December 2016 Newsletter

After living three to four months in transition and flying for twenty-three hours, it is a wonderful feeling to finally be home in the Philippines.  Many of you covered our travels in prayer and it has been amazing how God answered those prayers.  We were well taken care of with wheel chair assistance through the airport mazes. First Officer Don of Delta provided Shan with Delta Wings and a copy of the flight plan. Shan made friends where ever we went. And Sir Tata and Mam Jenny welcomed us to the Philippines at 12:00 midnight.

It has been a joy to see so many old friends and meet new ones, and see the progress at APNTS. We have been gone from the campus for eight years. The Neilson Center for Education and Evangelism is mostly complete now, with a new library and the Cobb Worship Center. The area around the seminary has changed with two McDonalds, KFC, a hospital, and shopping mall within walking distance or short drive.

Many have asked where we are living.  We have a lovely home owned by Nazarene missions in a subdivision called Brookside.  We have been enjoying getting to know our neighborhood market, small mall, and various shops.  If isn’t too bad, we are located about 20 minutes (2 miles) from the Philippine Micronesia Field Office at APNTS.

Shan did not waste any time getting in touch with one of her former Faith Academy teachers, Mr. McDougal, in regard to volunteering at a children’s home he is presently in charge of.  Shan’s ministry assignment is to spend time with a young lady with disabilities who is close to her age, as well as, help with the toddlers.   She enjoyed her first visit and looks forward to many more visits.

The team met at Mount Purro Nature Reserve for three days of prayer, strategy, reporting, and some fun. This was a good time for us to get to know those who serve in Jesus Film, Compassionate Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Anti-Human Trafficking, Filipino Overseas Workers, Church Planting, and Education. This is a great resource team for the growing churches in the Philippines.

David is learning more about the educational needs on the field. He has been meeting with different people and asking many questions. Many great things are happening in education but there are also significant needs. He has already taken a trip to Philippine Nazarene College in Baguio. He will be joining our Field Strategy Coordinator, Stephen Gualberto, for at least ten district assemblies later this month and into January. He is strategizing with various entities about developing training for ministry in the Philippines and Micronesia.

Joel has just about finished his first semester at Northwest Nazarene University. He is majoring in Biology, Pre-medical. He will be joining us for Christmas later this week thanks to the generosity of Nazarene Global Missions.

Our family was featured last week in the Regional and Global Nazarene News. You can read about it by clicking on this link: New Ministry.

We were searching for a new vehicle for several weeks. Each one we found was either old or had some issue with it. We praise God that this week we found a 2006 Suzuki APV with low mileage and in good condition. It was at the low end of the budget we set for under $6000. Thank you to all who gave towards our ministry. This van holds up to 8 people and is easy to maneuver in Manila traffic.

Prayer Needs

• Joel coming for Christmas December 16
• Acclimating to the culture, climate, and traffic
• Obtaining our visa and getting our shipment (hopefully by the end of January)
• Pray for Dave as he travels to District Assemblies, beginning December 29.

Maligayang Pasko
Merry Christmas
From our family to You