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Mission News Update April 2009

Dear Praying friends and Faithful Partners,

"That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day."2 Timothy 1:12

Once again the Christian world celebrates Easter. For me, it is a time of reflection and thanksgiving. All the years of fruitless search, of making sure that I followed all the church rules, of continuous self-examination and self-recrimination ended when the Lord enabled me to realize and understand that His life, death and resurrection bought for me eternal life, and a hope and peace that this world can never take away. The glorious news declared in God’s Word - that He loved the world so much (which included me personally) that He sent His one and only Son to save it was indeed life-giving and freeing. It was no longer "How do I feel", but always, "What does God say of this?" And He has said that He is able to guard that which He has committed and promised. Praise God! Many still live in darkness and despair in the islands we minister. They have not experienced and do not understand His blessed grace. Pray for us that we may have the wisdom, sensitivity and perseverance to live His Word and share it with love, grace and truth.

GUAM
It was great to have Joy Balayo (missionary serving in Palau with husband, Pastor Bambit) and her daughter Romeena visit us here on Guam. They were here for the Spelling Bee which Romeena had won in Palau. When I congratulated her, she matter of factly answered me with, "Luke 1:37", which says: "For nothing is impossible with God." Her answer is uncommon coming from an eleven year-old, and I was blessed by her faith. There were 58 schools represented throughout the region and it was a great experience for her. She may not have won first place this time, but I am sure that God was pleased by her attitude and faith.

PHILIPPINES
"We had a very successful medical outreach in the islands (Patnanungan and Katakian) with the group from my home church - Orchard Hill Church, Iowa," shares Malcolm Cleope. "We served over 460 plus patients in two days - breaking our record of serving 147 patients per day. We ran out of antibiotics and vitamins before the end of the first day and had to ration out medicines by the second day. We are thankful for the help from this group who also provided funding for fuel for the aircraft, and food and medicines for distribution. Of course, our Dr. John Escote was also with us. Dental preventive care and maintenance were also performed on our first patients as the group helped purchase a portable dental filling machine."

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
The OHC group also visited Bahay Kalinga Orphanage and had a great time with the children. They took the children to the ocean - it was a wonderful break for the children and caregivers alike!

PALAU
Praise God for three young people who received the Lord! They have been attending the Youth Bible study led by Joy Balayo. Pray for these youth that they may grow and mature in their spiritual life.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Peter Reichert has been flying with Vince Davis and Amos Collins to the outer-island of Ulithi and spending time with many of his friends and acquaintances. He has been using this time to share the Gospel message and has given out many bibles. Many are listening and seeds are being sown. One particular situation concerns a Chief. He has been ill for many months. He realizes that his life is drawing to an end. Peter shared the gospel with him and with tears in his eyes he realized that he never knew who Jesus is. All this time, he thought he knew. He prayed with Peter to receive the free gift of eternal life that Jesus gives to all of us, but few accept. Now this Chief has a personal relationship with Christ! (From: Vince Davis)

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
It has been very busy weeks for the past month as the PMF church prepares for the annual Easter Evangelistic presentation - of songs, skits, and worship dances. This event is greatly anticipated by everyone in the island, and we look at this as a great opportunity to reach the whole island for Christ. Please pray for Nob Kalau as he spearheads, writes, and directs this endeavor and for the youth and adults who are involved in the program - for good health as well as prepared hearts to share the powerful message of the Gospel. The presentation will begin Easter Sunday and will continue up till Wednesday. Pray for all those who will attend - for God to pierce hearts and cause new life and for others - revival.

Dear partners, I am truly thankful to God for you. Your prayers and financial gifts have encouraged us to be steadfast and persevering in our work and enabled us to preach the Word in season and out of season. The Lord bless you richly for your unswerving faithfulness. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly all you can think or imagine.

In Him we live and move and have our being.

Melinda R. Espinosa CFO/Administrator PMA Headquarters