I just took our daughter Jilin to the airport for her flight back to the Philippines. Leonda returned there about two weeks ago, and now I am here in the States alone finishing the necessary fundraising for our project.
When we left the Philippines on April 12, I had no idea about all the things that would transpire during our absence. Satan’s attacks against the project in Kemantian have been fiercer than ever before, and many disturbing political changes have taken place on Palawan. The spiritual battle between good and evil is intensifying. The student missionaries who have been holding the fort during our furlough have been tested to the extreme. Other workers have left for various reasons. Over and over we keep asking, “Lord, what do we do now?”It is tempting to think that perhaps the time has come to close down the project, say that we have accomplished our goal, and return to the States to live in comfort and safety for the remainder of our days.
However, since Leonda’s return to the Philippines, she has been filling me in on what is happening, and a significant pattern seems to be emerging. First, there is no doubt that the attacks on God’s work are severe. Workers are pushed to the edge of their endurance, and some doors are closing. However, there are distinct signs that God has not given up nor called us to lay down our weapons of spiritual warfare. Rather, it is becoming clearer that a major battle is afoot, and now would be the worst time to turn tail and run. It seems that the devil sees the Palawano people as a key possession and is trying to keep them in his clutches at all costs.
The supernatural side of this struggle keeps rearing its ugly head. Day and night, the sound of brass gongs echo through the mountains, summoning the powers of evil. One witchdoctor in particular must have the gongs and drums going at all times, or he goes berserk. But amidst all the turmoil, the funds keep coming in, and doors for progress continue to open miraculously. Each day, it becomes more evident that we must not leave, that the battle must be fought and that victory is sure.
At the same time, we are increasingly aware that this battle is far too large for us. We are in deep water, far over our heads. In our puny strength, we can do nothing. There is no doubt that the battle is the Lord’s. As I talked to Leonda on the phone the other day, we agreed that God was still asking us to move forward, but every step must be taken with wisdom and supplication, depending on Christ to direct each advance. “Lord, show us the way. Lord, the battle is Yours. Lord, direct our every step, every decision.”
All of our workers are tired, stressed, worn and in need of rest. Now is not the time to rush ahead in wild abandon, but to take what rest we can, pray, plan, and, as the doors open, move forward. In many ways, we feel like Gideon’s 300 men receiving instruction to attack the hoards of Midian. “‘Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit,’ saith the Lord of Hosts.”
As I fundraise here in the States, I have laid out a fleece before God. “Lord,” I pray, “You are the One Who will bring in the needed funds. If You want us to go forward, You must provide. You must open the doors.”
In a much greater sense than ever before, we ask for your prayers. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against spiritual darkness in high places.”
Without God, we are no match for Satan and his demons. Alone, we cannot accomplish this monumental task of reaching the entire Palawano tribe. Our continual prayer is that God will provide the strength, the soundness of mind, the peace that passeth all understanding, and the joy of the Lord which is our strength.
As I have traveled many places this summer, I have seen many Christians who are warm, comfortable, well-fed and sleepy. The devil wants these Christians to remain comfortable and sleepy. But my call to everyone is, “Now is not the time to give up. Now is not the time to slumber. Our salvation is nearer now than ever before! Now is the time to stand up, shake off the shackles of lethargy and make a frontal attack on the legions of darkness. Whether you are aware of it or not, you, too, are in a battle. Please raise your voices in prayer and ask for God’s equipping, and you will be victorious. Victory is at hand, not only in Kemantian but all over this world. I plead with you, join Gideon’s army. Lift us up in prayer that Satan will be defeated.
It is no wonder that we are facing adversity. Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace on the world, but a sword. . . . anyone who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.” And He also says, “If anyone will give even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones . . . he will certainly not lose his reward.”
It is our hope and joy that God will use us to bring the Water of Life to those who are imprisoned by darkness. Pray that we may be given the strength to carry on, that Satan will be bound and defeated and that we may see the day when God reclaims this territory for Himself. Pray that we will not grow weary of carrying the cross.
