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Mission News Update January 2007

Dear Praying Friends and Faithful Partners,

"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols. See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being, I announce them to you." Isaiah 42: 8, 9

2006 is gone and just a memory. Now, we can look forward to the new things God has planned and ordained for us in 2007. We can go forth with confidence and assurance because our God promised to be with us and go before us. We can trust His promise in Isaiah 41: 10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." What a great verse to hold on to! As a Mission, we can trust that as He was with us for the past 33 years, He will continue to be our Provider, our strength and wisdom enabling us to continue the mission and vision He has called us to do: To know Him and to make Him known; To Love all people, Build the Body of Christ, and Disciple the faithful. To meet the total needs of the island peoples of Micronesia and the Philippines: Body, Soul and Spirit.

GUAM
As the day of the Christmas presentation approached, the children were all excited, especially as they had invited their parents. December 24, parents, relatives, friends came to the Special Christmas Worship service. The program included a special presentation by the children of "The Best Thing about Christmas" and Pastor Edmund Kalau’s message, "Comfort, Comfort, My People". These were great blessings to everyone who attended. Please pray for the parents of our children that they will continue to come to church and bring their children - not only drop them off or send them off to church. Pray for our young congregation that they will learn to trust in the Lord, grow in their faith and desire to serve Him.

PHILIPPINES
We have an internship program for graduates from different aircraft mechanic schools, who serve with us 3 - 4 months. During the holidays most interns did not show up regularly for their training except for Mark. Malcolm Cleope took this opportunity to spend time with him. Initially, he was shy, but as the days passed, he began to feel comfortable that he opened his life to Malcolm. This gave Malcolm the opportunity to share the Gospel to him. We thank God that Mark accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior as Fred Ranada; our Chief Mechanic led him in prayer. Malcolm says, "Moments like these are blessings at the airport amid red tape, regulations, and sometimes chaotic daily chores." Praise God for pockets of light in an otherwise routine day!

BAHAY KALINGA ORPHANAGE
Several typhoons ravaged the Philippines in the months of October thru December. Although most of our islands of ministry were typhoon paths, God protected them and typhoons did not do much damage, except for the last typhoon, "Reming" which devastated Mindoro. Houses were swept away; giant trees and electric poles were uprooted. When we visited last December, the island did not have any power. We were informed that it may take one to three months for power to be restored. In our Bahay Kalinga Orphanage, we were thankful God protected our children, and Care givers. The flood waters rose and went inside the facility and due to the heavy down pour of rain; a part of the roof gave way and water went through the ceiling and the Office beneath it, causing a lot of water damage inside. This also happened in the House Parents’ home. Pray for funding to repair all the damages.

PALAU
It was great to hear from Pastor Bambit Balayo as he shared their experiences during the Christmas holidays. PMF members went around caroling bringing gifts with them. Members and their neighbors were all blessed. Several people shared that they truly felt the Spirit of Christmas after the carolers visited them. They expected to give something (as is the custom) for the caroling, but instead received gifts from them. Praise God for impacting these people! We are praying that those who are not coming church will have a desire to come and see God work in the lives of our PMF congregation.

YAP, MICRONESIA
At the end of the year, we are so thankful that the Lord has protected and gave Peter Reichert safe flights and good health. We also thank God for protecting Amos Collins as he continues to build up his hours in the States. Indeed, under His wings, we can find safety and rest. Peter also shared that the PMF church celebrated a New Year’s party with about 100 people in attendance. What a great blessing from the Lord! Pastor Edmund Kalau said that this would not have been possible, many years ago, but because of the faithful service of the aviation ministry doors have been opened, consequently, hearts are open to the Gospel. To God be the glory!

POHNPEI, MICRONESIA
"Eleven members of the Lutheran Church of Guam, headed by Pastor Jeff Johnson, blessed the PMF church and youth on Pohnpei with an eight-day mission trip of serving and teaching," shared Sylvia Kalau. "The morning after their arrival, the group quickly organized and ran a two-day Kids Club for ages 2 - 12. The 80 children who attended sought treasures from God’s word as they experienced "Treasure Cove." Each of the team members contributed creatively with Bible stories, crafts and sports. The children were enamored with the fun songs and lively puppets. Some ladies in the group came prepared to teach us banner preparation and sewing. On Saturday morning, we had a group of 15 ladies busily creating and sewing banners for the church and Sunday school rooms. The beautiful banners now grace our walls! A music workshop was offered by Chuck, a music teacher on Guam. Many of the young people were eager to join in and make music at the Saturday seminar. Men with mechanical skills helped trouble shoot and diagnose some mechanical problems on the Sea Haven. They found the problem. Now we need to get parts! In the evening, men and women from our church were blessed by Pastor Jeff’s instruction on how to prepare a Bible Study/Sermon. The Team participated in our New Year’s service and even got to enjoy the Nan Madol ruins on New Year’s Day. The last project the team worked on together was the painting of the radio station. What ministered to all of us was the team work and flexibility of these servants of the Lord. They raised funds to come across the ocean and prepared themselves in prayer and dedication to serve. We are truly blessed by their genuine friendship and examples of love in action. Thank you to the eleven faithful servants! What a blessing you have been to us as we begin the year 2007!"

Thirty three years - and still serving the Lord by the grace of God! Thank you dear partners! Your faithfulness through the years have encouraged and empowered us to serve the island peoples of Micronesia and the Philippines. And this is our prayer for you as we face the New Year: "That the Lord may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith and that being rooted and established in love, you may have the power with all the saints, to grasp how wide, long, and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 16 -19

Together serving Him,

Melinda R. Espinosa
PMA HEADQUARTERS