Information Materials > Mission News Update Archive

Mission News Update November 2009

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

The last week of October, I was again given the opportunity to visit our Bahay Kalinga (BK) Orphanage in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. I accompanied our Swiss Volunteers: Hans Joachim and Miriam Wuthrich and their young children, Joah and Rebecca (ages 3 and 18 months). Their visit was part of our protocol for missionary candidates to visit their future place of service. We travelled by land, ferried our vehicle on what they call a "roro" ship, and then on to Naujan with our vehicle. Accompanying us were: Julio (who drove for us), Edna, our Mission Secretary and Dr. John Escote who was on his monthly visit to BK. We were supposed to only stay overnight, however, the following day, the island of Mindoro, Batangas and Metro Manila were placed on Typhoon Alert 1 (typhoon within 36 hours) and upgraded to Alert 3 (typhoon expected within 18 hours) - by afternoon. The delay though allowed me more time with the Wuthrich's, the children, our BK staff and to attend to business concerning our Orphanage. Extra time spent at BK allowed me to get to know more our BK staff personally. I was encouraged and blessed by their commitment to each child and the diligent care and love they extended to each one. Our children are indeed blessed to have them. T his experience showed me once again that God's delays are His divine appointments. Our steps as well as our stops are all in His control for our good and for His glory.

GUAM
Once again our PMF church facility was a venue for the local Ponapean churches for training. For a week approximately 25 church pastors, leaders and teachers underwent training with the topic: "Read the Word - the Bible Written for You". Pastor Max Vague of Morning Star Ministries was their teacher. We are thankful to God for our contribution in edifying the body of Christ.

PHILIPPINES
It was good to be with our staff in Manila. Mercy and husband Jun Sulad, with daughter Faith - from PMF Patnanungan were in town and joined us in our fellowship after church. Mercy praised God for many families added to the church and for the youth who are actively involved in worship and outreaches. Pray for each member that they will continue to grow in the Lord and actively share the Word of God to their families and neighbors.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
At 4:30 AM JL was already knocking at our bedroom door! Once we opened the door - the rest of the children came rushing in. They just wanted to greet us a "Good Morning". We then prayed together - and thus began a full active day! Dr. John checked each child and found each one in the best of health, except for one child who had a cold (but this did not stop him from playing and being active). Our children seem to be well adjusted and get along well with each other. Praise God!

PALAU
Praise God for the CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) Training held at PMA Multi Purpose Center. Ms. Johnson, the Education Consultant of CEF Asia Pacific Region conducted the training of 100 participants from different churches in Palau. We pray that those who were trained will have an active part in reaching the children of Palau for Christ.

Thank you for your prayers for the JAM (Jesus and Me) Concert. It was a success. Young and old came to witness the Concert - the Meyuns Youth Center was fully packed, many stayed outside and stayed despite the rain. We thank God for all who attended and pray for God to work in each one's heart.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Simon Hämmerling continues to praise God for opportunities to share God's word in Prison. He is thankful for an hour every Sunday that he and Falrog can visit with the prisoners to help them understand the Word of God. He asks us to pray for Joel who used to get up and leave when he saw them approaching. However, lately he has stayed and shared some of his questions. Pray for him that the Lord will give him a hunger and thirst for God's Word and that this may lead to his salvation.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
Pray for our "Bible All Stars" for children ages 9 thru 11, led by Pia Kaufmann. They learn basic Bible doctrine through teaching and activities.

We thank God for His continued faithfulness. Spending time with the children at Bahay Kalinga enabled me to realize how fortunate many of us are. The root word from where "orphan" is derived means "to wander in obscurity and darkness". An orphan would also be one with no sense of belonging, guidance and security. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, we can be thankful that Jesus promises us: "I will not leave you like orphans; I will come to you." Through Jesus, we belong to God's forever family. Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have proper guidance and therefore can find the right purpose in our lives. Moreover, in Jesus - we have security. He promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. For those who know Jesus personally - what a cause for celebration and praise - not only this Thanksgiving but everyday of our lives!

Thank you dear ones for touching the lives of our children at the Orphanage, and the island people who we serve through your prayers and generous giving. God bless you real good!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator