Here I Am Lord

We spent this last week in Cagayan de Oro in deep prayer for a special intention. Our family retreat was a much needed break to review our time and our mission in the Philippines. I read a passage from the Gospel of Mark that was so real as it spoke to my heart. Even Jesus needed quiet time to go to a field early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). Yeah, it was the opposite for us. We had to go to the city to hear the Lord speak, but in the busy-ness of the city I saw the Lord in a blind man.

I was walking home that night from the store with a small birthday cake for Samuel. I didn't know Pippi was blind when I first saw him. He was crouched down by a minivan. With one hand he was making a circular motion on the vehicle and the other one was on his metal cane. “This man must have had a rough night drinking” was my initial thought. It was when I saw the metal cane that I started to kick myself for having that horrible thought to begin with. Still, I passed him as I took one more last glance at the cane. I hadn't seen a metal one before especially with what was sticking out from the handle. “Could that have been a harmonica? Nah, probably not.” As I was going farther away from him I was trying to suppress the strong inner voice telling me to go back. “I wasn't even supposed to come this way,” I thought to myself as I learned of the road construction on the way to the store. I slapped my right leg in a kind of “Aw, shucks!”-way, thinking it was too late to have turned back. When I did that I hit my harmonica that I forgot that I had brought with me on this trip. “Thank you, Lord!” I said quietly as I knew I had to turn back.

A little rewind action. I started to practice on the harmonica again after many failed attempts while in the States. I especially started to learn “Happy Birthday” within just a few days until Samuel's birthday...and learned it well enough to play it until I annoyed my kids. “Play something else!” is what the looks on their faces were saying. So, I started to learn “Here I am Lord” one of my all-time faves. I practiced for a few weeks and had this strange feeling that I should play it for Pippi even though it wasn't Carnegie Hall-ready:)

I turned back and prayed to do my best. I introduced myself to him and he replied in Visaya. I could only catch a few words but I replied with a quiet note on my harmonica. He stood up when he recognized the sound. I told him I was going to play a little of what I had learned. So, I began. I was so nervous with everyone passing by and staring that I could tell that I was not playing as best as I could. I knew I wasn't letting the Holy Spirit work. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't the best that I knew how. As I finished, he gave a little bow and picked up his harmonica. WHOA! Pippi proceeded to play the familiar 80's tune. “Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks I will be right here waiting for you...” NO WAY!!! As I write this, I am just now thinking of those words. HE was right there waiting for ME! I never would've met him, never would've shared our music, and never would've been blessed by his skill. His tune was so perfect it sounded as if I was listening to the radio! I applauded when he finished as he gave a shy smile.

How awesome it is to finish an appointment set up by God like that! I hurried back to the Cathedral where we were staying to tell the family of all the good news I had read on the internet (we got a message from back home that our first care package was on its way!) and from Pippi.

Day #2 of our retreat had me going the same way only to find the store had closed 20 minutes earlier. I made sure to bring my harmonica but I didn't see Pippi. I felt a little disappointed at both. I found a pharmacy still open and bought a 4-pack of T.P. On my way back, I looked ahead and saw a familiar shadow just waiting there. It was him! “Hi, my friend! It's me, Odilio.” He moved his head in my direction and started talking super fast in Visaya. He could hardly control his excitement. I told him that I was going to play again and play better. I did. It felt great going through the whole chorus without messing up. It was a blessing too as those who passed by slowed down and wondered what the heck was going on. Even Pippi accepted with a huge grin and a quiet laugh. He then played a cool tune unknown to me but still very smooth. Then he spoke again. I tried to stop a few people to translate but they walked on. I HAD to know what he was saying. Finally, a young guy named Ryan stopped to help me out. I reintroduced myself, using the translator to relay the message, and told him that I was a Catholic lay missionary from the USA. This brought a big smile to his face and then he asked, “Do you have any good news to share with me?” WOW! A chance to share the Faith and there I was ready to pass him by as “just another beggar”--a horrible thought. I answered him, “Yes! Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world! He wants us to continue talking to Him in prayer and never let go of Him. He loves us all so much.” He smiled and told me that he prays every day when he wakes up and every time he eats because he doesn't always have something to eat. Later that night I opened the Bible and turned to Sirach 7:10 “Never get tired of praying, and never miss a chance to give to the poor.” As I reflected on this verse I remembered what Pippi said through Ryan. “I am very grateful for the amount that you gave me (equivalent of $20 USD). I have never held this amount in my hand in all my life!” A part of me was thinking that maybe that wasn't such a good idea. I was thinking that someone might take advantage of his disability. Then I heard the Holy Spirit tell me to “Let it go.” At the same time, he assured me that his helper is a good man and trustworthy. So, I let it go.

I would like to thank all of our benefactors right now. All of those who have donated to our mission in the Philippines you are greatly appreciated. This is your part of the mission here. I don't make the money. I don't work in the aircraft factory anymore. It is your generous contributions that we use to bring the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ! Please continue to keep us in your prayers and tell your friends about us and our mission. We can sure use the help at this time to continue our work here. Please pray for God to send us those who need the most help and please help us help them. I return to the mainland in two weeks to renew our visas (our biggest expense) and maybe then I can get a few pics of Pippi to post. There is so much work needed to be done here. I know He called us here for a reason.

Here I am Lord.

Is it I Lord?

I have heard You calling in the night.

I will go Lord

If You lead me

I will hold Your people in my heart.