Group 1

(T.J. Apusen, Chad Armstrong, Rene Baltazar, James Goltiao, Zach Langston, Michael Moyer, Rob Rowe, Evan Sprague, and Tim Trieber)

Today half of the group left for a life-changing overnight stay on Negros Island.

The day began at 9:00 a.m. when we left the hotel. We were treated to an air conditioned boat ride to Negros Island. The trip lasted about 1 hour and that was the end of luxury. After the boat ride we all loaded into a jeepnie and headed to the bus station. We were greeted by many merchants trying to sell us everything from water to sunglasses to balut (a Filipino delicacy of partly developed duck egg). No one was brave enough to eat the balut and we gave it to a Filipino man who gladly sucked up all the contents in the egg. After that disturbing site, we all packed onto the bus for a 3.5 hour ride. It started off quite comfortable, although there was no air conditioning, the windows were open and there was plenty of room...for a few minutes. A few stops later and we were filled to capacity with people squeezed in everywhere and standing in every possible place. As the rain began to come down and the windows were shut, and the heat began to build up in the bus. It was a ride we won't soon forget...not to mention the crazy bus driver. :)

We arrived at Tabu, Ilog, Negros Occidental at about 3:30. The church was just a short way from the road and when we arrived we were greeted by a group of friendly people who had already filled the building waiting for the service to begin at 5:00. While we were waiting we had the opportunity to pass out tracts and invite people to the service. Many in the group tried fresh sugarcane for the first time. Church members, Bro and Mrs Jerry Felisario, also put together a great meal for us. We enjoyed fresh crab, shrimp, chicken and rice. We also got the first glance at where we would be staying - 3 small bamboo beds for 9 of us.

After dinner we headed back to the Grace Baptist Church. Pastor Job Vingno has been there two years and God is doing a great work. NVBC has had the opportunity to support this amazing church. Bro. Evan Sprague preached on "Thank the Lord" and did a wonderful job. The men of the group also sang a few specials. After the church service we fellowshipped for a while with the church members and were also able to meet a few other pastors we support who came to the meeting. Bro. Michael Moyer had a group of about 20 kids who were taking him around in the dark looking for things that "creep in the dark." They were able to find a toad and a couple crabs.

After talking for a while the group headed back to the Felisario's house for the night. They treated us to more food, BBQ chicken and sticky rice. Many of us then took a flashlight walk in the pitch black night. We walked on a trail up a hill. Once there we were able to view towns and the sea in the distance, marked only by the dim lights.

A few of the guys took T.J. Apusen "snipe hunting" through the sugarcane. He was unsuccessful and a few of our hosts went out to bring T.J. back to the house. He had a good time and was a good sport.

It was a long, eventful and fun-filled day. After saying, “goodnight,” we prepared our sleeping quarters. We were all about to enjoy a new experience, sleeping on bamboo beds. There were three beds and each of us had a little space. All nine of us retired, thanking God for the safety in travel, and the wonderful people we were privileged to meet. We are looking forward to what God has in store for us tomorrow.

Until Then…