New Sights and Sounds

After five weeks of living in the Philippines again, just wanted to pass along some of the more unusual things we've seen and heard, and also a few of the highlights and some of the things we enjoy. This will give you some idea of what it's like to live in this nation of more than 90 million people (about four times the population of Australia).
First, just know that the church here has some wonderful people who really enjoy being together and worshipping God. What a blessing to be part of such a loving family of God.
On the "different" side, it's amazing how many parades they have in Tacloban City. This is a huge bustling city of a quarter of a million people, and yet the steets in the downtown area are so tiny and narrow. But that doesn't stop them from having parades and blocking traffic for an hour or more. Even the opening of a small bakery will elicit a parade. We're amazed how often this occurs, seems like every day.
Then there's the amazing mango. If you've never enjoyed a Filipino mango you've missed out. Don't compare it to the Mexican mango because they are so different. Really nothing alike. The mango here is like an oblong, sweet peach (maybe better). And they are plentiful here, and so delicious.
I suppose the strangest thing I've seen since living daily in this city is the number of times I've seen a swastika painted on something - probably ten times. On the side of a bus or on someone's shirt or house. Amazing, right? When I've asked about it, I've been told that it's just decoration and the person probably has no idea at all what it is or where it comes from. Amazing.
One of the highlights for us is that we've discovered a little place in downtown Tacloban where we can get tacos and nachos. And they are quite good. I never expected to be able to eat some good Mexican food in this city, but there it is.
And then there's the work with Project Philippines. We are so blessed to be teammates with some dedicated and hardworking servants of the Lord, whom we are so proud of. I mentioned before bro. Reuel Belo and his evangelistic skills. Two more baptisms in the village of Tungga to report. Lourdes Puyat and Gina Puyat are new sisters in Christ and attend the house church in the village of Tungga which is only about one year old. Please pray for this small church family. We also continue to be impressed with the work of all the teachers, both at Leyte Christian College and Small Beginnings Christian Preschool. The blessed Gospel Light sounds forth from these teachers who love their Lord so much. Thank you to all of our supporters for being the ones who stand behind these good teachers and supply their needs. We're grateful to all of you!
- Johnny