Information Materials > Mission News Update Archive

Mission News Update May 2007

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18b-20

Last month, we remembered once again Christ’s life, death and resurrection and it reminded us that our Lord Jesus Christ has defeated sin, death and Satan. Yes His work is finished, but for us, His followers, the work continues (Matt. 28:18b-20). I remember a story Max Lucado shared in one of his one minute radio programs: "Upwards", where Leonardo Da Vinci was completing a most exquisite painting while beside him, watching, was an awestruck apprentice. With a few more of his strokes, the painting would have been finished, but Leonardo turns to the apprentice and challenges him to take the brush and finish the painting. Who would have the courage to complete a masterpiece by the Master painter? Our Lord has completed His task and now He commands us to do our part. There are still many souls who are lost, weary and broken - they need to hear the message of hope and love. They need to know the Person who can make them whole and who can walk with them in this valley of tears. I praise God for our mission staff who have taken the challenge to take that brush from the Master’s hand and with His authority, power and sustaining grace, they continue to persevere in serving the island peoples, sharing with them His wonderful Words of life. Thank you dear Partners, You too, have taken the brush from our Master’s hand as you serve with us through prayer and giving. Together, by His grace let us accomplish the task He has given us... until every island would hear!

GUAM
We are so very thankful to God for Ruth Fulguerinas who has served PMA/PMF so faithfully for the past three years. Her servant heart and gracious ways have been a blessing to all of us, especially the youth and children who she ministers. She will be taking on another assignment after her furlough, and that is to serve in the island of Palau with our PMF church ministry. Pray for special and blessed time with her family, especially with her mom during furlough. I for one will truly miss her - she has and always, will hold a special place in my heart.

PHILIPPINES
After six years of serving with us as full time missionary pastor, Pastor Matt and Lisa Dolauta will be retiring by the end of the month. We thank God for their devotion to the Lord and their gift of church planting. Pray for them as they begin a new chapter in their lives. Jun and Baby Madreza, from PMF Church, Katakian Island, together with their children will be moving to Jomalig to assist the church during this interim period. Jun has been under Pastor Jorie’s (PMF Katakian Missionary Pastor) discipleship group and has undergone the National Church Development training program and South East Asia Theological Seminary’s extension classes in the islands. A fisherman by trade, now, he will be fishing for men. Pray for them as they continue the work of evangelism and discipleship in the island. Their initial goal is to set up strong discipleship groups through Bible studies and fellowship.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
Documents for Gari and Jenny (not their real names) are being prepared for their adoption. Pray for the smooth processing of their paperwork. But more important, pray for godly parents and a good home.

PALAU
Pastor Bambit Balayo praises God for six Palauans who followed the Lord in water baptism during Resurrection Sunday celebration. They are also active in a Bible study group which Pastor Bambit is leading. Pray that these new believers may be open doors for others in the village of Meyuns to come to know the Lord. Pray that they may stand in their faith despite opposition.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Arriving from Woleai, Petrus H. shared this testimony with the PMF church family in Yap: "When Queen (his wife) and I arrived back on Woleai, we found that our small group of believers had fallen apart, scattered and no longer meeting together. Soon after we arrived, Peter Reichert flew to the island. Queen came to see him at the Airport and Peter Pilot gave her words of encouragement as they talked for a while under the wings of the PMA aircraft. Peter asked Queen how things were going and one of the things she shared was that an old lady, related to many of them, had died that day. She and Petrus tried to visit her before she died to share the good news of the Gospel, but her family wouldn’t let them. So when Queen shared this story to Peter, tears just started to run down his face. The people at the airport saw this and were touched with all their hearts. They said, "Here is someone who does not even know this lady, but his heart is full of love... look at the tears running down his face." Because of these tears, the people started meeting again and others are now interested in knowing God’s love." We never know what will reach the hearts of the island people who we love sincerely. God does work in mysterious ways. Pray for Petrus and Queen as they faithfully share the Word of God in Woleai, and pray for the people that their hearts may soften toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"Thank God for opening doors for better communication and relationship with some of our youth," shares Pia Kaufmann. "We are working on our purpose statement and I pray that the core group will seriously apply this in their lives. Pray that they will make clear decisions for Christ and be spiritual leaders among their peers." This is quite a big challenge for all of them who are used to being just followers. They realize that leadership also means being responsible and a good example to all, hence the trepidation in attempting things for God. Pray for spiritual courage to "take the brush" from the Master’s hand and diligently, faithfully complete the task He has given to them.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month - I am reminded how blessed most of us are for knowing our mothers, our good relationship with them - for their love and care for us. Many of the children we serve, be it in the Orphanage or in our outreaches, may not be as fortunate. Let us remember to pray for them - that through our ministry, they may know the love that our Father, through our Lord Jesus can bring to them, "like a mother who never forgets His child" (Isaiah 49:15). May we honor our mothers not only this month, but everyday of our lives - showing them our love, and most of all praying for them.

God bless you for being part of our lives and our mission.

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS