An Update from SSME: The Harvest is Great!

By John-Paul Papuzynski

Just a quick update from the Summer School of Missionary Evangelization (SSME), Philippines. This trip is just what my little family needed after being stateside for sooo long!

While yes, we have been in the Lord, busy about the Father’s work and also enjoying the FMC family stateside, there is nothing like getting back to the heart of missions – the greatest and holiest duty of the church. We have contemplated not coming back numerous times already 😉 you could just sell or give away all of the “necessary” and “important” things we’ve accumulated over the past couple years.

We have had opportunities to preach the Gospel everyday! The Filipino people are hungry for a real God who does real things in the real lives of His people.  “The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send laborers into his harvest” – Luke 10:2.

The community of Isla Bonita has continued to grown in their love for the Lord and each other and they continually express their gratitude for the FMC missionaries who brought them Jesus. In fact they welcomed the missionaries back with banners and  signs at a surprise gathering. It was indescribable to see all of the concrete floors and know that our missionaries along with their benefactors had completed such a task.

From the words of Jesus in the Gospels to the Acts of the Apostles, Blessed John Paul II and Pope Paul VI, we have been busy in study as well. As we prepare for the Si Señor talks, Sheila and I have been blessed by remembering our Intakes and recounting the deep, rich formation we received from our founders Frank and Genie Summers. It is an awesome blessing and privilege to have been given the task of SSME. Those here participating in this time of discernment are being moved as well.

Pray for open hearts! It is challenging to live and love among the poor, but we can see that God is calling – pray for them to have the courage to answer well! We send all our love and prayers! Continue to storm heaven for this work of God! 

In Christ,

JP