Party on the Roof

Since our last news update, Street Level Ministries Cebu celebrated our first birthday! We played games, distributed prizes, ate chocolate cake, and watched a short film. My favorite part was listening to stories told by each of the three original SLM members: KC, Atheena, and Manel. They shared their memories from our first meeting and the influence SLM has made in their lives. Fifteen people attended… most of them would not have been there if those three ladies did not invite them! The party was held on the Teofel Hostel Roofdeck, which is becoming SLM’s “party spot.” We’re planning to host more events there throughout the next year, including a movie night and one-day conference.

Return for a Visit to Wisconsin

A few weeks after the party, we flew back to the states for a visit. Since we traveled through an airport we had never been to, we ued our layover to explore (see photo) 🙂 Our trip to Wisconsin began in true summer style: camping! We spent a few days in the Chequamegon National Forest for the School of Ministry Retreat. The fresh air and peaceful quiet of the north woods did our souls and bodies good. I think it helped us get over our jet lag, too! Although, maybe that was the coffee… either way, the retreat was beneficial and helpful training. Many of the things we discussed at the retreat answered questions that were rolling around in our brains before we even left the Philippines!

Community Life

In addition to camping trips and time with our families, we were thankful to join various ministries and fellowship groups! Laura joined Kindred Ministry a few times and got her hands dirty (with coffee grounds) in the Blind Munchies Mobile Coffeehouse. I enjoyed playing piano on Sundays and helping out at Street Level worknights for Music on the Hill. We also attended a Word on the Street Launch Meeting with writers from four locations: Menomonie, Superior, River Falls, and the Philippines!

The Great JFBelievers Church Get-Together

We closed out our trip with the annual church campout and baptisms at Camp Croix. This is one of our favorite JFB events of the year. The other is, of course, the great New Year’s Eve game night and junk food buffet! We enjoyed catching up with those in our respective fellowship groups as well as meeting new people from both churches. Highlights included hitching a ride (in or on) Faygo Canoe services and witnessing three baptisms! On Sunday afternoon, a handful of people gathered in our post-campout stupor – tired, dirty, and smelly – to unload the church van and coffeehouse trailer. As I was hauling a cooler downstairs, I couldn’t help but smile and think, “This is church.” Not the Sunday service, but rather, serving each other and God, joking, laughing, and being downright giddy just to be together. Thank you, JFB, for being my church… my family.

Prayer Requests

• Safe travels back to Cebu (Aug 28-29) and quick recovery from jet lag
• SLM students to grow in their relationships with God and to put Him first in their lives
• God’s direction as we plan a one-day conference in November
• Wisdom, courage, boldness, and love… the battle is fierce.

As we head back to Cebu, I think about the magnitude of what God has called us to. It can be overwhelming to consider the thousands of people who don’t know Him… or believe that their religiosity will save them. Then there are those who actively fight against us. It’s a warzone unlike any other, yet I know Jesus leads us in and through every battle.

“Fear not; be brave for Christ. Live bravely for him who die lovingly for you.” – Charles Spurgeon

– Brittany