Random Happenings

Last month, we made a trip to the city of Baguio in the Philippines. One of Jen's Tagalog students will be moving there next month, and we were helping them scout things out and get plugged in to their globalization ministry there (see next post if you don't know what globalization is). I can't post pics with them because of security concerns for places they travel, so you'll just have to make do with this one of Steve & me at sunset. Beautiful city in the mountains. And chilly enough to need a jacket, even in hot season!

Both Steve & I had our birthdays in the last little bit, and we enjoyed a nice meal out with good friends to celebrate. Steve also threw a big party for me with our coworkers, and we had another smaller gathering for Steve's, but this was the only pic we got. :)

So Mt. Mayon, the volcano down by our tribal areas in Bicol, has been getting some attention. Isn't it amazing? It does this often enough (every couple years) that they don't expect any casualties or property damage, since no one lives very close, and the ones in the 6-km "danger zone" have been evacuated. It is likely to last several weeks. Pray with us that it stays controlled like this.

Taiwan

 Steve & I recently traveled to Taiwan for meetings with our globalization team. Globalization is the hat we wear as we help our churches in the Philippines (and other countries) to be able to send out some of their very own to reach the nations. They join teams with our colleagues in other countries to fit into a strategic role to shine His light in the darkness. This globalization team has been functioning for several years, but this was the first time that we've all been able to be in the same room. It was a very productive time, and we are thankful to be a part of what God is doing in this ministry. 

I can't post pics of the meetings because of security issues for the ones who attended. But here are some fun pics from our "team bonding" day. This rock formation is called "Queen's Head".

Thanks for continuing to partner with us in prayer, both with Tribals Reaching Tribals, as well as how we are empowering the nations to GO to the nations.

1 year anniversary

Last month, Steve traveled down to Bicol to celebrate the one year anniversary of when we broke ground for the Tribal Bible College. Crazy to think all that has happened this past year! Thankful.

The speaker for the anniversary celebration is an old friend of Jen's family. They traveled down with Steve from Manila, and it was good to see how God used them there. Their primary ministry is helping different language groups write worship songs in their heart language and preserving their cultural music styles. It was good to see them connecting with the tribals, and we're hopeful that God can continue to use them in Bicol. 

Things are going well with the "BOOST" project as well (the livelihood skills training combined with church planting training). And they even have a sign on the property now!

Pray with us for God to bring the right students to study at both facilities for the next semesters, hopefully starting next month.

Our "Kids"

People ask us all the time how our kids are doing, even though we all know they're not kids anymore. We are so proud of the young adults they have become and the ways that they are chasing hard after Him and being used by Him in mighty ways. 

Please continue to pray with us for Mikayla as she serves in a home for girls rescued out of trafficking. As is to be expected (though it doesn't make it any easier!), this ministry is a real challenge. On mothers day, I was blessed when I stopped by the home, the girls had made a big display and paper flowers for me. It has been good to be able to be involved in small ways and show love to these girls who have been through so much.

Meanwhile, Zach was commissioned by our home church as he went out for the summer to serve in Fiji. He is leading a team there, and we appreciate your prayers for wisdom for him as he's navigating many challenges and trying to figure out how best his team can fit in to the work there. 

He celebrated his 21st bday at the leader's orientation for the summer trip. Proud of this guy!

Only pics I've gotten so far from him have been while they were traveling, but I'll take what I can get. :)

Also praying for Ben as he serves at a summer camp in South Carolina. He'd appreciate prayers that he would walk closely with God and be used by Him this summer as well.