House Prayer Night, Feb. 23, 2011

Once a month we have a house prayer night. This is where we assign a Believer in one of our churches to open their homes and allow us to come and share the Word of God through Bible Study and prayer time. We then encourage them to invite all their neighbors, friends and unsaved loved ones to the house. We provide a small snack like soup or sandwiches to make them feel welcome.

This has been very effective in the past and we continue to see good results from this outreach. Tonight was a great example of this. Many had questions and one man really sat with Ferd after the Bible study asking questions and wanting to know more.

After the meeting, I went to visit Ronadelle..she is getting worse. I just sat there and cried with her for about 2 hours. We may have to take her to Manila for treatment..she is breaking my heart. I just wish I could fix everyone's problems..but, I can't..I am glad that Christ can

Hard times...when they hurt, I hurt

Going through an excruitiating problem right now..Wish I could elaberate more but since this is a public blog, I can't. There's a sweet, precious teenage girl ( 14 years old) and she is timid and shy..like a little deer. She is active and faithful in our first church LBC. She was in my Patch class on Wed when I used to teach there, but now she is grown and active in the Teen group.

Something really bad has happened to her. I can't go into details, but she is in rough shape. I just really hurt with her and her mom ( her dad is a drunk and I don't know him).. Her whole family ( except her dad) attend LBC and are active members..it just breaks my heart. I am praying for you my dear, sweet Ronadelle... )-:

TBC, Sunday Service , Feb. 20, 2011

I am lovin' the new church building!!! Having walls is amazing. No more trying to teach and preach over the sounds of loud radios and karaoke singers!! No more animals ( goats, chickens, dogs, and ducks) wandering through the service. No more smells of the open sewer behind the shelter ( that was my personal favorite )..and we just feel like a real church now. I know the building don't make the church, the people do...but, it is still soooo awesome having this space.

I led the first choir today and they did really well..

I got to use my new Sunday School room and I love it! I had 14 kids who are Elementary aged and I am doing "The Lamb" series. It is so good. It goes through the entire Bible sharing the importance of the lamb in the O.T..and of course leads up to the Lamb in the N.T. They are really enjoying it. I worked hard all week and translated the English lessons I have into Tagalog and it went so well. They really were interested. I am also teaching them the Books of the Bible and the have memory verses each week as well as their coloring and workbook activities.Right now I am making my own coloring sheets.. I really need more materials...

TBC Family

Trinity is growing..and we are seeing a few new faces as well as the good ole' faithful friends.. Here's a few of the precious folks we have here..

February 16- Prayer Meeting in New Building

Tonight was our first time to have prayer meeting in the new building, and it was so cool. Many of the elderly folks did not come out since it's at night, but a few older ones did and all the young adults came. We had 27 people which is awesome!!! They are learning about the power of prayer and praying together as a local church. Pastor Ron did a great job teaching in the Bible Study and tonight after the service I assembled a choir and we practiced our first song. They did pretty good for their first practice. It is just so neat to see this group growing (-:

New Church Building!!

The inside of the new church BEFORE the folks start meeting here.

This will be the Sanctuary

This will be the Sunday school..

This will be the room where the Pastor that Ferd is training will stay...

Here's the Rooftop that has a large opening perfect for fellowship time (-:

Feb. 14, 2011 - Valentine's Day

Tonight it was my turn to sit and enjoy the night as the Singles Class served the Adults at the Adult Sweetheart's Banquet. The married couples at LBC invited the new church plant couples to come and we all enjoyed an awesome night together. Good music, games, fun, romance ( it was so cute to see all the men kiss their wives and give a love message to them)..we also had delicous food. Beef kabobs, laing, and mushroom soup with rice. Then, Ferd was asked to give the message to challenge us to love each other in the way that God expects us. We take our spouses for granted so many times and it really was a good challenge to remind us of what is important.

Singles Class Valentine's Dinner

This afternoon, instead of our normal meeting and soul winning hour, our Singles class celebrated Valentines Day together. It was a nice change from our normal activities as we decorated and celebrated the evening together.

