Philippines
Patti was recently able to make a trip back to the Philippines. She was greeted by Annamae, our oldest and first adopted daughter, with news that she passed her SW board exams!!! Now she is a licensed social worker. We are so proud of her. Patti’s heart was also warmed by how well the younger girls that we took in, Naneth, Tonette and Jonesa (whom are siblings), are doing in their new foster family. They are well adjusted, secure, loved and doing great socially, academically, and spiritually. They are very active in church and the two oldest are second highest in their classes. This is a miracle because when we took them in they were illiterate.
While in the Philippines Patti led three bible studies most days and was a part of baptizing three disciples. Bible studies have continued in our absence, but they have become their own which is really a good and God thing. Student sponsorship is doing well and each student is being responsible and growing. The Subangan activity area continues with regular beach clean up. This provides a safe place for the village children to play and hear bible stories. It is our privilege to continue to be involved in the work in the Philippines even while we reside in the US.
United States
This summer we have had the opportunity to host missionaries passing through Oregon. First we got to see dear friends that date back to our early walk with the Lord. They minister in Turkey. We had a special time with them. Then we hosted a Columbian missionary kid that was with us when we were in Trinidad. He is now headed to China as a missionary. We also hosted a previous DTS student from Trinidad that is headed back to South Africa for the third time. Next we had the privilege to host and debrief our friend’s grown child that just returned from doing missions in 11 nations in one year! He is already back out in the field. Finally, the founders of Nehemiah House in the Philippines passed through on their furlough. It has been fun to see the work the Lord is doing through these special people and to experience it in this season of His Grace.
Mark is healing up from his multiple injuries/surgeries and is continuing his therapy regime. He is feeling much better, though he still has some limitat-ions and pain. It is officially one year since our return to the US and his surgeries. He continues to be creative and working on projects, helping neighbors, and volunteering. He has made our place hospitable for hosting people. He is already volunteering this school year with the drama department in Bekah’s high school. He continues to have occasional speaking engagements. We feel like this season is for giving Bekah stability in her high school years.
As soon as Patti returned from the Philippines she got to drive nearly 4,000 miles to Fresno, LA, San Diego, Tucson, El Paso, Phoenix, Palm Desert, Clovis, Red Bluff and back home again. It is a long story. But…by God’s grace many divine appointments happened along the way. Sometimes what we see as an obstacle, having to drive to Texas to register our car and have it inspected, God uses as opportunities for blessing His people and furthering His Kingdom. Thank you for loving us and praying for us through this season.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. ~Rom 8:28
