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Mission News Update March 2010

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

It was but a few days since we heard of the earthquake in Chile that brought about destruction of lives and property when this particular Sunday morning, we heard that Guam was placed on tsunami warning, together with Japan and Hawaii. As we sang the song "Still" (Words and Music by Reuben Morgan) - I felt a sense of peace brought about by the truth that God is my refuge. As His child - I have the assurance that no matter what happens - I have an eternal home in heaven with the Lord. Earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and other disasters may occur, but one thing is certain, the Lord is a present help and He never forsakes His own. That morning - there was a sense of excitement amongst us - instead of fear because we all knew if anything happened to us, we would instantly be face to face with the Lord. However, for the sake of many who still have not given their lives to Him, we were very thankful that God stilled the oceans and we were safe. Pray that we in the mission field will sense the urgency of sharing God's word - life is short and death is sure - and people must know that there is no salvation other than in the Lord Jesus Christ.

GUAM
We said good-bye to Simon Weibel as he returned back to Switzerland. His time in Yap, Palau and Guam (all in all 5 months) was filled with new experiences, challenges and opportunities to grow in more ways than one. He shares, "I felt God's guidance throughout my journey. It is encouraging to know that I have a big family thousands of miles away from home. My time has been special. I will never forget the friendly people and the beautiful islands."

PHILIPPINES
Dr. John Escote has just returned from his trip to Patnanungan, Polilio Islands where he conducted a medical outreach. He reported that the PMF church is growing with young people in attendance. Mercy continues to ask for prayer for their discipleship/mentoring program with the youth and enhancing the prayer life of each member.
Malcolm shares that SEATS has a new program that would train three of our island workers to help them obtain their Bible/Pastoral Certificate in one year. Please pray for our candidates: Jun Mandreza from PMF Jomalig, Jun Sulad of PMF Patnanungan and Jose Tayangona of PMF Amaga. We thank God for the teachers and pray that each one will grow and learn during the training period.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE, PHILIPPINES
"I just completed the case study for Junior," shared Estelle, our Social Worker. "We were informed by DSWD that there is an organization interested in sponsoring the construction of a house for his family and provide for the education of his siblings. Junior is still on temporary shelter status with us and we pray that the help for his family would materialize. Pray too that their hearts will be open to God's grace."

PALAU
As part of Valentines celebration, 14 couples watched the movie "Fire Proof" at the PMF auditorium. The movie challenged each couple and they all committed their marriages to the Lord and took on the "Love Dare". For 40 consecutive weeks, they would do something with their spouses that would re-kindle their love relationship with one another. Pastor Bambit and Joy have been meeting with the couples for follow up and encouragement. Many have testified that the "Love Dare" has helped them in their marriage and now they are growing in their walk with the Lord and by that, growing closer to one another." Rea Joy Lumawan

YAP, MICRONESIA
"Many changes have taken place during the last few months on Yap," shares Peter Reichert. "After Pastor John left, the staff was faced with new challenges. Spiritual leadership of our outer-island congregation is in part in the capable hands of Peter Haleyalgiy, a godly man who has a heart for his people. All of the aviation staff is directly involved in Bible studies, Youth work, Prayer meetings, Sunday school, Women's work and Sunday worship. Vince Davis and his family completed their term and are back in the U.S. We thank God for his faithful service. In spite of skyrocketing fuel costs, the aviation ministry is continuing its services with its indispensable link to the outer-islands." Pray for our Team in Yap that their lights will so shine that people will praise Father God in heaven. Matthew 5:16

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"We are going through the practical book of James in our Friday night youth meetings. Since the last two months, the number of youth attendance has increased and we thank God for that. There are approximately 30 - 40 youth joining us during the evening. I am thankful for the desire of each of the youth to grow in their relationship with the Lord and to know more about His word. Please pray for them to live what they learn and for me to be a good mentor, teacher and friend to them." Waldemar Rakowski

As we hear of disasters in various places - we are made aware that our time may soon be running out and there is a great need to share God's wonderful message of salvation, hope and love. Thank you for enabling us to do this. Your prayers and faithful partnership encourages us to persevere and continue the work God has called us to do in the islands: "To love all people; Build the Body of Christ; and to Disciple the faithful." God bless you!

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator