They were blind, but now they see

God never ceases to amaze me. Once I think I've seen something great, God does something greater. This morning was one of those experiences.

In my last blog, I wrote about the flames of revival in the Philippines and the doors God keeps opening. We are now running through those open doors and are seeing a great harvest reaped.

We have officially planted four new churches in Muslim communities of the Philippines. These churches are in houses, and the rent has been paid on all four ($75/month). The first fruits have already been reaped as 117 people in those new churches have given their lives to the Lord. These are results of what our brothers call "Soul Winning Saturation." That's where they go door-to-door in the communities and tell people about Jesus. These new churches will grow quickly. We now have an opportunity to add three more house churches in three more communities.

And as if that wasn't enough, hold on. It gets even more exciting.

One of our pastors (for safety reasons I am not naming him right now), traveled to the island of Basilan, which is a 45 minute fast-boat ride from Zamboanga City on the island of Mindanao. This trip was to survey the island for a hunger for Christ. He found it. In fact, 92 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior on Basilan.Wow! Praise God! Expanding there is a must to disciple these precious people.

The amazing news is a first-time listener of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Basilan who accepted Jesus, contacted our pastor and said they have already found a house to rent for a meeting place. That happened within hours of making a decision for Christ. That's the hunger the people have for Jesus. They have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and when they do, they want to know more and want more people to hear about Jesus.

One new Christian told our pastor that the people needed a meeting place. Our pastor told him to pray with him about the finances to make the travel, materials such as Bibles, and house rental possible. The new Christian told our pastor, "We've been blinded with religious and cultural hatred for a long time. Please don't deny us the spiritual freedom our people need."

That touches my heart at levels previously unknown to me. A people so hungry and desperate for Jesus. It reminds me of Romans 10:14-15, "But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things!"

All of this happened because one couple responded financially to this need. Imagine what will happen if more join and help us reach those who have never heard of Jesus Christ.

"Open your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready for harvest." - John 4:35