why?

The exhilerating three week trip is over and it's time to get the ball rolling on fundraising.  However, in order to do my effective part, I'm going back to "re-answer" why.  Why move?  Why does a radio station in a third world country need Mike?  What am I in it for?

The underlining obvious which has served as the basis for picking the Philippines is that I simply want to go back home.  But even more important, from as far back in childhood as I can remember, there was that tug and pull on my heart.  The puller and tugger is God himself.  He called me to take my part in the great commission.  That great commission would involve a return home.  Exactly how, he would make that clear and we'd cross that bridge together when we got to it.  That's how I was raised.  It's what I know.  It's what I believe.  

I've been more than ready to go.  However, it's not happening without a few things already payed amid the earlier adult years.  The heart and passion had to be increased by what seemed like obstacles.  Obstacles that only emboldened me.  Nothing was going to stop me.  Not even the people closest to me.  Yes, God works in mysterious ways.  However, the painful admission is that maybe....just maybe the God of this universe knew, far more than I, everything this would/will entail for me....for us.  The things/circumstances He would allow and use to shake us up a little.  To challenge us.

Mom used to half jokingly say that my language mimicking abilities were proof that I'd make a great linguist.  However, the laborious detailed task of putting a foreign language onto pen and paper, teaching natives how to read and write in it and then translate the Bible for them never seemed to be a desire He instilled in me.  Nothing to feel guilty about because language translation is only one of many hands and feet in the great commission.  There are other supportive tasks that have to be carried out by others to make translation happen.  

Marrying a radio guy has almost defined my eventual roll.  It's becoming more obvious that God's used me to influence Mike towards the Philippines...towards Manila....unbeknown to me until now.  But even then, radio wasn't always exactly "my thing".  Then again, with something like The Edge...where the mission is far different than that of an American radio station [on so many levels]  there looks to be yummy-licious room for me in some capacity.   Mike will be playing a significant roll in helping The Edge "redeem the air waves", as their motto goes.  The Philippines is the largest user of  media technology which is constantly evolving in such a quick rate...almost lightening speed.  Manila alone is the texting capital of the world as it is here that the sim card was first put to trial.  [btw, the cost of cell phoning and texting in the Philippines makes the USA mobile companies look like criminal price gougers.  They probably are].  The Edge has an incredible presence on the internet.  One area that they help give Filipinos the better media alternative.  During our visit, it was very clear that there is just not enough of that media alternative...the kind that reaches the young masses.  With the median age being 22 it's critical the young masses are given what they like.  What jives with their bones.  There are plenty of Christian radio stations in the Manila...in the Philippines.  However, the Edge is the only CCM [Contemporary Christian Music] broadcaster.

While searching for statistics today I came across an article from Philippines Today.  64,000 teenagers have abortions every year.  Astonishing beyond words.  This is the kind of stuff that tugs at the heart.  These girls need help.  In a country where abortions are illegal, that's a big number and the abortion path is no fix.  Not only does it take lives, but it injures these young girls emotionally, psychologically, physically and on so many other levels we can't imagine without stepping into their shoes.  In the Philippines there are 1.2 million homeless children.  In just 2007, UNICEF reported 200,000 children were victimized by human rights abuses in the Philippines. To escape grinding poverty children are joining rebel movements and taking up arms. 


It is these two issues that pull me.   These are also perfect circumstances in which Jesus' love can be shared to help transform these lives.  They are exciting opportunities I look forward to embracing them.   I expect to find already established organizations to volunteer alongside with in the first year.  There are many that help young people.  We had been looking at a price cut in capital fees by possibly volunteering at Faith Academy.  However, after meeting with the school, finding something to do under "staff" title may be trickier than originally allowed to believe.  Which is totally fine.  If  it doesn't work out, well....it just doesn't work out.  It will, however, allow for more time on meeting the needs of women and homeless children...on top of being a mother of five.  It may take a good year or more to figure out the most successful juggling method.

From Philippines May 14 - June 1 2011

poor kid was so dead tired that the high volume Makati traffic a few feet away couldn't stir him.  he's an easy 12 years old.  Breaks my heart.