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Mission News Update June 2010

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10a

To celebrate 23 years of service with PMA, the Lord allowed me to go on a 5-week furlough. You can just imagine the work waiting for me when I got back! Thankfully, as I become still and rely on God's strength and wisdom to accomplish task, His grace is sufficient for me. Thank you for all those in Guam who took on various responsibilities so that I could take this leave of absence. Praise God for the special time spent with family and friends - most of whom I have not seen for quite some time, yet it was as if we were never apart. I had the opportunity to meet new acquaintances, and share PMA, my testimony and what I do to various groups. I thank God for the opportunity to worship in several churches - a great experience to just be part of the congregation, to listen and be ministered to. The Lord allowed me to attend the Christian Leadership Alliance Conference in San Diego, CA - "Courageous Leadership in Challenging Times" and ECFA's "Reaching Higher" Conference in Colorado Springs. Both Conferences were uplifting and edifying. It was encouraging to be with all those in ministry and we all learned from one another. God taught me a lot during this trip, a significant one was about relationship. First, my relationship with the Lord, this being my priority, to really sit at His feet and prayerfully listen to Him - not just talk to him - but listen to Him while in prayer - He does speak when we are quiet before Him - no agenda just listening. Second, my relationship with family and friends - time is so short and I must make the most of every opportunity God allows me to be with them, especially those I rarely get to see - to cherish, build memories and to nourish those relationships when apart.

GUAM
We bade farewell to Selina Landauer from Switzerland who has served with us for eleven months in Guam, Palau and the Philippines. We thank God for her faithful service and for her diligence in completing each task assigned. We have grown to love her as a dear sister and friend, and a good co-laborer in the work of the Lord. She shared, "In my time in Guam, I have learned to give my best, to be patient and to be kind to all. I have learned to speak the truth in love, to laugh and cry and most of all to love." Pray for Selina as she begins a new chapter in her life. For the Lord to guide her footsteps and for godly choices.

PHILIPPINES
As I write this, the Arizona Team has completed their three week mission in Jomalig Island. With the help of our local crew, they have put up all the walls of the church as well as trusses and beams that will hold up the roof. We are so thankful for their labor of love and sacrifice - a living testimony they leave behind. Pastor Jun and the PMF congregation are so thankful to God for using the AZ Team and Trinity Baptist Church in Arizona for fulfilling their dream of having a church building. Continue to pray for the provisions to complete the Project.

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
We experienced another good-bye in the PMA Family - Estella Sacyaben, Social Worker, accepted a position in New Zealand. We shall truly miss her. She was a faithful, hardworking member of our family and contributed so much to the improvement of our Orphanage operations. We are thankful for her time with us. Before she left, she was able to train Jesse Tubigon, who comes very qualified and experienced in his field. We thank God for His timely provision. Praise God for Hans-Joachim and Miriam Wuthrich from Switzerland who have been accepted to serve as House Parents. Pray for their support as well as the Visa needed for them to serve in the Philippines.

PALAU
Pastor Bambit shared that the youth once again prepared for another presentation of JAM 4 (Jesus and Me). After JAM3, most of the young people had to leave the island either for further studies or to pursue a career. God has been faithful in raising up youth leaders to take their place. We are thankful for this outreach as we reach not only the young people, but their parents as well. Pray for many hearts to be touched and for them to be followed up and discipled.

YAP, MICRONESIA
Praise God for all the young people who come and serve with us short term. We are thankful for David Fasolino from Belton Texas, a sophomore in Mission Aviation with Letourneau University. Excerpt from one of his blog: "Today has been a very busy day filled with installing light fixtures, caulking around door frames, painting door frames, hanging doors, and eating coconuts. I learned that being a missionary pilot doesn't just involve flying and fixing airplanes, but also cutting grass, watering flowers (yes you need to water the flowers here too), and repairing the house." He has been on a sea search for a lost canoe, assisted in a medivac and also enjoyed the beach, tour of the island and learned much about the people and culture of Yap. We pray as he leaves the island and PMA that God will direct his life in service of Him.

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
We are thankful that Nob, Sylvia and Alex Kalau can leave for a well-deserved furlough this summer. Pray for special times with friends and family, especially with daughters Nadya and Chelsea who are now residing in Arizona for work and school. Pray for our Mission staff in Pohnpei for wisdom and guidance as they continue the work and meet the needs of the people. Pray for the PMF elders and Waldemar Rakowski as they lead the church, preach, teach and counsel. Pray for grace and strength.

During one of our sessions in "Mini Soul Care Retreat for Ministry Leaders", Stephen Macchia said, "Selfishness in the care of your soul will make you selfless in the service of others." As we sit at Jesus feet, soak in His word, devote our time to prayer, we are strengthened and invigorated to meet each day with its challenges, the monotony of daily routine, new experiences and knowledge, and meeting the needs of others.

May we all spend time with the Lord, and be still and know Him intimately and in depth - for He is our God, our Creator, our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble.

God bless you! In Him we live and move and have our being,

Melinda R. Espinosa
CFO/Administrator