More storms...

A  year ago last November, in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, an evil wind came through and damaged/flooded much of the province. Houses, churches, and business were destroyed. People were put in a survival mode in a matter of hours. Pastor Jun, a pastor that I was with this past year, lost his home and his church building. The church began meeting under a large tent and plans were made for a new church facility. (Pastor Jun found housing and has waited for the church to be completed before focusing on a new home.) This last Sunday, the church celebrated the church's first service together in their new worship center.

This past Tuesday, Typhoon Nina, raised her ugly head and paid a "history repeats itself" visit. More trees down, more houses destroyed, and power lines down. For some, they were right back where they were a year ago. The church was made with cement blocks and stood the test of the storm. This area tends to be more susceptible to this evil winds than others. Pray for this people as they rebound once again.

        

   

News on SBC Work in the Philippines

Much information has come to me since my last blog. Here is an excerpt of what I had written: “In my research, I have found that Fundamental Baptists are on “every corner” but Southern Baptists are few and far between. The pastors I was with last April said they did not know of any SBC church nor had they ever met a SB until I came along.”

“Southern Baptists did have a greater presence in the Philippines until the International Mission Board made some necessary budget cuts and the missionaries volunteered for early retirement. The Philippines remains a prime mission field for SBC. I have been in contact with the IMB and they are getting word to a few who still have contacts there to let them know of my willingness to come.”

Briefly, I have had several email exchanges with a Southern Baptist missionary who lives in Manila. Here is a synopsis of her information:

“I am in Manila. My church here in Manila has an outreach in Calapan. Maybe I can connect you with my pastor, Pastor Lino Carononagan. Good Samaritan BC has started a church in Calapan but I do not remember which barangay? Pastor Lino can give more information.”

“There are about 2000+ Southern Baptist churches in the Philippines. Most of the churches are on Mindanao (1500+), Luzon (400+), and in the Visayas (100+). There are not many Southern Baptist churches on Mindoro but Mindoro is a Cooperative Program focus for the Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches. Because of the early retirement, there are only 20 IMB missionaries left in the Philippines. “

I will be trying to get in touch with the church in Calapan and see what opportunities might be there. I have been talking more with the pastor from Naujan about the mission to the to the tribe of the Mangyan people by way of land and rivers to the mountains. Below is a picture of their recent journey. 

Philippines 2017...Inquire-Create-Implement Pt. 1

Time has gone by fast this fall as I have been thinking about Philippines 2017. Yes, I have been doing more than thinking. I have been making inquiries. Are there Southern Baptist Churches in the Philippines where I might serve on the next trip?  Of course, I am not limited to SBC churches. This year, I went to a Fundamental Baptist and a Christian Church. Pastors/wives of all denominations have needs and frustrations and are hungry for instruction and inspiration. Plus, SBC churches are not the only ones taking care of orphans.

In my research, I have found that Fundamental Baptists are on “every corner” but Southern Baptists are few and far between. The pastors I was with last April said they did not know of any SBC church nor had they ever met a SB until I came along. So I have been sending out inquiries to many Fundamental churches in the Philippines to see of their interest in my coming to their church and/or association.

Southern Baptists did have a greater presence in the Philippines until the International Mission Board made some necessary budget cuts and the missionaries volunteered for early retirement. The Philippines remains a prime mission field for SBC. I have been in contact with the IMB and they are getting word to a few who still have contacts there to let them know of my willingness to come.

There is a great possibility that might become a reality. One of the pastors I was with this year was going to take me to/meet with some remote pastors. The busy schedule did not allow for that. He does go to remote areas at least twice a year to offer free medical and dental services, feeding and supply clothing and slippers. Of course, this is not all free. Donations pay for this much-needed project.

I would very much like to go with him and his group over the mountains and rivers to the Mangyan tribe in the same province of Mindoro where I was this year. And because I want to help make sure this vital ministry takes place, if this becomes a reality, I will ask for my financial partners to help fund this whole project with $600. Can you imagine being able to do all of these services for only $600 which is by the way 30,000 pesos, a small fortune to the Filipinos. In America, this would not pay for a few tests for one person.

So, that is where I am right now. I am still depending on my prayer and financial partners to help make these provisions a possibility. I trust that you give generously to your own church and to the mission endeavors there. If you are so led to give to another mission cause consider donating to Mission to International Pastors and Orphans.

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Below are pics from the Mangyan tribe.

                      

Looking back..Looking forward

I find it hard to believe that Christmas is two weeks from Sunday.  Seems like last week we were celebrating Thanksgiving. And 2016…well…the year has gone by quickly. I have to say the most awesome, fulfilling experience for me was the mission trip to the Philippines. The time with the pastors and their wives, visiting the children in Squatter’s village, visiting in the pastor’s homes, visiting in members homes, speaking in two church services, speaking at a graduation ceremony, helping a man with his roof, providing medicine for families, and just making new friends combined for an awesome trip. Many Filipinos friended me before I even got there and many more after I left.

