November 2008
Dear Family and Friends:
“Blessed be the LORD, Who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation,” Psalm 68:19. The Lord granted safety as I drove 1,489 miles across central, northern, and eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland this month. I have also grown to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation even more as I drove through many mountains and viewed the fall colors painted on the trees.
I visited nine churches this month, sharing my Melodies of Joy concert in five of these churches. I have also had opportunities to teach in children’s Sunday School classes and in elementary chapel at a Christian school. It has been a blessing to meet some Filipino families and be able to practice my Tagalog as I speak with them.
The Lord provides encouragement through various means. At one church, I was having trouble connecting my computer to a projector to show my DVD presentation. I heard a voice over my shoulder saying, “My name is Martin Valcarcel, GFA missionary to Spain. May I help?” Pastor Valcarcel and his wife were traveling through and had stopped at this church to give a quick update on their ministry. I enjoyed meeting them and hearing how the Lord is working in their ministries in Spain.
BJMBC will begin their second semester classes on Tuesday, November 4. My co-workers, the Bachoriks and the Uhlers, have been very busy teaching at music conferences these past couple weeks. I am looking forward to taking part in these conferences when I return to the mission field. We travel away from Manila during breaks to offer training in biblical music philosophy and practical music skills to those who otherwise may not have opportunities to learn.
Please pray for the following requests:
1. Mrs. Ruth Bachorik: she has a herniated disc in her back. Please pray for wisdom for the Bachorik family regarding her treatment.
2. Safety as I drive long distances alone.
3. Wisdom as I contact new churches for meetings. Please pray that the Lord will lead me to the ministries that He wants me to go to.
4. Financial support. My support level is currently at 31%.
5. Opportunities to witness
6. Salvation: Leah, Sarah, Marilou, Christina, Mrs. Loyola, Catherina Bona, Marilyn
7. Spiritual growth/Church attendance: Angelita Hipolito, Marilyn Dayao
8. Vanessa and Ruth: adjustment to the mission field. They are teaching in my place while I travel in the States.
My deputation schedule for Nov.-Jan. is as follows:
Nov. 1-5 Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg, PA missions conference
Nov. 9 Good News Baptist Church, Northfield Falls, VT
Nov. 12 Faith Baptist Church, Palmer, MA
Nov. 16 Tabernacle Baptist Church, Peabody, MA
Nov. 19 Salem Bible Church, Salem, NH
Nov. 23 Hudson View Baptist Church, Yonkers, NY
Jan. 4 Grace Bible Church, New Freedom, PA
Jan. 7 Valley View Bible Church, Telford, PA
Jan. 9-16 Bedford, VA
Jan. 18 Westgate Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC
Jan. 28 Good News Baptist Church, Candler, NC
Thank you so much for your prayers and support for my ministry.