Mission Accomplished!

Faith Tabernacle Baganga Inside truss work

We are happy to announce that we are finally finished with the roof construction project for Faith Tabernacle Church in Baganga.

For those of you who don’t normally read our newsletter, there was a giant typhoon in December that destroyed entire towns, killed thousands of people, almost destroyed this church, and sadly took the life of the pastor’s wife. In response, our ministry took on the project to rebuild this church.

We recently took two trips in the past two weeks and finally finished this seven month long construction project. Our last trip started out with an early morning six hour drive followed by an eleven hour work day of carpentry and mixing concrete. The following day was all about mixing concrete followed by a long drive back to Davao City.

 Mixing Cement in Baganga

On the way back, we stopped to ask a local a question, and his gang of thugs let some air out of our rear tire hoping to steal some of our supplies while we were changing the tire. By the grace of God, we didn’t fall for it and got out of there on a underinflated tire which slowed us down for about 45 minutes while we looked for a place with an air compressor.

Thankfully, we got home safely with the satisfaction that we finished this project. Now the people of this church can worship under a larger dry roof that is better than before, and the family can live in the expanded, nicer parsonage. Thank you for supporting us. This could not have been done without your prayers and financial help.

Measuring Tape

Cateel is 90% destroyed. People are dying and need your help.

Cateel Destroyed

I just got back from Cateel and cannot put into words the devastation I saw there. This is a community of 28,000 people. The entire town is destroyed. There are no buildings with roofs left on them. I’m guessing that 80% of the homes are destroyed and what buildings are left have no roofs! There is no water, no electricity, no communication. All of the cell phone towers and utility poles are snapped like twigs.

Cateel, Davao Oriental

The hospital was stripped from the inside out and there is no roof left. When we arrived, there was only one doctor in the whole town and she was working in the hospital. Her house was mostly destroyed and she was working non-stop in a hospital devoid of even basic supplies. Patients are lying on wooden benches and there is no medicine available. Even the hospital beds were blown out of the building into the unknown. I was honored to help drive the midwives and nurses from Mercy Maternity Clinic into this disaster area. The doctor was so thankful to have some help that she cried.

The Cateel Hospital with no roof!

The Cateel Hospital with no roof!

The smell of dead bodies permeates from the rubble that was once homes. The churches are destroyed beyond recognition. When we arrived, it was only four days since the category 5 storm annihilated this town. The government school where the people went to evacuate and wait out the storm was totally destroyed. The official death toll from Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) is now 902 with 635 missing.

During our first trip, we had 40 people with us and we helped support the hospital with medics and supplies. We did children’s ministry including a worship concert and a movie (with a projector and big sheet). We cut and folded tarpaulins late into the night to provide shelter for people.

Tarpaulins

I made the mistake of sleeping in one of the vehicles. At about 2am, my teammate Manny woke we up and kicked me out of my “bedroom” because a little girl was born and he needed to drive the father to get some things for her. I was happy to hear the news, but groggily and homelessly walked over to one of the other vehicles with my backpack. After a couple of minutes, I saw one of the midwives groping in the dark looking for hot water. I helped her find some and carried it into the hospital where I got to see the new little girl and another woman in difficult labor. After feeling useful again, I made my way back to the basketball court where I found Manny’s bed and went to sleep. A few minutes later, Manny returned, woke me up, and I moved back into the Toyota FX.

At about 3:30am my teammate Dan woke me up to pray for an expectant mother in labor and things were going poorly. The laboring woman was already wounded from the storm and too tired to push anymore. We prayed for about 30 minutes when the downcast midwife came out to us and told us that she could not find any heart tones on the baby and the baby was probably dead. It was quite upsetting to hear this and I finally went to sleep on the basketball court. Shortly after I woke up, I heard that they had found the baby’s heartbeat and that the mother was pushing again! Her little boy was born shortly after that! He was weak and floppy, but he recovered and was healthy. That was such a great miracle. Praise God!

