14.868977, 121.132967, Norzagaray. Day Two

I have previously noted how the LORD, in His wisdom, provided a reason for our return to these parts. This morning, I went to google maps to scout the surrounding area, curious as to where the local roads might lead. My browsing brought me to the summit of a hill barely a kilometer from our day one location. As I looked out, the thought crossed my mind: "What if I were to proclaim the Word here?" That afternoon, I understood—my leaving my Bible behind was the very purpose for which I was brought back to this place.

Photo from Goole Map

Upon our departure the previous day, a man had come to that very spot to put up a funeral sign—a local practice to signify that a beloved relative has passed. When we returned this morning, the lady of the shop where we stood yesterday gave us a most cheering report. She pointed to the sign and told us that the man who had placed it there had also taken our Bible with him. She directed us to where they might be found, and so we set out in search of them. Imagine my heart's amazement when our path led us directly to the very summit I had surveyed but a few hours prior. The way was prepared before we even got there.

At the very summit of the hill, where the path terminated and the ascent became so steep we were compelled to leave our scooter behind, we found a small company gathered. With all courtesy, I made my introductions and spoke of a bible that we were told somebody from their family had found. At once, their faces brightened. Though the man who had first discovered my Bible was not among them, one of them hastened and shortly returned, carrying my Bible, and handed it to me. They marveled when they learned the distance we had traveled for the sake of that book. The lady who offered me a seat and a cup of warm coffee, remarked with wonder, "See how this man loved his Bible, to come from so far!" She inquired after my faith, I replied simply, "I am a Christian." At this, her countenance shone. "And we also are born-again believers! My brother, who found your Book, is a follower of the Lord, and indeed, we are all believers here." I asked if the woman who passed was also Christian. She replied, "yes she was. She is my younger sister." They showed me the Bible that their sister owned. It was very worn out. One can tell it that the owner read it a lot. I whispered a thanks to the LORD.

Photo from Google Map

I had a different location today in my itinerary. I made this trip out of the way just to get my Bible back. What I found was an opportunity to preach a short message of encouragement to these my fellow Christians, to continue in the faith, and look to Christ. Typically, when families here in the Philippines hold a wake at home, there is gambling involved to attract people to come and donate money to the family of the deceased. This particular family on the other hand has a pastor who comes daily in the afternoon who gives a message to attendees instead.

Though my itinerary for this day had been to preach the Word at Bitungol, I was directed to make this journey out of the way, seeking only to retrieve my Bible. Yet, what I found was far more than a lost volume; it was a divine opening to preach a word of comfort and exhortation to these, my brothers and sisters in the Lord. I entreated them to remain steadfast in the faith and to keep their eyes ever fixed upon Christ, and to participate the labor for souls. It is a common and pathetic local custom that, when a household is in mourning, they resort to cards and gambling to draw a crowd and solicit alms for the bereaved. But to find this family of a different spirit! No such vanities were found among them. Instead, a pastor comes each afternoon to open the Scriptures and offer a message of hope to all who gather.

We left some tracts as a token of our fellowship, we offered our heartfelt thanks and took our leave. By the time we descended, the shadows of the afternoon had grown long. I pondered whether I might still reach my intended destination to proclaim the Word, yet the hour was far spent. By the time we were midway, it was already evening. Nevertheless, our hearts were full. This "mishap" of a lost Bible was but the Lord’s tether, drawing us toward these kind-hearted souls whom we otherwise should never have known. What was lost in time and travel was more than restored in the joy of the Spirit. Our Father is indeed sovereign.

O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

Psalms 92:5

The (very) steep climb proved most beneficial to us. Both physically and spiritually. Truly, the LORD is good, and His ways are a delight to those who walk them.