Grant's

Philippine Update

from New Zealand

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November 20, 2009 -- Auckland, New Zealand

Thank you all again for your support for the work in the Philippines during the past six weeks, particularly in Manila and in Cagayan De Oro at OBC.

Pastor Roy Rocha has expressed his thanks and the thanks of his congregation for the support that you have given in prayer and financially following the flooding in Manila which destroyed some of the members’ homes and damaged those of the other members and also the church building.

As well as continuing with his study Pastor Roy has been visiting his congregation, distributing gifts provided by your generous support. He reports that many are still traumatised and are scared every time it rains. Please continue to pray for these folk as they try to rebuild their homes and their lives.

You will notice from the photos that they are once again using the church building even though the walls have not been repaired.

Pictures [click to enlarge]: Food distribution. Pastor Roy preaching

News from Oro Bible College in Cagayan De Oro is that the “Western Wall” is now complete thanks mostly to the generous contributions from New Zealand. OBC students will paint the wall white as part of their “Work for Food” programme. During the October semester break local tradesmen were employed to construct this wall. It is about 34 meters long and it was decided to make it about 3 meters high to provide greater security for the college campus. Now that the wall has been completed the Kinder playground can be upgraded by repairs and painting.

[click photos to enlarge]

Above: Before the 'Western Wall' looking south ...and north

Above: Starting the 'Western Wall' Below: Completed wall looking south ...and north

Left: Kinder area playground

The fourth year intern students have returned to college and now have to complete their theoretical studies. One requirement that takes a lot of time and causes much stress is the “Research” unit. Pray for the students as they tackle this and their other subjects.

You will recall that some time ago I reported that Pastor Reniel Comajeg had been affected by diesel fumes and heavy rains as he had to travel to and from college. Fortunately he and his wife were given the use of the house formerly occupied by the Vann family. This is for six months which will cease at the end of March. Unfortunately Pastor Reniel has been sick off and on for much of the first semester and was last week admitted to hospital. He was eventually diagnosed as having an upper respiratory tract infection which also caused him loss of hearing in his left ear. He was discharged from hospital on Thursday 12th November with doctor’s orders to rest for four days. He was able to return to college on Wednesday 18th.

[click to enlarge photo] Below: The recent baptism at Binilad

The news from Pastor Jonathan Navacilla, in Banilad, Cebu City, is that three of his congregation followed the Lord in baptism recently. There are already others who are wanting to be baptised but money has to be raised to help the candidates and church members to get to a suitable venue. All baptisms are an occasion for a joint meal and so this is another cost to be borne.

Pastor Jonathan also reports that there have been some alterations to the church building in preparation for air conditioning to be installed. This has included installing a ceiling in part of the church and installing doors and windows in place of an iron grilles.

Rhonda Walsh reports that “Homeschooling with the boys is going well. I'm becoming more familiar with the neighbourhood kids through our Wednesday visits. Baseball is on hold until February or March because it should start raining soon. Jeff will be leading the Spiritual Life Retreat for the college this weekend up in Claveria. It should be a fun/refreshing time in the cooler mountain air. Lord willing we will be able to attend also.”

Indahag Outreach – Mm Fe mendoza reports “ we are now laying down foundation for chapel building, this Saturday November 14, Macajalar Bay District Pastors will help doing the carpentry. I will be sending you some pictures later. We also plan of giving some Christmas presents maybe some groceries to these 16 families who are also in need of food especially that its time of giving out gifts to people who are in need. We have so many children, 30 more or less, adults 18-20, high teens/young people 8. Praise the Lord, the church planting class (OBC) of Jesse Gawangon will be helping with the work this semester.”

OBC will close for the Christmas break on December 18th with a dinner, entertainment and a Christmas message and resume again on January 4th, 2010.

Prayer Points:

Please continue to pray for Pastor Roy Rocha as he encourages his congregation as they come to terms with the recent typhoons and the resultant damage to property and emotions.
Pray for OBC the students as they have just recommenced their studies.
Pray for the students who are involved in Research Assignments as this is one of the most time consuming and hardest subjects.
Pray for Pastor Jonathan as he continues to minister in Banilad, Cebu.
Pray for those who were recently baptised and those who desire to be baptised.
Pray that funding would be available to complete the air-con project at Banilad.
Continue to pray for the work at Indahag and other pioneering ministries.
Pray that Pastor Reniel’s recovery will be full and complete.
Pray for the OBC students as they have their Christmas break, that they will be a witness to family and friends at this time as we remember the birth of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

May the Lord truly bless you all at this Christmas time.

In His Name

Grant

If you, your family, group or church would like to sponsor ministries or projects in the Philippines:

INTERNET/DIRECT BANKING:

Please email for account details

Reference deposits with YOUR NAME and key word PHILIPPINES

POSTAL/CHEQUES/OTHER:

Advent Christian Missions New Zealand

27 Fairview Ave | Opaheke | Papakura 2113

or contact our treasurer: Glenise Burge by email or phone: 09-298 7490

ACMissioNZ passes on 100% of donations given to the causes we promote.

We will send your donation to the Philippines ministries via OBC, AAMP or BPACCI.

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