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Mission News Update October 2008

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." Mark 6:50b

Last Sunday, our story in Sunday school was about Jesus walking on water. Since all our children are from Micronesia and have lived near the ocean all their lives- the story was especially of great interest to them. They know of typhoons and storms and understand how it can affect a small boat out in the ocean. As I shared this story – their eyes were wide with interest – and when they saw in the picture Jesus walking on water – they were amazed. We learned that Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat and go to Bethsaida without Him. He stayed behind, went up the mountain and prayed. I asked the children, "Did Jesus know the disciples would encounter a storm?" And they said "Yes". Although it was a bit hard for them understand that Jesus allowed the disciples to go through the storm, they were able to realize that Jesus’ eyes never left the disciples. And He came to their rescue when they needed Him. That morning we learned that Jesus comes to us during the storms of our lives – He tells us not to be afraid and He calms the storm and gives us peace. We also realized that storms are part of life – but we need not focus our eyes on these. When we focus our eyes on Jesus, we can be of good cheer even through the most difficult storms of our life.

GUAM
We are thankful for Leeman Sebastian and Sonny Kenbaroy, both Bible school students from Palau and Yap, respectively who are involved in a work study program with Pacific Mission Fellowship (PMF) and are serving in Kids/Youth Clubs and worship ministry. Their love for the Lord is very evident as they work with the children and youth and share their musical talents in the worship ministry. Sonny will soon be graduating and asks for prayer for God’s direction for his life after Bible school. Leeman on the other hand is preparing for ministry work with PMF in Palau and asks for prayer to remain focused toward this goal.

PHILIPPINES
Pacific Mission Fellowship, Kilogan celebrated their anniversary with live music! Thanks to a donation from a U.S. partner, the church acquired an acoustic guitar with pick-up, microphone, amplifier/PA system, AVRs and a drum set. It was truly a great encouragement to the church. Pastor Ed and wife Maribeth continue to minister in this church and PMF Calutcot. On a weekly basis, they have to travel to Calutcot over ocean and with the present rainy season the threat of high and turbulent waves is a given. Pray for their safety and provision of life vests. Additionally, the Kilogan church is praying for a new source of water. Their current well does not produce good water as before. Indeed, living on the islands is not without daily challenges, but Ed and Beth are pressing on and are joyfully serving the Lord.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
When MJ was first brought by her mother to the Orphanage, she cried a lot when left alone on her crib. Her mom left her for temporary care. A battered wife, she chose to separate from her husband, and with two other children to support, she had no alternative but to seek help from us. After a few weeks, MJ started to change – she no longer cried a lot, and had become a lovely, lively, happy baby – laughing and giggling all the time. We are thankful that the care given to her transformed her. After seven months under our care, MJ’s mom came to pick her up. She still needs a lot of help, but decided to try to have the family together. Please pray for this family – for God’s help and provision. Pray for our Social worker as she does follow up visits.

PALAU
Post VBS culminated last Sunday. The children enjoyed and learned a lot from the "2008 Son Games" Lessons from the life of Paul. The Bible lessons, songs, crafts, games were enjoyed not only by the children but by their parents, the teachers, and volunteers. Praise God for 30 children who faithfully came every Sunday morning and for the afternoon activities as well. Praise God for the Volunteers, teachers and parents who supported this month long event. Praise God for Rea Joy (Amor) Lumawan, our new missionary, who labored so much to make this event meaningful to everyone. To God be the Glory! By Ruth Fulguerinas.

YAP, MICRONESIA
"We ask you to continue to pray for these Bible Study Leaders: Augustino and Mary, Petrus and Queentina, Santiago and Susana. We have four different Bible studies on Tuesdays – two in the Village of Gargey, one in Talguw, and the other at the Sunset Home. And on Wednesdays, all the Bible study leaders come together for prayer, edification, sharing needs and concerns, and fellowship. This is an important time for each one and for Johanna and I as we bond and grow together in love. Our growing congregation needs a lot of prayer as well - for spiritual uplifting, maturity, steadfastness, encouragement and protection from Satan’s attack. We continue to trust God and know that we are in His loving care." By: John Malimai.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
Weeks before the Sea Haven would set sail for Guam for Dry Docking, Nob Kalau and his crew were busy preparing the ship for its voyage. It was timely that mechanic Tobias Stork arrived from Germany on time for this voyage. He arrived together with Dirk Frenzen – who will be helping us with our Good News Press, Studio and Radio. Both of them will be serving with us for eight months. Tobias, and our crew: Edwin Romolow, Theodore Fred and Etinimei Herbert, and Nob will be leaving October 7 with an estimated day of arrival on Guam of October 18. On their way to Guam, they will be delivering school supplies and books (through Ayuda Foundation of Guam) to schools, medicines and medical supplies to island dispensaries in 11 outer-islands of Chuuk. We have been informed that the schools in these islands have had no text books for more than a decade. Pray for good weather, safe trip, and good health for each one. Pray that as the crew delivers these important supplies – that the love of God will be very evident in their lives and that there will be opportunities to share the Good News.

Thank you again dear Ones - for your faithfulness through the years. As we face the economic storm in our country – we can be of good cheer, because Jesus has already overcome this and He is our Firm Foundation.

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS