December 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
“Maligayang Pasko” (“Merry Christmas”) is the greeting we hear this time of year. Filipinos actually begin celebrating Christmas in the “Bear” months (as they call them—Septem-BEAR, Octo-BEAR, etc.). Wreaths and Christmas trees adorn windows and doors. Shoppers search for the perfect present while speakers blare out “White Christmas.” Most Filipinos have never seen a white Christmas, though, much less a real live snow storm. I was trying to describe a snow storm to my student today, but he just couldn’t imagine cold white precipitation coming down from the sky.
Since I returned to Manila this past June, I have been praying for God’s direction for my future ministry. The Bachoriks asked me to consider serving as a full-time missionary. I love the ministry here and have enjoyed working with my students. The Lord has also given me opportunities to witness, and I am looking forward to having more chances to spread the Gospel. Since our school year ends early, I will fly back to the States on Tuesday, April 8. The Candidate Committee of Gospel Fellowship Association will meet with me soon after my return to the States. Please pray for wisdom for these men and for me as we seek the Lord’s will concerning my future ministry here in Manila, Philippines.
The apartment across from us has been empty for a couple months. I woke up the other night at 2 AM to the Korean language as it filtered through their windows into mine. The Lord gave me an opportunity to meet my new neighbors one day this past week. The husband speaks no English, and his wife, Catherina Bona, spoke very muddled English. I was sad that I did not even have a Korean tract to give them. Catherina told me that she was born Catholic but is now interested in Buddhism. I told her I was a Christian, a Baptist, and that she was welcome to visit our church sometime. I began searching for a Korean tract to give her. The Lord answered my prayer three days later when Laura Berrey called, asking if our apartment was available for viewing. She had a visitor who was from Korea and was looking for housing for his two daughters (who hope to study at BJMBC next school year). I was excited to learn that he was a Christian and that he would be able to speak with my neighbors in their native language. He did speak with them, and also gave them a tract. Please do pray that the Lord will give more opportunities to reach my new neighbors and others with the Gospel.
Prayers and Praises:
1. Tess Brosoto: She is one of our two secretaries for BJMBC. She is in need of hip and knee replacement surgery. Please pray for the Lord to provide the funds that are needed to make this miracle possible.
2. Opportunities to witness, spiritual growth, wisdom in teaching, good health
3. Salvation: Leah, Sarah, Marilou, Christina, Mrs. Loyola, Catherina Bona and her husband
4. Spiritual growth/Church attendance: Angelita Hipolito, Marilyn Dayao
5. Wisdom as I continue writing hymn arrangements for piano students. The staff at New Song Ministries (the Bachorik’s music publishing ministry) are already working on the first publication of these books.
Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and support. May God bless you as you serve Him.