James Wilby (second from left), July 2007
As I reflect on the five and a half months I spent in the Philippines, I have to say that had I known everything I was going to face, I might not have gone! That is being brutally honest. But, now I look back at my experience and see how God has used my time there to shape and mature me. And that’s exactly what I wanted to happen.
I’d searched to find the right placement (hoping to find somewhere I could use my experience counselling those with drug addictions) I finally heard about a perfect fit — an internship opportunity in the Philippines was arranged through SIM-UK.
I arrived and immediately faced the challenges of culture shock, a huge language barrier, living in an ethnically sensitive community, and having to build up trust with those I’d gone to work amongst. I knew though that it was God who had brought me to the community centre targeting drug addicted young people and I was anxious to start.
The Centre acted as a drop-in for the youngsters to play games, chat, and watch movies. I was working with a member of the team who had been building relationships with them for over two years. The Centre was a safe haven for the boys, and it became my second home in the Philippines. That is where I spent time with the young people showing them that somebody cared and loved them.
At the end of May a fire spread through the community destroying many houses, including the Centre. It was a huge shock for everyone.
Consequently, I spent the last weeks of my time in the Philippines involved in relief work. It was a very challenging experience. With time I have seen how God has begun the process of bringing good from the situation — not least, as I saw some of the addicted young people help out during the fire and relief work. Personally, I have to hold onto the truth that God is sovereign and although I don’t understand why the fire was allowed to happen, I simply must trust that His ways are higher than mine.
Before I left, some of the young people thanked me for the time I invested in them. They had felt accepted and loved and consequently had either given up, or were working on leaving, their lives of addiction behind. Despite my limited abilities in their language, love was still communicated and I learned that building trusting relationships is a real foundation for sharing my faith.
Had I known in advance everything I’d experience during my internship, I’d have been daunted. But, God has used this experience to stretch my faith. I’ve questioned myself on how I share my faith and if I sense the urgency to do so. Most significantly He has shown me the importance of a deep and honest prayer life. I know the truths, challenges and life lessons I experienced in the Philippines will always be with me.
