Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Where Do You Store Up Your Treasures? Part 1


If you were to ask me this question three years ago, I would list my son, my relationships, and my clothes as my most prized possessions.  Today, I have to say God’s Kingdom!  My faithful walk with Christ has led me to embark on a 10-Day Mission Tour in Mindanao, Philippines.  I recently returned from that trip hosted by Mike Keyes Ministries International (MKMI) based out of Ozamis City, Mindanao.  It was life changing to say the least.  In the short 10 days I was there, I witnessed God’s mighty power, His love for the Filipinos, and the faithfulness of His Servants who are continuing the incredible work throughout Mindanao and beyond.  

The bible tells us that where we store up our treasures, that is also where our hearts will be.  “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21).  I can finally say that I have opened an account in God’s Kingdom and have made several deposits to it.  I know that writing these articles and serving Him throughout the years have made some incremental deposits, but working in the trenches alongside my brethren and standing in the front lines praying for the sick and the poor has me fully vested in the Kingdom!  There is nothing more rewarding than this.  

I witnessed hundreds come to Christ in a single crusade.  I saw the sick become well before my very eyes.  I saw the hearts of men repent and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.  Children who showed up for the candy ended up at the front giving their hearts to Jesus.  Everyone within an earshot of our testimonies found themselves at the front receiving Salvation and/or Prayer for Healing.  This happened at every crusade.  Our numbers are staggering: 4,469 confirmed Salvations and 1,092 confirmed Healing and/or Miracles. God is Good!    This was the most fruitful ministry tour group ever in the history of MKMI. His Mighty Power and Love was showered over the Filipino people.  PRAISE God!

Reasons Why God’s Power Moved
1 – His faithful servants at MKMI have been planting and watering seeds for years in these provinces and villages
2 – God was faithful to those who answered the call to travel abroad to minister in the Philippines; and those who offered financial support to those who ministered. 
3 - The people who live in these villages are hurting and pray for God to send provision for their needs.
4 – These same people show up at these crusades with an expectancy to receive something since their prayers were answered.
5 – God’s sovereignty and provisions for His children is always on time.

Luke 10:2
Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

The main reason I first answered the call to go to the Philippines was to follow Pastor Mike Keyes who spoke at my church.  He’s an American Pastor who is married to a Filipina and has built his ministry in the Philippines for the last 30 years.  I was so impressed with his preaching that I decided to answer the call to the mission field.

There are unforgettable moments in a person’s life: i.e. graduation day, the moment we receive Jesus into our hearts, and our wedding day. My walk with The Lord will be divided into two eras: before MKMI and after.  I will be forever marked by what I witnessed and experienced during this Mission Trip. 


The love that flowed through the MKMI compound could only come from the Father.  God’s hand print was on every person associated with MKMI as they served the American Team and the people at the crusades.  I was immediately struck by their joy in the Lord and their ability to serve us with boundless energy and their never ending smiles.  I went there to serve, but felt like a princess at times with their loving hospitality, Christ-like service, and attention to my needs.  The food was delicious and well balanced.  They also ensured our safety and comfort.  I must also add that the Praise and Worship Services were first rate and overflowed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  I was especially impressed because several of the band members were teenagers!  Now before I start sounding like a commercial or a hospitality critic, the Filipino Hospitality is second to none and this experience was beyond my expectations!  

The astonishing miracles and the Spirit that was poured out on and through all of us was truly anointed by Him.  The Spirit that moved during the crusades was Pure, Strong, Uncompromising, and Penetrable to all who showed up.  This was all one had to do to be changed and transformed…just show up and the Spirit performed surgery on your mind and heart!  Your age or circumstance didn’t matter to God.  His mighty power intervened and imposed Himself on anyone who was within 300 yards of the Barangay Hall!  Even passer buyers who didn’t intend on watching or participating were swept up by the Holy Spirit and found themselves at the front receiving prayer and/or healing.  At one point, this half American half Filipina teenaged girl from America reached the front of the line.  I asked her what she needed for prayer.  She was so drawn to the Spirit that she was speechless when she reached the front, she didn’t know what to ask for.  She just wanted to stand up front to receive what the others were receiving.  She eagerly shook her head when I asked her if she wanted me to lead her in a prayer of salvation.

Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

God has children who love Him and serve Him all over the world with varying living conditions and circumstances.  I get the sense that those who live and work in less than ideal conditions and face higher challenges are the ones who God showers with His mighty power the most.  His Love pours out and His miracles touch the weak and lowly in a miraculous way.  It is obvious that His rewards are greater in these parts of the world too.  I was blessed to witness this outpouring and be part of His mighty work in the Philippines.  I am so proud of my people who work faithfully and endlessly in spite of facing many hardships while making the most of what they have; where the rewards are not always apparent or visible at times.  But God sees their efforts and is blessed by their unwavering hearts to serve Him!  I am amazed at God’s outpouring and the people He has chosen to build His Kingdom.  

I know there are hundreds of causes and ministries to give to and partner with.  I applaud you if you are already giving.  God will bless your generosity.  But if you are looking for a cause and ministry to partner with, I highly recommend MKMI.  I am not only personally vouching for them, but I am also partnering with their ministry work.  They are not only saving souls, planting churches, but also equipping the saints, and providing students proper education and training for evangelism and Pastoral work in the field.  Their work requires supernatural faith and courage, and many supporters to lift them up in prayer and financial provisions.

Please prayerfully consider any of the following:
1 – Partnering with them by supporting them financially every month.
2 – Send a one time monetary gift
3 – Join the Mission Field in 2013.  There will be a Mission Trip in June 18-28 and July 16-26.  The compound can only accommodate up to 35 Americans at one time, so make your reservations soon.
4 – Join me in praying for their needs: 1) for strength, protection, and wisdom to follow up and minister to the thousands of people who received salvation; 2) to receive financial blessings to buy necessary tools to do their work, i.e. new computer equipment, updated audio equipment, vehicles, and other miscellaneous needs.

Proverbs 11:25
The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.

Please visit www.MKMI.org to sow into God’s Kingdom.


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