August 29, 2011 Update

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior.  I want to thank those of you who actually take the time to read through these updates and to pray for the Lord’s work here .  We covet your prayers.  Things at times can be discouraging and I believe it is your prayers that keep us focused on what things are of eternal value and what things are temporal and passing away.  The scriptures never cease to amaze me.  The portions that the Lord will use sometimes to encourage sometimes surprise us.  Recently the Lord spoke to my heart out of Psalm 73.  It was a good lesson to be reminded of.  The closing verses say:  “Whom have I in heave but thee?  And besides thee, I desire nothing on earth….but as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge…”

This past week a Category 5 super typhoon made a pass at the Philippines.  It skirted the western edge of North Luzon, the main island, and then made land fall on the northern tip of the island. We experienced strong winds and heavy drenching rains here in Baguio and as a result flooding, landslides, and some road cuts.  Electricity was out across the entire region for a while but was restored rather quickly.  Some of the saints from the assemblies here experienced some flooding in their homes, and a landslide near- by one brought some mud inside, but over-all it was not as bad as it could have been and we are thankful.  Some meetings and studies were cancelled as a result of the heavy rains so we hope to get things back on track this week.

The bible school classes down in Baguio Gold will resume again this Sunday.  We began a couple of weeks ago, but the storm caused the cancelation of this weeks class.  We are currently studying the roles of men and women in the New Testament assembly, then we will take up the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

The next couple of month’s schedule is rather full.  So please keep us in your prayers.  With the weekly studies, Sunday speaking, bible school and preparation for upcoming events I find myself spending many hours in my office in preparation, which I enjoy so very much.

There are so many needs around us. Please be praying for the Lord’s provision.  And thank you all once again for your prayers. 

July 29 Update - Safely Back in Baguio

We arrived back in the Philippines on Tuesday evening (July 26^th) and we travelled up to Baguio on Thursday morning.  We were unaware, when we left Manila, that the typhoon that was tracking in the direction of the Visayan Islands veered north and came right across Baguio on Wednesday afternoon and evening.  As we traveled up we were noticing a lot of flooding in the lowlands, and then there were several landslides and downed trees along Kennon Rd, the main road we travel up the mountain.  But they were already actively clearing the roads and we had no delays.  It is nice to be home, but we are very tired and in need of time to recuperate. For some reason we are not dealing with the jet lag as well this time as we normally do.

     Our time at home was a very mixed bag of joyful occasions and very sad times.  It was nice to be introduced to our new granddaughter Anna.  Abby gave birth to Sharon Anna a few days before we arrived in Chicago so it was very nice to have almost three weeks with them all.   Then we were all together for a few days in June for Rachel’s wedding.  It was a beautiful time.  The weather was perfect that day, after several days of rain.  Even the morning of the wedding it was overcast and drizzly and it appeared as if it might be another rainy day.  But in late morning it began to brighten, and by about one o’clock the sun was out, and it was a beautiful day, for which we thank the Lord. Our special thanks to Elaine Littlehales for putting us up for those weeks, even though we arrived a few days ahead of schedule and she was not expecting us for several more days.   We enjoyed our time with her so very much.

      The love of the saints is so overwhelming to us. One dear family rented a car for us to use the whole time we were in Connecticut, it was such a blessing!!  Others had us over for meals and fellowship and we thank each of you.  It was so nice to be able to visit with the saints at several assemblies in CT, thank you all so very much for the warmth of your love to Joyce and me. 

     Following the wedding we travelled down to Florida to visit with Joyce’s folks and enjoyed our time there. It was good to be with the saints at Hiawassa Bible Chapel once again.  But our time was cut short by the sudden death of my cousin’s son.  My cousin is also my best friend and has been for so many years, that we wanted to be there for him and his wife during this difficult time.  We were able to change our tickets and travel up for the funeral services.  Special thanks to Xavier and Elizabeth as well for taking us in and showing us such Christian hospitality, and for the use of their car for the whole time we were there. 

     It was hard to leave everyone behind again.  Kim and Larry and the grandkids are on a year furlough so we will miss having them here in Manila this year.  Abby and Daniel remain in the Chicago area for another year while Daniel works on his second masters program.  Rachel and her husband Ian have purchased a house in Connecticut and will continue to live and work in that area.  We will miss them all.

     We should be back into our regular routine by next week, Lord willing.  I have a CMPI board meeting scheduled for next Saturday so we will have to make the trip back down to Manila again next week.  We will drive down on Friday and back on Saturday afternoon since I will be speaking here in Baguio on that Sunday.  There are a few new bible studies that have started over the last couple of months, we are praying about where the Lord would use me in regards to these new studies.  I have a full Sunday morning speaking schedule for the next several months and we will be seeking to finish up the bible schools on ecclesiology over the next couple of months as well, both at the Navy Base assembly and at the assembly in Baguio Gold.  So please keep these things in your prayers.

     It is evident to us that we must seek to replace our old car.  It is a 1991 Mitsubishi Pejero (Montero) that has served us well these last few years. It has been a real work horse, but it is getting rather old and the maintenance is getting more and more frequent.  And with the many trips we take we really need a vehicle that we can depend on. We have been reluctant to make any trips across the mountains to Sagada for this reason, and we do have to travel back and forth to Manila and to meetings in the lowlands and lately this has been a concern.  We do not know what the Lord has in store, so please keep this in your prayers as well.  

     Thank you all so very much for all your prayers, they do mean so very much to us.  We would love to hear from you as well.  Just drop us a short note via our email address.  It would be such an encouragement to us. 

April 28, 2011 The Latest from Baguio

“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 6^th) 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 11^th 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 25^th.  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. 

March 26, 2011 Update

“For whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear with out a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace.  Who bring good tiding of good things!”  But they have not all obeyed the gospel.  For Isaiah says, “Lord who has believed our report?”  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  Rom 10:13-17

I am not certain of how beautiful our feet are but the gospel is being preached. Most of the home bible studies which are on going, at this point, are evangelistic in nature.  The gospel is being proclaimed. Some hear and receive, some hear and reject, but nevertheless the gospel is being preached and in this we rejoice.  Currently there are home studies on Tuesday-Saturday evenings,  with some of those day having more than one, and now another one has been requested for Monday.  So we would covet your prayers as the gospel goes forth that souls will be saved and brought into fellowship at the assembly. 

This Sunday at Navy Base we will be having a singspiration.  We have missed the last few singspirations due to commitments at the other assemblies, but this week we are free and will be able to attend.  It is always a joy to sing praises to our wonderful Lord.  And the voices at Navy Base are beautiful and the choir will probably have a number prepared to share, which will be a blessing.

The road down to Baguio Gold has been closed since last Saturday due to repairs.  It will reopen on April 14^th,  so I have been unable to get down to speak and will not be able to do so until the third Sunday of April.  We had hoped to be begin the second semester of bible school with them before we head home to the States in May, but now it looks like we may have to delay that until we arrive back. 

I spoke in Tarlac a few weeks back and very much enjoyed the time with the saints there.  This work was started by Cyril Brooks back in the 60s and continues to bring honor and glory to our savior.  Their new building is providing them an excellent venue for their meetings.

The last week of April I will be speaking down in Pangisanan at an anniversary Sunday.  It will be nice to see the saints there again.

Next Lord’s Day we will finish up the third semester of bible school at Navy Base on the subject of ecclesiology. 

We are heading home to the States on May 11^th.  It will be a busy summer for us.  Our daughter Abby will give birth to their first sometime in early June, and Rachel will be married on June 25^th.   Following those wonderful events we plan, Lord willing, to visit with Joyce’s folks in Florida before returning to the Philippines in mid July.

Thank you all so very much for your prayers and support of the Lord’s work here in Baguio.  It is such a blessing and a privilege to be here among so many wonderful believers. 

Update - February 17, 2011

Things here are going well for which we praise the Lord.  I keep busy at my studies and preparations.  Last week we began teaching the third “semester” of classes on Ecclesiology for the assembly at Navy Base.  This week we began a two part lesson on Teaching in the local assembly.  During the summer this past year someone very graciously gave me a video projector which I was able to put to good use. It is nice to have this new tool for teaching the word.  It sure beats all my chicken scratching on white board. It ran so very smoothly, and I am thankful. 

The home bible studies seem to be going well.  Currently there are four bible studies on going in the old Navy Base just outside of the chapel neighborhood.  This is encouraging as it is near by the chapel.  One of the women from these studies is also now attending meetings on Sunday morning.  Please pray that we would see fruit as well from the other studies.  I have been teaching one of the Friday studies over the past couple of weeks and will likely continue to teach that one as the Lord allows.  The others studies are being taught by local brethren.   

This week I return to Baguio Gold to continue a series on 2 Timothy.  We will be teaching twice in the morning.  The work there continues to have some difficulties and would certainly appreciate your prayers.  They are a wonderful group of saints but are in need of encouragement.  Some more work has been done on Maria’s home and we are thankful for that.  A new concrete floor has been poured and through the kindness of others we should be able to finish up the needed work this coming month.  It is a humble home, but at least she and her children now have a roof over their heads. 

            This past week Joyce had a full body bone scan to check for any cancer in her bones as well as to seek to discover the source of some of the pain she has been experiencing.  All the tests came back with good results for which we praise the Lord.  No cancer was detected, just her arthritis which is from head to toe.  But we were already aware of that and it came as no surprise.  Her blood work was all perfect and the doctor was very pleased with the results of all her tests.  I visited my cardiologist as well this week with similar results.  All my blood work was good and my meds for my heart have been lowered once again.  My heart sounded strong and without any irregularities for the third visit in a row.  We are so very thankful.  So it looks like we both have a few more miles left in us. 

Thank you all so very much for all your prayers and support of the Lord’s work here.  May the Lord richly bless you. 

Korea Trip January 25, 2011

Greetings to you all once again.  Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read these short updates.  It is such an encouragement to us to know that you are praying for the Lord’s work here among us.  And as I view the sitemeter and see people visiting from all over the country and around the world it is such an encouragement.  Special thanks to those who frequently have dropped us a short note of encouragement, it really does mean the world to us.

Our visit to Korea (Jan 6-18) was a wonderful, but busy time.  I spoke fifteen times in twelve days, and there was never a dull moment as we shuffled between different assemblies and special breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  We were treated with such kindness and warmth.  The women’s conference went well, for which we thank the Lord.  We trust that the words shared will continue to be an encouragement to those dear saints who attended.  The location of the conference in the mountains of Southern South Korea was absolutely beautiful.  It was quite cold for us since when we left the Philippines the temperatures were in the upper 80s and when we arrived in Korea the temperatures were in the single digits, a 70 degree difference.  And there was snow!!  Something we have not seen in several years.  We stayed in different homes almost every night, and enjoyed the hospitality of the saints.  Thank you to all my new Korean friends for all that you did for us.  And a special thanks to brother Song who traveled with us and translated all the messages for me with the exception of one.  It was good to get to know such a good servant of the Lord. 

We arrived back in the Philippines late night on Tuesday the 18^th, and stayed in the Manila area until Friday the 21^st when we finally traveled home to Baguio.  How nice it was to be home again.  This past Lord’s day I spoke at Navy Base.  This Wednesday night I will also speak there and Lord willing attend two bible studies on Friday.  Then Sunday we will be down in Baguio Gold to speak at two meetings.  We plan to begin the next session of Bible School at Navy Base on the second Sunday of February.  Next week we will travel back down to Manila for a CMPI board meeting on Saturday the 5^th and will remain in Manila over the weekend, returning on Monday. 

Last night a group from one of the assemblies in Pangisanan paid us a visit.  It was nice to meet them.  They are from the assembly where I taught at the men’s conference in early December.  They came to invite me to speak in April at their anniversary Sunday, which I was happy to do. 

Thank you all for all your prayers and support.  May the Lord continue to bless you in your service for Him.