Paulo (right) and one of his friends at our second baptism

Let me tell you about my friend Paulo. Paulo is 12 years old and started attending one of our Bible studies about 1 1/2 months ago. He was real eager to learn from the very start. He told us that all the stories and everything he was learning from us he was going and teaching to his friends at school. After he started passing on his newly acquired knowledge his friends labeled him apostle paulo.

He was faithful to attend every time he could and really seemed to understand what we were trying to get across. After about three weeks of him attending, passing it on too his friends and inviting his friends to join us also his friends told him they could see a change. They confessed to him when he first began sharing with them that they were all talking about him behind his back, but now they could tell it was something serious and important. So now we have several middle school aged boys that come to learn about the Bible and how Jesus wants them to live.

I am down to one month left here. It has been a crazy journey here.
God is alive and doing work. Unfortunately so is the devil. There are a lot of spiritual strongholds in the Philippines and very much on the island we are working on. Here are some strong points we could use MUCH prayer on.
1. Witchcraft - It is culturally acceptable to go to a witch doctor for healing. We have about three in our village. They don't find anything wrong with it. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
2. Alcohol - I would say the majority of the men on our island are alcoholics. There is just not much to do so they all turn to drinking. It is a major problem. They usually start around 14. (Ephesians 5:17-18)
3. Suicide - It apperently is not common for the Philippines, but we have overwhelming account of suicide or attempted from our island. It is strange and definately something spiritual. Many of the families have been affected by it.
4. Homosexuality - This is a major stronghold in all of SE asia and it is here. We have been able to share with several guys in this lifestyle. It is something incredibly hard to break out of. (Romans 1:24-27)
5. Parenting - Every single person I have talked to has scars from their parents. And while being here I have observed two things, neglect and abuse. I have yet to see true discipline administered correctly. (Proverbs 22:6)

These are all major problems and spiritual stronghold I have seen that you could all pray against.

It is hard for me to stay focused. I miss home and am ready to be back. So pray for me to finish the work I was sent here for. We still have time to see God do more.

Thanks for all the support!