We spent the day with Gary Myers, the founder and director of Banaba House Ministries, as our backyard was turned into a set for an informational video featuring Banaba House Ministries. He shared that there are so many talented, intelligent young people living in a context of poverty in the Philippines. Many can't afford the costs associated with school and drop out. Some trade future success for food on today's table. Family is very important, it's not uncommon for young people to sacrifice their personal futures to provide for the immediate needs of their parents, brothers and sisters. Videographer and professional colorist Brian Hutchings interviewed Gary, asking him numerous questions about how Banaba House Ministries brings hope and a future to young adults living in the urban poverty context. It was encouraging to hear that Banaba House Ministries walks with young people through the process of developing into successful, educated, God-honoring adults. Banaba House Ministries stands in the gap for these students and their families, empowering the participants with education, discipleship, and vocational training. Through this ministry, students discover God's plan for their lives and learn how to apply God's truths to all aspects of their lives.
We can't wait to work with these young adults. Jesus loves them so much, and we want to live out that love for them. We're so excited to mentor, teach, disciple, and equip these very special young people. It will be a joy to discover how we fit into the expansion of the work being done by Banaba House Ministries.
0 Comments
We gave our first presentation at the church where I spent most of my teen years. The pastor, Karl Thompson, brought a beautiful, powerful message. Speaking from Hebrews 10, he reminded us that Jesus Christ gave everything for us, so we can endure suffering or give up our things for Him. The great news of the gospel is that we get God. God is the gospel (to quote John Piper.)A Christ-follower, by nature, is driven to follow Jesus Christ. Instead of building our kingdoms here on earth, amassing our wealth and curating our influence, we invest our time, money and resources into the kingdom of God. In the time of the writing of the book of Hebrews, Christ-followers were persecuted by the Romans. Some lost their jobs, properties, and lives. Others chose to be associated with the persecuted, suffering loss as well. 21st century Christians are called to do the same. We are privileged to be associated with those who are persecuted and taken advantage of. In doing so, we will spend our time, health, resources and sometimes our reputation. We have to keep eternity in perspective, and store up our treasures in Heaven. After all, we've been given the best gifts of all an intimate friendship with God, forgiveness, soul-peace, and ultimate life purpose. Evil loves an impoverished mindset. Multi-generational poverty wires in pathways for thinking that can be impossible to break free from. Satan thrives in this environment and hates those who bring Hope and Freedom through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Satan wages war through thoughts, emotions, relational drama, sickness, death, and discouragement. The missionary must have a committed prayer team because when God's people pray, God hears and responds in power. When the you pray, God heals, comforts, strengthens, revives, and corrects skewed thinking and emotions.
When the Holy Spirit uses the good news of Jesus Christ gives birth to faith and repentance, He also begins a life-long process of godly living. This process rewires the thinking patterns, empowering the Christ-follower to find freedom from poverty of thought. The Christ-follower discovers his/her true purpose, which is to glorify God in all areas of life and enjoy a vibrant relationship with Him. All around the world in every community, believers need mature Christ-followers to come alongside them and invite them to live life together. Through this messy, organic experience of life-on-life discipleship, God delivers His people from generational bondage and hopelessness. As mature Christ-followers model and gradually release the Jesus lifestyle, those being discipled learn how to apply the God's truths for life in their own cultural context. That is the reason why we go: To bring truth and hope to those who live in spiritual darkness, whether it is across the street or on another continent. Will you be on our prayer team? |
The SwansonsWe're a family on mission to bring the good news of Jesus to the Philippines. |