Tuesday, June 20, 2023

 

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 1st or 2nd 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 22nd – Travel to Manila and the guest house

June 23rd – Travel to Dibagat



Thursday, June 15, 2023

 Dear Isnag Team,

Phillip and I are leaving June 13 along with Rodney Ballard from Charlotte and arriving at MNL on June 14. We will be flying to Tuguegarao on June 16 and on to Dibagat, so I won't be on email then. Rudy is also going to Dibagat on June 16 and we will all return from Dibagat June 26. We will see you all in Dibagat on June 23, so be sure to ask your church, friends and anyone else you know to please pray for great clear weather during June 21-26 so everyone will be able to fly to Dibagat by helicopter on the 23rd. We also want nice weather while in Dibagat!
See you all Soon
Nard

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

As Nard, his son Phillip, and Rodney Ballard start the trip to the Philippines for the Isnag Bible Celebration and the group that is getting ready to follow. This will be a way that we will try to keep people up to date on what is happening and kind of have a way you can travel with us as this is a Great thing to celebrate.

Come follow along

          I believe everybody that went to Dibagat has now returned home.   I will try to get more reflections from some more of the people ...