I was in charge of all the games and serving the food. They had hamburger steaks with mushroom gravy over rice. I also made a heart cake for each table to much on for dessert. We had a nice night and enjoyed a wonderful message from Bro. Paul, one of the Bible College students. He really challenged them and me about loving one another. It was a perfect night..so much fun (-;

Feb. 11, 2011- Our Queen

Time and time again, we have seen the Lord bless our people. He not only changes their "insides"..but He changes their "outsides". When they get saved, we begin to slowly see them progress in so many ways. They just look so good, literally, they shine. The Holy Spirit does a work that no man could ever do. We don't set strict rules and force them to change their clothes or appearance. Instead, we love them and gently show them through God's Word how God wants us to live. And the Spirit is the one who shows them what they need to change. He always does. It's soo awesome to see folks succeed. God begins blessing them for their obedience. So many of our folks have progressed in their businesses, in their jobs, their schools and even their own personal environment. Everything cleans up and just radiates God's hand in their lives!

Today was another example as we watched the coronation of the Queen of Bolosan today. This is not like the US Prom Queen. This is an achievement based on their hard work and academic achievements. The top honor is called the Queen and the 2nd place is called the Princess. Out of a school of about 2,00o high schoolers, both the Queen and the Princess were out of our church!!! We all went out to celebrate these 2 girls and how the Lord has blessed them. The Queen ( whose name is Cecille)..is one of the most active, faithful Christian girls you will ever meet. She loves the Lord and He has blessed her faithfulness!

SOUL WINNING GROUP = AWESOME

I just can't rave enough about this group. To see them is the only way to believe it.. Totally sold out for the Lord. I am privileged and incredibly blessed to be their leader. I couldnt ask for a better group of young people. They push me to be a better servant for the Lord as well..They are just amazing, and I love them dearly. Each time we go out is another adventure..today was no exception. Wish I had a video blog to show all the wild dogs we have to avoid, the scary people out there that say bad things, the laughing and calling names that others do to us..But then there's those times when you meet someone who has a soft heart and listens. That happened today with me and an elderly lady named Delores..she wouldn't let go of my hand and listened. She wants me to come back..I will!

Feb. 4-6, 2011 BBC Week

It is our joy to be able to send several young people to Bible College. We have been able to send 2 young men and 3 young ladies and we have 2 or 3 that are ready to go. They go to Bible Baptist College up in Sn Fernando, about 2 hours from here. Every Friday night they commute back here to help us full time with the ministry. It is a great investment for us. Yes, it is a finacial burden as we pay for their tuition and bus fare and living expenses,etc..but to have trained help..wow! It is just wonderful!!!

Today we were so proud as the Bible School students completely took control of the whole weekend. They taught, preached, sang, played piano, etc. It was great to have them show what they have been learning at college and how God has been using them. We hope to see them in full time service in different church plants when they graduate. For now, they assist us in our 2 current church plants. Each one of our Bible School students were led to the Lord by us and were discipled by us..so, what an amazing feeling to see them giving their lives to the Lord!!!

Feb. 3, 2011- Getting Ready!

Sean is finally feeling a little better..and some more good news, finally!!! The man that owns one of the buildings is going to meet our offer. He came down on the price ALOT, which is a miracle in itself. It just shows God's amazing plan in everything.. We signed the papers and we are locked in for a year..so we will be stepping out on faith. The church folks can't afford rent so it's up to us to provide for now. I havent been to the building yet, because if they would see an American, they would raise the price rather than go down. So, since the papers have been signed, I can go see it now!!!

Today, Ferd and Bro. Dany spent the day making Sunday School tables for my class.. If we are going to finally have a room, we will need some tables!!! I am so glad that Ferd is a good handy man and carpenter!

February 2-3, 2011- When it rains, it pours!

Here we are, only 2 days into the week of funeral services and Sean becomes REALLY sick. He left the fineral feeling dizzy. Thinking that maybe it was alot to take in, we went home and talked with him and tucked him in and put him to bed. Well, by the next morning, he had a VERY HIG fever. It lingered for 2 days, and it wouldn't drop no matter how much Tylenol and Motrin I gave him. It stayed right at 103-104. He was very weak and couldnt even stand up. Wouldnt' eat or do anything. Just wanted to sleep. Ferd said that we needed to get him to Manila where he could get checked out by his Dr. After the emotional week we have had and feeling the pain of those parents who are burying their baby ..oh, I do NOT want to take any chances!!! So, we ran to Manila!

