“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
A simple verse but one that take many experiences in life to fully appreciate. These last couple of months have been difficult ones in many ways. But the Lord has been our strength and He is teaching us that we can do all things through Him. Thank you all so very much for your prayers for I believe that they very often sustain us.
This past Lord’s day I had the opportunity to speak twice at an anniversary Sunday down in Balaybuayan, Pangisanan. Meetings began at 9 with breaking of bread followed immediately by the teaching time. I spoke on “Looking unto Jesus” in the morning session. Following lunch there were several special numbers sung by groups from the various assemblies in the area which were quite enjoyable. I spoke, a bit too long I fear, on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 sharing the need to give up our rights for the sake of others and the gospel. I trust the Lord will use His word to encourage and challenge His people.
Last week I spoke down in Baguio Gold. It was nice to be able to visit them once again. The road was finally opened the week before, so it was good to be able to drive down once again. This coming Sunday I will speak there again before we head down to Manila. I was also able to finish the third semester of bible school at Navy Base last Lord’s day. Unfortunately I was unable to finish the entire course, so we will pick it up again in a few months.
The home bible studies were cancelled last week, due to Holy Week, with the exception of the one I teach on Tuesday nights. I am very much encouraged by this study as the family seems to be really appreciating the Word and enjoying the times together.
I had the privilege to speak again this year at a camp on Wednesday of this week. It is a Care Channel’s sponsored camp for young people. It was quite enjoyable to see all the young people singing and listening to the word of God taught. Then I shared a short devotional in the evening at the prayer meeting at Navy Base.
This coming Sunday we will have a baptism and assembly outing down at the Hiding Place on Marcos Highway, a resort owned and operated by one of the families from the assembly. It is always a good time of fellowship. Following the meetings on Sunday morning we will all drive down and spend the afternoon together.
Next Friday (May 6th) Joyce and I will travel down to Manila to help Kim and Larry pack up their home for their up coming furlough. It is really hot in Manila this time of year. I was just checking yesterday and saw that it was 97 degrees, with a heat index of 107. Not looking forward to being in that heat, but looking forward to seeing the Keating family. On May 11th we will travel home to the States for a brief visit. Our youngest daughter Abby is giving birth to their first sometime in early June, then our oldest Rachel, will be getting married on June 25th. So it will be a busy but enjoyable time at home.
For those who have been praying, Maria’s home is in much better shape now than it was a few months ago. I think it is ready now to face the rainy season. We were able to replace all the roofing sheets with new corrugated metal sheets, and the inside floor has been cemented, so they are now off the dirt floor. We are currently seeking to put in a new “septic” and toilet area for the family since the other is not covered over an unusable.
Barney, the woman I wrote to you about from one of our Friday evening studies, has had the testing done that she needed and we are thankful to report that no surgery will be needed at this time. She is on meds to clear up an infection. Thank you for praying for her. The needs remain great in many families, but the Lord is faithful and is supplying according to His will and purpose and so we give Him thanks.
Thank you all so very much for taking the time to read these updates and for your prayers. They do mean so much to us.
