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Mission News Update July 2009

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him." Matthew 14:30-31

How many times have I read this passage and all I saw was Peter's lack of faith? And that I ought to focus my eyes on Jesus at all times, and not on circumstances around me? But this time, the word "immediately" struck me. Yes, Jesus was there to help Peter instantaneously, without delay. Just one cry- and the Lord was there. What a great assurance and encouragement that was for me that morning as I meditated on His word and as I released all my concerns to Him. How thankful I am that we have a God who loves us unconditionally, knows our needs, alert and ready to answer when we call and to show us great and mighty things that we know not. (Jeremiah 33:3) Pray for us in the mission field who often feel that we are alone as we face many challenges - pray that the Holy Spirit will remind us through His Word that His eyes are constantly on us and that we are just a prayer away from a great and mighty God who is also our Father.

GUAM
We are thankful for the vision that God gave Pastor Kalau as he spearheaded the "Micronesian Youth and Family Services". The first step was to open a Computer Center where Micronesian youth could spend time productively - learning and using technology to help them in their studies. We also envision that by God's grace, as we get to know the young people, we will be given opportunities to share the Word of God to them. Pray for Pastor Anthon, Melinda and Mel Pelayo who are involved in this outreach. Pray that the Lord would raise godly volunteers who desire to help these young people.

PHILIPPINES
We thank God that we once again passed our Flight School renewal certification. We also passed the safety inspection of our aircraft: PA 30 and Britten Norman Islander and completed the required 10-hour flight and engine testing for the month. Malcolm Cleope also informed me that we have resumed ground and flight instructor's training and will commence simulator and the multi-engine class by next week. Pray for wisdom for Malcolm and safety of all our flights, mission and school-related.

BAHAY KALINGA
ORPHANAGE, PHILIPPINES. We continue to pray for Aimee (not her real name). She was abandoned by her mom in a hospital when she was 8 days old. She is now two years old. The Court has approved her eligibility for adoption and now we are praying that God will provide her with parents who will love and care for her. She continues to improve socially - from being quiet and reserved when meeting new people to being friendly and cheerful. Every time a child is picked up from our Orphanage, she wonders when she will be going "home". Lately her best friend "Billy" (a temporary shelter child) was reunited with his mother - she cried a lot and had to be consoled by our Care givers. We are thankful for your prayers for her and our children.

PALAU
"We continue to conduct hospital visitation spearheaded by our Pastor Bambit, with our Palauan brethren, and some leaders in the PMF church," reports Rea Joy Lumawan. "It gives joy to the patients (young and old) when their favorite hymns are sung. We praise God for 12 individuals who have prayed to receive the Lord during the visits. Pray for their spiritual growth. Thank God for the untiring service of the visitation team and our Palauan brethren, who are able to communicate with the patients in their own language."

YAP, MICRONESIA
"We just completed the Youth Retreat last week," shared Heidi Collins last June 16. "The Youth Retreat's theme this year was ‘Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord', so there was lots of singing and lots of "joyful noise". A German team came to help us out and was attended by approximately 100 youth from the PMF, Palauan, and the three Yapese Evangelical churches. Two nights in particular was very powerful as many of the youth stood up and gave their lives to the Lord, while others rededicated themselves to follow Jesus." Pray for these young people that they will persevere in their Christian walk.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
The medical ship Sea Haven arrived safely in Pohnpei after a two week medical outreach to the island state of Kosrae. 167 patients were screened. Although our goal was to perform cataract surgeries, a substantial portion of the patients did not qualify due to their diabetes, with blood sugar levels up to 400. Dr. John Escote performed 44 surgeries: 14 cataracts, 25 Pyterigium, 2 IOL repositioning (this was to correct past improper surgery from an eye team that visited the island) and 3 other minor surgeries. Dr. John was ably assisted by Nurse Deena Pothen from Guam, and Dr. Likiaksa (resident doctor of Kosrae General Hospital) - who also was on the job training and performed 3 surgeries on his own. We are thankful for a fruitful trip - safety of our ship and crew, and good health for everyone.

The Lord has been so good to us. He continues to provide for all our needs. The challenge still is great. We are still looking for called, committed and capable men and women to serve in the field, foremost is a Pastor for PMF Guam. We have many projects that need to be financed - that of repair and construction of facilities in the Philippines - Multi-purpose centers in Jomalig, Patnanungan, and Kilogan islands, housing for our island pastors, Dormitory for Boys and Girls and Learning Center in Patnanungan island. We are trusting the Lord as we call upon Him that He will answer and show us great and mighty things we know not.

We are so thankful to you dear faithful partners. You encourage and empower us to continue with the Lord's work here in the islands. We ask God to bless you as He uses you to be channels of His blessings. Thank you for allowing us to be your hands to help and bring hope to the islands.

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator