Land Development Update

It seems like very time we go down to Bicol, there's new developments on the land there. The Tribal Bible College is one hillside, the BOOST (livelihood + church planting training) on the next hillside, and lots of other developments too. I thought you may enjoy seeing a quick video one of our teammates (Andy) made not too long ago that tours the property. Just click this link to watch the video and see all that's happened since we first broke ground in May 2022.

Also, Claire helped put together this powerpoint that walks through the development phases. Global Empowerment is raising funds for this project. Praise the Lord with us for a generous donation that got us started & well on our way, but there is definitely still room for others to partner with us in this as God leads. It is our prayer that this piece of property would become a training & launching site for tribal as they are sent out to reach tribal groups across the Philippines and beyond. Let us know if you have questions. 

Lastly, we have some exciting news. We have received approval to build a house on the land for our teammates! Here's a pic of them standing where the house will be! In addition to a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath for them, it will have a little 1 bedroom for a single as well as a studio for us when we're there - we'll finally be out of tents! Pray with us as many details have to come together so that we can break ground for this project. 

More Visitors

Before I tell you about our next batch of visitors, I came across something you might be interested in. One of our tribal partners has started a FaceBook page with lots of short fun videos & pics of their work with the Manide tribe. Visit the page & "like" in order to see new posts she puts up - I really think you'll enjoy them. 

On the way down to Bicol last time, we stopped through Lipa and enjoyed a Taiwanese dinner cooked by our teammate, Mandy.

Then our next batch of visitors was our teammate, Macey's, parents as well as our supervisors. We had a blast traveling around and seeing what God is doing with the tribal work, as well as a day at the beach - check out that sand castle masterpiece! We also had a couple of days of training with our tribal team.

So thankful for our many wonderful partners!

Vision Team

Last month, we hosted a group of pastors & leaders from our team's key partner churches. The purpose was to see the big picture, all that God is doing with Tribals Reaching Tribals in the Philippines, then discuss together how to most effectively & strategically partner in the future. This will include bringing volunteer teams & other partnership opportunities. We traveled a LOT of miles over some very rough terrain, spent a bunch of days VERY wet in constant rain (and looked like easter M&Ms in our ponchos!), and met a lot of wonderful people. At the end of our time, we gathered for a couple of days of debrief to strategize future plans. It was amazing to see God work through that time, and we can't wait to see how He continues to use these partnerships in the future. I've put some pics below, but if you want to see more, just visit this FaceBook page & ask to join.

Christmas & Kids

Ok, so I know they're not actually "kids" anymore, but since most of you have followed us forever, here's a quick update on them...
Mikayla completed her 2 yr term here in the Philippines and was part of the team that started a new after-care home for girls rescued out of trafficking. She's now back in the States, switching to a different organization in order to expand her role when she comes back to include training for the staff not only in that home but also other homes around the country. She also enjoyed coaching some girls rugby at her alma mater here.

Zach graduated college in May and is working as youth pastor at our home church in Missouri. He is also in the application process to head overseas for a 2 yr term surveying unengaged, unreached people groups.

Ben is still in college in Mississippi and super involved in his church there, besides working at going to classes. He brought a friend home to my parents over Christmas; we haven't been able to meet her in person yet, but are very much looking forward to working with her this summer as she has tickets to come join us for a summer internship on our tribal team.

Super proud of all 3 and loving watching how God is guiding them into next steps.

For Christmas this year, we traveled up to the mountain city of Baguio with some friends, and Mikayla was able to join us. We had a blast in the chilly weather together. Missed the boys but thankful they are where God has them for now.