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Mission News Update September 2007

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"... Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover a multitude of sins." James 5:20

We are very blessed here on Guam that we have very beautiful beaches and some of them, a walking distance from the PMA Haus, that is, should one choose to walk to them. One morning, I caught up with Pastor Edmund Kalau who was on his daily morning walk. As we walked down the beach, Pastor Kalau would spy a sea cucumber thrown by the tide to the shore - and he would throw it back to the ocean. And he would do that repetitively whenever he spied a sea cucumber not in the water. Perhaps one would ask, "What difference would that make, as he would not be able to save all the sea cucumbers?" But I thought that it would make a difference to that sea cucumber that was thrown back into the ocean. We in the field sometimes are overwhelmed by the many souls that need the Lord. Yet, we need to remember, that the Kingdom of God is also made up of people saved one at a time, discipled one at a time. Every person reached for Christ is precious in His eyes. We are thankful for the opportunity to turn a sinner from the error of his way, by grace to be able to share that our God is a loving God who does not want anyone to perish, but have eternal life.

GUAM
During the month of July and August, we were blessed by many guests visiting us and coming through Guam to visit the mission stations. Dr. Nelsen and his family (missionaries serving in the Philippines) came for his medical examinations to update his certification. We had the families: Zimmerer and Dages from Germany. We thank God that they were able to visit the mission stations of Palau and Pohnpei especially as they have faithfully supported our work in Micronesia for many years. Simon Kaufmann from Germany came through our island to and from Pohnpei to visit his sister Pia. Amos and Heidi Collins came through Guam on their way to Yap where they will begin serving as a couple. This will be Amos’ second term with the mission. Larissa Arnold traveled from Germany on her way to Pohnpei where she will serve with children and youth ministry and relieve Pia when she goes on furlough toward the end of the year. Rahel Bugmann also arrived in mid August to serve here on Guam with various tasks, one of them being able to assist us in our children’s ministry. Matthias and Judith Lange visited us for a while before returning to Germany. They came with a group of short term volunteers and did VBS in various villages of Yap. It is a great blessing to meet and have fellowship with everyone who came through. Our lives are richer because of them.

PHILIPPINES
"I was talking to Fred (our Chief Aircraft Mechanic) other day," Mary Cleope shared in one email. He mentioned that one of our trainees was recently hired by a local airline company. I pondered that after 20 years with the mission, Fred has trained many student aircraft mechanics. A few of them have made it to be senior and supervising mechanics. When these guys train with us, they not only learn the practical aspects of aircraft maintenance, but also the spiritual aspects of life. Fred has established friendships with them and many still come to visit him. Through these relationships, Fred has been able to sow seeds of the Gospel, some have responded positively and are now believers, walking in faith.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We are so very thankful that Jess (an older child) may soon be adopted. The Lord has opened a door for this to come to fruition. Pray for the adoptive parents for provision and perseverance as they complete the paper work. Pray for Jess that God will prepare his heart for this change in his life.

PALAU
Praise God for answered prayers! Ruth Fulguerinas' entry papers are now ready and she can now come to serve in Palau. Pray for traveling mercies and for the Lord to help her adjust well to a new place and culture.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Praise God for the opportunity the Lord has given John Malimai. He was asked to be part of the Yap Council of the Substance Abuse and Mental Program and Free Tobacco Coalition Team. He was placed on the council because they know that he is working with young people in Yap - most especially they believe that he can bring the message of drug, alcohol and tobacco free living to the youth. He thanks God for the opportunity to serve the community and island to educate the youth on drug, tobacco and alcohol and for them to be aware of the consequences of abusing them. Pray that through this program, he may be able to share the One who can truly set them free from the bondage of substance abuse as well as the discipline to stay away from them.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
We thank God for nine believers who followed the Lord in water baptism. It was the culminating event for the Youth Retreat where the youth learned so much and had special time of spiritual refreshment. For them, it was the best way to end the summer.

We thank God for all the opportunities we have at PMA to share the life-giving Word of God, and to make a difference in the lives of the island peoples: body, soul and spirit. We are so very thankful to you dear partners for your faithful prayer and support. Your standing with us in all we do gives us great encouragement and more reason to press on. God bless you richly!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS