Greetings to you all in the precious name of our wonderful Savior, who came into this sin cursed world to save us. What a wonderful time of the year. It is always such a blessing to our hearts to remember the Grace of God that brings salvation.
I am sorry it has been so long since my last update. When I checked it yesterday I could not believe it had been a month since my last note. Things here are going well. I am still on several restrictions due to my heart problems but have been able to still carry on teaching at a couple of the studies. The Friday afternoon study in Fatima does not require me to do any stairs and so I am able to continue to teach that as well as the Wednesday night study at the chapel. The Fatima study sees different ones in attendance each week. There are the regulars who host the study then there are always new faces that have an opportunity to hear the word taught. We pray that this study will continue to bear fruit for His glory.
I taught down in Baguio Gold again this week on Sunday morning, but due to a joint Women’s Fellowship we postponed the next bible school class until this coming Sunday. This Sunday is also the 34th anniversary of the Navy Base Chapel at its present location. The meeting itself was actually started in 1968, by Ken and MaryLou Engle, but moved to its current location in 1975. I will be speaking at the anniversary meeting on the Faithfulness of God, which will be followed by a special celebration and dinner at the chapel. Then in the afternoon we will head down to Baguio Gold to teach the bible school. The following week Baguio Gold will be celebrating their anniversary and I have been invited to speak there as well in the morning, and will have the bible school as well in the afternoon. So we have a couple of busy weekends coming up.
I went to my cardiologist this past Monday and had my first normal EKG in a while. It appears that the meds are beginning to work so please keep praying. I will remain under the same restrictions until my next stress test in late January. It is our prayer that the meds will continue to have the desired effect, and that no surgery will be needed at this time. So we would covet your prayers as well.
Our Ilokano lessons continue. It appears that we are beginning to make some progress as I am able to use more and more of it among people in town and in the market etc. We still have a long way to go, but it is always nice and comforting to know that progress is being made. I still am using three languages as I teach down in Baguio Gold and that is a challenge. Thank you for all your prayers.
Lord willing, we will make our next trip to Sagada in February. This will depend on whether or not the doctor lifts certain restrictions I have on travel. So keep that in prayer as well.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Update Nov 4, 2009
Greeting to you all. These last couple of days have been absolutely beautiful. The sun is out and the sky is a wonderful blue and it appears as if the rainy season is finally coming to an end. Not to say we will not still have the potential for storms, but if appears that the rainy season has closed for another year.
I am feeling so much better these last couple of days and have been sleeping well once again. I had a few bad days due to the side effects of one of the new meds I was put on, now that I am off it and on different drug my body has adjusted and I am feeling fine. We will continue this course of medicines for two months to see if they will produce the desired results. It is, of course, our prayer that they will. If not, and certainly the Lord already knows the answer to that question, then we will be forced to pursue some other procedures to deal with the heart problems I have been experiencing. Thank you for your prayers I am feeling so much better.
I am resuming this week some of the studies that I have been teaching. I was able to teach this past Sunday and will be teaching on Wednesday night and Friday afternoon down in Fatima. All of these studies require no climbing of stairs or steep hills. I can just park the car and walk in. After two weeks of little to no activity it really feels good to be back teaching again.
The last typhoon that was pointing right at us moved south and even missed Manila as the eye crossed about 60 kilometers south of the city. They still had some strong winds and rain and some flooding, but it was not as bad as it could have been.
Joyce and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this past Monday. The Lord sure blessed me when he put that wonderful woman into my life.
Thank you all once again for your prayers. Lots to look forward to in the next months…we are excited about what the Lord has in store for us.
I am feeling so much better these last couple of days and have been sleeping well once again. I had a few bad days due to the side effects of one of the new meds I was put on, now that I am off it and on different drug my body has adjusted and I am feeling fine. We will continue this course of medicines for two months to see if they will produce the desired results. It is, of course, our prayer that they will. If not, and certainly the Lord already knows the answer to that question, then we will be forced to pursue some other procedures to deal with the heart problems I have been experiencing. Thank you for your prayers I am feeling so much better.
I am resuming this week some of the studies that I have been teaching. I was able to teach this past Sunday and will be teaching on Wednesday night and Friday afternoon down in Fatima. All of these studies require no climbing of stairs or steep hills. I can just park the car and walk in. After two weeks of little to no activity it really feels good to be back teaching again.
The last typhoon that was pointing right at us moved south and even missed Manila as the eye crossed about 60 kilometers south of the city. They still had some strong winds and rain and some flooding, but it was not as bad as it could have been.
Joyce and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this past Monday. The Lord sure blessed me when he put that wonderful woman into my life.
Thank you all once again for your prayers. Lots to look forward to in the next months…we are excited about what the Lord has in store for us.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tues Oct 27, 2009
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord. He who is light and life.
We are so thankful for all of your prayers over the past weeks. I believe it was the prayers of the people of God that moved the last typhoon out to sea just hours before it was due to make landfall north of here. Instead, on the day that we were expecting stormy weather there were blue skies and sunny warm weather.
This weather has given the family from the assembly at Navy Base, who lost half of their home in a landslide, time to get some necessary repairs done. It will be another week or two before the work is completed but we are so thankful to the Lord for providing what was needed to get this work completed. Many of you sent gifts to help and for that we are so very thankful. Not only were materials for repair and securing this house made available but much needed food and supplies.
The recovery work is still on going in the Manila area. Some areas are still flooded a month after the first storm hit. But for the most part things are beginning to get back to normal. Much building and repairs are still needed, but things are beginning to dry out and chapels are being restored.
Last Saturday while returning from Tip Top, I began having chest pains again. These had been occurring on and off since Thursday. This time however my throat began to constrict and a cold sweat came over me. I immediately turned around and went to the ER in town. After some initial tests I was sent home.
Monday I returned to see a cardiologist who confined me in the hospital for further tests. It turns out that I have a number of heart problems at present. I had a stress test today and that confirmed some problems. I have not had a heart attack, for which I am thankful, but I have been diagnosised with Coronary Heart Disease, Arteral Fibrillation, unstable angina, and a few other things.
So, I am on rest for the time being. I am being treated with meds currently and will continue to be monitored for the next two months. Then depending on how well I respond to the medicines other courses of action will be considered.
So I would appreciate your prayers. It is very hard for me to just sit and rest. But I know it is what I must do at the present time.
In a couple of weeks, I am praying I can be back to doing some teaching. But for the time being doctors orders are for rest. So please be praying. I will try to keep you updated as I get information.
I spoke at Navy Base this past Sunday. But have cancelled my visit to Baguio Gold, due to the step climb down and back up. And others will continue the bible studies for these next couple of weeks.
We are so thankful for all of your prayers over the past weeks. I believe it was the prayers of the people of God that moved the last typhoon out to sea just hours before it was due to make landfall north of here. Instead, on the day that we were expecting stormy weather there were blue skies and sunny warm weather.
This weather has given the family from the assembly at Navy Base, who lost half of their home in a landslide, time to get some necessary repairs done. It will be another week or two before the work is completed but we are so thankful to the Lord for providing what was needed to get this work completed. Many of you sent gifts to help and for that we are so very thankful. Not only were materials for repair and securing this house made available but much needed food and supplies.