The Mercy Maternity Clinic Midwives and Medical Team.

The Mercy Maternity Clinic Midwives and Medical Team.

The next day, we went to the town hall and sorted and loaded relief goods (80 pound bags) into dump trucks and any vehicle we could find for the Army to distribute.

Typhoon Bopha Relief Goods

Before we left we swept through the hospital counseling and praying for people. I have to say that this was the hardest thing that I did the whole time. There were two little babies there who survived the storm convulsing with every breath because they nearly drowned during the storm. I prayed for them and one seemed to be improving as I prayed. As a new father I could not imagine the grief and difficulty these parents must be going through. It makes me cry as I type this. I also prayed for many children who were hospitalized with diarrhea from drinking the water. I just heard yesterday that one child died from the same symptoms. I cannot explain the grief that I am feeling, but I cannot stay away from helping these people.

Cateel Damage

We are going back right now for our second trip into this devastated area. It is a 8 hour drive over terrible roads to get there. We will arrive 10 days after the storm, this time with the sole purpose of setting up camp and ministering at the hospital and supporting the medical volunteers. The plan is to help the ministries we are partnering with (Global Impact and Mercy Maternity Clinic) to establish a full time camp rotating volunteers in and out of here for the next 6 months to a year funds permitting.

Cateel

We will be bringing donated generators, medical supplies, and transporting more medics over the next 24 hours. We plan to stay in this area for 4 or 5 days and come home well before Christmas, spend time with our families, and go back again within a week, God willing. Please pray for us as the roads are quite treacherous and the conditions are worsening on the ground. Please also consider giving to help us. Your financial gifts can literally save lives during this crucial time.

We can receive one time donations for any amount simply by having you click this button and pay with your credit card or PayPal account.

If you would like to support us through the mail, please send your checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders to:

Extreme Mercy International
P.O. Box 72266
Phoenix, Arizona 85050
U.S.A.

 Thank you and God bless you,

Matthew Triggs
Executive Director
Extreme Mercy International

Unstoppable in Bulacan

Unstoppable 3

Last January, I was invited to be the guest speaker at a big youth event in  Pulilan, Bulacan. The theme of the event was Unstoppable.

I shared about unstoppable people in history and lead into the unstoppable love of Jesus who died on the cross for them. I also did a human video about the crucifixion for them which really touched their hearts.

Unstoppable 2

120 youth came to the event and all 120 youth responded to the salvation altar call. They have a huge youth group for such a small town. It is remarkable to see what God is doing there. What is happening is nothing short of a revival.

Hero (Catalyst Graduation Version)

This is the Human Video “Hero” presented by Catalyst during their graduation.

This is a powerful evangelistic drama (human video) depicting a suicidal drug using teen that needs a hero. It also depicts a young, pregnant high school student who also needs a hero. Presented by the Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy. This drama was created by and trained by Matthew Triggs of Extreme Mercy International.

The crowd reaction was electrifying for this drama as the characters entered. Everyone was so excited for the graduation.

“Hero” by Skillet

Lyrics:

I’m just a step away
I’m just a breath away
Losin’ my faith today
JEN: Fallin’ off the edge today

I am just a man
Not superhuman
JEN: I’m not superhuman
someone save me from the hate

It’s just another war
Just another family torn
JEN: Falling from my faith today
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live

[Chorus:]
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero
JEN: Save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero’ll save me
JEN: Just in time

[Verse 2]
I gotta fight today
To live another day
Speakin’ my mind today
JEN: My voice will be heard today

I’ve gotta make a stand
but I am just a man
JEN: I’m not superhuman
My voice will be heard today

It’s just another war
Just another family torn
JEN: My voice will be heard today
It’s just another kill
The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

[Chorus]

I need a hero to save my life
I need a hero
Just in time

Save me just in time
Save me just in time

[Bridge:]
Who’s gonna fight for what’s right
Who’s gonna help us survive
We’re in the fight of our lives
JEN: And we’re not ready to die

Who’s gonna fight for the weak
Who’s gonna make ‘em believe
I’ve got a hero
JEN: I’ve got a hero

Livin’ in me
I’m gonna fight for whats right
Today I’m speaking my mind
And if it kills me tonight
JEN: I will be ready to die

A hero’s not afraid to give his life
A hero’s gonna save me just in time

[Chorus]
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero
JEN: Save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero’ll save me
JEN: Just in time

I need a hero
Who’s gonna fight for whats right
Who’s gonna help us survive

I need a hero
Who’s gonna fight for the week
Who’s gonna make ‘em believe
I need a hero

I need a hero

A hero’s gonna save me just in time

The Bridge

Here is another great human video that Emily and I used to train the Catalyst Drama Team.

This is a drama (human video) about a teenager trying to reach Jesus while facing all the temptations life has to offer. When she finally reaches her goal, she becomes part of a bridge to reach others. It is presented beautifully by the Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy drama team in the Philippines. This human video was originally created by Master’s Commission USA.

“Place In This World” by Michael W. Smith

Lyrics:

The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled

A heart that’s hopeful
A head that’s full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems

Feels like I’m
Looking for a reason
Roamin’ through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

If there are millions
Down on their knees
Among the many
Can you still hear me

Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?

Show me, I’m
Looking for a reason
Roamin’ through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Lookin’ for a reason
Roamin’ through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Lookin’ for a reason
Roamin’ through the night to find
My place in this world
My place in this world

Tomorrow

Don’t wait until tomorrow to give your life to Jesus. This is another powerful human video presented by the Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy Drama Team. Matthew Triggs of Extreme Mercy International trained this drama team. It was originally created by the Master’s Commission

Proverbs 27:1 (New King James Version)
“Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.”

“Tomorrow” by The Winans

Lyrics:

Jesus said,
”Here I stand, won’t you please let me in?”
And you said,
”I will tomorrow”

Jesus said,
”I am He who supplies all your needs”
And you said,
”I know, but tomorrow, oooh, tomorrow,
I’ll give my life tomorrow,
I thought about today,
but it’s so much easier to say”

Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow?
Better choose the Lord today,
For tomorrow very well might be too late.

Jesus said,
”Here I stand, won’t you please take my hand?”
And you said ,
”I will tomorrow”

Jesus said
”I am He who supplies all your needs”
And you said,
”I know, but tomorrow, ooh, tomorrow,
I’ll give my life tomorrow,
I thought about today,
Oooohh but it’s so much easier to say”

Tomorrow, who promised you tomorrow?
Better choose the Lord today,
For tomorrow very well might be too late.

And who said tomorrow would ever come for you?
Still you laugh and play and continue on to say,
”Tomorrow”
Forget about tomorrow
Won’t you give your life today?
Oohh please
Don’t just turn and walk away
Tomorrow, tomorrow is not promised
Don’t let this moment slip away
Your tomorrow could very well begin today.

Hero

While preparing to train the Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy, I was praying for a new human video. During my prayer time in April 2011, God helped me visualize this amazing drama to the song “Hero” by Skillet. It is meant to reach the unsaved and unchurched for Jesus.

This is a powerful evangelistic drama (human video) depicting a suicidal drug-using teen that needs a hero. It also depicts a young pregnant high school student who also needs a hero. Presented by the Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy. This drama was created by and trained by Matthew Triggs of Extreme Mercy International.

“Hero” by Skillet

I’m just a step away
I’m just a breath away
Losin’ my faith today
JEN: Fallin’ off the edge today

I am just a man
Not superhuman
JEN: I’m not superhuman
someone save me from the hate

It’s just another war
Just another family torn
JEN: Falling from my faith today
Just a step from the edge
Just another day in the world we live

[Chorus:]
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero
JEN: Save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero’ll save me
JEN: Just in time

[Verse 2]
I gotta fight today
To live another day
Speakin’ my mind today
JEN: My voice will be heard today

I’ve gotta make a stand
but I am just a man
JEN: I’m not superhuman
My voice will be heard today

It’s just another war
Just another family torn
JEN: My voice will be heard today
It’s just another kill
The countdown begins to destroy ourselves

[Chorus]

I need a hero to save my life
I need a hero
Just in time

Save me just in time
Save me just in time

[Bridge:]
Who’s gonna fight for what’s right
Who’s gonna help us survive
We’re in the fight of our lives
JEN: And we’re not ready to die

Who’s gonna fight for the weak
Who’s gonna make ’em believe
I’ve got a hero
JEN: I’ve got a hero

Livin’ in me
I’m gonna fight for whats right
Today I’m speaking my mind
And if it kills me tonight
JEN: I will be ready to die

A hero’s not afraid to give his life
A hero’s gonna save me just in time

[Chorus]
I need a hero to save me now
I need a hero
JEN: Save me now
I need a hero to save my life
A hero’ll save me
JEN: Just in time

I need a hero
Who’s gonna fight for whats right
Who’s gonna help us survive

I need a hero
Who’s gonna fight for the week
Who’s gonna make ’em believe
I need a hero

I need a hero

A hero’s gonna save me just in time

When God Ran

Another anointed Human Video about the Father Heart of God towards us. He will run to even those prodigal children who start back home. Presented by the Davao Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy Drama Team at Conquest Camp at Hope Mountain, Philippines.

“When God Ran” by Phillips, Craig, and Dean

Lyrics:
Almighty God, the Great I AM
Immovable Rock, Omnipotent, Powerful, Awesome Lord
Victorious warrior, Commanding King of Kings
Mighty Conqueror, and the only time
the only time I ever saw Him run

CHORUS:
Was when He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son, do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise when God ran

The day I left home I knew I’d broken His heart
And I wondered then if things could ever be the same
Then one night I remembered His love for me
And down that dusty road ahead I could see
It was the only time – it was the only time I ever saw Him run

And then He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said,
“Son, do you know I still love you?”
He caught me by surprise and He brought me to my knees
When God ran – I saw Him run to me

BRIDGE:
I was so ashamed, all alone and so far away
But now I know He’s been waiting for this day

I saw Him run to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice I felt His love for me again

He ran to me, He took me in His arms
Held my head to His chest, said “My son’s come home again”
Lifted my face, wiped the tears from my eyes
With forgiveness in His voice He said, “Son”, He called me Son
He said, “Son do you know I still love you?”
He ran to me and then I ran to Him
When God ran

Set Me Free

We had the great privilege of training the drama team of Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy. Here is a powerful, dramatic Human Video presentation titled “Set Me Free” by the Davao Catalyst Youth Leadership Academy Drama Team at Conquest Camp at Hope Mountain, Philippines. The drama was created and trained by Matthew Triggs of Extreme Mercy International.


“Set Me Free” by Casting Crowns

It hasn’t always been this way
I remember brighter days
Before the dark ones came
Stole my mind
And wrapped my souls in chains

Now I live among the dead
Fighting voices in my head
Hoping someone hears me crying in the night
And carries me away

Chorus:
Set me free of these chains holding me
Is anybody out there hearing me?
Set me free

Morning breaks another day
Finds me crying in the rain
All alone with my demons I am

Who is this man that comes my way?
The dark ones shriek
They scream His name
Is this the One they say will set the captives free?
Jesus, rescue me

Chorus

As the God man passes by
He looks straight through my eyes
The darkness cannot hide

Do you want to be free?
Lift your chains
I hold the key
All power of Heav’n and earth belong to Me

Do you want to be free?
Lift your chains
I hold the key
All power of Heav’n and earth belong to Me

You are free
You are free
You are free