Up date 12-16-08


Christmas Greetings to you all in the name of our wonderful savior, whose name is “…wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace. “ How often we have drawn on His counsel through His word, His power in difficulties, His tenderness as Abba, and what wonderful Peace which passes understanding that He has brought to our hearts. This past year has once again demonstrated to our hearts the abounding grace of God. His faithfulness, gentleness, longsuffering, provision and mercy, which is new every morning, has been experienced again and again. For which we give Him the fruit of our lips.

This past Lord’s day we celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the assembly meeting on Morning Glory street in Baguio. The work actually began well before that time back in the late 60s when Ken and Marylou Engle were used of the Lord to start some Bible studies in which men and women were saved and the assembly established. The theme for the celebration was very appropriate, Ang katapatan ng Dios noon, ngayon at sa hinaharap” (The Faithfulness of God in the past, present and for the future.) The Engles, Brooks (Cyril and Anna, and Ken and Elaine) and others were fondly remembered by some of the old timers. As were Bev and Mike Smits and others who served the Lord among them over the years. We are actually the third generation of our family to have served the Lord here at the assembly in Baguio. Amazing Grace. Indeed He has been faithful in all of our lives and He is our hope for the future. I was privileged to give my personal testimony as a part of the celebration. It was good to once again reflect on the work of the Lord in my own life over the many years. This year I celebrate the 50th year of my new birth.

This week will be a full one. I will have Bible studies each evening, Monday through Friday, then I will speak three times at a conference down in Pangisanan and once on Sunday morning at Navy Base. The conference theme is the responsibility of men in the assembly of God’s people, with an emphasis on worship. A very appropriate theme for the day and age in which we live. Please be praying that the Lord would use the words spoken for His glory.
Larry, Kim, Tyler, Abby, Holly and Aunt Rose Brooks will be coming up to Baguio to spend Christmas with us. So we will have a full house, which is such a blessing after having an empty house last year. We will miss our Rachel, Abby and Daniel, but know they are where the Lord would have them in their service for Him.

Once again I would like to thank you all for your faithful prayers for us this past year, and for being sensitive to the voice of the Lord in your sharing with us. In Philippians 4 Paul rejoiced over that which was received from the hands of the people of God, and I can repeat his words as from my own heart to you all….”Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you a sweet smelling aroma an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

We love you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Perhaps this coming year we shall see Him coming in His glory, or be called home to Him. Oh that will be glory for me, when by His grace to look on His face. That will be glory…be glory for me.