The recovery work is still on going in the Manila area. Some areas are still flooded a month after the first storm hit. But for the most part things are beginning to get back to normal. Much building and repairs are still needed, but things are beginning to dry out and chapels are being restored.
Last Saturday while returning from Tip Top, I began having chest pains again. These had been occurring on and off since Thursday. This time however my throat began to constrict and a cold sweat came over me. I immediately turned around and went to the ER in town. After some initial tests I was sent home.
Monday I returned to see a cardiologist who confined me in the hospital for further tests. It turns out that I have a number of heart problems at present. I had a stress test today and that confirmed some problems. I have not had a heart attack, for which I am thankful, but I have been diagnosised with Coronary Heart Disease, Arteral Fibrillation, unstable angina, and a few other things.
So, I am on rest for the time being. I am being treated with meds currently and will continue to be monitored for the next two months. Then depending on how well I respond to the medicines other courses of action will be considered.
So I would appreciate your prayers. It is very hard for me to just sit and rest. But I know it is what I must do at the present time.
In a couple of weeks, I am praying I can be back to doing some teaching. But for the time being doctors orders are for rest. So please be praying. I will try to keep you updated as I get information.
I spoke at Navy Base this past Sunday. But have cancelled my visit to Baguio Gold, due to the step climb down and back up. And others will continue the bible studies for these next couple of weeks.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Update Oct 15, 2009
Thank you all for your prayers. Things have settled down here at the present. We have had a few dry days. But the earth is still very soft and we had some rains again last night but it was not strong or continuous. There is however another storm on its way. It will be arriving here sometime next week. It is still a long way off but according to the latest models it is pointing right at us again. Pray with us that it will make a turn and head out to sea.
It is crucial for us to get the home of one of the believers secure before this next storm gets here, if not we fear we may lose it completely. We have had their situation evaluated and now know what needs to be done. As of yet we have been unable to begin the necessary repairs. We pray that before this week is out we will be able to buy supplies, which are becoming scarce due to demand, so that we can get started at least on the drainage and pipes we need to begin to secure this home. Another big storm could be devastating in many ways. We pray that it will move out to sea and away from us. There is too much death and sadness already in this town.
Reports in the news today is that they are going to be releasing more water from a dams north of us there and down south…and they are warning people in Pangasinan, La Union, Rosales, Bulacan and other locations of possible flooding in their towns and cities as a result. I suppose it is needed so that the dams do not burst and with a new storm coming it becomes critical. These areas were just beginning to dry out and clean up and it seems they are in for another round of trouble.
My main concern, of course, is to care for and look out for those in the two assemblies here in Baguio. We are very thankful to the Lord that none were injured and there were no fatalities as a result of the last storm. Baguio Gold had some minor damage to water supply and, of course, you already know of the one family whose situation regarding their home is critical. Continue to pray for the Lord’s protection in the coming weeks…
We will try to keep you up dated as we are able. But your prayers are much needed still, both for those in the Manila area, where Dave Harvey is carrying a great deal of responsibility with so much relief work there, and also for us here in Central Luzon.
It is crucial for us to get the home of one of the believers secure before this next storm gets here, if not we fear we may lose it completely. We have had their situation evaluated and now know what needs to be done. As of yet we have been unable to begin the necessary repairs. We pray that before this week is out we will be able to buy supplies, which are becoming scarce due to demand, so that we can get started at least on the drainage and pipes we need to begin to secure this home. Another big storm could be devastating in many ways. We pray that it will move out to sea and away from us. There is too much death and sadness already in this town.
Reports in the news today is that they are going to be releasing more water from a dams north of us there and down south…and they are warning people in Pangasinan, La Union, Rosales, Bulacan and other locations of possible flooding in their towns and cities as a result. I suppose it is needed so that the dams do not burst and with a new storm coming it becomes critical. These areas were just beginning to dry out and clean up and it seems they are in for another round of trouble.
My main concern, of course, is to care for and look out for those in the two assemblies here in Baguio. We are very thankful to the Lord that none were injured and there were no fatalities as a result of the last storm. Baguio Gold had some minor damage to water supply and, of course, you already know of the one family whose situation regarding their home is critical. Continue to pray for the Lord’s protection in the coming weeks…
We will try to keep you up dated as we are able. But your prayers are much needed still, both for those in the Manila area, where Dave Harvey is carrying a great deal of responsibility with so much relief work there, and also for us here in Central Luzon.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Typhoon Followup Update, Oct 10, 2009
While I have an internet connection I wanted to send out a quick up date on the conditions here in Baguio. The typhoon crisscrossed the island three times over the course of last week and the last three days were the worst for us here. The rains caused several landslides and currently all roads in and out of Baguio are blocked. Which means no supplies from the lowland are getting through. I do believe that will be rectified today or tomorrow.
The damage is great. One of the families from the chapel, with five children, lost half of their home in a landslide, what remains is critical as well and on unstable ground. One family lost five relatives in one landslide down in La Trinadad. We visited with the family from Navy Base over the last couple of days to bring needed food and supplies. Their home will take considerable work to make it safe again. Others have suffered damage as well, we will know more details as the day progresses today.
We were able to have our study at Navy Base yesterday since the rains have now stopped and we finally have some sun to help dry things out. We received over 2 meters of rain in one week…so it will take a while for everything to stabilize again and to dry out.
Continue to pray. There will be a lot to deal with in the coming weeks. Pray that the Lord will continue to bring comfort and strength for the days ahead.
Joyce and I are fine. Flood waters came up to our door step in the front and back…but nothing entered. We have several leaks in the roof but nothing compared to what others have suffered.
The damage is great. One of the families from the chapel, with five children, lost half of their home in a landslide, what remains is critical as well and on unstable ground. One family lost five relatives in one landslide down in La Trinadad. We visited with the family from Navy Base over the last couple of days to bring needed food and supplies. Their home will take considerable work to make it safe again. Others have suffered damage as well, we will know more details as the day progresses today.
We were able to have our study at Navy Base yesterday since the rains have now stopped and we finally have some sun to help dry things out. We received over 2 meters of rain in one week…so it will take a while for everything to stabilize again and to dry out.
Continue to pray. There will be a lot to deal with in the coming weeks. Pray that the Lord will continue to bring comfort and strength for the days ahead.
Joyce and I are fine. Flood waters came up to our door step in the front and back…but nothing entered. We have several leaks in the roof but nothing compared to what others have suffered.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Update October 6, 2009
Thank you all for all your prayers. The typhoon which threatened Northern/Central Luzon has moved across the extreme northern sections of Luzon and it now rotating out in the South China Sea. It remains stationary and so we remain under a storm signal warning. But all indications are that it will move south west and away from the islands. Although it spared us a direct hit it did cause a great deal of damage north of us. Many have lost homes and several deaths were reported.
We had some strong winds and lots of rain, which began Saturday afternoon and continued through Sunday. I was able to travel down to Baguio Gold to speak on Sunday morning. The roads were passable and we were able to drive down fairly close to where the chapel building is. The remainder of the way we walked but both on our walk down this rather steep staircase, and our walk back up the rains let up. From Baguio Gold we went straight to Navy Base for their meeting which we much enjoyed. Then in the afternoon we had our fourth session of bible school. So the routine has returned to normal.
Today we continue our study of Ilokano. It is a long hard road, and we would continue to covet your prayers. We are trying to use what we know, but currently that is still quite limited. I will continue to translate outlines and main points into Ilokano for my teaching down in Baguio Gold, this will greatly help with my vocabulary. I have found it very hard at this point in my life to get a hold on this new language, but the Lord is gracious, and the people so very happy to hear us using it.
Again, thank you all so very much for your prayers. There is still much need down in the Manila area because of the floods. Several chapel buildings were destroyed and many believers lost everything. Please keep that recovery effort in your prayers.
We had some strong winds and lots of rain, which began Saturday afternoon and continued through Sunday. I was able to travel down to Baguio Gold to speak on Sunday morning. The roads were passable and we were able to drive down fairly close to where the chapel building is. The remainder of the way we walked but both on our walk down this rather steep staircase, and our walk back up the rains let up. From Baguio Gold we went straight to Navy Base for their meeting which we much enjoyed. Then in the afternoon we had our fourth session of bible school. So the routine has returned to normal.
Today we continue our study of Ilokano. It is a long hard road, and we would continue to covet your prayers. We are trying to use what we know, but currently that is still quite limited. I will continue to translate outlines and main points into Ilokano for my teaching down in Baguio Gold, this will greatly help with my vocabulary. I have found it very hard at this point in my life to get a hold on this new language, but the Lord is gracious, and the people so very happy to hear us using it.
Again, thank you all so very much for your prayers. There is still much need down in the Manila area because of the floods. Several chapel buildings were destroyed and many believers lost everything. Please keep that recovery effort in your prayers.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Update on Typhoons - Oct 2, 2009
We are bracing for super typhoon Pepeng. It is due to landfall tomorrow afternoon, but we are beginning to feel the effects of it already. The storm itself has slowed, which could indicate, according to the meteorologists, that it may change direction. Currently it is heading a bit north of us here in Baguio. But the other scenario is that the high pressure system currently over Hong Kong, could block it and cause it to track more south, or across Central Luzon, which is where we are. We are praying that it will continue to track north, although sometimes you feel guilty praying for such things as it will mean much suffering for others who live in those regions. We pray that His will would be done.
I am writing this update now because I am not sure if we will continue to have electricity tomorrow or internet service for a while if the storm tracks this way. We will try to keep you updated the best we can. Thank you all for praying. It is really our prayer that this storm will spare Manila of more heavy rain. They have already suffered much. So many of our brothers and sisters lost everything and several chapel buildings are completely destroyed. This is a huge storm and will bring rain over all of Luzon. So much suffering.
Keep praying…and we will up date you again when we can.
I am writing this update now because I am not sure if we will continue to have electricity tomorrow or internet service for a while if the storm tracks this way. We will try to keep you updated the best we can. Thank you all for praying. It is really our prayer that this storm will spare Manila of more heavy rain. They have already suffered much. So many of our brothers and sisters lost everything and several chapel buildings are completely destroyed. This is a huge storm and will bring rain over all of Luzon. So much suffering.
Keep praying…and we will up date you again when we can.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Typhoon Ondoy - Sep 28, 2009
Most of you are very aware of the recent floods that struck the Manila area. Kim and Larry live in that area but their dorm home is on a hill above Faith Academy and they experienced no floods. But right below them there was devastation everywhere. The waters are receding still, and the clean up will take a long time. Many of the believers’ homes as well as missionaries homes were totally submerged for many hours, and mud has filled most of those homes. Cars were literally moved along and piled up by the rapid waters that were flowing by. Several chapel building have experienced damage, and I am sure, although this has not been verified, that the chapel in Cainta was under water. It is raining once again in Manila today, and there are two more storms heading in this direction. We are praying that both will veer north and by pass the islands. The first one, which is expected to develop into a typhoon by weeks end, is currently tracking to strike the extreme northern sections of the island of Luzon, and may produce a lot more rain. But it possible strike areas still includes most of the island of Luzon.
Rescue efforts and relief efforts are underway. So many have been effected, we do not know what to expect when we travel down tomorrow. Please keep these things in your prayers. Dave and Ruth Harvey experienced just mild flooding in their living room and Aunt Rose Brooks had no flooding to speak of, so we are thankful for that. Holly Lucas is also safe and above the flooded areas.
So many are suffering and have experienced the loss of everything. Food shortages, water shortages, lack of clean water, electricity still in some areas is off, so there is a long way to go before things return to normal, if they ever really can for some folks. When Kim saw it raining hard again today and knew that there was the potential for more storms heading our way she said, “It makes my stomach churn, for these poor people who have already lost so much” Larry went out on Sunday to try and gather together and bring some relief supplies to the squatters down below where they live, and when he asked if any of the dorm boys wanted to help, every one of the volunteered and went.
Just keep the saints in your prayers. Keep praying for the relief efforts. Pray for wisdom of the government officials who have the responsibility to coordinate the relief efforts. Pray for the US agencies that are already involved in the relief efforts as well.
Rescue efforts and relief efforts are underway. So many have been effected, we do not know what to expect when we travel down tomorrow. Please keep these things in your prayers. Dave and Ruth Harvey experienced just mild flooding in their living room and Aunt Rose Brooks had no flooding to speak of, so we are thankful for that. Holly Lucas is also safe and above the flooded areas.
So many are suffering and have experienced the loss of everything. Food shortages, water shortages, lack of clean water, electricity still in some areas is off, so there is a long way to go before things return to normal, if they ever really can for some folks. When Kim saw it raining hard again today and knew that there was the potential for more storms heading our way she said, “It makes my stomach churn, for these poor people who have already lost so much” Larry went out on Sunday to try and gather together and bring some relief supplies to the squatters down below where they live, and when he asked if any of the dorm boys wanted to help, every one of the volunteered and went.
Just keep the saints in your prayers. Keep praying for the relief efforts. Pray for wisdom of the government officials who have the responsibility to coordinate the relief efforts. Pray for the US agencies that are already involved in the relief efforts as well.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September 15, 2009 Update
Greetings once again to you all in the wonderful name of our gracious and faithful Savior. We have had a full month. The bible studies are going well and producing some fruit for the Lord. In one of the study three made a profession of faith in Christ, at another almost all of those attending were out on Sunday to hear the word taught. I taught on the Saturday afternoon session concerning the coming of the Lord, several had never heard or understood these teachings, and it seemed to stir a few hearts. In another two have requested baptism. So we are thankful for what the Lord is doing in the hearts and lives of many. Please keep these studies in your prayers. We will begin, at the study in Fatima, some lessons on the eternal security of the believer and Christian living in the weeks to come.
These last couple of weeks the chapel building at Navy Base has been rather full. Seems we may have to expand the building. When it rains, all those who would normally sit outside or by the windows are forced inside which really packs the building both for Sunday School and the teaching time.
We began the first session of the new bible school this past Sunday. We had 16 who were in attendance. This bible school will run on consecutive Sunday afternoons rather than consecutive weekday evenings. The elders decided this might allow others to come out for this important series of teachings. We are encouraged.
