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!

January 23, 2011 - Soul Winning Group

For almost 2 years I have taught the Singles class at our first church plant. We have worked hard together and turned ourselves into a powerhouse of soul winners. When I first started with this group, they were timid and shy and would always make me do all the talking..those days are long gone! They speak with such zeal and excitment, and are excited to meet new folks who need the Lord. We aggressively hit the streets, market areas and door to door just sharing our personal salvation testimonies and the simple way of salvation. It is like an adrenelin rush for me spiritually. Sadly, most people reject our message, but there are those few who listen attentively, some even invite us back to hear more!!!

Today we hit the main highway there in Salay which is on the outskirts of Lanas where our new church plant is. One highlight was a young mother whose husband is abroad and is extremely lonely...we talked forever and she was so open to us. We plan to go back again, building that close relationship with her..We hope to recruit her to attend in the new church plant.