My goal for 2016 was to take two mission trips--to the Philippines and to Haiti. There were not enough funds for Haiti.  I am still hopeful that the two trips will materialize next year.  The missionaries from Haiti (Terry/Carolyn Routon) will be stateside January thru March. While in Haiti, they lead a Ladies Bible study on Monday and I think the church leadership teams meet on Wednesday while the children meet on Thursday. The pastors meet on Friday.

While Terry/Carolyn are stateside, several people will fill in the training spots. They have asked if I would Skype/train the church leadership teams while they are away. This will be a great way for me to stay in touch with the people.  While I was there in 2014-15, I saw how much they desired to learn and to be more effective in their God called positions. I saw human sponges soaking up every little bit of instruction and encouragement.

So, that is a little synopsis of this year and a prayerful desire for the coming year. I trust that your families will have a festive and joyful Christmas and you will be uplifted as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Expressed Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. Family gatherings, a feast for everyone, all day parades and football, family games, lots of laughter, and making new memories. Thanksgiving falls between Halloween and Christmas…a great holiday to kick off the Christmas season. I have always wondered how many people give genuine thanks on the fourth Thursday of November. There are many who will open up the day with a time of family sharing—a time to truly express how God has blessed them. Sadly, there are many families who will only offer up a token prayer to somehow legitimize that they are thankful.

How will you spend your Thanksgiving? Will it just be another day or will you have some heartfelt moments of true thankfulness? I hope you will consider all of the good times you have experienced as moments of blessing to share with others. I hope you will consider the trying times you have experienced as moments of learning to savor for yourself. Paul said that “in ALL things we are to give thanks”…both the good and difficult.

I have much to be grateful for this year. As for this blog and its purpose of missions, I am so thankful beyond measure for the prayer partners that so faithfully pray for the funding, the planning, the times of travel, and the mission to Pastors/wives and the children. I am very thankful for those who have a heart for missions, who share my passion for people in other countries, and who have determined that they want to be a financial partner. Praying and giving are essential to the Mission of Instruction and Encouragement for these special people.

I have now been to Haiti twice and to the Philippines once. I greatly desire to go to both places in 2017. There is a list of opportunities had and needs that were met in another article on this blog. The looks on their faces, the hugs that they give, and the comments that they make are enough to melt one’s heart. But always, it seems that I come away being blessed by them and their gratefulness. I go to give but they give so much more to me. I go to help but they help me in more ways than they know. To all who pray and give I wish you could experience the personal touch of missions to these special people.

So, I ask you now to continue to pray and continue to give as God leads. You are a blessing to me. My words are so inadequate for what has been accomplished because of you. This coming week enjoy God’s bounty, His favor, and His unconditional love.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

More pics--lost houses/churches in mountains of Haiti

     

     

    

    

  

Goat/Pig Project-Short Life But Gave Life

October 7, 2016

This afternoon I was able to Skype with some of the pastors in the mountains of Haiti. There was 13 present. When I asked how many had lost their home or their church every hand went up. After some discussion of loss, I was told that the goats/pigs purchased for the orphanage had not survived. That's okay. God has other plans to provide their daily bread. From my standpoint, there was a short life to the completed project but for about two years life was given to the children of the orphanage.  Below is a short history of the project and pics of goats that that  had matured.

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As for the goats, that is a God thing and a success story. If you remember on my first trip in 2014, there was a need for food at the orphanage. I purchased a goat to ensure food for at least three days. Another supporter was providing on-going monies for food but had discontinued any more help. My little goat wasn’t much but that was much needed at that moment.

In August of 2014, when I left, I had given some money to be used for any orphanage needs. The director decided he wanted to build a herd of goats and sheep. Thus, a new mission project was established. I continued to stay in contact with the Routons and the director of the Orphanage. No more monies were coming in for goats. So in November I sent more money for 4 more goats/sheep. In February 2015, I sent more money.

Several times along the way I had shared with my church what was going on in Haiti and the herd project. I was to make another trip in September 2015 should the funds come in. In the meantime, the children of my church decided they wanted to be part of the project so they started putting back their monthly mission offering for that purpose. Then, as my trip got closer, members came up to me and said they wanted to buy a goat or two. Long story short, I went on the 2015 trip with the goal of completing the herd that the director of the Orphanage had envisioned for their needs. Mission accomplished! The orphans were elated and lavished me with hugs. I told them that this was a joint effort that included children and adults of my church as well as a few Facebook friends. God has planted a major mission seed in many hearts.

I thought some of you would be interested in seeing the goats that were purchased last year and see what they look like today. This is so fulfilling being in something God inspired.