The heavy rains associated with a typhoon that moved north of us brought caused a couple of the bible studies last week to be cancelled. They are in areas that are not easily assessable. We are still in the typhoon season here until October, so this will not be the last of the heavy rains.
Thank you all for your prayers.
These last couple of weeks the chapel building at Navy Base has been rather full. Seems we may have to expand the building. When it rains, all those who would normally sit outside or by the windows are forced inside which really packs the building both for Sunday School and the teaching time.
We began the first session of the new bible school this past Sunday. We had 16 who were in attendance. This bible school will run on consecutive Sunday afternoons rather than consecutive weekday evenings. The elders decided this might allow others to come out for this important series of teachings. We are encouraged.
The heavy rains associated with a typhoon that moved north of us brought caused a couple of the bible studies last week to be cancelled. They are in areas that are not easily assessable. We are still in the typhoon season here until October, so this will not be the last of the heavy rains.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Update, August 24, 2009
Greeting, once again, to you all. I know it has been a long time since the last update, but we have once again returned to our home in Baguio. It is good to be home. We are finally caught up on our sleep and getting back into the regular routine.
It was great to see the saints at Navy Base this past week. They are all doing well, for which we thank the Lord. I shared with them on Wednesday night about our travels and the many greetings that came their way from the saints in the States. Saturday I very much enjoyed being at a new bible study up in the old Navy Base, from which the chapel derived its name. One of the old couples from the assembly are now having a study in their home. This past week there were about 15 in attendance, for which we praise the Lord. This coming week I will also join the saints at another new study in town. Both of these studies are reaching out to several who still have not trusted Christ as savior, mostly family members of believers, so please keep these studies in your prayers that we might see some coming to Christ.
Yesterday, the Lord’s Day, I had the opportunity to speak to the assembly at Navy Base. Our texts came from John 14:1-2, Eph 6:10-11 and Psalm 93. I have begun a new Sunday morning series on the armor of the Lord, and this served as an introduction to that topic.
We will begin our next bible school sessions on Sept 13th. They will run several consecutive Sunday afternoons. Our topic will be the church. We are so looking forward to teaching this most important subject. Please be praying that many will come out, especially those who have had questions in the past concerning different aspects of the meetings of the local church.
Thank you all once again for your prayers and support of the Lord’s work among us. We are looking forward to what the Lord will be doing in these next months.
It was great to see the saints at Navy Base this past week. They are all doing well, for which we thank the Lord. I shared with them on Wednesday night about our travels and the many greetings that came their way from the saints in the States. Saturday I very much enjoyed being at a new bible study up in the old Navy Base, from which the chapel derived its name. One of the old couples from the assembly are now having a study in their home. This past week there were about 15 in attendance, for which we praise the Lord. This coming week I will also join the saints at another new study in town. Both of these studies are reaching out to several who still have not trusted Christ as savior, mostly family members of believers, so please keep these studies in your prayers that we might see some coming to Christ.
Yesterday, the Lord’s Day, I had the opportunity to speak to the assembly at Navy Base. Our texts came from John 14:1-2, Eph 6:10-11 and Psalm 93. I have begun a new Sunday morning series on the armor of the Lord, and this served as an introduction to that topic.
We will begin our next bible school sessions on Sept 13th. They will run several consecutive Sunday afternoons. Our topic will be the church. We are so looking forward to teaching this most important subject. Please be praying that many will come out, especially those who have had questions in the past concerning different aspects of the meetings of the local church.
Thank you all once again for your prayers and support of the Lord’s work among us. We are looking forward to what the Lord will be doing in these next months.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Update June 9, 2009
Greetings to you all in that precious name. We have been in Manila for the last week or so, watching our grandchildren while our daughter Kim and Larry (Keating) went to Korea with a group from Faith Academy. Larry and Kim had 10 Korean boys in their dorm last year and this was a chance for them to understand the culture a bit as well as visit with the family of one of the boys.
We are excited to be coming home for a brief visit to visit with our daughters Abby and Rachel. Abby is living in the Chicago area with her husband Daniel Fleming and Rachel is living in Connecticut. It will also give us the opportunity to visit with Joyce’s mom and dad, Ken and Elaine Brooks in the Orlando area of Florida.
It will also allow us to visit with our home assemblies, as well as others, to bring a report of the work and to share the word. Since we no longer take furloughs it is nice to have these brief visits home to touch bases with folks at home.
Plans are now well underway for the next series of bible studies at both Navy Base and Baguio Gold. Our next concentration will be on the church local and universal. Many have already expressed that they are looking forward to this series as many things have come along over the years and have been introduced to the assemblies and they are looking forward to seeing what the Scriptures teach in these areas, especially in the area of church leadership, men’s and women’s roles and spiritual gifts. So we are looking forward to this series. Please begin praying with us that this would be a profitable study for all.
Language study is moving along well. But I must admit it will be nice to have a short break. I think we have made some good progress, but I know from my past experience with Tagalog that it will be a while yet before we feel comfortable speaking and conversing in Ilokano. Keep this in prayer as well.
We are excited to be coming home for a brief visit to visit with our daughters Abby and Rachel. Abby is living in the Chicago area with her husband Daniel Fleming and Rachel is living in Connecticut. It will also give us the opportunity to visit with Joyce’s mom and dad, Ken and Elaine Brooks in the Orlando area of Florida.
It will also allow us to visit with our home assemblies, as well as others, to bring a report of the work and to share the word. Since we no longer take furloughs it is nice to have these brief visits home to touch bases with folks at home.
Plans are now well underway for the next series of bible studies at both Navy Base and Baguio Gold. Our next concentration will be on the church local and universal. Many have already expressed that they are looking forward to this series as many things have come along over the years and have been introduced to the assemblies and they are looking forward to seeing what the Scriptures teach in these areas, especially in the area of church leadership, men’s and women’s roles and spiritual gifts. So we are looking forward to this series. Please begin praying with us that this would be a profitable study for all.
Language study is moving along well. But I must admit it will be nice to have a short break. I think we have made some good progress, but I know from my past experience with Tagalog that it will be a while yet before we feel comfortable speaking and conversing in Ilokano. Keep this in prayer as well.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Update May 13, 2009
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our wonderful Savior. Well my latest health saga has finally ended. On Thursday of last week I passed a rather large kidney stone and the relief was almost instantaneous. The hospital never checked me for stones and so I was unaware that this was the cause for all my severe back pain until that time. Since then I have had an ultra-sound which revealed that I still have three more in my left Kidney but they are all considerably smaller than the one I passed, and should not cause great discomfort.
The works continues to go well, it was hard to be on the sidelines for a couple of weeks and to miss a couple of studies that I enjoy teaching, but it was also a learning time for me. For the first time in my life I learned what it was to be totally dependent on another for my care. Joyce was so patient and comforting to me while I lay on the floor in spasm.
I taught this last week at the assembly at Navy Base. It was good to be back teaching again. Currently we are down in Manila with Larry and Kim and the grandkids. We are here for a couple of celebrations. One celebrating 25 years of service of some old friends at Faith Academy, and then this week end we bid farewell to a special couple who have faithfully served the Lord in the assemblies both here in Manila and in Samar since the late 80s. They are returning to New Zealand due to Shane’s health and for two of their children to attend college. We will miss them, although we do not see them often they have had an impact on many lives.
