February 21, 2007
SHARING GOD'S LOVE IN THE PHILIPPINES
Jesus left us with a big task: "Make disciples in all nations and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you." The task is too big for western missionaries alone. It is our joy and privilege to teach and train many others so that together we can bring closure to the Great Commission.
January and February found us teaching and ministering in the Philippines. We have been privileged to teach four courses at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary in Baguio City. Our students come from many countries: India, Myanmar, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Malaysia, Ghana, Indonesia, and others. Several American couples are studying here, preparing for missions as well.
We have spoken in a number of churches in Baguio that are pastored by former students. It is a joy to see the fruit of their labors.
Evelyn spoke for an area-wide ladies' meeting and also in chapel.
Everett preached in Luzon Bible College, about an hour and a half from APTS. The students were so responsive and hungry to see God move in miraculous ways in and through them. He also spoke for an Asia Pacific education consultation on the theme Pentecostal Teaching.
He emphasized what it means to be a true New Testament Church and Bible College. There was great response as teachers from 26 schools from several countries dedicated themselves to be more than academic educators, but to carry the anointing of the Holy Spirit as they move in their classrooms and Bible College campuses.
We were able to go to Cebu City for a weekend, where we started our overseas ministry over 37 years ago. There we got together with 3 ladies who lived with us when we first came to the Philippines. They were then 17, 15, and 10 years old. They helped us with the house and children, and we helped them through school. They were orphans of Christian parents who died when the youngest was 5.
All of them finished Bible college, 2 have Master’s degrees from APTS, and the youngest has completed a Master of Divinity. All are in active, full-time ministry—either pastoring or teaching in Bible college. We ministered in the church pastored by the oldest and her husband. It was a joyful reunion
Prayer Requests:
- Safety & anointing as we fly & drive to Oradea, Romania to teach in Eastern European Bible College during March
- Our 4 teen-age grandchildren as they face decisions that will affect the rest of their lives
- Effectiveness of former students who minister in war-torn countries & areas devastated by natural disasters