It is Wednesday morning and I am feeling a bit exhausted.  I have slept only about 10 hours in the last three days.  It will be interesting to see if this entry makes any sense.  So I apologize in advance for what I may write (The views expressed here are the views of Ike and are not necessarily the views of F2W. There, a disclaimer).

See, my sleep schedule is all messed up because I am still on Philippines time, which is 12 hours ahead by the way.  Why you ask?  Because for the past three weeks I have been in Masinloc, Philippines.  I had the privilege of returning to this small town to work with a local Baptist church and its’ pastor, Pastor Melo.

During my visit I was able to be a part of many cool things.  I got to work directly with the church’s youth.  We conducted bible studies, spent time hanging out at the ocean, the river, in town and at the church.  A big youth event was held one Sunday afternoon where we traveled to a beautiful beach and swam, played games, ate, and studied God’s word.  On that outing five youth were baptized right there in the ocean!

In addition to working with the youth I took part in a massive evangelism effort around the town including traveling to a small island only reachable by boat.  I was greeted with openness and warmth as I shared about Jesus and attempted to build relationships between the locals and the church. 

They even allowed me to give the message one Sunday!  I think it was well received, although I did catch someone “resting their eyes.”  And there was more.  Construction, leadership training, mentoring, fellowshipping, counseling, and on and on!  A busy few weeks...

What a wonderful time.  God really rocked my world!  I am so honored that he would allow someone like me to be a part of what he is doing in this great little Baptist church on the other side of the earth.  With the Christian school, the outreach, the training, the church planting, Pastor Melo and his people are involved in a great work in Masinloc.  So thank you to all whom donated to make this trip possible. Your generosity is changing lives!

Well, I it’s time to go take a nap.  Goodnight and God bless – Ike Boyette

PS: To Pastor Melo, you are a true servant of our Lord.  Keep up your passion for God and the awesome work.  I am praying for you brother.

PSS:  To the people of Masinloc, you are the friendliest people I have ever met.  You treated me like a brother and a son.  Thank you for your kind actions and words.

PSSS: To Chris, Moc, Jhay, Robin, Ian, Wello, Jon, and the rest of the gang, thank you for the great times.  I am honored to call you friends.  I love you guys!

PSSSS: For some more trip pictures look at this Journal entry.

PSSSSS: Check out more on this trip in the upcoming F2W Currents.