When I was at International Teams US office and training center, I met some guys that were doing some video work for IT, and they got talking about the need have missionaries in the field better equipped to capture good video. It seems that we haven't produced any good video since the 80's, and would like to have more of it to assist in our mobilization efforts, and to encourage people to pray for IT's various ministries around the world. When I began showing a bit of interest in what was being talked about, some people got excited, and saw an opportunity to get a missionary who would be traveling to various sites better trained in video.
They mentioned that they were working with Jim Larson, a professional video guy, and were hoping to send him to Cambodia and the Philippines at some point this year, although details were rather fuzzy. As of this past Tuesday, my impression was that Jim would be going to Cambodia sometime in July, and the Philippines was off. Then on Wednesday, it was confirmed that he was going to be in the Philippines from the 12th to the 15th.
I was a little shocked. Cambodia was going to cost too much to fly to, and the only purpose that would be served would be to learn more about video. As such, I had ruled out the possibility of getting to work with Jim. Philippines on the other hand was less than half the cost to fly to and provided the chance to discuss opportunities for Encounter Teams there. Not only that, but I've been there before, and know many people, so the prospect of planning the trip on such short notice wasn't nearly as daunting. If I had been paying attention, I would have been thinking "Wow! Isn't God great?" But that came a little later...
I began thinking, "I think I could do this." I started searching for good deals on airplane tickets. As I, and a travel agent looked, the prices began to climb (as potential tickets got sold off). My cost estimate started rising from $1600 + all my frequent flyer miles to over $1900. At one point, it was looking like I might have to leave on Monday (which would have been too short notice), and stay a fair bit longer than would have been appropriate. Ug.
Friday morning, it occurred to me that, rather than trying to do this on my own, I should be talking to God about it. I began praying that He would provide something, or make it clear if I wasn't to go. I also got people in the office praying. Shortly after lunch, I heard from the travel agent that she had found a flight for just over $1300 (without needing to use up my frequent flyer points) on reasonable dates. As an added bonus, I would get to spend a night in Tokyo at the expense of the airline.
Wow. I sensed God saying, "See -- I do hear, and can provide far beyond your expectations. As a special gift, I've even given you a free night in Japan." Quite a contrast to what I was able to come up with on my own.
So, that's the story. I leave for the Philippines on Wednesday July 9, and get back to Canada on Tuesday July 22. Lord willing, I'll be spending 4 days with Jim Larson learning all I can about getting good video (as well as getting some too!). I'll be meeting with IT staff to discuss what sorts of things we can do together with Encounter Teams. I'll be meeting with friends from my trip last year. And I'll hopefully be able to get involved in some ministry as well.
If you could be praying...
- Praise God for His incredible provision
- Pray that my time would be productive
- Pray that I would be an encouragement to the Filipino missionaries I spend time with
- Pray that I would be open to what ever else God has for me while I'm there
- Pray that I would have the health, strength, energy to accomplish all God has before me
Thanks so much for your prayer! I'll look forward to telling you more in the next week or two.
For His glory,
Steve.
PS: Thanks for all those who participated in the surveys I sent out recently. The feedback was quite helpful. I'll try to make the results of the surveys available online soon.
