Libby and I had a very unusual first assignment.
 It was to represent the teams who had gone before us at the 6th grade graduation ceremony. 
We were to be ambassadors for CSBC-DR and BGR. 
I do not think that either of us was prepared for what was about to take place over the next two days.

The 3 teams before us, like us, were assigned the task of repairing the roofs of several elementary schools. 
We were to work along side the pastors of the different communities as they reached out to the families affected by Typhoon Yolanda. When team three arrived at their assigned school they were asked to repair a roof, 
but this roof was not on a classroom.
 It was on a concrete platform. 
Puzzled, but willing to serve, they completed their task.

Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, 
as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (NLT)

This concrete platform was a stage for the graduating students to walk across. 
It was the culmination of a year that hopefully these students would never have to experience again! 
These storm torn communities had made it through and now 5 months later it was a time to celebrate. 
The graduating class of 2014 could commemorate their achievements of education requirements met, 
courage shown in the face of destruction and the tenacity to continue. 
What we had the privilege of witnessing was a testimony to strength against the winds of adversity that had blown.

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. 
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, 
for the Lord your God goes with you; 
he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV)

The teams before us had given hope to these communities and families of the graduates! 
They gave them a hope of a future by providing for them a place to celebrate their achievements.

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV)

When we had arrived at the school, it was obvious by our appearance, 
that we were part of the teams that had gone before us. 
We were greeted graciously. 
Shown around the school with special attention given to the work that the teams had completed, 
especially the stage for graduation. 
We were escorted to the different classrooms to meet the teachers 
and were finally ushered into where the graduates in their white caps and gowns where gathered. 
I was given the opportunity to pray for them and give them a blessing for their very special day.

Revelation 14:12, 
“Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, 
keeping God’s commands, 
staying faithful to Jesus.“ (MSG) 


Caprice <><
Please keep the teams that continue to serve and most of all those whose lives have changed since Yolanda made land fall. For more information on how you can help 
https://www.facebook.com/CSBDRM

Pack and re-pack…shop for what you have heard you may need, but have not experienced…pray for a heart that is willing and the strength to serve. Prepare for possible opportunities. All these mixed together and just maybe you will be ready. Ready for what you may ask…basically the unknown. You see…

Proverbs 16:9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (NLT)

How can anyone go and help those who have loss so much…experienced great fear…and endured such hardship? We can only do this because we have the love of the Lord wrapped around our hearts…a supernatural love…a love that does not come from our human comforts, but is hyper-charged to love by the Holy Spirit in us. It is when we snuff-out what we want, then in turn do for others what they can not do for themselves and come along side them…that we grow.

John 15:13, “No one can have greater love than to give his life for his friends.” New Life Version (NLV)

My life is what I want…do…have. And when you or I give up those things to serve others we are putting someone else’s needs before our own.

Hebrews 13:16,  “Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.” (GNT)

Lesson learned…The Lord holds us all in His hands and loves it when we trust Him…In and out of the storms that come.

Caprice <><

Libby with a group of women and children on our first Sunday morning. The children were very interested in her light hair and height.

Team #4 builds a temporary class room. Note what looks like tree branches in the upper left hand corner is actually a root ball of a huge tree that went over.

This is why electrical power comes and goes

Temporary Church made from a torn tarps and giant bamboo poles.

Thank you all so very much for covering Libby and I in prayers, as we served on the Island of Leyte in the Ormoc area of the Philippines. There are so many stories to tell and I promise they will be soon to come…

Until then...

Remember that it is never easy to step out of your comfort zone, but God promises to be there for you when you do.


Hebrews 11:1, 
                  “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, 
                                                      this faith, 
                                                              is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living.” (MSG)


Make your life worth living…trust God and move on out into the unknown…you will not regret a moment spent trusting God and living by faith.

Caprice <><