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Mission News Update January 2008

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"...Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." Hebrews 12: 1b-2a

A Blessed NewYear to all of you! Praise God, we begin another year, a fresh start God gives to all of us. For believers, we know that this life is a marathon race. We need endurance, strength, perseverance and single-mindedness to end this race well. I am sure you have heard of many who started well in this life, but did not end well. It is tragic, but it happens. How can we end well? Our verse says it clearly - let us focus our eyes on Jesus - He is the Author of our Faith and He will enable us to live well and end well. It is important that we do not focus on our past, resting on past glories, or hindered by past failures (Philippians 3:13a). Nor do we focus on what is to be - tomorrow belongs to the Lord and we can trust Him for He holds our future (Matt. 6:34). It is important that we live well each day, by the grace of God, not tolerating any small compromises in our lives, and practicing daily disciplines of: (1) Studying the Word of God and applying it in our lives, (2) Spending time in prayer - for apart from God we are nothing and cannot do anything (John 15:5), (3) Worship, (4) Fellowship with other believers, and (5) Sharing the Gospel message with others. Pray for us in the mission field that we will be steadfast in our service for the Lord - not growing weary in well doing, and to be mindful of our quiet time with God. We can be distracted with the many activities and work that we need to do - may it not take away the much-needed time with the Lord.

GUAM
We said good-bye to Hawley Iseke first week of this month. We thank God for five years of his consistent, dedicated and faithful work, serving with us at the PMA Guam Headquarters. He will be missed and we pray that God will continue to bless him as he pursues the dreams that God has given him. We welcome Ahyen Madrid who has taken Hawley’s place and we pray that she will be a great help to us at the Headquarters. Pray for the learning time and adjustment period that it will go well.

PHILIPPINES
The Weimers from Prairie Lakes Church of Cedar Falls Iowa are in the Philippines for a mission outreach. They have provided in service and devotions with our staff. Their first island visit was to Mindoro where they spent time at the Orphanage. Their next visit is to the island of Jomalig for a three-day medical and dental outreach. Pray for good weather and opportunities to share the word of God. Pray too for practical helps they can provide our PMF church.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We thank God that one of our children's adoption has been finalized. Another child, will soon be leaving for New Zealand. And another praise is that John L - is now back at the Orphanage, after receiving treatment and care from another facility. He has shown tremendous improvement! Pray for our children that they will continue to enjoy good health.

PALAU
"No matter what happens, I know that I am going to heaven to be with Jesus." This was the testimony of Ruben who attends one of the Bible study outreaches. Joy Balayo (Pastor Bambit's wife) shared a series of lessons on the assurance of salvation. At the end of the study, four of the attenders, who wavered on their decision for salvation, made a commitment to the Lord. It is indeed encouraging to us to see people growing in their walk with the Lord and their commitment to attend the Bible study even when they are physically tired from their work. Ruth Fulguerinas, reporting.

YAP, MICRONESIA
After ten years, as an aircraft mechanic with PMA, Neil Ruiz has gone home to the Philippines. Neil has been a faithful worker with an intricate knowledge of our aircraft. We all wish him well in his future endeavors and shall miss him very much. Simon Hämmerling is returning from a furlough in Germany late February. He worked towards his U.S. aircraft mechanics license while with PMA, passing his exams last year. Simon will be putting this knowledge to good use upon his return to Yap. Vince Davis and Amos Collins have both completed their flight training and are qualified to fly PIC (Pilot in Command). Pray for these men as they enter this area of great responsibility. Our Pacific Mission Fellowship (PMF) church is growing and we had wonderful services, programs and get-togethers over Christmas and New Year’s eve. Four years ago, this was all a distant dream. Pastor John Malimai is doing a terrific job among his people, the Woleaians. The Lord has given the growth and we all pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to draw people to the Truth. From: Peter Reichert.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
Sylvia Kalau shares: "New Year’s eve is a special time at the PMF Pohnpei church. At 6:30 PM about 150 worshipers came together for a dinner and then from 8:30 till midnight, we joined together to close out the old year with praise, worship and testimony, and begin the New Year with prayer and dedication to God’s purpose and plan for the year ahead. With so many unknowns and challenges on the horizon, what could be more encouraging than to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Psalm 33:4 says: "The Lord is faithful in all He does." We look forward to knowing that everyday of 2008 God will indeed be faithful. There will be many lessons designed for our growth and maturity along the way, that’s a given. But as we focus on God’s never ending faithfulness and love, we can rejoice in the new things that He will do in and through hus for His glory!"

God bless you all and may you not grow weary while doing good, for in due season you shall reap, if you do not lose heart! (Galatians 6:9)

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS