We hope you get some of the testimonies in the mail or social media. So much to share! We are feeling more settled and getting out to explore this breathtaking country! Jean just returned from a trip to a more isolated tribe on Mindoro island (southwest of Manila). Our friend, Betta, started a Christian school for the Mangyan tribe years ago. Previously, the children gave up attending school due to the crazy distances to travel. What a joy to attend the school’s graduation and rejoice with returning students who recently graduated from university and trade schools! The trip’s highlight was preaching the Gospel and praying for several people needing healing in the community. Jean and Pastor Art also encouraged and prayed for the local pastor and leaders- may God’s love and power consume this tribe for His glory! “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb!” Rev 7:9
One month in Manila!
One month already- what?!!! We are still adjusting in many ways, but exhilarated by His presence and learning the new rhythms of our new city/nation. The whole family is doing really well in some areas and struggling in others. We are so grateful for KIDS International Ministry- being surrounded by amazing Filipino missionaries/leaders, eating Filipino food (we have only cooked one meal since arriving) and learning from the best (outreaches and ministries in every direction- this is not an exaggeration- it is a fact- check them out here). We are not surprised yet remain in awe of His lovingkindness and sovereignty. May we continue to keep in step with Him!
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalms 37:23
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Gal 5:25
Answered Prayer!
We bought this Toyota Fortuner from another missionary last week! Huge answer to prayer since it is difficult to find affordable and quality used vehicles! The girls love having more space (7 seater) and we love that it is high off the ground so when flooding occurs, we still have transport! Thank you Jesus!
Housing:
In OCTOBER of last year, I received a message on FB messenger from a missionary family attending the girls school who heard we were looking for housing…Rachel told me about a 4 bedroom house in her community. I thanked her but kinda forgot about the message and never reached out again. Mark (the missionary who sold us the vehicle) knew of this house and arranged the viewing. We still did not connect the dots till Rachel asked if I liked the house (I then saw her previous messages!) At this point, we knew God had prepared this rental house in advance for us and we are very grateful- keep praying with us!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
