Sowing Gospel Seeds

Although the primary focus of our time here in Manila is on learning language and culture, we also want God to use as as witnesses for Christ. Before coming to the Philippines, our friend, Pastor Darrell Stetler II, gave us a box of metal tokens. One one side of the "coin" is John 3:16 (in Tagalog/Filipino) and on the other side it asks the question, "Where will you spend eternity?" (John 3:36).

We have enjoyed giving these to taxi drivers each week along with their fare. The response has been very positive. Usually the driver's face will light up, and as we leave the cab, he will still be sitting there reading the message on the coin. It seems like such a small "seed" to sow . . . but in reality, it is the indestructible Word of God which will not return void.

Rizal Park (Luneta)

In some of our spare time, R.G. has been reading a history text book written by Filipino authors. It gives not only a helpful overview of the history of the Philippines, but also a Filipino perspective on those events that have shaped their nation as we know it today.

Last Saturday we took a little trip across town to Luneta and visited some old historical sites

along with one of Manila's newest tourist attractions (Ocean World).

Luneta / Rizal Park

Rizal park is named after Dr. Jose Rizal (1861-1896). Dr. Rizal is known as THE national hero of the Philippines (though they have many other national heroes). He was a multi-talented man, educated in Spain, who became an eye doctor, linguist, writer, inventor. His writings gave voice to the desire of many Filipinos for freedom, and it was on account of those writings that the Spanish government arrested him and executed him by firing squad.

Statues depicting the execution of Dr. Rizal on the very site where it took place. His death was one of the final catalysts which set in motion the Philippine Revolution.

"My Last Farewell" - the last written words of Dr. Rizal before his execution -- a very moving and inspiring expression of patriotism and love for his fellow citizens.

Filipino national flag

Rizal Park is like an oasis surrounded by the steel and concrete of a big city.

Rizal monument

BTW - This is very close to the spot where the Chinese hostage crisis took place just a few months ago.

We then took a guided horse & buggy tour of some other historical sites, etc. in the area.

The horse looks really thrilled . . .

Manila Hotel - according to our guide,

Gen. Douglas MacArthur once stayed there for a period of time.

Old U.S. military barracks from WWII era.

We enjoyed getting to see some of the places in Manila that we had not yet visited.

River View

Another River View

Passenger Ferry

Entering China Town

Along the streets of China Town

One of the many market places - the blurriness of this picture might be because it was raining sheets of water around this time! :-(

Morning or afternoon rains are almost a daily occurence during the rainy season.

Passing by Malacanang - the official residence of the President of the Philippines

Looking out at Manila Bay while waiting for the rain to let up

One of the many commercial vessels in Manila Bay

We also enjoyed touring the Oceanarium at Ocean Park

Manila Bay at night