This coming Sunday I will be with the saints at Hillcrest Christian fellowship. Then the following week back to Baguio for some studies and to speak at Baguio Gold on the Lord’s Day.
Thanks so much for your prayers during my hospital stay and home recovery and for the notes that so many of you sent which were so very encouraging to me.
The works continues to go well, it was hard to be on the sidelines for a couple of weeks and to miss a couple of studies that I enjoy teaching, but it was also a learning time for me. For the first time in my life I learned what it was to be totally dependent on another for my care. Joyce was so patient and comforting to me while I lay on the floor in spasm.
I taught this last week at the assembly at Navy Base. It was good to be back teaching again. Currently we are down in Manila with Larry and Kim and the grandkids. We are here for a couple of celebrations. One celebrating 25 years of service of some old friends at Faith Academy, and then this week end we bid farewell to a special couple who have faithfully served the Lord in the assemblies both here in Manila and in Samar since the late 80s. They are returning to New Zealand due to Shane’s health and for two of their children to attend college. We will miss them, although we do not see them often they have had an impact on many lives.
This coming Sunday I will be with the saints at Hillcrest Christian fellowship. Then the following week back to Baguio for some studies and to speak at Baguio Gold on the Lord’s Day.
Thanks so much for your prayers during my hospital stay and home recovery and for the notes that so many of you sent which were so very encouraging to me.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Update May 1, 2009
Well, I arrived home yesterday, late afternoon, from a four day hospital stay.
It all began on Saturday, by our best understanding, when I lifted a LPG tank of cooking gas and three bottles of water. My back was feeling the strain but seemed ok.
When I woke on Sunday morning I knew my back was feeling the effects and I was in some pain. I simply worked through it and spoke at Navy Base in the morning, and Baguio Gold for two hours in the afternoon. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Monday it was still hurting and seemed to be getting worse. Joyce had a PT appointment at 10:30 AM and I drove her up for her appointment and while I was there I tried to walk off the pain and stiffness but it continued to get worse. Finally just by the door to the PT office I had waves of cold sweats and began to get very dizzy and felt as if I was going to pass out. They took me into the ER, where spasms began and I was writhing in pain. Finally the pain reliever was injected and I had relief. I was admitted and remained for the next four days while tests were done, and X-Rays and a CT scan were performed. At first they believed that I had a back fracture, but on further examination by one more experienced at reading the CT scans, it was determined that it is a herniated disk. I really struggled with pain for several days. The Physical Therapy is beginning to help, but I have a ways to go yet.
But it is so nice to be home. I will not be able to do a whole lot these next days and I will not enjoy that, but I know that you will be praying for me.
I was reading this morning; “Though the vine needs sunshine it must also have the darkness." During the night it is said to rest; it does not grow; but it recuperates itself and prepares for the putting forth of fresh energy. During the day it consumes more sap than it can draw up from the root; and during the dark hours of night it is accumulating stores on which to feed. And this may suggest why sometimes after periods of much activity the great husbandman draws down the blinds and plunges us into the black night of hardship…and we need that time in order to recuperate our exhausted vigor and to gather up stores for days to come.”
Encouraging words which my heart needed to hear this morning. He is always so gracious to give what we need when we need it.
Today the assembly at Baguio is down for the chapel retreat down by the shore. Sure wish I could be with them, but our Father knows what is best. I will be out of commission for a few more days. Please be praying that the PT will help ease this problem so that I can get back to work again. I have a lot of things coming up and have left it in His hands.
My prayer is that the PT will get me back on my feet soon. Thanks for your prayers.
I will send another update when I know more.
It all began on Saturday, by our best understanding, when I lifted a LPG tank of cooking gas and three bottles of water. My back was feeling the strain but seemed ok.
When I woke on Sunday morning I knew my back was feeling the effects and I was in some pain. I simply worked through it and spoke at Navy Base in the morning, and Baguio Gold for two hours in the afternoon. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Monday it was still hurting and seemed to be getting worse. Joyce had a PT appointment at 10:30 AM and I drove her up for her appointment and while I was there I tried to walk off the pain and stiffness but it continued to get worse. Finally just by the door to the PT office I had waves of cold sweats and began to get very dizzy and felt as if I was going to pass out. They took me into the ER, where spasms began and I was writhing in pain. Finally the pain reliever was injected and I had relief. I was admitted and remained for the next four days while tests were done, and X-Rays and a CT scan were performed. At first they believed that I had a back fracture, but on further examination by one more experienced at reading the CT scans, it was determined that it is a herniated disk. I really struggled with pain for several days. The Physical Therapy is beginning to help, but I have a ways to go yet.
But it is so nice to be home. I will not be able to do a whole lot these next days and I will not enjoy that, but I know that you will be praying for me.
I was reading this morning; “Though the vine needs sunshine it must also have the darkness." During the night it is said to rest; it does not grow; but it recuperates itself and prepares for the putting forth of fresh energy. During the day it consumes more sap than it can draw up from the root; and during the dark hours of night it is accumulating stores on which to feed. And this may suggest why sometimes after periods of much activity the great husbandman draws down the blinds and plunges us into the black night of hardship…and we need that time in order to recuperate our exhausted vigor and to gather up stores for days to come.”
Encouraging words which my heart needed to hear this morning. He is always so gracious to give what we need when we need it.
Today the assembly at Baguio is down for the chapel retreat down by the shore. Sure wish I could be with them, but our Father knows what is best. I will be out of commission for a few more days. Please be praying that the PT will help ease this problem so that I can get back to work again. I have a lot of things coming up and have left it in His hands.
My prayer is that the PT will get me back on my feet soon. Thanks for your prayers.
I will send another update when I know more.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Update - April 15, 2009
The temperature today in Manila was 95, (Wednesday the 15th) but with the heat index it felt like 108. I am not looking forward to traveling back into that heat tomorrow morning. We have been back and forth to Manila so much these last few weeks that I am growing a bit weary of the trip. But we thank the Lord that He has continued to give safety and blessing on each of our ventures down.
Laarni has had her surgery and all things went very well. Thank you all for praying. The nodules on her vocal cords have been removed and tomorrow in Manila we will learn if she can speak again. It is then that we will learn whether or not the surgery has been a total success or not.
The last session of evening bible school at Navy Base went very well, for which we thank our Lord. We were able to finish up the book of Hebrews and the saints have found the 40 hours we spent in study profitable to their spiritual growth. We still have two remaining classes to teach down in Baguio Gold. This Sunday and next we will finish up the third session for them. Again, we are much encouraged in the desire of the saints to study the word.
Our daughter Rachel paid a short visit to us these past two weeks. It was a joy to have her here with us. She spent a week in Manila with her sister and us and a week here in Baguio.
This morning we had another two hours of Ilokano, and it is beginning to click. I am able to form sentences relatively easily now and our vocabulary is expanding for which we thank the Lord. On my last visit to Baguio Gold I did the entire introduction to our lessons in the letter of Paul to the Ephesians in Ilokano. Again, we used a combination of four languages as we shared with the saints there last week. This week I will be speaking to the assembly at Navy Base. We will be beginning a new series on the life and ministry of Elijah.
