M/M Bob Pruitt CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST P.O. Box ^92784- So. River Road IW SO, OAKIIALE 3515 Aparri, CagayanGrants Pass, OR 9752? MEDFORD, OREGON 97501 Philippines

January 1988

Impetus for earnest prayer is provided by KESSA(^S FROM MARY AND BERT beginning this year of 1988."Usually on this night (Itec. 31) the place is busy with activity and noise, and a service at midnight to welcome in the new year. But this year it is very different. Everyone is in bed ( Iassume), noise is minimal, and few people are out and about. On Dec. 26th we had a small battdebetween the am^r and the rebels, just up the road a ways. We spent the morning sitting in theliving room, to be sure no one might be hit by stray bullets. There were about 50 extra people,for lunch, neighbors who had come up to our house for protection. As the bullets flew, helicopters circled, and people ran up the hill, our neighbors were amazed at the calmness and relaxedfeeling here in our home. They said "We are so nervous and you are just sitting and singing."We pray that through this incident we have been able to share the joy and peace we have in theLord, and the assurance of His care. We must be careful, but we do not need to live in fear.There has been very little activity in this area lately, but many of the rebels are about now.So that is idiy this New Year's eve is so quiet. And we will all be feeling more rested in themorning, instead of starting the year tired from being up all ni^t."

"As we step into this new year we want to praise the Lord for each of you who have made it possiblefor us to help these children and share the Lord Jesus Christ with them this past year. Withouteach one of jou this ministry would not be idiat it is. We ask your continued prayers for us aswe begin a new year, that our light might shine brighter than ever."FAMILY NErfS! mms^' -Since the .last newsletter our family has only increased by four, j HE!!..bringing the total number to 8^. Gilbert (our 4th, including Beft) 33 yrs. old, comes from a family of ei^t children. He was 2nd de- ^ "'flgree malnourished but is now fine and healthy. Vincent came at the I i |

P^ISE FOR farthers Lord has been so good to us, through you who support us and have sentextra and special gifts. The Lord knows our needs, and because of your love for the Lord, anddesire to help others, and because you also trust the Lord to meet your needs. He has been ableto use you to meet o^ needs. Not only did we have the extra construction and repair expenses,

had a lot of extra people to feed because of the incident on the 26th (about 15-20 spentthe night also, so we were thankful for the new house). Because of the extra gifts for Christmaswe jrere able to have a wonderful Christmas dinner and share some with a few neighbors ^o had^thing, and are anticipating a special dinner for the new year. We are also thankful for our^lipino friends who have shared with us this Christmas season, and at other times. One family,^0 sells clothes for their bisiness, and have become close friends (and, we pray, someday ourfamily in ^rist), gave us 3 cavans (50 kilo sacksa kilo is 2.2 lbs.) of rice just before

320.00 per cavan, or $^dien it seems they have a lot of money it won't buyeverything they want. Some have already made purchases and they have been amazed that it buysso little. This helps them better understand and appreciate what they have."

Please join us in praising God for His continued care and protection for us here at the Home.It is as if His angels are sitting on our roof and around us, protecting us. We praise "i againfor His provision for our needs, even before we know them, through you wonderful brothers andsisters in Christ."

Please join us in prayer for this nation, for the peace and order situation, for the leaders ofthe country, and for the upcoming election. Pray also for our children idio are new babes inChrist. Pray for our two who will be graduating from high school in March, and their futures.Pray for sponsors for the children and for funds and wisdom in constructing a new building sot.hat xjft uiH. be able to helpEven though Christmas Cay is past and by the time you receive this letter all Christmas decorations will be down and stored away, we would hope and pray that the joy of this season, andthe love shown us by the Lord by sending His Son, will continue to fill you throughout this yearof 1988. We come into this year very uncertain as to trtiat it will bring, but very certain as toWho is in control and will be with us always. "The wonder of Christmas is that the God ;diodwelt among us now can dwell within us." "... And they will call Him Immanuel which means,God with US'." Matt. 1:23. How wonderful to be able to walk in the promise of His presence."

In His love,

Bert and Mary Bireros

Please note change in field address for Mary and Bert, eliminating old zip code 1118 and inserting new code 3515 before Aparri. They love to receive lettersJ

CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST1440 SO. OAKDALE 773-3144MEDFORD, OREGON 97501MISSIONS DEPARTMENT

iQ

Horizons MagazineMissions ServicesBox 2427Knoxville, TN 37901

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Cai>JTRAL CHUtiCK OF CHRIST1440 SO. OAKDAUi

