Changes- Caleb Barton

Hello Everyone!

I was telling my mom and dad a couple weeks ago about how thankful I am for all the financial support, as well as spiritual support, through prayer and encouraging comments. I continued to explain all the changes I have seen God make in the area I am in. My mom then told me I should write about it, so here I go. First, I want to express how thankful I truly am to all those who have given support. I am touched that anybody would care to involve themselves in my life. I think it is clear, however, that the life I now live is not my own, but I live because of the grace and faithfulness of God(Galatians 2:20). It is this life that is now supported, not my own.

Secondly, the "changes", which have been amazing to watch! When I first got here people were cold. The children were loud and obnoxious, cussing at us and yelling at us in Wari. Most of the adults would not even look at us and the males that did look, were not friendly! We were able to gain the trust of the children first with the candy that was donated by the children at King Schools and my parents. As we gained their trust, we were able to build relationships with them and as you know, the love of Christ won over even the hardest child, Ubert. The school is now a place were the kids come on Saturday and hear the Word and get fed. Its not just a Saturday outreach, though, it is more than that!

I have watched the Lord soften the hearts of all the pastors and students towards the children. There was not much interaction for quite some time, however as of late I have observed the three pastors interacting and building relationships with the kids as well. This has changed the whole dynamic of the school and the children know they can come here for a place of refuge at any time. I have to mention the Nelson family at this time. Joe, Sarah and their four kids were sent here by Pastor Gerry three months after us. God perfectly placed them at the other end of the Borongi, which we could not reach because of the location. The Lord has used them and us to reach the entire town from end to end. Now, the adults have been a whole different story. Besides one family, we have had no relationships with any adults. Not anymore!!! In the last few months the Lord has provided wonderful opportunities to give to some of the young adults. Basketball in the Philippines is a huge sport and no matter where you go, you will see a basketball court.

Our town recently had big tournament and we entered. Long story short we lost. However, this gave us an opportunity to hang out with all the people in the town everyday for a week. The Lord gave the opportunity to give three men shoes to play basketball in. This is a overwhelming blessing to these men and they were very, very thankful.  Personally, I was able to gain respect of some of the hardened adults with basketball. The Lord has allowed me to adapt and play basketball at a level that gained the respect of others. Now after ten months, these men who would spit on the ground we walked on, smile, nod and say hello. They invite and encourage us to play basketball and volleyball with them. It is soooo amazing to walk down the street and smile at grown, hardened men and have them smile back.

Just the other day Mark and I were hanging out at brother Dan-Dan's house with his brothers and their huge, beautiful family. We were hanging out, out-side and I walked over to some guys playing on a mini hoop in the street. I know the guys because every time I walk by them they give me the ball to dunk. The first time they gave me the ball was just before the tournament and it was a kinda, "lets see what he got" challenge. So in front of many tough guys, who were still very could and cynical towards us, I did a reverse dunk and pumped the ball between my legs. Not to brag, but it was sick and very unexpected! I thought, "were did that come from Lord?" As I looked up everyone was laughing and cheering! Thank you Jesus!

Anyways, like always they tossed me the ball and wanted to see the reverse dunk with the pump. I took the ball and did a reverse wind mill. Once again, "where did that come from Lord?" I could hear every one cheering and feel the excitement. As I gathered myself and looked up, I saw Ubert's brother, who is my age, a few feet in front of me walking down the street. Ubert's two brothers are the tough guys of the tough guys, to the point of being dangerous. As I looked up he had a smile on his face and I thought "cool, thank you Lord, he was impressed." Then, get this, he raised his hand and gave me a high five in front of all the other tough guys!!! I could not believe what just happened and I could not help but praise the Lord. I want to mention one last change.

The dominant religion here in the Philippines is Catholicism. The church in our town controls many people with "the list". A person is put on this "list" for various crimes against the church. The main crime is being affiliated with U-Turn for Christ. If put on this list a person is damned to hell, can not receive any benefits of the church and these people can not bury their dead in the local cemetery. The Catholic Church has controlled the people here with this list, not being able to burry their dead near the family is culturally insurmountable. The church is aggressive and they have been sending undercovers to get the names of the children who come to the school, which are many. Then the priest goes to the kids and threatens them with "the list." No more Catholic church! these kids have been touched with something real! The kids have been telling the priest, "O well, we are going to continue and go anyways." This is the next generation and they fear no evil because they know and have experienced a relationship with Jesus. 

I could continue on for many pages and tell you how your support has changed, touched and helped so many people for Christ, the stories never end of how the love of Christ changes lives. So, again, thank you for all your support and thank you to my family!