Sept 2006
The summer months have been busy and eventful but we can look back with thanks to the Lord for the things that have been accomplished.
In July a thirty strong team of young people came from Alabama to help our church with outreach. They were hard working and dedicated to sharing the gospel with the children and young people in the vicinity of the church. It was a joy to have them, to work and fellowship with them.
The summer months have been busy and eventful but we can look back with thanks to the Lord for the things that have been accomplished.
In July a thirty strong team of young people came from Alabama to help our church with outreach. They were hard working and dedicated to sharing the gospel with the children and young people in the vicinity of the church. It was a joy to have them, to work and fellowship with them.
Our ‘Summit’ team to the Philippines set off at the beginning of August. There had been talk of a local volcano preparing to greet us when we arrived but it ‘held it’s peace’. However we had just got out of the UK when a major security alert was triggered. Again we were thankful we were not caught up in the disruption that followed. By the time we returned it was much easier to move through the airports again.
We had an excellent time in the Philippines. The hard work of the team and of those who had prepared for us there enabled us to see two substantial work projects brought near completion.
Our Work Projects
At the guest house/supply base in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan
Island, we worked on a little building that is used to house tribal people when they come to town for medical help. The building was in need of major repair. After stripping away the old decaying walls we were able to replace them with materials that will be easier to keep clean and hygienic. A little kitchen was added to the rear and the whole place was given a coat of paint. Although some work remained to be done, good progress was made with this project.
From there we travelled by NTM Aviation plane to a remote village in S. Palawan. A house was being built for a young family who are working with the Palawano tribe. The work was heavy, the weather was hot and humid, and our accommodation was basic but we had an excellent time there. As well as completing the walls both inside and out, and putting on the roof, we had continual interaction with the local Palawano people, enjoyed fellowship with the missionaries, met with the tribal church on Sunday morning and did other interesting things like swimming in the river and riding on water buffalo. Our journey to and from the village was itself an experience as we flew in the little mission plane and landed on a grass airstrip cut out of the surrounding jungle. It was a joy to worship with the Palawano believers, a challenge to see those who still need to hear the gospel and to know what it will take to bring them the Word of God in their own language.
At the guest house/supply base in Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan
Island, we worked on a little building that is used to house tribal people when they come to town for medical help. The building was in need of major repair. After stripping away the old decaying walls we were able to replace them with materials that will be easier to keep clean and hygienic. A little kitchen was added to the rear and the whole place was given a coat of paint. Although some work remained to be done, good progress was made with this project.From there we travelled by NTM Aviation plane to a remote village in S. Palawan. A house was being built for a young family who are working with the Palawano tribe. The work was heavy, the weather was hot and humid, and our accommodation was basic but we had an excellent time there. As well as completing the walls both inside and out, and putting on the roof, we had continual interaction with the local Palawano people, enjoyed fellowship with the missionaries, met with the tribal church on Sunday morning and did other interesting things like swimming in the river and riding on water buffalo. Our journey to and from the village was itself an experience as we flew in the little mission plane and landed on a grass airstrip cut out of the surrounding jungle. It was a joy to worship with the Palawano believers, a challenge to see those who still need to hear the gospel and to know what it will take to bring them the Word of God in their own language.
Toward the end of our time on Palawan we spent a day at a beautiful island in Honda Bay. The beauty of the clear blue sea, the white sands and the multi-coloured fish was astounding and reminded us of our loving Creator who gave us these things to enjoy. On our way to that island we stopped at the place where Martin and Gracia Burnham were taken hostage. It was a poignant moment on our day of relaxation as we paused to pray.
Family News
While Norman was out of contact in Palawan, major events were taking place here at home. Judith whose baby was due mid-Oct went into hospital on 15th Aug. Three days later little James Petur was born, he was 4lb 6oz. It was a tense few days but both Judith and James were fine. Needless to say this was a major surprise to Norman when he eventually got the news.
While Norman was out of contact in Palawan, major events were taking place here at home. Judith whose baby was due mid-Oct went into hospital on 15th Aug. Three days later little James Petur was born, he was 4lb 6oz. It was a tense few days but both Judith and James were fine. Needless to say this was a major surprise to Norman when he eventually got the news.
Over the summer we have been phasing in to our new role as Short-Term Missions Coordinators, that transition is now complete and we have full responsibility for the Mission’s ‘Summit’ programmes. Arrangements have now been confirmed for Bobby to leave her job too, she will finish in September. We ask again that you pray with us as we feel the weight of our new responsibilities and as we look to the Lord to provide for our personal and ministry needs.
No comments:
Post a Comment