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.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
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.
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