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Mission News Update July 2006

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Therefore, know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." Deuteronomy 7:9 (NKJV)

This verse, although spoken to the Israelites as they entered the promise land, is a great reminder to all of us that our God is a faithful and merciful God. That He is trustworthy, He keeps His promises and never fails. As we read back on verses 7 and 8, we find that the Lord loved Israel, not because of who they were, or what they had accomplished, but because He chose to love them. And for us who have become His children by the shed blood of His Son Jesus Christ, we can rejoice that He loves us unconditionally ~ nothing we can do can make God love us more or less, He loves, because He IS love. What a great security that is for those in Christ! Pray for us as we share this Good News to the island peoples. Many are still caught up in "working" for their salvation. Many of those who have claimed to receive the Lord still do not understand grace and forgiveness of sin - they are so used to judgment and condemnation from their peers and religious leaders, that they cannot fathom God’s mercy and grace. Pray for God’s Holy Spirit to pierce their hearts and mind to give them understanding of His word.

GUAM
We praise God for a summer ministry that we have not even planned for. God does have His ways of opening doors. He has given us three girls to minister every afternoon. Our time together consists of prayer, bible study, singing, memorizing scripture, seatwork and craft. What a great time we have and how the time just goes so fast. Pray that what they have learned this summer will enrich their lives and enable them to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord.

PHILIPPINES
What happens to the boys and girls who reside in our dormitories in Patnanungan Island when they graduate from High school? This was what prompted our administrative officer, Joel Legaspi and wife Baebs to follow up those who went on to undergo college education in Manila. They meet with them every Saturday afternoon with the objective of establishing them in the faith, equipping them to be followers of Christ and to be a discipler as well. Joel prays that through this ministry, the next generation of island people will be empowered spiritually and economically and in turn benefits the islands where they come from.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE, PHILIPPINES
"Two newly born babies (twins) were turned over to us last night for temporary shelter", shares Joel Legaspi. "Their father is in jail and their mother unemployed. What they call home used to be a pig pen. Pray as the mother is being counseled and as she makes a serious decision of completely surrendering the children for adoption. Pray for our staff for grace and wisdom as we assist this family."

PALAU
We praise God as our Pacific Mission Fellowship church celebrated ten years of God’s faithfulness. Pastor Bambit shared that the celebration will be month long - each Sunday Worship service will include a time of remembrance and sharing of testimonies of God’s goodness through the years. Meanwhile, Vacation Bible School is conducted every Sunday afternoon throughout the month as well. Many children from the village have been attending. Pray for salvation and growth for the children; grace, wisdom and strength for the teachers.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Esther Reichert shares: "Tomorrow is our last day of Vacation Bible School. Praise God for over 60 children and we are all having a great time!" Our theme for this year is "Jesus Helps You Power Up". The children have learned daily themes of Loving, Accepting, Serving, Comforting and Forgiving one another. Pray that they would understand that only in Christ are we empowered to do these. Our short term volunteers from Switzerland, Martin and Barbara Vonaesch are involved, with Martin taking charge of games, and Barbara, crafts.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
July has been a month of visitors for this station. We had Corina Sturm from Germany, spending her vacation, assisting Pia Kaufmann prepare for Sunday school and the upcoming Vacation Bible School. I spent a week there as well, performing the annual internal audit and review of operations. I thank God for a productive and fruitful week, as well as time well spent with our mission staff. The Lord also enabled me to share with Sunday school teachers of our PMF church on how to make lessons interesting and relevant to the learners. Then we had Waldemar Rakowski and his brother Oliver from Germany arrive the day before I left. Waldemar is a missionary candidate and is visiting to see and experience the field and the work on the island. Pray for God’s direction for him and his wife. The next ones arriving is John Mabee and his family (from Texas), he will be conducting a Marriage Seminar. Pray for many families who will be attending - for a desire to follow God’s pattern for relationship and family. Then come the volunteers for the Sea Haven outreach tour ~ I will be giving you an update on this on the next news letter. Please pray for the preparations, the weather, and the health of our crew and volunteers.

Seems like this summer has turned out to be busier than we have anticipated... But we are glad, we are occupying till the Lord comes. As you read about all these services, outreaches and activities - you are as much a part of these through your prayers and financial support. Thank you and God bless you real good!

Together serving Him,

Melinda R. Espinosa
Business Manager/CFO