Information Materials > Mission News Update Archive

Mission News Update February 2010

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"He has made everything beautiful in His time" - Ecclesiastes 3:11

How difficult it is to see and appreciate what God is doing in one's life when one is going through challenges and trials... when one is waiting for a longed-for answer to prayer... when we only see through a dim glass the outcome of all our work and sacrifices. And yet, we have God's promise that He indeed will make all things beautiful in His time - not our time frame and not our agenda, not what we think the outcome would be - but His time, His will, His plan. And we can be assured that His plan is good, His purpose is clear, even if His program at the moment is mysterious. Please pray for all of us in the field for God's abiding grace and for us to stay focused on Him and His work for us. Pray that we will not grow weary in well doing - that we may be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord - full of joy and thanksgiving every moment of our life - even if there are things we do not understand.

GUAM
We are so very thankful for Wilbur Miller who arranged Pastor Ed Kalau's visit in Portland Oregon. Pastor Kalau was able to meet with so many people, shared and challenged many concerning the work of PMA in the islands. One special meeting was with a Chuukese church, whose pastor is the father of one of our elders in PMF Pohnpei. What a great blessing it was for everyone! Pastor Ed was also able to attend a Mission Conference in Bakersfield together with CDO Harry Cawood, and meet with friends in the LA area. We thank God for keeping Pastor Ed safe, and healthy. His only one complain was - "It is so cold!" Praise God He arrives first week of February in our warm island home.

PHILIPPINES
"Baranggay Amaga is a naturally charming place," shares Dr. John Escote who recently together with a Team visited the Village and the one year old PMF church for a medical outreach. "There is not much amenities and the mosquitoes at night can be a great challenge to any visitor. What really blessed me was Pastor Jun and his family. He is a man of great faith, simple and humble. Despite his simple life, he is always filled with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord. When he began to serve in Amaga, he had only 5 attending his Bible study and worship service. Now, they are numbering 42. Their small church is 50 X 20 feet structure without walls, except for the front end of the building. The building is made up of bamboo and thatched roof. The floor is hard mud." We are thankful for men and their families like Jun who serve in remote island villages and despite hardship continually praise the Lord and share His word. We challenge you to please pray and partner with Jun. It only takes $100 a month to support him. We pray that we can construct a parsonage for them as well as a building for their church.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We are praying for a brother and sister who are under our care for temporary shelter. Their mom was able to visit them during Christmas break - but was so sad that her plans to be responsible for them would not happen. She still cannot support her children - and because it is a stigma to give your children for adoption, her only choice is to give them to a relative. We do not have any assurance that the children will be well taken cared of. This relative lives in the squatter's area. Please pray for our Social Worker for wisdom to deal with the mom and the situation.

PALAU
Praise God for Simon Weibel (Volunteer from Switzerland), who is now in Palau after his service in Guam and Yap. Joy Balayo shares that he serves with joy and has been attending several small group Bible studies, the youth group and involved with the worship team. He has been an encouragement to everyone. Continue to pray for his spiritual growth and for him to be a blessing to everyone.

YAP, MICRONESIA
"It took a while for me to realize why the men we minister in prison lack the perseverance and the strength to break a habit," writes Simon Hämmerling. "They want a "Life with Jesus", and they may have Jesus in their hearts, however, because they have no solid moral foundation (no one ever has taught them) - there is nothing to build on. But now, with Jesus as a Firm Foundation, we can start building on their lives through Bible studies and discipleship." Please pray for Simon and Falrog as they faithfully visit the Prison every Sunday. Pray for wisdom and perseverance that though they may not see the Fruit of the Spirit displayed in the lives of those they minister - that God will encourage them with His Word that will not return empty but will accomplish growth.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"Girls' discipleship classes (16 years and up) on Thursday nights are going very well with 10 - 15 attending regularly," began an email from Pia Kaufmann. "We just completed some lessons on "Wisdom on Getting Along with Parents". The Bible All Star classes (9 -11years) are fun. I love teaching basic Bible doctrines to the children. So far we have 15 children attending every week. Sadly, some of the children that used to come regularly don't come anymore. I am praying that they will find their way back to Bible class. My helpers Tamara and Christine (from Switzerland) and Joselynn (Pohnpei) are great! It's good to work and pray as a team. Sunday school is also going very well and I am looking forward to training a new Sunday school teacher. Praise God for our Sunday school team! Pray that God will work in the lives of our children and that the young girls will choose to live godly lives."

We are so thankful to God for the lives that He has entrusted with us. Many times when we do not see any fruit, we get discouraged - and yet, praise God, He gives us the strength and the will to go on. Indeed, looking back, we have witnessed Him beautifully transform many lives in His time. Thank you for your PRAYERS and your PARTNERSHIP. You are as much a part of what is happening in the lives of those we serve. God bless you!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator