The Expedition Team of Winter 2011

Dear Friends and Family!

We are the Expedition Team of Winter 2011 and our names are Katie, Mat, Graham, Sarah and Rachel (from right to left)! Since the beginning of January we have been on a journey of discovery in which we have learned more about God's character and who he has made each one of us to be. Over our past few months together we have seen how God is working in the communities that make up Kitchener, Montreal and Philadelphia and have had the privilege of joining Him in what he is doing in people's lives! What a joy it has been to be channels of His love and grace!

This past Tuesday morning we got on a plane in Toronto and made the long trip to the Philippines! We have arrived safely and were given a warm Filipino welcome! We have met up with Pastor Ronnie, a missionary here in Manila, who we will be ministering with during our time here! This morning he led us in an orientation seminar which helped to prepare us further for our ministry in the Filipino culture.

This afternoon we walked down the street, under the heat of the sun, to meet the pastor of the church we will be partnering with for the first two weeks of our stay. When we arrived at the church building we made our way to the third story which overlooks the surrounding community. From there we could see the beautiful mountains in the distance and the nearby community known as Neverland through which we would soon be walking. After a brief meeting with the pastor regarding our involvement in the Sunday morning service we made our way to Neverland.

Most of Neverland is surrounded by a river which we crossed over on a bridge made of sandbags. Pastor Ronnie led us around the community and we were able to see the church building where we will be doing children and youth ministry on Sunday afternoon. As we made our way through the community children seemed to come from everywhere and they followed us to the basketball court with curiosity! At the court we met more children and soon they were crowding around us! I am excited to see how God will use us in the lives of the children and their families who live in this squatter community.

We are thankful of your prayers and desire that you would continue to journey with us as we join God in his work in these communities here in the Philippines. I am excited to see how God will use each one of us to accomplish his loving purpose in the lives of those we meet! Please pray for health and strength for us as a team as we adjust to new foods and a large time difference. Please also pray that our eyes will be opened to see Jesus' activity and that we will respond to his call by joining Him with the boldness that is available to us through the indwelling Holy Spirit!

Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting! Your prayers can unleash the power of God to work in and through us!

Blessings,

The Expedition Team!

In Grace,

Graham Sweet