In the Mountains
Yesterday I left Joyland for a few days in the mountains. After a bit of chainsaw repair on the Joyland chainsaw I packed the bike. My departure slightly delayed by a flat battery on the bike! I had left a USB charger for my phone plugged in for a couple days and it had subsequently drained the battery.
A little bit of bush mechanics later I had it started. Without any jumper leaders or a kick start on the bike I had to improvise. Taking another motorbike battery from a bike owned by Pastor Marlin, I held the charged battery upside down and touched the two terminals of each battery together giving me just enough charged to crank it over. Job done!
The plan was to ride up into the mountains and stay a couple days at a hotel/campground. The ride up the mountain was spectacular! I should have turned on my GoPro and recorded some footage but I was so taken by the countryside and views I only thought about it when I got to the top.
The mountain weather is very different to the weather on the plains with rain coming in regularly in the afternoon. I was soaked by the time I got to the top.
Arriving around 2pm I wanted to find some accommodation before the day disappeared. On google maps you see a number of “Resorts”. When I think resort, I think pools, restaurants, and perhaps a toilet in the room. It seems “resort” in the Philippines means something a little different! 😂
I spoke to a local and asked about where I could find a single room for accommodation. They suggested LadLad Resort. I chucked it in Google Maps and off I went. By all appearances on google maps, LadLad resort looked the treat.
Nice pool, mountain setting, what could go wrong? Probably no internet but I can survive right! Upon arrival I was greeted by an enthusiastic man. Eager to continually shake my hand and give me a hug. Room prices were 850 peso’s a night (About $24 AUD). I asked if I could see the room first. He said, “Yes, Yes!” while holding my hand and beckoning me past the pool (It doesn’t look like the picture either!). Climbing up to the second floor he unlocked what looked to be prison doors and into a small concrete room with no windows. He then showed me the comfort room nest door which was a smaller concrete room with a toilet.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in for the full roughing it experience and I truly believe it reflected every bit of the $24 dollars expense but I had a splitting headache and I really just wanted to go for a walk and then have an afternoon siesta. I went back down to my bike and decided to ask Holy Spirit about it. I just didn’t get the peace I was looking for. So, I clambered back onto my trusted steed and headed away.
I rode a bit more up the top of the mountain looking for a place to stay. I found some interesting tracks which a 155CC scooter had no place in being. Thinking I was riding my dirt bike again, I fanged it up these rocky, muddy, inclines! 😳. I’m not 100% certain where I thought a small muddy track might lead in the mountains apart from to more even smaller rocky and muddy tracks. Needless to say, after successfully demonstrating that I still have it when it comes to riding a dirt bike, I found myself coming back down same said track! My only regret was not putting my GoPro on my chest and capturing these feats.
As the rain continued to pelt down I resolved to make my way back down the mountain and stay at a hotel.
The Streets of Bacolod
Coming back down the mountain I really thought that I might find some accommodation at the foothills. I kept riding and soon found myself back near the city.
I found a hotel for the night and checked in. I couldn’t resist the 2 hour massage for only 500 pesos (AUD$14!!) in the hotel spa. Very professional and extremely relaxing!
I grabbed some rice and pork for tea and thought I would head out onto the streets for a walk. I walked up the Main Street of Bacolod and marvelled at the clash of cultures with Chinese lanterns (Chinese new year next week) and Christmas decorations still up! As I walked I asked the Lord what he wanted me to do. I felt Him tell me to pray for people. To be honest, I was tired and just wanted to go to bed. I resolved to ignore the Lord despite me asking! I thought He might have just told me to relax. I wonder how that worked out for me. HAHA!! (Aka Jonah). As I walked further I looked up to be admonished and encouraged by Jesus.
I found myself weeping in both shame and the overwhelming love of the Lord. Only in the Philippines do you find a 30m billboard shouting at you!
WIth my newly refreshed faith I proceeded to do some treasure hunting. I past a man begging for money. With only a handful of pesos in my pocket I proceeded to empty my change into his hands. Probably only 100-150 pesos (about $3-4 Aussie dollars). I found myself quoting Peter from Acts, “Silver and Gold I do not have, but I give you the fullness of life of Jesus Christ”. Immediately the man started crying and fell to his knees. I wept openly with him as I invited Jesus to bring a blessing over him. I asked him if he had any pain. His English very broken he pointed to his shoulder. I laid hands on his shoulder and commanded all pain to leave and again the blessing of Jesus over him. I felt the Lord instruct me to break off a spirit of poverty and commanded any demonic influences to release. Instantly a shift in his posture and a new glint in his eyes. Previously he wouldn’t look me in the eyes, but after the delivering prayer he gazed directly into my eyes. He thanked me and I embraced him, reminded of the Father embracing the son, Jesus told me to continue to embrace the prodigals. In the embrace I again released a Father’s blessing over him. He touched his shoulder and nodded while saying, “Good, good”. I responded with, “Good God” pointing heavenward. SOOOO GOOD GOD!!
I continued on and found myself drawn to a group of men standing next to their trikes. I introduced myself and we started connection. I heard about their families and working life. They get about 50 pesos ($1.40) for a trip of about 5 kilometres. The Lord gave me a word of knowledge about a gut problem in one of the men. Emboldened by the billboard and interaction with the beggar, I asked him if he had an issue with his stomach. In disbelief he looked at the men he was with and speaking in Ilonggo and holding his stomach. He turned back to me and said, “Yes, how you know?” I told him Jesus told me and wants to heal him. I asked if I could pray for him. His name was Edgar (I think that is how he said it!) Laying hands on him I commanded his stomach to be healed in Jesus name. He didn’t notice any changes but said the issue comes and goes. I felt to break off a spirit of witchcraft on him. I asked him if he has had any sort witchcraft intervention for his stomach. He said no to that but he had visited Cebu where he obtained a doll (Often used in witchcraft on Cebu). I told him he must go and take the doll and destroy it and that Jesus would heal him when he did. I prayed into this and blessed him and his business with prosperity. Immediately after finish praying three people approached him directly and, I assume, asked for a ride. He looked at me and beamed a huge smile. As he loaded up his customers into the trike he came to me and hugged me before riding off. I am believing Edgar is healed today!
And that, is the end of my street ministry on the 31st of January! How cool! Today, I plan to head back up into the mountains and find somewhere to hike and pray. I want to head to the high places and pray over Bacolod, Talisay City, Silay City, and of course, Joyland!