Joyce is doing much better. Thank you for all your prayers for her. The medications she is on seem to have really made a difference. The Physical Therapy for her neck continues as well and she goes for several days with out headaches now, which is a blessing indeed.
Some of you will remember Tia Elizabeth Bundok. She is the woman for whom a wheel chair was purchased over a year ago. She has gone home to be with the Lord she loves after so many years of hardship and struggle.
Thanks again for all your prayers, and may the Lord richly bless you.
Laarni has had her surgery and all things went very well. Thank you all for praying. The nodules on her vocal cords have been removed and tomorrow in Manila we will learn if she can speak again. It is then that we will learn whether or not the surgery has been a total success or not.
The last session of evening bible school at Navy Base went very well, for which we thank our Lord. We were able to finish up the book of Hebrews and the saints have found the 40 hours we spent in study profitable to their spiritual growth. We still have two remaining classes to teach down in Baguio Gold. This Sunday and next we will finish up the third session for them. Again, we are much encouraged in the desire of the saints to study the word.
Our daughter Rachel paid a short visit to us these past two weeks. It was a joy to have her here with us. She spent a week in Manila with her sister and us and a week here in Baguio.
This morning we had another two hours of Ilokano, and it is beginning to click. I am able to form sentences relatively easily now and our vocabulary is expanding for which we thank the Lord. On my last visit to Baguio Gold I did the entire introduction to our lessons in the letter of Paul to the Ephesians in Ilokano. Again, we used a combination of four languages as we shared with the saints there last week. This week I will be speaking to the assembly at Navy Base. We will be beginning a new series on the life and ministry of Elijah.
Joyce is doing much better. Thank you for all your prayers for her. The medications she is on seem to have really made a difference. The Physical Therapy for her neck continues as well and she goes for several days with out headaches now, which is a blessing indeed.
Some of you will remember Tia Elizabeth Bundok. She is the woman for whom a wheel chair was purchased over a year ago. She has gone home to be with the Lord she loves after so many years of hardship and struggle.
Thanks again for all your prayers, and may the Lord richly bless you.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Update March 25, 2009
Up date 3-25-09
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our wonderful Savior.
I just finished over three hours of translating my next message for the saints at Baguio Gold from Tagalog into Ilokano. So my brain is just a bit fried right now, but I did want to get an update to you all because we can use your prayers.
I am in the midst of teaching the last ten hours of Evening Bible School to the saints at Navy Base this week. We are attempting to finish chapters 10-13 of Hebrews during the course of the week. It is the fourth and final session of this segment of the Evening Bible school. At the end of this week the saint would have received forty hours of lessons in this wonderful book which so exalts our Savior. Currently we are in the practical application part of our study and I am very much enjoying teaching it. Please pray for these next two nights. We have a lot to cover and we want to be careful to keep a good balance and not, in our haste to make sure we cover the material, leave out that which the Lord would have the saints to learn concerning Himself.
On Saturday we leave in the early morning for Manila. Some of you have been praying for Laarni, one of the women from the assembly at Navy Base, who is in need of surgery on her vocal cords. This Saturday she and her husband Bong will travel with us to Manila once again for a final check up and blood work, so that we can schedule her surgery hopefully for sometime in mid April. Continue to keep this in your prayers.
As many of you also know Joyce has been dealing once again with a host of medical problems. After much testing, X rays, ultra sounds etc she has been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, GERD, and she has deterioration of the bones in her neck, which is the cause of her many headaches. So she is now on meds for her hypothyroidism, which has been the cause of many of her other problems, and she is on meds for the GERD problem. She has been on these meds for a couple of weeks now and we are already seeing some positive results for which we thank the Lord. She is going weekly, three to four times a week for Physical Therapy and traction for her neck, and the results there have been mixed, so please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Our daughter Rachel arrives from the States for a brief two week visit next week. We are so very looking forward to having her with us. It has been 14 long years since she was here last. She is looking forward to seeing all her old stompin’ grounds. Pray for a safe trip for her. She leaves on Sunday and will arrive here late Monday night.
Again, thank you all for your interest in the Lord’s work here among us, and for your prayers. May the Lord richly bless you.
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our wonderful Savior.
I just finished over three hours of translating my next message for the saints at Baguio Gold from Tagalog into Ilokano. So my brain is just a bit fried right now, but I did want to get an update to you all because we can use your prayers.
I am in the midst of teaching the last ten hours of Evening Bible School to the saints at Navy Base this week. We are attempting to finish chapters 10-13 of Hebrews during the course of the week. It is the fourth and final session of this segment of the Evening Bible school. At the end of this week the saint would have received forty hours of lessons in this wonderful book which so exalts our Savior. Currently we are in the practical application part of our study and I am very much enjoying teaching it. Please pray for these next two nights. We have a lot to cover and we want to be careful to keep a good balance and not, in our haste to make sure we cover the material, leave out that which the Lord would have the saints to learn concerning Himself.
On Saturday we leave in the early morning for Manila. Some of you have been praying for Laarni, one of the women from the assembly at Navy Base, who is in need of surgery on her vocal cords. This Saturday she and her husband Bong will travel with us to Manila once again for a final check up and blood work, so that we can schedule her surgery hopefully for sometime in mid April. Continue to keep this in your prayers.
As many of you also know Joyce has been dealing once again with a host of medical problems. After much testing, X rays, ultra sounds etc she has been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, GERD, and she has deterioration of the bones in her neck, which is the cause of her many headaches. So she is now on meds for her hypothyroidism, which has been the cause of many of her other problems, and she is on meds for the GERD problem. She has been on these meds for a couple of weeks now and we are already seeing some positive results for which we thank the Lord. She is going weekly, three to four times a week for Physical Therapy and traction for her neck, and the results there have been mixed, so please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Our daughter Rachel arrives from the States for a brief two week visit next week. We are so very looking forward to having her with us. It has been 14 long years since she was here last. She is looking forward to seeing all her old stompin’ grounds. Pray for a safe trip for her. She leaves on Sunday and will arrive here late Monday night.
Again, thank you all for your interest in the Lord’s work here among us, and for your prayers. May the Lord richly bless you.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Update March 2, 2009
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our wonderful Savior. Things here are going quite well, for which we thank our Lord.
The week of Special Studies down in Mololos Bulucan was fun to teach and the students were enthusiastic. There were about 28 who came out for this week of special teaching. They are all those students who in the past have completed the three year bible school at the camp, so are well versed in the scripture which made it a very enjoyable time. We taught eight hours on Servant Leadership. It seemed to be well received.
Also, during that week in the Manila area we had the next series of tests and doctors visits for Joyce and are happy to report that currently she is cancer free. We thank you all for your prayers for her.
