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Mission News Update February 2009

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of Truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

This is a wise reminder for all of us and especially to us who serve in the mission field. So many times we are involved in meeting the needs of others, or occupied with daily tasks or busy trying to complete a "to do" list that seems to grow each passing day, and we forget to spend time with the Master, to refresh ourselves at His feet and be encouraged by His Word. When you fly a commercial airliner, you will hear this speech: "In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, an oxygen mask will automatically be lowered. If you are sitting beside a child, first secure your own mask before applying the child's". This advice is made so that the adult can effectively care for the child. If the adult is without oxygen, then he places both his and the child’s life in jeopardy. In Mark 1:35, it states: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." This was the key to Jesus' strength. He could face anything and anyone - minister to the crowd, teach, heal, encourage - because He was first refreshed by God - He had the "oxygen" needed to refresh others. You see, we can only share with others what we have. May we make a conscious decision to seek out the Lord at the beginning of each day so that we can present ourselves to God, and be His workman who glorifies Him.

GUAM
We thank God for providing a new place for the PMF Church. We are very thankful to the Jones Family who has allowed us to stay in their building for three years - rent free. It was a great help and encouragement to our church and PMA. As we face the New Year with this additional financial challenge - we look forward to God’s abiding love and provision. Pray that we may find a permanent place for a PMA/PMF Multi-purpose Center to serve families, youth and children in the community. Pastor Ed Kalau faithfully tends the flock of PMF, but we are praying for a Missionary Pastor with a heart for evangelism and discipleship to replace him.

PHILIPPINES
We are very thankful that our island pastors and their wives (five couples) have the opportunity to go on a marriage retreat in Metro Manila. The islands where they serve are so isolated and opportunities for spiritual nourishment and fellowship with other pastors are not always available. Pray for special times of refreshment and encouragement during this retreat. That they return to the islands with fresher vision and renewed strength to serve the Lord.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
Praise God that Jamby was able to undergo her scheduled cleft palate surgery. She is now back at the Orphanage and recuperating well. Thank you for your prayers.

PALAU
One of the men who plays volleyball at the PMA gym now comes with his family to worship at the PMF church. Their youngest child was instrumental in challenging the whole family to come to church. Now the daughter in the family has a bible study with Joy Balayo (wife of Pastor Bambit). Pray for this family - assurance of salvation and spiritual growth.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Please continue to pray for the translation of the New Testament to the Woleaian/Outer-island language. Pastor John and Johanna Malimai (PMF Pastor) and two of our members (and their wives) are part of this team. They are starting on the Book of John and are now in Chapter 3. Pray for each of the members of the team, for God to give them wisdom and spiritual insight so that the translation is accurate. We are thankful for the leadership of SIL’s Cameron Fruit. Pray for him as he holds each one accountable and as he helps them in the review process of the translation. The team aims to have the Gospel of John ready for consultant check in one year. Please pray.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
Nob Kalau shared this in his latest email: "Sylvia (his wife) is with the ladies in the Daniel study right now. I thank God for lives that are being transformed. I can really see changes in their lives. It is the power of the Word of God and Sylvia’s faithfulness to teach the ladies and be a part of their lives." Sylvia continues to teach three Bible study groups, going through the same lesson. She believes that the smaller the group, the better for each one to learn and grow and to be accountable. Please pray for Sylvia and these ladies that the Lord will enable them to grow in wisdom, to apply what they learn in their lives and be equipped with the knowledge to impart the lessons to others, especially their families.

We truly are thankful for the Word of God and the faithfulness of His servants in teaching and living out His Word. Continue to pray for each one of us, as we spend time in God’s Word, as we prepare to minister - that we may be approved of God, a workman able to correctly handle the Word of Truth.

God bless you for your faithful partnership. We truly appreciate your sacrifices and generosity.

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator
PMA Headquarters