Today is Arbor Day here in the Philippines. I’ve was here on Arbor Day 2 years ago, so I didn’t want to miss it today. Thousands of people go to the “watershed” to plant a tree. At 5 am or earlier, kids start to congregate in the downtown area. Dump trucks come and haul these kids the 10 or so miles to the watershed. The first 8 are paved. Then it’s off to dirt roads and mountains. There were all kinds of vehicles there. The dump trucks that I mentioned, public utility vehicles (vans), cars, motorbikes and then there I was on by bicycle. We had to ford 2 rivers. The vehicles were typically underpowered with street tires. At the first river there was some type of heavy equipment that was hauling rigs out of the river. We would go for a while and then even I on my bike would be completely tube-locked. Stopped cars in both directions with either a steep bank or drop-off beside me. And mud! And thousands of people! Mostly HS kids out for an event. It was pouring. None of us were dressed for it. No one really cared. I did snap these two very poor pictures. My camera got soaked and not sure if it will work again. I should have gotten one of the waterproof types and may be forced to. I did finally extricate myself and did have a very enjoyable 3 plus hour ride. Came home covered with mud and hoping I will be here in a year to do it again.
Had a very good week. Busy. Lots of complications. Bad weather. Flights canceled. Thus people not leaving as scheduled or coming sooner because of weather complications. We are struggling to get them all in.
I’ve been having my devotions in the book of 2 Kings. I’m actually working my way through the historical books. Enjoying it very much. The other day I read about Nehushtan. A good thing becomes bad. I’m sure lots of lessons here. It’s amazing that people will bow to statues. Of course, that is a big issue here. At Mt. Calvary (near the watershed) “they” have the statues and the 10 commandments side-by-side. It’s obvious that they really don’t get it. When I was there on Good Friday a year ago, there were thousands there. They came to touch the statues thinking that by touching them they would get a blessing.
I was in the dentist office the other day. He’s a “good” religious man and has religious publications for us to read in his waiting room. There were many ads in these magazines paid for by different individuals. They all said the same thing (were the same ads). These ads stated, “If you will say this prayer (and gives a short pray) 7 times a day for 7 days and publish this prayer/ad in this magazine, your wildest dream will come true. Desperate people doing silly things. Yet, they need the truth. Please continue to pray for their salvation.
Pray for us as we anticipate another busy week with many coming and going.