Chris and Lynne Strange Your missionary connection in the Philippines
Thank you for praying for Elias and asking for an update. Richard and Carmen Gappmayr and their family joined us in Mindanao while we were still in language study. Their ministry here was cut short by the diagnosis of a brain tumor in their second child, Elias.
Many of you wrote asking about the storms and any news of the survivors. We saw for ourselves the damage only hours after it hit a nearby city. Our hearts went out to those walking around covered in mud and in shock and still I am haunted seeing a little child sitting all alone in the mud crying with no one around tending to her.
The Clarke's from New Zealand
Saying, “Goodbye.” Sigh.
We often complain that it seems since we entered the mission field, our most difficult words are “Good-bye!”
Ages 12 - 29!
The youth group from the little mission church we attend in town has a wonderful problem!
It’s too big!
Our dear friends in the village report a poor harvest this year. The heavy rains and earth tremors that ruined our airstrip are a joint threat to their harvest. We barely had a dry season this year which translates into a late start in burning and planting the land and a poor growing season.
Lisa's first Christmas and Christmas Tree
Christmas decorating starts in September here in the Philippines. We eagerly joined in by decorating our house along with our neighbors. When we decided to drag out the decorations from years in a box (we didn’t decorate for Christmas in the village) Liza’s eyes danced! Liza stays with us on the weekends to go to church since she is the only believer in her family. Before we could start, Liza quickly inserted Christmas CD’s into the player and sang at the top of her voice with them all. It’s exciting to observe Lisa as she is learning about her new Savior and his love for her.
Chris Teaching 4th Grade
Once a week Chris is greeted enthusiastically with “Good morning Pastor Chris!” by approximately thirty little 4th graders. It’s a highlight of our week when we volunteer as substitute teachers for a Bible Story and singing at a small school in the area. The children are attentive and eager to hear about the stories God has preserved for us in the Bible. They love hearing about the giants and the mighty things people did when they obeyed God. Singing is loud and joyous and we get to learn new ways to act out the “sweet sweet love of Jesus.” Many of these little ones come from extremely poor homes. The most malnourished receive a special meal after the teaching and treatment for tuberculosis while the others play outside. We understand that for those, it’s their only nutritious meal of the day.
Chris is flying high — in the new helicopter! He was recently traveling through all three regions of NTM ministry when he had the opportunity to cruise the skies above Luzon. (more…)
Inay Tilma's Exam
A recurring theme here in our blog is how man can make their plans, but God directs the steps. A medical missionary team was heading to another country for 14 days and just as they were finalizing their trip, word came that the government would not permit them to enter the country. So what do you do when you have a 30 member team with scheduled time off, packed and ready to go? (more…)
We were sent this wonderful message by Dr. Ed Watke. Our ministry has benefited from many years of prayer that he and his wife, Joyce, sacrificed their time for God’s glory. We are grateful for their friendship and have benefited from their other ministry (Revival in the Home) and teaching over the years. They said they were pleased for us to share this here:
Why and How to Pray for Missionaries
Prepared by Dr. Ed Watke:
First, A Short List:
Pray for the Power of the Holy Spirit upon them, and their ministry. Ask Him to grant zeal, passion and vision in the winning of the lost. Ask Him to impart wisdom in sharing the gospel in difficult language situations.
Pray for God’s Protection over their lives, for health, strength and well-being… in driving, in ministry and daily living. Many live in difficult climates and cultures, danger may abound.