia’s famous red clay! God taught me a lot during training camp, especially in regards to spiritual warfare and listening for Him during prayer. I’ve been praying that He will break my heart for what breaks His. We arrived in Cebu about 2 days ago, after traveling for what seemed like an endless amount of time. Our hosts, Pastor Ruben and his wife Sharon welcomed us with open arms, and I feel so blessed to be able to stay with them. Today is our first day of ministry and I am so excited to see what God has planned for us. Love, Margo.”
Morgan Simmones :: “I’m already falling in love with the Filipino culture. After five days of training camp and almost two full days of travel, we’re finally here! The last couple of days have consisted of resting, shopping, fast Jeepney rides, eating at a Filipino fast food restaurant, meeting new people, and lots of time with the Lord. Although taking it easy has been awesome, my team and I can’t wait to start ministry! Please pray for my teams health and that we would stay vulnerable as God continues to break our hearts for His beautiful people in the Philippines.”
Margaret Derby :: “What a week it’s been! Training camp was great. My team is incredible and now closer than ever and I know God is going to use us in big ways over the next couple weeks! Travel was long and exhausting, but it’s all worth it to finally be here in Cebu! Only one day in and I’m already in love! Hope everything is well at home – I love and miss everyone and please keep us in your prayers! – Love, Margaret.” – “ Pray also for me that whenever I open my mouth words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chain. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:19-20
Lorena Reinert :: “The past week has been filled with exciting adventures, spiritual growth and team bonding. God started working in all of us at training camp, and it’s amazing to watch each other grow deeper. After two long days of travel, we finally reached Cebu early yesterday morning. Already, I’m in love with the city as well as the culture. I know God has incredible things planned for us the next few weeks. Thanks for your prayers!”
Cora Healey :: “This past week has been incredible, our team has been bonding so much and we couldn’t have been blessed with better leaders. We are now in the Philippines and both our hosts and the place we’re staying are amazing. It wasn’t even an hour after we touched down in Cebu that we had our first Jeepney ride. Yesterday we had the day off to rest after our full day of travel and we had our first Filipino fast food cuisine experience (Chowking). Today we start ministry and I’m excited to see what these next couple of weeks hold for our team. Salamat (thank you) for all your prayers! God Bless, Cora”
We have an amazing team and we constantly thank God for them and for our precious hosts, Pastor Ruben and his wife Sharon, the love of Jesus is just gushing out of them! Please pray for the health of our team, a deeper trust in God and the faith to walk in obedience when the Lord calls us to move, speak or pray.
Salamat!
In Christ :: Kasandra, Trevor and Kelsey
So exciting to hear from each of you. God is good! Can’t wait to start seeing some pictures of where you are and what you’re doing. Also some pictures of the children. We love all of you and are praying that you stay healthy, rested and committed to whatever ministry opportunities present themselves. xoxo Mom
Wow! What inspiring words from from all of you. Thanks for being so descriptive and thoughful. We miss you, Margo, and are praying for you and your team mates and also your leaders who sound so capable and comitted. I am in somewhat awe of all of you, actually, and your desire to serve Christ in this way. I believe he is and will continue to provide everything you need. Everyone missed you at the Lake over the 4th Margo, but as Dad, said, it makes it a little easier knowing that you are doing what your heart most desires. Aunt Kristen is the one to beat at Bananagrams this summer. Aunt Jenny is good too, but she makes these two incredible crosswords simultaneously and forgets to connect them! Hope you are comfortable. We are having quite the heat wave here in the Northeast!
Love you so much, Mom
Girls,
What powerful testimonies!!! I pray that God places a hedge of protection around you all and that He speaks directly to your hearts as you minister to the community. Be safe!!
Love,
Mrs. Ruh ( Katie’s mom)
I can echo what the other Mom’s have said. It moves my heart to see you girls and Trevor chasing after God and excited to build His Kingdom. I pray that you will touch many people’s lives for Christ’s sake and that He will use them to touch yours.
Love,
Diana Reinert (Lorena’s Mom)
So great to hear everyone’s hearts and know that you safely arrived. I will continue praying for all of you as you begin this part of your mission! We miss you too Marg!
