Sunday began very early for the group of adventurers on the Mountains of Negros Occidental, Philippines. Despite roosters crowing at 2:00 a.m. we managed to sleep (at least lay down) till 5:00 a.m. By that time, the area was hopping with activity - Mrs. Muleta was cooking our delicious breakfast, kids were playing badminton, and workers were cleaning up the auditorium for the day's services. The morning was breathtaking. The sun was glowing pink and orange as it raised above the mountain peaks. The sunlight revealed an amazing site. Pastor Muleta, his family, and church manicured their property so meticulously. Bushes, flowers, rocks, and grass were all so beautifully taken care of. Someone in our group mentioned that this was like Disneyland of the Philippines. Pastor Muleta and his people are to be commended for the beautiful landscaping of their properties.

The sunlight also revealed a very sad site that we saw only with flashlights the night before - their Bible training institute building was blown apart due to Hurricane Ondoy (Ketsana in US) just a couple of weeks earlier. Despite the hardships and the difficulties Pastor Muleta and the people were upbeat and had faith that God would provide the funds to rebuild this needed building. There are 16 men that are currently being trained in the Bible institute, and Pastor Muleta has already seen 11 of his graduates start churches. One of his graduates we met yesterday in the mountain jungles, Pastor Salvino Lindayao of Victory Baptist Church. He has also sent many of his young people to Iloillo Baptist College, and two of his sons Juli and Juvi (NVBC supports) have also started churches. Another of his sons, Johnny recently graduated from IBC as well.

Mike Moyer and our guide from IBC, Ulyssis, took the early morning opportunity to climb up higher into the mountains to get a better view of the valley below. It truly was an incredible site. From the view above, you could see the Lighthouse Baptist Church, the parsonage where we stayed, the surrounding houses, and the valley below. We were above the clouds and enjoyed the view of God's wonderful creation.

After the hike, it was time to get cleaned up for the day and breakfast. One of the group braved the outdoor shower facility. It was a 3'x 3' bamboo structure with an open ceiling, a view of the valley below, and a bucket of freezing cold water. Showering consisted of pouring freezing water on yourself from the bucket. Breakfast was once again amazing - fantastic chicken, rice, pork skewers, and fresh fruit. The people here are so giving. We had to talk the Pastor into eating breakfast with us. He was content just to watch us eat. They have an amazing, giving, servants heart. When you see how little they have and how much they give, it is truly a humbling experience and one that challenged all of us on the trip.

After breakfast, we took the time to meet some of the children and give them some small toys. The kids were very shy at first and didn't want to take the toys, but their faces lit up once they received the small gifts. Most of these kids have no toys to speak of, so it was pretty special for them. We also made some toy swords for the boys and they really enjoyed sword fighting with each other.

The morning service began at 7:30 a.m. Although the only mode of transportation to get to church is by foot, the auditorium was almost full of people at 7:30 a.m.! The joy of the Lord was very evident in their faces and in their singing. We were blessed by the singing and special music. One of the most remarkable specials was a duet. Pastor Muleta played the guitar and his son, Jon Jon, played a homemade, xylophone. It sounded great! Jon Jon is truly a gifted musician. Not only did he create the xylophone, but he also created a harp. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the storm along with the Bible institute. Another memorable special was a solo by Dan Christians. It is hard to describe, so I will be posting a video later. Let's just say that the Pastor came up after and said in Ilongo, "See, if he isn't ashamed...you shouldn't be either!" :) Mike Moyer preached a message about Obedience and Pastor Muleta gave a summary for those who didn't understand English. We pray that we were as much of a blessing to them as they were to us.

After the service, we said our goodbyes and took motorcycles back down the mountain to our next destination. We rode in luxury with only 3-4 per motorcycle this time. :) From the motorcycle we transferred to a trike where all seven of us (and our bags) rode to Kabankalan City. This was the birthplace of Sam Gomez, North Valley Baptist Church member and trip host/tour guide. His son, Tim, was able to visit for the first time the street where his father was born. After a meal at Mang Inasal (a group favorite) we were on to a bus to our next stop. The next church was also upon a mountain. We transferred again to a trike which made it most of the way up. However, it didn't quite make it all the way to the church, due to excessive weight, so some of us had to get off and walk the rest of the way.

Once at the church, we were greeted once again by happy, exuberant Christians. The Open Door Baptist Church was located in another rural area and many of the church members had to leave before we arrived. (The normal service time is 9:30 a.m.) Many of the church members live far away and walk 30-45 minutes each way to church. Although, many were unable to be there for the special service. There were still many in attendance. Once again, the singing was joyful. As in all the other churches, our group of 6 sang a special, "I've Got a Mansion." After the special, Mike Moyer preached. The people at this church understood English very well, and responded well to the preaching.

Pastor Mitch was a friendly, young pastor with a vision of reaching his area for Christ. Although, he is only a high school graduate, God is using him greatly there in his village. North Valley has had the opportunity to support Pastor Mitch financially, and it was great to see what God was accomplishing through this young man. Pastor Mitch has the goal of staying in the church for 50 years and training a godly group of Christians. Already, he has reached many people and seen many lives changed for the glory of God.

The people were once again so gracious to us and provided a wonderful meal. The meal consisted of rice soup, sugar cane, and fresh (in the trees minutes before) coconut. It was evident the people really loved their pastor and their God. Our hearts were overjoyed as we headed back down the mountain to our destination for the night. After a trike ride, a bus ride, and a jeepney ride we arrived at Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. There we checked into a hotel room for the night. It was an exciting and adventurous day and one we will not soon forget.

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