Street Level News

We started 2024 with a two-day summit in Cebu City! The group from Toledo all came across the island to join the Cebu group at our headquarters for a Friday night and Saturday. Friday night was spent getting to know each other, playing games, having snacks, and even some impromptu singing! We talked about the mission trip to Bohol, with a Q&A from the members who went too. The main event of the night was watching a video that was put together by the Street Level Menomonie group showing what it looks like for them to be involved in Street Level in the U.S.

Saturday started with a lot of coffee since many stayed awake most of the night chatting… but after that and breakfast, we jumped into the teaching and discussions. The main idea of the day centered on finding purpose in knowing God, and serving Him. We discussed what that might look like, the challenges involved, and how to complete our life purpose well.

The time spent together was wonderful and passed by too quickly, but we are looking forward to the next one.

We had our first Street Level Philippines mission trip! Today was a day full of hard work and tomorrow we will take some time to think about and plan for the upcoming semester. Here’s a word from each of our members:

Traveling is fun especially when you’re with friends. Our trip was in Baclayon, Bohol. We went to the Chocolate Hills on our way and witness an awesome view. We had a lot of fun during our first day. Eating together, sharing life’s experiences and being excited with what’s going to happen in the following days.

Also more than an enjoyment, it was a trip to remind me of the higher purpose we’re out for the trip. It was my first time ever to stay under the sun for so long but didn’t realize the sweat that’s rolling through my face, clouding my glasses. After the whole day hard work, I was reminded how to be more grateful for the blessings of having been part of it. It brings to my mind God’s Grace, so amazing and so sweet.

I met new people. Pastor Medel and his church members. And made some new friends with Pastor Medel’s youth people. I met Renan, Xavier and Jemuel. It was fun working with them because they have a lot of energy and they don’t get tired easily. It’s fun making new friendship with people with different culture.

Speaking of God’s grace, God is so good even if God doesn’t need us, yet God will rewards us. I learned a lot today and realized ministry is not an easy thing to do but it’s a worthy thing to do. God is so greatl!

Above all things, I give thanks to God for His goodness. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. During the missions trip I’m so blessed with God’s Divine moving by being part of the answer to the congregation’s prayer of having their church renovated. This reminds of the book of Hagai talking about building God’s temple.

Thanks for your prayers for us and the work. Please continue to pray for the church we worked on – that their ministry would be strengthened and encouraged, and be used by God in Baclayon. Please also pray for us – for vision and direction – as we use tomorrow for planning for the upcoming semester.