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Mission News Update September 2008

Mission News Update September 2008

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28–30

What a wonderful invitation from our Lord Jesus Christ, given to all who desire rest from this wearying world of ours. Our Mission and missionaries are daily faced with challenges, trials, problems and the routine of daily work. Of course we understand that we live in evil days and this itself is very tiring for our souls, much more with the admonition of Paul for us to live circumspectly and carefully. I think that is why Jesus Himself commanded us to abide in Him and His Word – as only He can give us the strength, grace and perseverance to live victoriously in a perverse and crooked generation. Oswald Chambers in "My Utmost for His Highest", said: "Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once, asking Him to re-establish your rest. Simply ask the Lord to give you Christ-awareness, and He will steady you until completeness in Him is absolute." Yes, when we turn our eyes upon Jesus, as an old hymn goes – "the things of the world will grow strangely dim – in the light of His glory and grace". I pray that all of us will find rest in Christ alone. The Psalmist summed it concisely: "My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him." (Psalm 62:1) That is the secret of true rest.

GUAM
As school year commenced in the island, so did our ministry outreach among the children and youth – with Kids Klub and Youth Club beginning it's activities the third Saturday of August. The children and youth were eager to go back to their usual Saturday morning routine of spending time studying God's Word (for the youth), and for the children: listening to stories from the Bible, memorizing scripture – having fun singing action songs, doing craft, but most of all just being with their friends. When I asked them what they preferred: Sunday school or Kids/Youth Klubs – their resounding reply was the latter. It occurred to me that each week we only have two hours with these youngsters – and most of them may not read or hear the word of God the whole week, until they return the next Saturday. Pray for all of us teaching them that we would truly make the most of the time spent with the children and youth – to influence them for Christ and eternity.

PHILIPPINES
Most of you may have heard of the tragedy at sea with the capsizing of M/V Princess of the Stars off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank in June of this year. This tragedy has adversely affected the livelihood of the people in the Polillo islands – our church members, mostly fishermen by trade have a hard time selling their catch. Polillo is approximately 150 miles away from Romblon and most fish buyers don't want to purchase fish from around that area – because of many lives lost – people still missing. They are afraid that the fish are contaminated. Please pray for provision for the island people. Pray for other means of livelihood. Pray for our island churches that despite this problem, our Pastors and members may be a source of encouragement to trust in the Lord.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANGE
We were able to care for Carlos, a 7 month old baby. His mother could not care for him because his father abandoned her when he found out she was pregnant. The mother came to fetch her son after six months. She was so thankful for the care her son received from the Caregivers and Social workers at Bahay Kalinga. Social Worker Estelle, conducted an after care follow up and found out that the child will be cared for by his grandmother in the province, while the mother continues to earn a living in the city. We are thankful that Carlos will be able to grow in a family atmosphere and we pray that he and his mom can be together again.

PALAU
"We thank God for the timely arrival of Rea Joy (Amor) Lumawan," shares Ruth Fulguerinas. "She was on time to help in the preparations for our 12th Anniversary celebration, especially with her special gifts and skills in arts. Pray for her as she prepares for the post Vacation Bible School this September – for wisdom, creativity, presence of mind and strength. Also please pray for me and her as I train and turn over my responsibilities to her. I will be completing my term this October, so please also pray for God's guidance and His plans for my life after PMA."

YAP, MICRONESIA
After her experience teaching High School last year, Heidi Collins, once again was given another opportunity to touch young people's lives as she was invited to teach ESL at the Community College. Her desire is to build and strengthen her relationship with her students to earn the right to be heard so she can disciple and mentor them in their Christian walk outside of school. We are indeed thankful for this rare opportunity and pray that the Lord will give her wisdom and discernment as well as open doors to share the Gospel. Meanwhile, husband Amos is in Washington right now preparing to containerize an aircraft donated to us for the Philippines. We are thankful to God for this gift, as well as the ability Amos has to accomplish this task. Please pray for strength everyday and wisdom to complete this project on time.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"Everything was prepared Monday morning (July 28) for Vacation Bible School, with its theme: 'Wild Ride through God's Word', thanks to so many volunteers from the youth and adults of the PMF church. By word of mouth advertising, registration was filled up even before the week started. Our western theme was a huge success!" shared Pia Kaufmann. "Island children can only dream of horses and ranches, but songs like: 'Saddle Up Your Horses' and 'Great Adventure' really got them and the teachers into the spirit of the wild west. I thank God and am so proud of how our teachers used their creative skills to lead our children through action packed Bible lessons, where children not only heard the Word of God, but also experienced His reality. Most of our youth were crew leaders and did a wonderful job of taking care of the children. Members of PMF church were in charge of crafts, games and skits. It was very encouraging to see how everyone pitched in and gave their all to make this year's program a wonderful experience for the children. I trust that all the children, teachers and helpers will remember this week and pray that the seeds sown will grow and bear fruit in each one's lives."

Praise the Lord for His work all around the islands. We are thankful to Him for the sacrifices and hard work of our mission staff as well as your partnership in prayer and support. Together, we will continue in Kingdom building until He comes. God bless you real good!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS