Here's Wayne's reflections..it's about time

Dear friends, Here is my long awaited newsletter. I (Wayne) enjoy writing and sharing about how we see the ways in which God has been transforming lives here at Working Hands. However, I was reminded recently in my reading that it is also important is to share how God has been transforming my own life.

FAMILY TIME Here is a quote from Oswald Chambers, “It is not so true that prayer changes things as that prayer changes me, and then I change things.” When I read this quote, it hit me that God had been trying to get my attention in my prayers regarding my family. I had been so preoccupied with the stress of ministry and cultural adjustment that I had neglected the needs of my own family. Through a time of personal reflection, I noticed a common theme emerging through my wife, caring friends, books, and a leadership conference. I’ve come to realize that as I strengthen my role as a husband and father, my ministry to others will carry more integrity and weight. So now I am more intentional in hanging out with Jouren to hear his heartbeat as he is quickly becoming a teenager. I am so blessed that Jouren would spontaneously grab my hand as we stroll down the street or in a mall. I am savouring these precious moments. I am also becoming aware of the temptation to expend my mental and emotional energy to the Filipinos and not being available for my own family. Learning to be the leader in the family is now high on my agenda. MERIENDA TIME While God is teaching me these things, He continually prods me to watch where He is at work. During one of our afternoon ‘merienda’ (coffee break), I noticed a student sitting all alone and took the opportunity to talk to him. After a brief introduction, Neil revealed how his father was a junk collector. In the streets of Manila you can easily spot men pushing a cart looking for scrap metal, bottles etc. to sell to junk shops. Most of our students and their families live a day-to-day, hand-to-mouth existence. Seeing this reality, Filipino believers know what Christ meant when he teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” The other day I said to Phoebe, “Many people here worry about where their next meal is coming from. Here we are worrying about what we are going to cook for our next meal.”  What a contrast. Just recently I noticed Neil again sitting alone during merienda. He shared with me he was depressed. It was one of the typical boy-girl struggles. I resisted the urge to give advice. I simply asked a few questions and clarified some of his answers. When we met later, he said, “Kuya Wayne, I have come to my senses”. He had reasoned that he needed to focus on graduating and be financially stable before he enters into any serious relationship. I am thankful to the Holy Spirit for the opportunity to speak into Neil’s life. TRAVEL AND STUDY TIME God is teaching me to face one of my many fears. In July, I left the four walls of our compound here and ventured alone with my backpack on a 3 hour commute to Manila for my language lessons. With some handwritten directions, I managed a 1.5 hour bus ride, an hour jeepney ride and a half hour MRT (Metro Rail Transit) ride to the school. I was so thankful I did not get lost in this megacity. You may be wondering if it is worth it traveling 3 hours for a 2 hour class. Well I find it worth the time and effort since the teachers have a passion to teach the language, using creative tools like flash cards, picture books, and audio recordings. It feels like kindergarten all over again. By the way, I was recently assessed as a low intermediate 1 on a scale of 0-5. It is not that great, but after a year of part time studies, I am glad to have moved up a notch. While my comprehension has increased, I still struggle with connecting my thoughts in my mind to sentences coming out of my mouth. However, not only has the weekly commute dispelled some fears of this megacity, it has given me firsthand experience to the Filipinos’ daily commute - braving diesel exhaust fumes, heavy traffic jams, and crowded MRT line-ups. I quickly realized two essential back pack items of Filipinos: handkerchief (sweat rag doubling as a diesel fumes air filter) and an umbrella (for sudden downpours). Wayne with his language teacher at the school, His Name. TIME WITH NARCISO Bringing Jouren to school is a good 15 km drive. It is a series of winding roads, narrow streets, passing through a few barangays (small village) and vast farmland. Every time we go through a particular barangay, we notice an elderly man with a cane walking down the road (there are no sidewalks). As we drive Jouren to school back and forth, a friendship with this man slowly developed. It went from a wave, to a “magandang umaga” (good morning), to eventually short conversations with Narciso. When the traffic allowed it, we would stop and chat with him. He would tell us about his daughters, often times he would ask where we’re going, and one time, he thanked us for being nice to him (when all we did was stop and say hi). God taught us an important lesson – take notice of the people he brings into our path (literally!).  R and R TIME We needed to renew our visas so we took a trip to Taiwan for a bit of rest and recreation time. It was Jouren and my first time to visit this nation. A long time family friend and her husband hosted us in Taichung. In Taipei, we stayed with Phoebe's cousin whom she hasn't seen in 13 years!  We thank God for dear friends and relatives - indeed time well spent. In behalf of the Wongs, this is Wayne, thanking you for your continued friendship, support and prayers.

 Realized I am not really a blogger... so here's our newsletter sent out Sept 2013

Of Missionaries, Wet Market and Serving

I (Phoebe) have been dragging my feet, my mind, my body to write this newsletter. No, it's not that we don't want to communicate with you. Ever heard of..."the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"? That has been my cry for the last few months.

Myths about Missionaries

Before we left for the Philippines, while still in Canada, I had all the images of what a missionary life would look like: No. 1 is making friends with the locals, right? What about appreciating the novelty of the new culture? And, of course, the main thing that we are here for - sharing the gospel to the Filipinos! Survey said....the buzzer sounded - bbuuzzzz! Wrong!

Let's see... Top 3 answers are on the board....Survey says....Screaming over bugs and ants; (Yeah, we haven't gotten past that);  Struggling with cultural/relational issues; and the No. 1 answer is......Learning more life lessons from God!

Yes, it has been a continuous learning process from our Father...who was I to think those would cease once we got here?! God said forget all those images you formed about missionaries - whether they are from people's actual stories, from inspiring books that I've read, or from seminars that have challenged me in the past. Erase them all, and let's start from a clean slate, my child.

Love that Wet Market

When I first arrived in our area, Silang, colleagues pointed out the wet market (palengke in Tagalog). I went there to buy some household stuff (dry goods), and managed okay. But, I told myself, I'm not going to buy my veggies and meat there. No way! It's gross! But, "palengke" prices are cheaper. So, I chose to go to a farther one because it was cleaner. I wasn't shy in letting others know that I didn't want to go to Silang Market because of how gross it was.

Sometime in mid-July, the persons in charge of buying the food for the boys' meals had to leave due to moral failure. Since we were short-handed, a colleague and I decided to share the responsibility of going to the market. Huh? What? Not that gross market? Well, to make a long story short... God removed the fear (more like dread) of the wet market - smell, sights and sounds. I've realized how silly I was to drive almost 10 km farther just because I thought the Silang one was unbearable.

A Lady named Letlet

While I was wallowing in my own unending litany of complaints in adjustments, it took a friend to make me realize why we were here. Not just in the Philippines, but here in this world. We have a community group that meets regularly where a few families gather to explore Scriptures, exchange stories, and enjoy a meal together. During one meeting, our leader challenged us not to forget why we are meeting together. It is to lead others to Christ. Are we telling others about Jesus? I know this is true but somehow amidst all that has happened, guess what? I got distracted! That challenge jolted me!

I soon decided I'm going to find opportunities to do just that. And, where else but... the market! One day, I was buying from my "suki" (a regular supplier). Her name is Letlet. She was rather cross and not smiling. I felt slighted that she would treat me - a regular customer like that (Read: Hey, I'm buying from you, shouldn't you be nice to me?)(Read again: Arrogance on my part)  So, I said to her in Tagalog: "May "s" ka ba? ("s" is for sumpong - which loosely means: tantrum or not feeling up to it)  (Are you having a tantrum today?)  A neighbour vendor replied for her, and said, "Oh, she's not feeling well, she has had a cold for a while." Oops, uhm... okay, Lord, sorry.

I decided to go back the next day (I told you I love the wet market now) and give her a honey based product that could help her feel better. The product is made by Ilog Maria which is a few blocks from Second Mile. So, I did. When she saw the product, she blurted out, "Ilog Maria - I know that place, I live in the shanties near there. Last week, when the storm came through, our house blew down, so I had to stay at my in-laws." Then, another vendor joined in and said, "Yes, she slept on the floor with just a mat, that's why she's been sick for a while." That opened up the conversation as she started asking me where I am from. And the rest is to be continued. (Now I have more reason to go to the "palengke")

No School for a Week

August 19-23 was a week of rains and floods in Metro Manila as well as our area, Cavite. As the rains continued pouring, school was cancelled each day of the week at Working Hands, as well as in Jouren's school. Jouren, being a child that he is, enjoyed the class suspensions initially, but by the second day, he was wishing school would resume. Here's what he wrote for his class project.

The Joy of Serving by Jouren Wong Monday, August the 26th, my class went to "Barangay Aplaya" (a little community) to serve families who have lost their homes to the typhoon, Maring. They were staying at the school because there was nowhere else to go so they opened it up to them. As soon  as they saw the food, they started flocking to us. I guess even just the thought of food got them moving. We tried to control them but it was no use so we just started. There were at least 75 families we had to feed so the teachers got to work right away. They directed us to the different rooms we were to go. In each room there were at least 10 families in each room. Their rooms were divided into 2 sections, one for sleeping and hanging out and the other was a "CR" (short for comfort room – which is a washroom) which was covered with a shower curtain or blanket. Some even had a "sari-sari" store! (little convenience store) As we brought the food to the different rooms, there were lots of “obstacles” we had to overcome. Firstly, lots of kids would come to us saying,  “Kuya/Ate, pahingi isa! Pahingi isa! Pahingi isa!”(Big brother, big sister, can I have one? Can I have one?) Secondly, there were puddles everywhere and everywhere we went, smelled bad. Thirdly, the bags were heavy and we had to carry like 4-5 bags up one to two flights of stairs! It got annoying after a while but I felt bad for them because some of them only had a long shirt or just shorts or even no clothes at all! They were so kawawa. (poor) But after we gave them food, I could see how much joy we gave them. During the ride back, we were all aching and tired and most of all, hungry. But while feeling all those things, I felt good. It felt good to be able to show kindness to these families. They had lost everything, and wondering whether they’d eat tomorrow or not! I just hope that they don’t see this as another school showing that they’re cool by helping them but as an act of love.

Thank you for your friendship, partnership, and prayers. When you think of us, please ask God to give us eyes to see what He is doing, ask Jesus to give us the joy to do what He's asked us to, and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the strength to obey. Thank you. Wayne, Phoebe and Jouren

Paul wrote in Philippians 1: 9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Where is my love and passion for the Philippines?

I dropped off Wayne at the church for his language class. I parked the car nearby and decided to just walk around the area to find 2 things- a Starbucks that had wifi, and a BPI (bank) to withdraw some cash. As I drove to the church earlier, I saw lots of BPIs, so I was cheering silently that withdrawing money can easily be checked off my list of things to do. So I started my walk around the neighborhood (more like financial district). The first Starbucks said their internet is down. I frowned even though they were very apologetic. I walked out. Then I saw a BPI - as I walked up, I saw the sign, "Offline". Grrr... Ok, go on. The 2nd Starbucks I walked into, was charging P60/hour for wifi. (about a little over 1 Canadian dollar) That's ridiculous, I thought and walked away. (Yes, I am cheap!) Of course, I was planning to buy a coffee, so that should merit my getting free internet, I was telling myself. Then, I continued discovering the area. Aha! BPI, yes, as I climbed the steps towards the ATM machine, I saw a flimsy written note, "Inquiries only, no cash dispensing". Hmmm.... Is there any machine that has cash in this supposedly financial area? Along the way, I'd see people walking, street sweepers cleaning, security guards standing around. I paid no attention to them. No smiles, no hellos, just muttering inside - "Where are those silly bank machines?" "Is there anywhere I can get free wifi?" I finally saw another BPI and heaved a sigh of relief when it actually gave me the mulah that I needed. Thank you! I walked back to the first Starbucks and decided to just get a coffee. I casually asked them how much they charge for wifi had it been available. P90/hour, egad! Oh well, I guess that's how things really are here. The lady who served me was really nice. As I sat down to enjoy my coffee, I realized I was so concerned in "accomplishing" my goals this morning, that I had no passion, no eyes, no heart for the people around me. How easily I was caught up with my things to do, I failed to stop and chat with someone or even talk to our Father for the people in the neighborhood. Help me, O God to feel as You would feel, to think as You would think, to act as You would act.

As I was with Moses, so will I be with you (Nu. 1:5)

Wayne's reflections:
While reflecting on God's charge to Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land, I found myself asking the question: Why would God entrust himself to Joshua? It is because he has shown himself trustworthy to God. Joshua was faithful with the many smaller assignments and could therefore be faithful to the bigger things. Joshua's faith had stood the test on many occasions. For example, what made Joshua and Caleb stand up against his peers when they instigated the people to rebellion after returning from spying the Promised Land? All 12 tribal leaders had shown leadership in the past but here when the rubber met the road, 10 cracked up under the pressure of the task at hand. Did these 10 have a form of spirituality but without the commitment and follow through? Why did they have more faith in the giants than faith in the Lord? Was their leadership all show and no go? God reveals the answer to these questions in Numbers 14:24 "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly."

Like Joshua, I also find myself over my head wondering if my level of faith matches my assignment at hand. Like Joshua I am also feeling fearful and feel my faith shrinking as I compare it to the size of obedience required for the task at hand. And God says the same thing to me as he said to Joshua  "...be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn to the right or the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Do not be terrified and discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Jos. 1:7-8). As Joshua followed God wholeheartedly up until this point, today was just another step in his lifelong commitment to follow God. The big steps of faith is always made up of many little steps. God entrusts himself to us in greater measure with each step where we entrust ourselves to the present task he has assigned to us.

The Spirituality of Jogging

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come (Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy 4:8).

While I have held to Paul's instruction to Timothy 4:8 for prioritizing spiritual disciplines over physical exercise for as long as I can remember, a recent invitation to a morning jog from a friend has transformed my understanding of the interrelationship between body and spirit. As I started the discipline of early morning jogging 3x/week, I began to notice reduced stress, anxiety, muscular tension and at the same time being more mentally and emotionally present during the day. Now, physical training has some value for me in that "...when I beat my body and make it my slave" (1 Cor. 9:27) the release of endorphins does energize me so I can love God with my whole being, mind, heart and strength. It is true that my body is weak and fallen (Ps. 51:5). However, I now have come to believe that I can follow Jesus more closely when He has more of me to work with. I am praying that my weekly physical training will help me stay spiritually fit over the long haul.  (by Wayne)

Lesson #1

A month or so ago, I offered to help a lady in her late 20s, review for her ALS (Alternative Learning System) exam. This test is administered by the government for those who were not able to finish school for one reason or another. Lalaine was in third year high school when she figured in a car accident which left her in a coma for a while. She did eventually recover but not without some physical defects. It might have also affected slightly her mental faculties. She is, however, determined to take the test so she can be considered a high school graduate.

After meeting with her for a few times, I can tell that she will have to do lots of diligent studying in order to pass. Thankfully, the students are given a reviewer to take home and practice. She worked on it, and I checked her answers. I soon discovered error upon error in her work. So I asked her how she got the answer. (It was a Math probem.) She replied with a smile, "hula" ('guess' in Tagalog). I smiled, but was a bit disappointed with her answer. We moved onto the next question, still in Math. Her answer was wrong again, and I asked her again, "how did you come up with the answer?" She answered proudly, "hula"! It was at this point that I felt my "N. American saviour attitude" rise out of nowhere! I said to her in Tagalog. "Are you serious? Because if you are serious, I am serious. But if you are not serious, then I am not going to be serious. Do you really want to pass?" I explained to her that she is not going to pass by guessing the answers. She replied saying if she doesn't guess, she will never be able to finish the test. We continued the review.

I shared this incident with a colleague and found out a bit more about the learning process for some of the Filipinos. They were taught to copy down questions word for word, and memorize the answers. Sometimes they were even taught to just look for something that's close to the correct answer. Understanding of the problem was not even taught! Here I was, bringing along my pre-conceived notions of Western teaching, and expecting them to work in this small barangay (village). I didn't even consider this lady who had to stop school for over 10 years because of her physical disability as well as financial limitations.

So much for ...  being a light to the world.

Second chance, Lord?

Encouragement!

This week we received different forms of greetings from our friends in Canada! Two of them were handwritten cards which were mailed to our ACTION Canada address, and then re-directed to us. One of them is an e-card with a very thoughtful message of encouragement and prayer. The other one is a simple email sent to exhort us to keep on, keeping on. These brought tears to my eyes. When you're far away from "home", and you receive these heartwarming notes, it really tells us that our Lord is real, alive and everywhere! Knowing that people are praying for us as we adjust, thinking of us at the mention of Philippines, and taking the time to write us - indeed are very obvious signs of God's love, and of people responding to the Spirit's prodding. Because of these, we are encouraged to face each day with renewed joy. Now, I am literally "pumped up" to meet with a lady from the neighborhood to help her with her math lessons. Now, I am eager to homeschool Jouren. Now, I find meaning and purpose in our life here. Of course, tomorrow will be a different story, when I wake up and ...maybe find the light is busted again, or discover new 'droppings' in our kitchen counter, and wondering is this from a cockroach? lizard? Or when I hear stories of how kids choose to 'beg on the streets' rather than go to school.

But, I will remember the prayers of my brothers and sisters from Canada (and elsewhere), who are waking up and lifting us up to Jesus, who in their weekly prayer meetings are mentioning us as we adjust. Thank you for the fellowship of believers!