Last Lord’s day I spoke at the assembly at Navy Base, this Sunday I was down in Baguio Gold both in the morning and afternoon. This Sunday morning I actually used three different languages in my morning message. That was a new experience. I am attempting, as the Lord allows, to use more Ilokano in my message preparation, for when I speak especially down in Baguio Gold. I prepare my message, then do some translation work, our tutor corrects it, and goes over my pronunciations, then I try to integrate it into my speaking. It is the process I used when learning Tagalog so many years ago. Thanks for praying. We, Joyce and I, were also able to greet the folks down there in both Kankanaey and Ilokano. So we actually used four different languages to communicate with the saints yesterday. My mind is tired just thinking about it.
In the afternoon we began our third session of bible school with the saints in Baguio Gold. This session we are studying chapters 7-9 of Hebrews. Yesterday we were “considering how great” the man Melchizedek was. It was fun to once again consider the wonderful types and antitypes we see in these most enlightening chapters. We had two hours of study yesterday and have another 8 needed to complete this session.
The regular weekly studies are going well. Last Thursday night we looked at the second prayer of Paul in Ephesians chapter 3, as we work our way through that wonderful book.
We are planning to schedule surgery for Larnni in April. Thank you for praying for her. We are praying the upcoming surgery will restore her voice.
Thank you all again for your prayers.
The week of Special Studies down in Mololos Bulucan was fun to teach and the students were enthusiastic. There were about 28 who came out for this week of special teaching. They are all those students who in the past have completed the three year bible school at the camp, so are well versed in the scripture which made it a very enjoyable time. We taught eight hours on Servant Leadership. It seemed to be well received.
Also, during that week in the Manila area we had the next series of tests and doctors visits for Joyce and are happy to report that currently she is cancer free. We thank you all for your prayers for her.
Last Lord’s day I spoke at the assembly at Navy Base, this Sunday I was down in Baguio Gold both in the morning and afternoon. This Sunday morning I actually used three different languages in my morning message. That was a new experience. I am attempting, as the Lord allows, to use more Ilokano in my message preparation, for when I speak especially down in Baguio Gold. I prepare my message, then do some translation work, our tutor corrects it, and goes over my pronunciations, then I try to integrate it into my speaking. It is the process I used when learning Tagalog so many years ago. Thanks for praying. We, Joyce and I, were also able to greet the folks down there in both Kankanaey and Ilokano. So we actually used four different languages to communicate with the saints yesterday. My mind is tired just thinking about it.
In the afternoon we began our third session of bible school with the saints in Baguio Gold. This session we are studying chapters 7-9 of Hebrews. Yesterday we were “considering how great” the man Melchizedek was. It was fun to once again consider the wonderful types and antitypes we see in these most enlightening chapters. We had two hours of study yesterday and have another 8 needed to complete this session.
The regular weekly studies are going well. Last Thursday night we looked at the second prayer of Paul in Ephesians chapter 3, as we work our way through that wonderful book.
We are planning to schedule surgery for Larnni in April. Thank you for praying for her. We are praying the upcoming surgery will restore her voice.
Thank you all again for your prayers.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Sagada Visit Feb 6, 2009
Joyce and I returned Wednesday from another trip north to Sagada (pictures will be up soon). We were quite surprised when we arrived to find a street festival on going and crowds filling the streets of this normally quiet mountain town. The noise of stereos and live music filled the air until well after curfew, when things finally settled down on that first night. We were able to make a few new friends at a couple of the local establishments that first evening as we tried out our new Ilokano and Kankaney phrases on them. They were quite surprised and giggled at the fact that we were learning. I was quite surprised at how well most of them understood and spoke some Tagalog also, something that was not true only a few years ago. English still works very well as they are very well educated and converse easily and comfortably in English.
On our second day in town we traveled down to Bulugan to try and find a couple of Mike Smits’ old friends who are in the Lord work there. It was quite a drive down some pretty rough roads over some fairly large rocks and over a few sections of very narrow rutted roads. But we slowly descended into the beautiful valley of rice terraces. We found John and his brother Roy doing well and happy to see us. We were invited into the house and sat for a while and reminisced about the past and the days when Mike and Bev Smits served the Lord in Sagada. We saw the small chapel building where over 15 family meet each week to hear the word taught. It was quite an encouraging visit. Roy rode with us back into town and we stopped along the way to visit with another old friend of the Smits, Nancy Likigan. She welcomed us as well, into her home and we sat and chatted a bit and learned the whereabouts of her sister who lived with the Smits family for many years. The morning was quite encouraging for Joyce and I. It was nice to have some warm and friendly contacts in town with whom we can visit when we return. John and Roy warmly opened up their homes to us and desire that we return again for a visit next time.
We arrived back in Baguio Wednesday very tired but refreshed in spirit. Then we learned that the dates that we had been given for the Special Studies sessions down in Manila (Malolos Bulucan) were incorrect and that I would be teaching next week and not the week after. So tomorrow we must head down to Manila a little over a week earlier than we expected. This has put a bit of stress on Joyce, but she is doing well. I will be teaching each day next week for two hours a day on the subject of Servant Leadership. A subject that is near and dear to my heart. We would ask that you pray for me that the Lord would use me to speak to the hearts of the men and woman who will come for this special week of studies.
We had a very nice Bible Study last night in the home of Florie Rimando. Last night nine were out to hear the word. We continued our study in the book of Ephesians, last night completing the first half of Chapter three.
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We are still unsure of what the Lord’s plans are for us regarding Sagada, but we will continue to make trips over the trail and wait to see what He will do. And we continue to study both Ilokano and Kankaney which we can use here in Baguio as well.
Joyce will have some further doctor visits and tests the week following Special Studies. Pray that the Lord’s will be done. We are praying that no further cancer will be found. But our lives are in His blessed hands.
Larnni will definitely be needing some surgery on her vocal cords so please keep that in your prayers as well.
May the Lord richly bless you all for His glory.
On our second day in town we traveled down to Bulugan to try and find a couple of Mike Smits’ old friends who are in the Lord work there. It was quite a drive down some pretty rough roads over some fairly large rocks and over a few sections of very narrow rutted roads. But we slowly descended into the beautiful valley of rice terraces. We found John and his brother Roy doing well and happy to see us. We were invited into the house and sat for a while and reminisced about the past and the days when Mike and Bev Smits served the Lord in Sagada. We saw the small chapel building where over 15 family meet each week to hear the word taught. It was quite an encouraging visit. Roy rode with us back into town and we stopped along the way to visit with another old friend of the Smits, Nancy Likigan. She welcomed us as well, into her home and we sat and chatted a bit and learned the whereabouts of her sister who lived with the Smits family for many years. The morning was quite encouraging for Joyce and I. It was nice to have some warm and friendly contacts in town with whom we can visit when we return. John and Roy warmly opened up their homes to us and desire that we return again for a visit next time.
We arrived back in Baguio Wednesday very tired but refreshed in spirit. Then we learned that the dates that we had been given for the Special Studies sessions down in Manila (Malolos Bulucan) were incorrect and that I would be teaching next week and not the week after. So tomorrow we must head down to Manila a little over a week earlier than we expected. This has put a bit of stress on Joyce, but she is doing well. I will be teaching each day next week for two hours a day on the subject of Servant Leadership. A subject that is near and dear to my heart. We would ask that you pray for me that the Lord would use me to speak to the hearts of the men and woman who will come for this special week of studies.
We had a very nice Bible Study last night in the home of Florie Rimando. Last night nine were out to hear the word. We continued our study in the book of Ephesians, last night completing the first half of Chapter three.
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We are still unsure of what the Lord’s plans are for us regarding Sagada, but we will continue to make trips over the trail and wait to see what He will do. And we continue to study both Ilokano and Kankaney which we can use here in Baguio as well.
Joyce will have some further doctor visits and tests the week following Special Studies. Pray that the Lord’s will be done. We are praying that no further cancer will be found. But our lives are in His blessed hands.
Larnni will definitely be needing some surgery on her vocal cords so please keep that in your prayers as well.
May the Lord richly bless you all for His glory.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Update January 28, 2009
Greetings to you all once again in His precious name. Yesterday we began what will be a very arduous study of Kankanaey along with our study of Ilokano. Kankanaey is the language of Sagada, and of many in the Cordillera, but it is also spoken by many here in Baguio, particularly down in Baguio Gold. Ilokano has little in the way of exhaustive dictionaries as only small and incomplete ones are available, but it does have the complete bible translated and available. Kankanaey, on the other has neither. No dictionaries and no complete bible, as far as I can ascertain. There are, however, portions of the Old Testament translated and the New Testament has been translated and is in print, so that will be helpful. So unlike in the past where we had very good and very complete dictionaries in Tagalog and several good and dependable translations of the scriptures we have much less to work with in Kankanaey. So we become very dependant on others to teach us. We will definitely need your prayers as we continue to learn Ilokano, and begin this long study of Kankanaey. It will be years before we are comfortable in either, but feel we must begin even though we understand the difficulty and challenges of this new beginning. It took many years to become fluent in Tagalog, and it will take many again to become comfortable in teaching in these new languages. But begin we must. Please keep us in your prayers.
We are heading, Lord willing, up to Sagada once again on Monday for a short visit. We will begin scouting out a place to live this time around. We are not in a position to make the move yet, but we do want to see what is available and what it will cost to make the move. Pray with us in this as well.
Things here in Baguio are going very well. It is a continued blessing to be here with the Lord’s people. They are a constant source of blessing to me. The studies are going well and I will be teaching down in Baguio Gold this coming Lord’s Day.
We will be heading down to Manila in a couple of weeks for Doctors appointments for Joyce and we will be staying in that area while I teach at Special Studies at the bible school. I never look forward to going to the lowlands, but having Kim and Larry there along with our grandkids makes the visit most enjoyable. Keep Special Studies in your prayers as I will be handling a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Pray that the Lord would use my time there as a source of encouragement and challenge to His saints.
We are heading, Lord willing, up to Sagada once again on Monday for a short visit. We will begin scouting out a place to live this time around. We are not in a position to make the move yet, but we do want to see what is available and what it will cost to make the move. Pray with us in this as well.
Things here in Baguio are going very well. It is a continued blessing to be here with the Lord’s people. They are a constant source of blessing to me. The studies are going well and I will be teaching down in Baguio Gold this coming Lord’s Day.
We will be heading down to Manila in a couple of weeks for Doctors appointments for Joyce and we will be staying in that area while I teach at Special Studies at the bible school. I never look forward to going to the lowlands, but having Kim and Larry there along with our grandkids makes the visit most enjoyable. Keep Special Studies in your prayers as I will be handling a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Pray that the Lord would use my time there as a source of encouragement and challenge to His saints.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Update January 18, 2009
Greetings to you all, once again, in the precious name of our Lord and Savior…Jesus Christ.
I was moved once again this morning when reading several passages of holy scripture….Isaiah 52:14; “Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage (face) was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men.”
Matthew 26:67 “Then they spat on His face and beat Him and others struck Him with the palms of their hands”
It is in that beloved “face” that we find “….the knowledge and the glory of God.” It is that “face” that we will once day behold. (1 Cor 13:12, Rev 22:4) And the “face” from which the earth and the heavens will flee away, when Judgment strikes. And those who reject Him shall call upon the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hid them from the “face” of Him who sits on the throne.
Oh my friend, how wonderful that His perfect love has cast out fear for us. And that we now long to see His face, and do not fear His coming. What will it be like to look into that beloved face that was so marred for us, that suffered the degradation of spitting and buffeting? “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities and the chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.” Oh what a wonderful savior.
Today, Sunday Jan. 18, I will be speaking at Navy Base in the morning and Baguio Gold in the afternoon. This morning I will be continuing the series on the priesthood of all believers, looking specifically at our consecrated hearing, service and walk. This afternoon we will finish up the second session of Bible School in Baguio Gold completing, Lord willing, chapter 6 of Hebrews.
We now have reservations at a guest house in Sagada for the first week of February, since nothing was available in January. Continue to pray that the Lord would open doors of opportunity for us there, if this be His will. We will also be looking for a place to rent, so that we can begin to spend more time in that town in the weeks and months to come. So we would appreciate your prayers in that regard as well.
Dave Johnson will be coming for a brief visit with us this week and we are looking forward to catching up with, learning about what the Lord has been doing in his life and through his ministry. He will be speaking at a cottage meeting on Wednesday night here as well.
Larnni’s voice shows little improvement, but there is some. So continue to keep her in your prayers. We continue to pray that she will not require surgery, but we leave that in the Lord’s hands.
Thank you all for your prayers, He is indeed at work among us.
I was moved once again this morning when reading several passages of holy scripture….Isaiah 52:14; “Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage (face) was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men.”
Matthew 26:67 “Then they spat on His face and beat Him and others struck Him with the palms of their hands”
It is in that beloved “face” that we find “….the knowledge and the glory of God.” It is that “face” that we will once day behold. (1 Cor 13:12, Rev 22:4) And the “face” from which the earth and the heavens will flee away, when Judgment strikes. And those who reject Him shall call upon the mountains and rocks to fall on them and hid them from the “face” of Him who sits on the throne.
Oh my friend, how wonderful that His perfect love has cast out fear for us. And that we now long to see His face, and do not fear His coming. What will it be like to look into that beloved face that was so marred for us, that suffered the degradation of spitting and buffeting? “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities and the chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.” Oh what a wonderful savior.
Today, Sunday Jan. 18, I will be speaking at Navy Base in the morning and Baguio Gold in the afternoon. This morning I will be continuing the series on the priesthood of all believers, looking specifically at our consecrated hearing, service and walk. This afternoon we will finish up the second session of Bible School in Baguio Gold completing, Lord willing, chapter 6 of Hebrews.
We now have reservations at a guest house in Sagada for the first week of February, since nothing was available in January. Continue to pray that the Lord would open doors of opportunity for us there, if this be His will. We will also be looking for a place to rent, so that we can begin to spend more time in that town in the weeks and months to come. So we would appreciate your prayers in that regard as well.
Dave Johnson will be coming for a brief visit with us this week and we are looking forward to catching up with, learning about what the Lord has been doing in his life and through his ministry. He will be speaking at a cottage meeting on Wednesday night here as well.
Larnni’s voice shows little improvement, but there is some. So continue to keep her in your prayers. We continue to pray that she will not require surgery, but we leave that in the Lord’s hands.
Thank you all for your prayers, He is indeed at work among us.
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