Ministry Directions

April 7, 2008

How have these days been finding you? The summer heat must be draining at the same time giving you a lot to look forward to (ie. trip to the beach with the family or friends). We hope that you are also feeling the warmth of God’s love and faithfulness.

We would like to share with you how God has been at work in our lives these past months. We also wish to thank you for your commitment to pray and walk with us through life’s ups and downs.

For five months, we prayed about God’s leading for us as a couple and as a family. When we left Davao in December of 2007, we had the desire to return and take the community-based drug rehab to the next level. However, as events unfolded here in Manila, we felt that God seemed to be leading us to a different direction. We sought Him and His will. He carefully revealed Himself and His plan.

Open Doors. God literally opened a door for us through the ministry of Open Doors (OD). We have always considered OD our family because Grace served with them as a writer/researcher for three years before we moved to Davao. We didn’t expect that God would bring us back to this ministry/family on a formal capacity, this time with Mang coming on board as staff. He started to serve as technical assistant to the regional director of Open Doors Southeast Asia (based in Manila) on April 1^st. Pray for him as he adjusts to his new responsibilities.

Papa. It’s been almost a month since Grace’s father was released from the hospital. His check ups and laboratory tests were encouraging. The infection is officially gone. However, he still has an inflammation in the hip area and he is still suffering from excruciating pain. Upon consultation with his neurosurgeon, he was diagnosed to have 30 to 40 degrees scoliosis. It became very noticeable now with his upper torso bent towards the right side. The doctor said that this illness had been there for decades but only became evident now because of age. He’s just begun therapy and rehabilitation. It’s painful but as they say, “No pain, no gain.” He is also wearing a neck brace to keep him from any further injuries in the C6 area where the slipped disc is also located. We will appreciate your prayers for him. Pray that this change of lifestyle will not dampen his spirit. Pray that he would open his spiritual eyes that he might see what God’s plan for him is at this stage in his life. Pray for Grace’s mom who cares for her dad while continuing her translation work and doctoral studies, too. Pray for joy amidst trying times.

Nest. This is the name of the school where Lian Ed would be attending beginning June. We were blessed to have found this school which is walking distance from our apartment and Mang’s office. (We moved a week ago to an affordable apartment along V. Luna Road in Quezon City.) It is possible for Lian Ed to be granted sponsorship because he is a missionary kid. We praise God for this blessing because this school has a progressive curriculum which we feel is the kind that would greatly meet our son’s needs. Please pray for Lian Ed’s adjustment to the new learning environment. By the way, Lian Ed turned four on April 5. He had his first lesson on the importance of saving money when he opened his piggy bank on his birthday. He and his Dada counted his savings and found out that it was enough to buy the twist car that he has always wanted. It was a good lesson on waiting and saving up in order to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Six Months. Yes, Josephine Himig is six months old! She now rolls over and sits. She is nine kilos and her pediatrician said she looks like a one year old! She started to eat Grahams Crackers and carrots. Himig is such a joy to us and we thank God for her.

You Matter! You matter to us. We praise the Lord each time we remember you. We know that many times, it is your prayers and support that sustained us. We were able to rejoice during the trying days because we had friends like you who came alongside us. Thank you very much! Please let us know how we can also pray for and with you. And we promise to pray!

Thank you very much for your love for our family.

Mang, Grace, Lian Ed & Himig