Anyone could do that!

time. He asked if we would guard the cans he
had already gathered while he looked for more,
and we gladly said yes. I guess it is okay to guard
cans and pray at the same time. We continued
to pray.
The old man came and went with his
tin cans as Aries and I discussed and prayed
about evangelism and church planting among
the poor. After our prayer time, the old man
approached with another load of cans. Since it
was now daylight, I could see that he was really
quite elderly. He was not wearing a shirt, had
wrinkled skin, and was very thin.
It is respectable in the Philippines to ask
older people their age. I greeted the man,
commented on the fact that he was up so early
to work, and politely asked his age.
With a big smile, he answered, “Oh, it’s
wonderful that you asked. Today is my birthday!
I am 78 years old today!”
Aries and I gave our congratulations and
then broke out singing “Happy Birthday!” As
we finished, we shook his hand and gave him
a hug. He was so excited and thanked us very
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