Transformation Philippines Trip March '09

By Amy Bowles

When I left North Carolina to join the rest of the Transformation Team in California, I knew that I would never be the same again but wasn’t exactly sure what would change about me. I knew Janet Mangum our Transformations Director and Carmelita Alverson who is part of the Western North Carolina Area but the rest of the team were new faces. From the moment we all met it was as if we always knew one another.

 As we ministered together in the Philippines all the church leaders were shocked at the unity we had with one another . We ranged in age from 25-70. Ephesians 4:16 truly came alive to me more than ever before on this trip. There were so many things that each of us did; from giving someone a hug, dancing, giving our testimony, giving our greetings, preaching, teaching, praying for people and winning souls for the kingdom of God.

We had 10,405 people who we ministered to, 6,928 salvations, 4,591 healings, 61 Bible Studies that got started and 2 new churches that got started through our crusade Jesus For Negros (The island we stayed at in the Philippines is called Negros).

Each night we would go to a different village excited and pumped up at what the Lord was about to do. The Filipino band The River Jam Band would go a few hours early to set up and then we would join them after inviting people in the surrounding area to come to the crusade. Most of the time we would meet in the basketball courts which is where the gathering place would be at in their villages. There is so much freedom over there. During the day time we would minister in the schools, on the street, in the jail, in the mayors office or anywhere we had an open door to go to.

 One of the things I miss the most is our morning devotions. Every morning we would wake up with our roommates and go downstairs to worship together. Different people would lead worship in the morning as well as devotions and then we would get together in groups of two to take communion with one another.

 The greatest thing that I realized about this trip, mostly from being put on the spot a lot by Janet, was that so many times we feel like we have to be ready when we are already ready to do what God is calling us to do. The first time I preached, I didn’t know I was going to preach until Fran the co-leader was assigning everyone their tasks outside the school for a mini-crusade. The Holy Spirit took care of everything in every way no matter where we went or what we did the entire trip!

As a part of Aglow’s Transformation Team, I strongly encourage anyone who has a desire to come on one of these short term missions trips to fully pursue it. In my own ability I did not have the money to do it but God was just waiting on me to take the first step saying “Yes send me”.

You too can do this and step into your destiny! Remember God doesn’t call the qualified he qualifies the called, this is our time for our generation to step it up to raise your voice! If you don’t then who will? Please pray about joining Aglow’s Transformation Team on one of the trips as it will redefine who you are in Christ Jesus.

**For information on going on a Transformation team contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it **