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Mission News Update May 2010

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"... each helps the other and says to his brother, 'Be strong!'" Isaiah 41:6

This was our memory verse during one of our Sunday school lessons. The story was about the friendship of David and Jonathan and how Jonathan encouraged David when his father King Saul was trying to kill him. While studying for this lesson, Jonathan's character struck me - he was a true friend and loved in truth. He was not blinded by his father's sin, yet was true to him as a son as well as a great friend to David. He could have resented David - as the anointed - because he was the son of the king and should have inherited the throne - but this never bothered him - he submitted willingly to God's choice - God's will. In the islands, away from our families and loved ones, it is a treasure indeed to find a friend that will help and encourage us to be strong... to stand with us in prayer and just being there to listen without judgment or condemnation - with an understanding heart, to speak the truth in love and allow us to see God in all our situation. We go through so many challenges, trials and heartaches; hence we are very thankful for faithful friends God gives us. Thank you for being such a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

GUAM
We had several guests this past month. Millard and Virginia Collins came through Guam on their way to and from Yap, Micronesia to visit their son Amos and wife Heidi and of course little Tommy who they have not seen since his birth. Missionaries themselves, based in the Philippines, they were able to take time off from their translation work to make this special visit. It was a blessing to be with them as we shared our experiences and encouraged one another as we serve one Lord. Jon, Linnea and baby Benjamin Taylor - Missionary Candidates for PMA visited us enroute to Yap and Pohnpei, Micronesia as they got to know the Mission, the islands, our missionaries, up close and personal. Pray for the Lord to confirm in their hearts that PMA is where the Lord wants them to serve.

PHILIPPINES
Pray for the 5-men Team from Trinity Baptist Church, Mesa Arizona preparing to leave for the Philippines mid May: Merle Cressy - Team Leader and team members: Tom Rivers, Eric Johnson, CJ Porter and Charlie Johnson. They will help build our multi-purpose center in the island of Jomalig. This has long been needed and prayed for and we are truly thankful for touching people's hearts to give and to serve. The PMF church in Jomalig is so excited to see this dream of theirs come true at last!

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We have received two more temporary shelter children and two more will be added soon. We are thankful that we can provide them with the care and love they need and deserve. Pray that while they are with us - they will grow strong physically, emotionally and spiritually.

PALAU
Our PMF church in Palau is preparing for its 14th Anniversary Celebration as a church. Our founder, Rev. Edmund Kalau will be their speaker. Pray for all the preparations and for the Lord to be honored and glorified in all these. We praise God for many lives that have been touched and transformed through this ministry.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Every month we purchase laundry soap for the prisoners. We buy a big bag so it's enough for all of them. On special occasions we purchase little gifts, cake, ice cream and sodas as refreshments. These may seem little things but these make them happy and enable us to have fellowship with them. We haven't seen big changes in their lives. But it's good that they hear the word of God. A lot of times we don't see them after they are released. They don't come to church but we continue to pray for them and trust that His word will accomplish salvation and spiritual growth in their lives. We surely know that we can't change their lives, but God can. Please pray for us so we won't give up! I praise the Lord for the faithfulness of Simon Hammerling as he serves with me in the prison ministry. Two girls and a young man started joining us also. Please pray for them. They are new believers. - Timna Falrog

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
What a joy it is to baptize islanders of all ages! 130 people stood at the beach just before sunset to witness the 4 candidates for baptism this Sunday. 3 children who are very active in church made their decision. What an encouragement it was to their Sunday school teachers to see them reach this milestone in life. Just that morning I was thanking God for the 150 children that come forward each Sunday during the service to receive blessing and prayer before they are dismissed for Children's Church. Sunday school is the highlight of their week. And this eagerness to come is passed onto the parents when the children beg to be taken to Sunday school. Hungry island families looking for spiritual food, that's what thrills the heart of a missionary! - Sylvia Kalau

Dear Partners, you have indeed been an encouraging friend to us as you faithfully pray and generously give - enabling and empowering our missionaries in the islands to serve the Lord and for the ministries of PMA to continue.

"May the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator