Prayer Update

Thought this might be a good time for an update. Debbie would write also, but she’s down with an intestinal virus. We thought it might be an amoeba, visited the doctor, had tests which came back negative. The boys had the flu last week, so we’re trying to outlast the various bugs that pester us. So far I am unscathed, although (knock on wood) we know how that can change. The attempted coup last week, and subsequent state of emergency have been interesting. Here in Baguio, 6-8 hours from Manila life goes on pretty much as normal. Coup attempts seem to be a national pastime, maybe 12 in the last 10 years.

We’ve enjoyed a great time of ministry since returning. Debbie counseling class has been wonderful– there are such needs to strengthen families here in Asia. I’ve had lots of opportunities to preach which I enjoy, and we are excited about the 5-6 doctoral students walking the stage in March. We (Deb and I) have established the “International Ministries, ABC, Award” that recognizes the doctoral graduate with the best dissertation. Besides receiving the award is $100 – not bad around here.

Please pray also,

1. For Ben and Chris’s continued adjustment. They are doing well at Brent, but still miss the States, especially the support of a church youth group, and their schools. Although Brent was begun as an American school 98 years ago, it is today more a hybrid of British, Filipino, and American systems. Also presently, Ben and Chris are the only American, although there are some mixed couples – Filipina plus British, Dutch, etc.

2. For good health. It’s hard to keep up the pace when you don’t feel well.

3. Along with this, energy to finish the term. Graduation is next Friday, March 10.

4. For Clinical Pastoral Education this summer. (The Philippines summer is March, April, May). Debbie and a colleague will supervise the largest batch ever, fourteen students, as they minister in local hospitals.

5. For Flint and several writing projects. In particular the Asia Baptist Graduate Theological Seminary trustees have asked him and a colleague to rewrite the outdated Research and Design Manual that is used in the 8 ABGTS branches throughout Asia. Our target is to complete the task by October. This manual is strategic because it guides grad students through their prospectus and dissertation writing projects. These projects are the most important parts of the doctoral program.

6. For continued safety. The Philippines is a great place to live and serve, but still the roads can be harrowing at times, as well as the heightened threat of terrorism.

Many, many thanks for praying.