The Refuge Goes On

During the past few months, despite going through a paralyzing time, the Refuge is still running. The Bible and Missions training there graduated their first class of students and Edge Radio is still holding public events there. We are also having evangelistic film viewings.

One of the biggest challenges we have at the Refuge is a lack of equipment. Every time we hold an event, we have to borrow two or three guitar amplifiers, instruments, a LCD projector, drum cymbals, etc. We also have no furniture for our huge downstairs fellowship area. We are hoping to convert the downstairs into a coffee house where youth can come at all hours to study, have fellowship, and receive counseling. We are also hoping to remodel the upstairs with some acoustic foam to help with the deafening reverb during the concerts.

James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” Well, I’m asking now for help. We immediately need a LCD projector, amplifiers, guitars, and a new drum kit. We also need to furnish our downstairs so we can have a place for the youth to hang out. I envision having a coffee bar with lots of furniture, games, and for it to be a fun place.
With your help, we can transform this place into a greater soul-winning machine with ongoing discipleship and change happening in the hearts of the youth of this city.

The Refuge Was Burglarized!

Police Station

Police Station in the Philippines

The phone rang and woke me up at 3am Tuesday morning.

I asked “What is going on?”

The owner called and said the Refuge is open right now!

I quickly dressed myself and rushed out the door. I optimistically thought, “it must be one of our faithful volunteers setting up early for the morning Bible school.” I stepped on the gas in my little car and sped down the wet, rain-soaked road.  Racing across the city, I hit a particularly slippery intersection and drifted the car around the corner.  I made good time as there was no traffic on this quiet and rainy night.

As I sped into the parking lot, my optimism changed to tension as I looked at the smashed in roll-up steel door. The owner of the building and caretaker stood cautiously looking at the dark hole in the roll-up door. I recklessly grabbed my flashlight and pepper spray and darted into the hole, hoping to find the intruders. As I swept the building, my bravery faded to disappointment as I saw the loss and damage. The thieves not only bashed in the gate, they destroyed the door and lock on the sound booth, and took several valuable things. In my disappointment, I realized they had stolen a nice laptop, my Mp3 player, the drum symbols, and most of my tools. They also urinated and defecated on the floor as to send me some sort of message.

Police Car

Police Cruiser in the Philippines.

Two nights before, we had held our first ever Hip Hop and Rap concert at The Refuge, where 100 young people prayed the prayer of repentance and salvation with me. We were going after the gangs and hip hoppers that night. Probably one of the people who came that event spied out the place that night and brought back his gang to ransack us later. We are still hoping to apprehend the ones who did this, but the police procedures are very different here.

No matter what influenced those people to attack the place God has given us, we will not stop going after the lost souls of this nation. We will only increase our boldness and do more to stop this darkness by shedding more light. Please pray for us to continue to preach boldly and for us to recover from this loss.

The Refuge Youth Center’s First Event

The Refuge Youth Center Philippines from the Highway

This is the view of The Refuge Youth Center from the MacArthur Highway.

 

The Refuge Youth Center opened for its first event on July 28, 2011. We hosted the Edge Connect which is a meeting for Edge radio listeners to meet the radio deejays and staff of the radio station. Many unsaved young people attended this event.

We had the Christian band Whitefield play a mini-concert for this event. They requested that I give a salvation altar call during their last song which I gladly obliged. I gave a short salvation message to which everyone responded by praying the prayer of salvation and repentance with me.

Youth responding to the First altar call at the Refuge Youth Center

The strong response to the first altar call at the Refuge.

 

I’m so thankful to have such a powerful God who provided us a place to preach the Gospel to young people here in Davao City. This is only the start of what God is about to do in The Refuge.

 

The Future Refuge Youth Center

For years, we have had a vision to start a youth evangelism center. In our vision, this center will gather youth from the city where we can preach salvation to hundreds and eventually thousands of youth.

While we have waited for this dream to be fulfilled, we have been helping and serving other local ministries helping others accomplish their dreams. During this waiting period, we have been looking for the place and time to implement this vision. We believe we have finally found it.

A two story commercial space just opened up in a highly visible prime location on MacArthur Highway inside the same building as Edge radio. It was formerly occupied by a church that defaulted and left all of its equipment including the sound system, air conditioning, chairs, and even the drum set. We spoke to the owner and he is willing to rent us the space for a fair price and will also let us use all of the left behind equipment without any additional cost.

After consulting with our board of directors, we have decided to go forward with our dream. We really feel in our spirit now is the time for this new vision to spring forth.

We are planning to start renting the new space in July. We are in immediate need of an additional $1,000 within two weeks to move in, and we will need additional monthly support to make this happen. Please pray for us and please help us financially to achieve this dream.

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