The Pastors' Day Off

We arrived in Caygayan de Oro Philippines early one Sunday morning via an overnight boat. We were given the day to get settled in and then met with our host missionaries Otho & Janice Cooley that evening. We asked to get orientated to the city the next day and visit the churches we would be working with. We were told that would have to wait till Tuesday because Monday is the pastors' day off. No problem, we would check out the Bible school where we intended to put in a tilapia pond and garden. The 6,036 sq ft, 2 story building, North Central Mindanao Bible College, which will house and educate nearly 100 students at a time preparing for full time ministry, is under a construction halt. However, when we arrived there were nearly a dozen workers present. We entered the building to find, with shovels, tampers made of tree trunks, tools in hand, sweat on their brow; the pastors on their day off. Some coming from as far as 75 kilometers away, there they were, working. A local pastor and graduate of the college at its present location, came by with vegetables that one of his church members had given him the day before, he donated it to the feed the pastors who were working. Another graduate came by with gifts in hand and offered to cook lunch. The scene of the church being the church began to unfold before us and we were humbled, so for the past few days we've joined alongside the heroes of the faith, my shovel doesn't work quite like their's and my tampering is a two woman job, but together we work so more can know Him. Thank you pastors of the Philippines for your example and service!!!