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Mission News Update August 2008

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it." Psalm 37:3-5

We thank God for another year added to Pastor Edmund Kalau's life as he celebrated 80 years of God's goodness and faithfulness. For those who do not know, Pastor Ed is the founder and first president of PMA. When asked what his life verses were - he gave the verses above. Indeed, we in PMA have seen him trust the Lord in every situation, pressing on no matter how daunting the task, or challenge, not discouraged by circumstances and people. Always maintaining a positive attitude. His trust in the Lord is the impetus for his faithfulness and even after his "retirement" 4 years ago, he and wife Elizabeth continue to serve the Lord here on Guam as Pacific Mission Fellowship’s senior pastor. Of his "retirement", Pastor Ed says: "Some think that it must be a great burden at my age to still minister and help where needed. This is not a burden - this is what I have been called to do, having been called out of darkness into God’s wonderful light. Until God in His time will send someone to take our place, Elizabeth and I will cheerfully serve and thank Him for such a privilege." Pastor Ed and his wife have dwelt in the land (or should I say islands), delighted themselves in the Lord and have tasted His goodness as He has given and continues to give them the desires of their heart. They serve as an inspiration to all of us in PMA. Their dedication and commitment to the Lord serves as an encouragement to us as we pray that we may also be found faithful.

GUAM
We are so very thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Pastor Kalau’s birthday with many friends and new-found friends of PMA here on Guam. It was a grand celebration and we praise God for many who came to spend time with an "Evening with Edmund". All through the program, the Lord was lifted up and it was clear to all that Edmund is where he is right now only by the grace of God and that PMA is able to bring hope and change lives because God is a powerful and great God who uses people who are willing to step out in obedience and faith to serve those who need Him.

PHILIPPINES
Dr. John Escote, happily reported that Ezekiel, the son of Pastor Ed (PMF Kilogan & Calutcot), was accepted at the State University in Quezon Province after passing their entrance examinations - he was the only one accepted from his High School in Patnanungan island. We also thank God for generous people who have provided for his tuition, housing and allowance. This is such a great encouragement to us all. Pray for Ezekiel as he pursues college education that he will continue to be a role model among his peers.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
The last months, we have accepted siblings (three and four years old) for temporary shelter. They have lived with their mother’s friends since birth and have been transferred from one home to another, as their mother could not support them. The mother recently found a job, and Estelle, our Social Worker is working toward reuniting the siblings with their mother. If their mother still cannot care for them, they would have to be given up for adoption. Please pray for these children, that the Lord will provide a good home for them. Pray that during the time they are with us, they may know and experience God’s love through the care of our staff.

PALAU
"Praise God for new people who have come to church from the Kesabelau Bible study group, led by Pons Mahor," shares Ruth Fulguerinas. "Each Facilitator is faithfully taking care of their small groups. It is a great blessing to see members grow in their faith because of this. The small group prayer time after Sunday worship service has been a source of great encouragement, especially for those who cannot come to midweek prayer meeting because of their jobs. It is truly good to see the brethren dwell together in unity in prayer - praying for one another, for PMF and PMA."

YAP, MICRONESIA
"As a young woman who has traveled to my home in Ulithi via PMA, I thank you both on behalf of my people whom PMA has helped in many ways," began a letter from a young lady who attended Pastor Kalau’s Birthday Party. "I remember as a girl taking the ship to go to Ulithi. But now, thanks to PMA, the ship is no longer the only option. Thank you so much for caring so much for others." Praise God for our Aviation Ministry! However, it is faced with yet another challenge, and that is the rising cost of aviation fuel. Pray for God’s provision so that we can continue to serve the islands.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
It was a privilege to visit Pohnpei once again for the annual audit and review of operations. The audit went well. Thanks to the work of Sylvia Kalau, Inoki Romolow and Pia Kaufmann. I also had a productive time with our President, Norbert Kalau, as we reviewed, evaluated our ministries and operations and prepared plans and budgets for the coming years. Vacation Bible School started the day before I left and was able to attend the second day session. What a great time the children had - 160 of them! The pouring rain did not hinder them from coming to VBS. The teachers were all enthusiastic (and I think were enjoying as much as the children). What a great opportunity to reach these children for Christ. Again, this visit was a blessing, especially as I was able to spend time with our missionaries and mission staff.

So here we are dwelling in the islands. Experiencing God's goodness and seeing people's lives changed, those in need helped, making a difference, one person at a time - only because YOU have prayed and provided for the needs of the Mission and our missionaries so that God’s work could continue in these islands. Thank you and God bless you richly!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA Headquarters