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Mission News Update November 2007

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Phil. 2:13

This was the memory verse for the week in a Bible study that Nadya Kalau (daughter of missionaries: Nob and Sylvia Kalau) and I were going through. We meet every Saturday for Bible study and fellowship - a bonding time for both of us. This particular Saturday, she would be facing a week of midterm exams, and was preparing for them. We both learned an important truth that day: that, with the Lord, it is not performance, but purpose which is important. He is at work in our lives to develop Christ-like character in us. Through His word, we come to know His purpose for us and to act based on His provision to do His will. This was a freeing truth for both of us. For Nadya, it was not just about getting good grades. It was doing one’s best and allowing God to work in her life character traits such as: focusing on what is important (giving God priority in her life) perseverance, commitment, dedication, and most especially trusting in the Lord. For me - it was not trying to accomplish so much single-handedly to the point of being stressed out, but to rest in the Lord, allowing others to help me so that they can be blessed as well. Most of all we understood that it is God who works in us to do His will and to act according to His purpose because without Him we cannot do anything.

GUAM
During one of Pastor Nob Kalau's visit to Guam, he met with our church's core group where he challenged each one of us to impact lives for Christ, one person at a time. With this in mind, Mel Pelayo started a Bible study with one of the PMF men. The Lord has been blessing this study, and soon other men have joined in. Together, they are growing in the Lord. We thank God for these men, and pray that they will develop a personal, lifelong, obedient relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

PHILIPPINES
Dr. John Escote continues to be a great blessing to many people in the islands. Just recently, one of Julio's (our Liaison personnel) friend was referred to him for glaucoma treatment. He has been partially blind for many years. He is a driver by trade and so his eyesight is very important to continue to earn a living. After he came back from Lopez Quezon, where Dr. John’s Clinic is, he was so happy and thankful, just like the blind person in the Bible. He could not contain his emotions in being able to see again. We thank God for this miracle of healing. As one physician said, "I treat the wound and God heals it." Indeed, Dr. John counts it a privilege to be God’s vessel in bringing sight to those suffering from eye diseases.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We thank God for our new house parents: Panoy and Delia Caber. Their arrival is just in time as we are doing much needed repair work at the Orphanage. They also oversee our caregivers and the children under our care. They immediately got their feet wet as they are quick to see and do what is needed. Pray for wisdom and strength for both of them as they minister to those under their care. Most especially, pray that they will have godly influence upon their charges. (Note: News from the Philippines and Bahay Kalinga from Malcolm Cleope).

PALAU
"Before the ladies proceed to their respective small group during our Bible study, we spend time in sharing about God’s goodness. Three of them praised God for giving them victory over temptation to not come to Bible study because of family problems or they are so tired from work. As we are learning to be courageous to face temptation, we are also being tried and tested in many ways. We thank God He is faithful and able to keep us from falling!" From: Ruth Fulguerinas.

YAP, MICRONESIA
"I was recruited to join a basketball team in an island-wide tournament," writes Amos Collins. "It has been a great open door into the community. Pray that it will lead to further relationships and opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray also that my wife Heidi (who teaches as a volunteer in the Yap High School) can build strong relationships at school with the children and teachers and that she will have a positive Christian impact on them."

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"Our first retreat entitled, "Lord Teach Us to Pray", took place on an island ¼ mile long and 200 ft wide," shared Sylvia Kalau. "Our group of 30 ladies from Pohnpei took a short boat ride through the mangrove trees and blue ocean to spend 2 nights in small huts and 3 days enjoying the ocean breezes and salty, moist air of the island. What a wonderful time of learning, praying together and growing in friendship. Three women requested to be baptized at the beach since Nob came along to be our Chef. He was available to counsel and baptize too. This retreat was "first" for most of the women and the Lord had an incredible blessing for each one. The testimonies at the last teaching session brought us all to tears and amazement at how God had worked in our hearts to change our thinking and refine our actions in regards to prayer. Carol Erb from Kwajalein Island was our guest speaker. She wrote: Thank you, thank you for the privilege and honor to share in ministry with you and Nob. You will never know this side of heaven how God used you in my life. Preparing to teach His Word was humbling, exhilarating, convicting, motivating, and most of all reinforcing that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do."

Thank you dear faithful friends for praying and financially supporting us through the years... never giving up through tough times and good - persevering and standing behind us. You know that what you do is not in vain in the Lord. God bless you richly for your ministry to us and to those we serve.

In Him we move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS