Information Materials > Mission News Update Archive

Mission News Update March 2007

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith..." Hebrews 12: 1,2a

When I read these verses (especially verse 2a), I am reminded of what Corrie Ten Boom said, "If you look at the world, you will be distressed. If you look within, you will be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you will be at rest." Everyday, we are faced with challenges and we have to remind ourselves to focus our eyes on Jesus Christ. He is the reason why we are here and we can trust that He can carry us through. Indeed, there is great peace and rest in the truth that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is with us every moment of our lives. Nothing can touch us which He does not allow. And if He allows it, it is for our good and for His glory. Pray for us that our lives may always be a testimony of the goodness and faithfulness of God, as we look unto Jesus - the unshakable God in this changing world.

GUAM
We praise and thank God for Roland Weibel who came for three weeks in February to finalize the new Donation Tracking program which he created. The "kinks" have been worked out and it is now all systems go. We are now using the program effective the first of this month and it has simplified a lot of things we do. While he was here, we were also able to prepare an updated PMA brochure as well as complete the first "Island Echoes" for the year. For someone who only wanted to come and volunteer for three months, Roland can be said to be "over-staying", but he has truly been a great blessing and gift to us. We thank God that after more than two years - he is still with us, experiencing God’s call to serve. Pray for him that God will continue to mold him and make him the man God wants him to be.

PHILIPPINES
"We had a successful medical, eye and dental outreach last week," shares Malcolm Cleope (PMA OIC and Pilot). "This trip is a continuation of last month’s outreach with the group from Iowa. The Iowans brought enough medicines and supplies for at least 4 medical outreaches. We thank God for their generosity. The dentists and volunteers were from Mike Fast’s church (he teaches our pastors and PMF church leaders on a monthly basis through the South East Asia Theological Seminary). This time, our outreach was in Jomalig Island. My daughter Lauren and classmate Ashley joined us as medical assistants and medicine dispensers. The Dental team worked non-stop, treating over 100 patients and pulled over 120 teeth. Dr. John, doubling as eye and general medicine doctor, saw 101 patients including 9 eye cases and performed 11 surgeries. At take off time, children once again lined up the runway waving at us. It made me feel that our work here in the islands is not in vain. Please pray that we will have two or three more outreaches before the rainy season begins."

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
John L was seen by a neuro pediatrician. The doctor has requested further testing. He is showing symptoms of having gastrointestinal blockage and being malnourished when we got him, does not help his situation. It has been recommended that he be transferred to a facility that can take care of his ailment. We have identified such facility - please pray that he can be transferred soon.

PALAU
Pray for Pastor Bambit Balayo as he equips the PMF core group in evangelism. They have studied different evangelistic tools and it is their prayer that they will be able to put them into practice first with their families, then in their work places and their friends. Pray also that they may live a consistent Christian life, which almost always is the most effective way to win and lead others to the Lord. Just a few months ago, Bambit was surprised when a man just came to visit him and hugged him " thanking him for his kindness. This man recommitted his life to the Lord because of an act of kindness Bambit had already forgotten. He and his family are now worshipping at the PMF church. Praise God!

YAP, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
Most of you have been praying for Simon Hämmerling who was preparing for the FAA Aircraft Mechanic written examinations he had to take. Last month, he came to Guam to undergo these exams and the Lord enabled him to pass each exam with flying colors. We thank God for your prayers and ask you to please continue to pray as he prepares for the second part: the practical exam that need to be done in Hawaii. Pray for the schedules, paper work to be submitted and wisdom for Simon to also pass these. He is also getting ready for a much needed furlough after serving with us for three years. We are thankful that he has decided to come back and serve for another term. Pray for the Lord to provide for all his needs.

POHNPEI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
"The FM radio was tested and we were on the air," reported Nob Kalau. "We tested the signal only today (Feb. 27) for about 30 minutes and it is working great. Praise the Lord! So tomorrow, we will start on the tropical band SW (short wave) side of the station. Pray for wisdom as to the antenna set up. This will affect the distance we can reach." At first there were obstacles with transmitting, but we are thankful that the problem was solved. We have heard from listeners as far as Japan and Washington D.C. that they have heard our short wave transmission! Pray that we receive all our equipment and as well as provisions so that we can begin broadcasting - that every island may hear.

As I hear reports from all the islands we serve, it is so encouraging how the Lord is working and how each mission staff continues to be dedicated in the work they do. We cannot thank you enough, dear partners for your faithfulness in praying and supporting us. Again and again, I want you to know that it is because you are behind us, enabling us to serve that is why the work of the Lord goes on in the islands. You are a great encouragement to all of us. God bless you richly!

In Him we move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA Headquarters