40 Days of Prayer for Lilia's Place, Post 5

This update begins with a praise report. Last Sunday we were praying for the outcome of a grant given by Harding that would go toward the relocation cost for Doug and Lisa as they move to the Philippines. I am happy to report that Lilia's Place will be receiving a check for $25,500 towards this end. Praise God for His faithfulness in answered prayers! So the ongoing prayer requests for Lilia's Place looks like this

- Relocation grant - granted Praise God!
- Safe Trip to the Philippines
- Ongoing Fund Raising Efforts
- Jake & Chandler & the changes to our family structure
- Future residents of Lilia's Place
- Future employees of Lilia's Place
- Children's Shelter of Cebu (possible partnership in the future)
- Ongoing communications once in the Philippines
- Making appropriate Government contacts
- Obtaining permits from Government
- Finding a home once we are there
- Adapting to the culture
- Learning the language
- Our attorney in the Philippines
- Our architect and builder
- That we can be a blessing to the ongoing work there and the local church
- Relationships within community, church and government
- Managing finances
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Now just a few thoughts on "keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus"

Hebrews 12
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Matthew 14
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

The Hebrew passage tells us we can be free from the sins and weaknesses that get in our way by fixing our eyes on Jesus. The Matthew passage shows what can happen when we look at the "winds" of life rather than Jesus. This 40 Days of Prayer for Lilia's Place is a way to help Doug, Lisa and all the friends of Lilia's Place to fix their eyes on Jesus rather than looking at the threatening wind. Please pray that we can see Our Compassionate Jesus inviting the little children to come play at His feet. See His tender heart weeping over the harassed and helpless. See the Great Physician who can heal all our soul's diseases. Listen to Our High Priest as He confidently provides through His intercession our daily bread, forgiveness of sins and deliverance from evil. What are the "winds" pertaining to Lilia's Place that can make us afraid? See the list of prayer requests above. There is not a wind one that cannot be calmed by the author and perfecter of our faith! As we join Doug and Lisa in prayers for Lilia's Place we will learn this lesson of faith together. And whether it is pertaining to Lilia's Place or a personal storm we may be in the midst of, the God of peace will guard our heart with the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Today is Sunday, the day that God's children come together to worship and praise Him collectively. Come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus.