Brittany Ramirez
Field Personnel in Baguio, Philippines
Our family moved to Baguio City, Philippines, in the summer of 2024 to work alongside the overseas Chinese population. We quickly realized that there are only two seasons in the Philippines: wet season and dry season. We had arrived at the beginning of the wet season. This meant we were immediately introduced to constant rain, typhoons and power outages. I must admit, it was not easy to notice the gifts of the wet season.
As I write this, we have been in our new ministry location for almost a year, and while I can’t say I am looking forward to the quick return of that rainy season, I am thankful for how God has guided our family to recognize holy moments of growth and opportunities for ministry in this past year. Starting in a new ministry context with new culture, language and seasons to adapt to can feel like slow work. After having served in mainland China for many years and our plans and calling there ending abruptly, it is hard to start over. I had already done the language learning, I had already invested in learning about the culture and context I served, I already spent years investing in relationships and seeing the blossoming of ministry.
But to start over requires a trust of this current season I am in. A hope that God can unfold our gifts once again with the gentle power of a blossom opening petal by petal. Sometimes the growth isn’t as fast as I would like. Sometimes I cannot see the end of the rainy season.
May I turn my eyes in hope toward the promise of the flowers in bloom at the Panagbenga flower festival during the dry season. May I trust that in the slow work of building relationships with Chinese students, and teaching English at the seminary, and learning the local language; through all the seasons of transition, and growth, and newness, God is faithful to God’s calling in our lives. May we walk in each season, with eyes open to the holy moments of the ever-working Spirit of God in our midst.
Seasons
By Sharlande Sledge in Prayers and Litanies for the Christian Season
Everlasting God,
When summer days are long,
We move from early daylight to late sunsets,
Noticing the gifts of the season;
Fresh vegetables ready to be picked in the cool of the morning,
Trees offering a pool of shade on a hot afternoon,
Glittering light of fireflies at night.
All these gifts refresh us, God,
And remind us that your love for us knows no special season.
Guide our eyes to holy moments
We might otherwise miss.
Unfold our gifts with gentle power
Of a blossom opening petal by petal.
Turn our eyes in hope toward you,
Our God of all creation,
All nurturing love,
And all new life.
Through the seasons of our souls,
We join with all nature in manifold witness
To your great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pray. Give. Go.