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Mission News Update June 2009

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." Galatians 6:9-10 (The Message)

Our gracious God is truly amazing and His word is always on time. Last week, I had faced some challenges in PMA’s work here on Guam. It would have been easy to give in to discouragement and tell myself, "why bother". But the Holy Spirit would not allow me to wallow in despondency. Instead, He led me to read the story of William Carey, who historians have dubbed as the "Father of Modern Missions". For years he had tried to convince his fellow Baptist ministers of the need to form a mission society in order to spread the gospel across the world. The leaders of the denomination kept putting him off - but William persisted. On the evening of May 30, 1792, he preached at the annual Baptist association meeting. His text was from Isaiah 54:2-3, with a theme of "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God." Despite this passionate sermon, the business meeting the following day went on as usual. The meeting was about to adjourn, and his request was still not acted upon. He pleaded with Andrew Fuller and by God’s grace - it was agreed to form the Mission Society. The following year, William and two other men sailed for India as missionaries. William served there until his death in 1834 (without taking a furlough). He had a comprehensive approach to mission. Among a few of his accomplishments were: establishing schools, hospitals, a savings bank, founding the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, started India’s first printing press, paper mill and steam engine and founded the first Christian College in Asia. His life showed me that challenges will always be part of our lives - what is important is that we persist in what the Lord has called us to do and not grow weary. Because we can always expect great things from God as we attempt great things for Him.

GUAM
Pastor Anthon (from the local Ponapean congregation) requested me to train their Sunday school teachers as they needed to be better equipped to reach the children and youth of their churches. The Teachers’ Training was attended by 25 men and women from three Ponapean churches here on Guam. I thank God for the desire of each one to learn and be more effective teachers of the Word. Pray that as they apply what they learned, they will be able to reach and teach the children and youth of their respective churches for eternity. Pray for plans for another Training this September.

PHILIPPINES
Ethel Laco is now back in Manila after conducting a Teacher’s Training in the island of Patnanungan. Because of inclement weather, teachers from other churches in Polilio were unable to attend. There were eleven who came to be trained. They did a practicum in evangelism with neighborhood children and had a Bible lesson demonstration at the beach. The gospel was presented and 17 children prayed to receive the Lord Jesus Christ. She was also involved in the Vacation Bible School where 136 children attended. Pray for the teachers as they follow up the children and their families. Pray that they may desire to join the PMF church so that they can continue to grow in their faith.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
Please pray for brothers Don and Gerry (not their real names) who have been with us for temporary shelter since February of this year. Both were born out of wedlock with a mother unable to support them and herself. The mother tried in many ways to abort Gerry, but praise God, he survived and is a healthy, beautiful boy. Both of them were referred by the Women’s Pregnancy Center. Pray for the boys that the love and care they receive at BK will help them in their development in mind, body and spirit. Pray for their Mom who now has found a temporary job, that she will be able to support herself and her children and that they can be together once again.

PALAU
We are truly blessed that we have a place where people feel welcome, and have the freedom to "hang out", where their children can play freely, and where they can enjoy the fresh breeze from the ocean. It is a place where God uses to bring people to Himself, where relationships can grow, and where one can have a rest of the spirit as one enjoys the beauty of His creation. We are thankful to God for our landlord and for the peaceful use of the property for His glory.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Simon Hämmerling praises God for 4 people who followed the Lord in water baptism. For Pastor John Malimai, this was a double blessing as two of those baptized are his cousins and one is sister of one of our church leaders, who opened her home for Bible study back in 2000. The other one was Nikki Reichert, daughter of our missionaries Peter and Esther. What a happy occasion it was for our young PMF family. But also a sad one as all of them had to say good-bye to Nikki who will be going on to college. Please pray for those newly baptized that they will continue to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord. Pray also that their desire will be to please our Lord always.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
The medical ship, M/V Sea Haven left home port Pohnpei on June 4 for the island State of Kosrae. On board are: Nob Kalau, Captain and son Alex; Crew: Edwin and son Norton, Tobias, Theodore and Etinimei. Also on board is Dr. John Escote, PMA Philippines doctor, an eye specialist. In Kosrae, Dr. Likiaksa eagerly awaits for the ship to arrive. He has screened patients who are in need of cataract surgery. We are informed that there are approximately a hundred of them. Deena Pothen, a nurse from Guam will also be joining the crew in Kosrae. She will be flying in directly from Guam. We are so very thankful for the opportunity to meet the needs of these patients. Pray that as they are able to see clearly - that they may also see and know the True Light, our Lord Jesus Christ.

How it encourages us that you, dear Partners have continued on to support us. The Lord truly has used you so that the needs of the Mission will be met and so that we can expect great things from God and attempt great things for Him. Thank you and God bless you!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator