moonwalking

Catholicism is intertwined throughout filipino culture. Of my grandpa's seven siblings, only he and two others are no longer Catholic. However, the Christian community here is growing and in the small city of Naga, there are two Reformed Baptist churches and several other Protestant churches! Due to some very handy church connections, (Thank you Hammermasters!!) I was able to get in touch with Pastor Hofmaier and his church in Manila. Providentially, Moonwalk Community Bible Church sits only ten minutes away from my Lolo's house! My Lolo, Lola, and little cousin, Luigi, attended the morning service my first Sunday. Pastor Hofmaier was preaching at another church in Manila, but I was able to meet Mrs. Hofmaier, his daughter, Ate Becky, ("Ate" is a title given to women who are older, but of your same generation; my younger cousins refer to me as "Ate Kelsey") and other members of the congregation. The sermon was mostly in Tagalog, but enough was in English for me to understand the message. My notes consist of everything that was said in English and are brief enough for me to copy them here. 

John 1: 4-8

True life can only be found in Jesus. True life is eternal. However, we should not think of our eternal life as only being about time, it is about a real relationship with Christ that will last forever. The Word is light. How can we live without light? It saves us from potential evil and guides us to safety. Light exposes evil deeds. Men love darkness, because they love their sin. Hell is a pit of darkness. The real danger that men face is the darkness of sin that leads to Hell. Jesus' light conquers sin. We must be reflectors of Christ's light in this dark world.

I am a sinner redeemed by God's free, sovereign, and beautiful grace though I have done everything not to deserve it. My blessings are innumerable and I am so so thankful to have this opportunity to be here in the Philippines and to fellowship with believers on the opposite side of the globe. Thank you for your prayers.