| Dear All, Tuesday’s Bottom Line: My text “conversation” with Scott this morning was SO full of good news that I felt like I was drinking from a fire hose! The short version is that each seminar has gone really well, many people have signed up to join disciple-makers groups, the Raising Disciple-Makers book is selling like crazy, and Wilson and Angelica have made a commitment that is absolutely ASTOUNDING! Tuesday’s Prayer Requests: 1. Rest and refreshing for Wilson, Angelica, and Scott following all their travel and ministry these past few days; Scott’s back to be strong and healthy. 2. The Holy Spirit to guide the numerous disciples who are about to lead new DM groups; for them to do so with excellence. 3. A wonderful retreat for the Filipino DM leaders who will gather in Pugo on Wednesday and Thursday. |
| Tuesday’s Details: Okay, here goes! First, a little geography refresher. Our team is based the Villasis area (yellow box), and Scott held a DM seminar in Nueva Vizcaya (to the northeast) on Monday and one in Nueva Ecija (to the southeast) on Tuesday. Each of these three places is about two hours away from the orange star where the blue roads meet. Both seminars were well-attended and resulted in many people wanting to join DM groups. = ) |
 Monday’s seminar was in Nueva Vizcaya Tuesday’s was in Nueva Ecija |
| Now our team is back in the Villasis area, and Scott said, “We had 55 people sign up during the two seminars yesterday and today. And we are starting 9 new groups from the other three seminars we held earlier in the week (in and around Villasis). That brings the number of DM groups so far to about 15, which means there will be over 30 DM groups in the Philippines once I head out to the next country. Praise God!” Here’s the crowd that attended the Nueva Ecija seminar. |
 They all want to make one disciple! |
 Waiting in line to sign up to join a DM group |
| Scott was amazed at the number of folks who signed up, “And this was after I told them that they should not sign up unless they were willing to lead their own group. We also told them that it is hard and expensive to raise children and that it would only cost them 100 Philippine pesos (USD $1.74) for the Pressing Toward the Mark (PTM) workbook… and their life in serving others.” We also have good news about the Raising Disciple-Makers (RDM) books. In addition to the ones Scott took with him from Missouri, we are having 1000 English copies printed in the Philippines. Many individuals are now buying them at seminars, and some pastors are purchasing dozens of copies for their church leaders. We are really excited to get these concepts into the hands – and hopefully hearts – of so many people! Scott continued, “But this is the most amazing thing: Wilson and Angelica have committed to drive 2 hours to Nueva Ecija every Thursday morning, arriving before 9 AM for their first set of DM groups. (Each of them will lead a pastors group, and someone else will lead a church leaders group.) Then they will travel from there 2 hours to Nueav Vizcaya to lead 4 more DM groups (how? I don’t know). And finally, they will drive 4 hours home.” I asked Scott who was going to care for their children while they spend 8 hours driving and 4+ hours leading groups each Thursday. He replied, “Angelica’s sister works remote and will watch the kids every Thursday, and Wilson’s mom will act as a backup. They will do this for at least 6 months!” Is that an amazing commitment, or what?!? He continued, “I told them they could try to do something online if they wanted, but they chose to go and invest directly in these pastors and leaders instead.” On Tuesday and Wednesday (1:00 AM Wednesday till 1:00 AM Thursday MO time), nearly all the folks who are currently leading DM groups will gather in Pugo (north of Villasis on the map above) for an overnight retreat of training and encouragement. Scott LOVES these opportunities to pour into people who are already doing the work, because they’ve all had experiences and challenges with their groups, and it’s an “iron sharpening iron” situation: different group leaders can share what’s working well for them, and Scott can give clarification and show honor and appreciation to all these faithful laborers. I’m sure it will be a wonderful retreat! And finally, as far as his back is concerned, Scott said he needs to be more diligent to take his medicine ; ), and “All the hours of standing (32 hours in 7 days) has taken a toll on my body. I’m hoping to get some rest tomorrow (although I volunteered to make French toast for my housemates).” Sometimes My Hero is like the Energizer Bunny! Would you please take a moment today to pray for him, our wonderful team, and what’s going on in the Philippines as a result of your partnership with TTC? THANK YOU very much! Blessings, Patty |