We spent the whole day in the ER, doing Xrays, blood tests, urine tests, etc...and found out he has a nasty bacterial infection. Poor guy..he is sooo sick. Thankfully, he is now on antibiotics and the Doc said he should start to feel better in a day or 2...

January 30, 2011- Goodbye, Shaina

Today is my Dad's birthday and a year ago, he was here and we were celebrating his big 60th birthday at Taal Volcano. This year, the day is not so joyful as I received a terrible call early this morning. While getting ready for church, one of our church family folk notified me that little Baby Shaina had passed away around 7:45am.

It was so heart breaking as we have prayed over this baby many times. She was born with severe epilepsy and other nearly fatal abnormalities..but time and time again, the Lord has revived her and picked her up with the doctors all said she was going to die. This time, He finally wrapped His hands around her little body and picked her up and gently took her home to be with him. It will be hard especially as we minister to the family this week.. Burial should be in 1 week since funerals last all week here.

On the same note..Ferd's grandpa has miraculously gotten better! He was released from the hospital and was sent home..he's doing great! It's hard to understand God's ways. Why would he allow a 108 year old man to keep on living and take home a little 4 month old baby.. It's hard to understand , but we must trust His will.

Last Day with Shaina..

I have gotten to know baby Shaina quite well over the past 2 months since we have been home. She has been gravely ill and I have gone there and prayed with her parents and prayed over her sick body. Time and time again, we have seen her come back from what seemed to be death. Just when we think she is going to die, the Lord picks her up.

Today was her sister Stephanie's birthday party and we went there to celebrate not only Stephanie's 2 year birthday..but Shaina turned 4 months old today. A big milestone for a little girl who has fought to survive each and every day of her life!

We ate lots of food and tried to be happy...but Shaina didn't look good today. They had just returned from the hospital and she wasn't improving. They had ran out of veins to insert an IV and were forced to cut her just to access blood. She has suffered so much!!!

Today we took pictures, not knowing it would be the last time we'd see her.. )-;

January 29, 2011 Visitation Day

Today I went out visiting with the church folks and some new faces that were at church last week and I wanted to go make them feel welcome in hopes that they will keep coming. I love that the people here in our villages know me and accept me. I don't need Ferd by my side all the time, and can move around freely. Today I was also able to visit with Sister Berna who has been VERY ill..she is on the mend now and hopes to be at church tomorrow. I also had some little kids tag along with me, leading the way.

I feel like the people here can feel my love..I hope they do..because I truly love them. I love the quote that Hudson Taylor said " If I had 1,000 lives, I 'd give them all for China.". I wish the same thing for the Philippines!

Jan. 27, 2011 - Possible buildings

Today Ferd found 2 buildings in Salay, which is on the main highway leading to Lanas. We have been praying for a building to rent so that we can get out of the shelter and have a more independent place of worship. Ferd will meet with the owners and try to negotiate. As of now, both are too expensive for us to afford, since we will have to shoulder the rent while the church is unable to. Looking SOOOO forward to being out of the hot, smelly shelter where the cows are right beside us and we have to step in duck doo doo all over the floor..the ducks, goats, chickens and dogs just walk freely through the shelter..praying for a place that has walls!!!

January 25, 2011- Ferd's Grandpa

Ferd's grandfather is very ill..They had to rush him down from the top of the mountain ( he lives back in the boonies way in the heart of the jungle!) to the hospital there in Dagupan City. He has a severe case of pnuemonia and being that he is 108 years old, it doesn't look good. Ferd went there to be with him...

Ferd's grandfather has lived a long life for the Lord. His testimony touches my heart each time I hear it. Back during WW2, a US soldier was here in the Philippines. He would go out in the local villages and witness to the natives here as best as he could with the language barrier. The Lord used that willing soldier and allowed Ferd's grandpa Marcos to cross paths with him. The soldier used English and broken Tagalog to lead Ferd's grandpa to the Lord, thus changing the destiny of his entire family. He led his whole family to the Lord..and 2 of his children are in full time ministry and many of his grankids are as well...including Ferd. How many souls have been won for the Lord because that one US soldier, probably just a kid..wasn't ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!