murphys4mission: 'Unpacking My Suitcase'

One necessary task for me after every missions trip is to unpack my suitcase. Things are not so neatly arranged on the return journey as they were on the way out. There are numerous items for the laundry, some additions in the form of gifts and souvenirs, some things that weren’t used at all during the entire trip and others didn’t make it home again. It only takes a short time but it’s a job that has to be done.

Another task I find equally necessary is to ‘unpack’ my mind; to reflect on the many things that have taken place, on the blessings and difficulties of the experience. Like my suitcase many events are untidily packed into my memory. Only as I look at pictures, read my notes and talk about the experience can I begin to recall God’s faithfulness and answers to prayer throughout the trip.

So I have started this familiar ‘unpacking’ process once again having just returned from the Philippines

Our time in Manila was brief but we were able to squeeze in a number of things before moving on to Palawan Island. At Faith Academy we were given a comprehensive tour of the school and learned how it meets the needs of many missionary children whose parents serve the Lord throughout Asia. We also learned of the needs the school has, primarily for qualified teachers to join their staff.

Payatas Squatter Site
Over 10,000 families live and work at the Payatas city dump. Scavenging for plastic, metal and other items that can be recycled, they make their living from the waste that is hauled in from around Manila each day. Payatas is a sad place with sad memories. In July 2000 after weeks of torrential rain the huge mountain of garbage began to move and hundreds of the squatters’ homes at the edge of the dump were completely covered. It’s reported that thousands were killed, mostly children. Pastor Vir works at the Bread of Life church in Payatas, he is an enthusiastic man with a heart to help the people both with their spiritual and practically needs. He told us of that disaster and of the twenty two church members who were killed in the land slide. He took us around the area and explained the various ministries of the church, from children’s and youth ministries to regular church services. This church is bringing real hope to people who have hope from no other source.

Payatas Memorial

How do we react to scenes of men, women and children living on the pickings of a city dump? Do we ignore or try to forget what we’ve seen? Do we leave with feelings of guilt that we have so much and they so little? We can of course contribute in some small way to assist ministries that are helping them. But what can we do of significance? It seems clear to me that most of these people will be unable to go far beyond the boundaries of Payatas. The believers there will be restricted to ministering to those around them. We, however, have the privilege of a social and financial status that allows us to go almost anywhere in the world. It is our duty to use that privilege to serve God and bring the gospel to those who need it wherever they are. ‘For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required’. Luke 12:48