I’m so glad to hear that you all arrived safely. My family and I are all praying for you and the many people’s lives that you will touch with your ministry. I hope it’s not as hot there as it is here. It was 100 degrees yesterday! I miss you so much Lorena, and I can’t wait for you to come home and tell me all about your adventures!
Love and blessings,
Alley Bubak (Lorena’s sister at heart!)
So glad to hear from you, and nice to be able to hear a little from each of you! 🙂
Praying for you, and love you Morgan!
Mom
Cora – we heard about your sinus infection and not feeling well and pray you get well soon. If you were struggling with the infection during the flights, I know that can be very painful. Get well soon. And, if you were thinking you had to justify purchasing the International Health Insurance – it wasn’t necessary for you to actually go to a doctor! 🙂
Love Dad
It’s so wonderful to hear about the experiences you’ve already had so far!! I am so happy that you arrived safely and that your hearts are already open to loving people you’ve never met. Everyone at home is constantly praying for you, and yes I include myself when saying everyone. Love you Marg and I can’t wait to hear more from you guys!
Love Channing
Morgan! I can’t believe that you are in the Philippines! YAY! And I’m home. I can’t believe it – I’m going through culture shock. I can barely wait to tell you about the DR and for you to tell me about the Philippines. I am super glad to hear that you made it through the HOURS of travel. I love you so much and am praying for your ministry and that God moves in incredible ways!
Much love,
Your sister,
Christina
Cora,
I’m not sure if or how to write to you privately without sharing that you hadn’t been feeling well. I love you so much — and miss you. I am holding you in my heart and know that God will heal you as you continue to do His work. I have made copies of the info sheet you and Margo passed out at church. People from all over are hearing about your team and wishing you well. Don’t be surprised if you get mail from people you don’t even know. Craig worked his first week of camp last week and was assigned an adorable 7-8 year old little girl named Marley. Even though he’s still here in Bedford I know that he is a blessing to that camp and that little girl. We are so anxious to communicate with you tomorrow morning. Love and prayers to each of you.
XOXO
Mom
Hi Katie girl,
We miss you!!! Nikki made it home from the DR and is already talking about a trip next summer. I hope that works out. I spent the weekend helping Nina and Chicho at the church. The festival was well attended. Hoperfully we did better than last year. Papi is diligently working on the boat and says it will be ready for Lake Joe. Sofia returned home today. She had a good time but was ready to come home. We will be heading up to Kilcoo to see the boys next weekend. The family is really looking forward to it. Rest assured Sofia is now in charge of Xavier. He is SOOOO CUTE!!! We love you and miss you.
Mommy
Hi Margo,
How does the Philippines compare with Moldova? Are you experiencing the kind of heat we’re going through now? We just returned from a meeting with Finishers in Phoenix where it was 110 degrees F. But we know that neither heat nor hardship can stop the Lord’s work. You and your team belong to the Lord and you are an inspiration to us.
Know that you are in our prayers every day.
Love, MeMa and GrPa Dave
Hi Lorena, I just figured out how to find this page. Apparently you’ve been up to (no) good with or without me. Seriously, you’re writing sounds like someone twice your age, so here’s going for being mature!
The sounds of the kids is captivating. I think they’re easy to love in any color & any language. Just goes to show, if you give them attention they’ll give it back lots-of-fold.
Buster has been sitting by the door looking for something to happen these days, as if he knows something is happening outside the apartment. Maybe he knows you’re in the Filippines.
Anyways, have a good time, do everything I wouldn’t do, and get lots of stories ready to tell when you’re back (and when you’re energy is back, if it ever gets lost).
Aunt D
P.S. build a better team than you would if you had to rely on me as one of your mental/spiritual/emotional/physical gymnastics mates.
Margo and Cora – Corki and I are praying for a great trip for you! Georgia red mud all over…ugh! Glad you get to rest after the long flight…you’ll need that so that you can be “strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Aynn and Corki Barlotta
Cora and Margo,
Our family is so very happy for the two of you. We are praying for your saftey, teaching of others and for the Lord to touch all of you.
Can’t wait to hear more about the people and places that have so obviously touched your hearts.
We Love You!
Your Sister in Christ Jesus,
Rebecca and Family