This is Brad Bouwkamp, and I have started my trip to the Philippines for the Isnag Bible Celebration.

I think my pilot turned the wrong way when we left Dallas, we flew over the Atlantic and across the Mediterranean Sea.  Now as I look at the map on the back of the seat and look down we are over Egypt.  Egypt… suddenly I think about the Israelites and how Joseph and his coat of many colors, his brothers selling him into slavery.  Then Joseph working with God’s help into a leadership position of Egypt.  Then his brothers showing up for food during the drought.  That all happened in Egypt and Israel area, (just off the left of the plane); the country right below me right now. (So maybe the pilots did know what they were doing.)  Then I think of the first time I heard that story from the Old Testament.  I think 1^st or 2^nd grade, maybe. And how Joseph’s brothers sold him, I didn’t like that, but God had plans for Joseph and his family and what a great nation they would become. So as the group starts their travels to the Philippines, imagine the new stories to be heard by the Isnag’s in their heart language.  King David, Joseph, Easter, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel and the Lions, and so many other stories.

When I got out of the car at the guest house in Manila, the heat hits you like a wall.  I have been here before but it still surprises how humid and warm it is.  Pray for good weather for all the people traveling to the Philippines, and as we travel up to Dibagat.

Some dates

Now till June 22^nd – Travel to Manila and the guest house

June 23^rd – Travel to Dibagat