MDFORD, OREGOi^ 97501April 1988

^3 S3M/M Bert BurerosP.O. Box 493515 Aoarri, CagayanPhilippines

irlESSAGES FROK FiARI Ai^D BERT"This letter comes to you with many mixed emotions. The last 3 months have been a time of joy andsadness, trial and trust. Vfe hope and pray there will be no more months like this, but if thereare, we know that we can trust in the Lord for protection, guidance, strength, and love. The Biblepassage that comes to my mind is Psalm 91* '*He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High willrest in the shadow of the Almighty. I iri.ll say of the Lord, *Ke is my refuge and my fortress, myGod in whom I trust*." The idiole chapter is one full of promises of the Lord for those iriio trustand rest in Him. Even though there are hapoenings that we do not understand, we know that we canrest in the promises of the Lord and know His continual care over us. Two of the popular songswith our children right now, especially Jordan, are "All Through the Day, All Through the Night",telling of God's constant watch-care over us, and "X Cast All Cares upon Him". How appropriatethey are at this time."

INCREASE: "We have experienced great growth in the last 3 monthsa total of 10 children havecome. ^ have also had 3 leave. Our total today is 91 (plus our 2). Early in Jan. two familygroups joined us. Randel, 6 mos., Rodalyn, almost 3> Reynaldo, 5 and Rodel, 8, came after theirfather had been killed by the rebels. The mother had to find work and none of the relatives werefinancially able to take on more children. Leami, 4, and Edralyn, 2. also came at the same time.They were abandoned by the father and the mother had to look for work. We are thankful that thesewere all healthy children. They have all fattened up, though.""3h Feb. came Aileen, 9 mos. old and 8 lbs. 3 mos. ago her aunttook her from her mother because she was so thin and sick, but wasalso unable to orovide all the medicines needed, so Aileen never improved. Vfe hospitalized her immediately for a week, and she camehome gaining ground. She is now a nice fat 12 lbs. On the bed beside Aileen at the hospital was a 7 mos. old girl named 3ieryl. Hermother had just died of a cholera type sickness and Sheryl had alsobeen ill with diahrea and vomiting. When she was released the fatherbrought her to us. She weighed about 10 lbs. Sie had a hard timeadjusting from being breast fed to the bottle, but is now doing fineand is a smiley girl. Then came Rafael. He is illegitimate, froma very poor family. The family has accepted him, but the mothermeeded to work, and no one could care for him. He was 14 mos. old,almost 3rd degree raal-nourished. He is a good eater and getting fat.Just today little Joselette joined our family. She is 10 days old,but weighs just barely 4 lbs. The mother died in child birth andthe baby was born at 8 mos. The father and relatives have given hergood care, but again poverty is a problem. She is tiny, but healthy.We praise the Lord for all of you who make it possible for us tohelp these children and give them love and teach them the love ofthe Lord. They are each a joy to us and we praise Him for them.Several of these children have come from Christian homes."

"With mixed emotions we said goodbye to our boy David, Zj yrs. old. Vfe have had him since he was12 days old. Vfe are thankful he was adopted by a family in Iirvine, CA, but we miss him.

TRAGEDY Two Negrito boys, Alfredo, 24(idio was here to go to schoolthere were no schools available to him in his home area) and his brother, Robert, I6, also left us. This was under very unhappy circumstances and one of our most stressful situations in ny 11 yrs. in the Philippines.On the night of March 5 Alfredo went out and did not come back. When we knew of this Sun. morning we notified the police. That night (without our knowledge) Alfredo went to the home of someof our neighbors, ate supper with them and then stayed the night as it was already dark. At1:30 AM he took a bolo (machete) and attacked the family, killing the 5 yr. old boy and putting5 others in the hospital. The mother was serious and had to have a blood transfusion. They spentmany hours at the hospital stitching the many wounds in all of them, and some also had brokenbones. This was so sad for us and such a shock as there had not been any signs of any problem ofthis type from Alfredo for the 9 mos. he had lived here. Vfe are so thankful to the Lord that thisdid not happen in the Home where he could have hurt so many more, but our hearts ached for thefamily. They are a Christian family so have had the Lord to help them in this time and have thehope of seeing their boy again. Unfortunately Alfredo is still at large and we have had to keepour children in because of not knowing if and "when he will return and maybe hurt someone here.This has been a real trial also.Please keep this family and Alfredo in your prayers. Because they are a poor family we have paidall the medical expenses and are still helping them because they are not yet able to work and getfood. Alfredo accepted the Lord and was baptized last Oct. and had been very active in helpingwith Bible studies, etc. Somehow Satan was able to get hold of him. Pray for a repentant heartfor him and for peace and protection for us. This has been an expecially trying time for Bert ashe has had to deal with the people in their suffering and need. Praise the Lord for His strengthand love that has kept us going.Alfredo's father was visiting at the time and so took Robert home with him. Pray that Alfredowill be captured or surrender himself soon."

"Other exciting (7) things that have happened have been the presence of the rebels around us, andtheir activities. One day several Negritos came to the Home. They were dirty and upset. In the

mos.

night the rebels had come to their place and burned their homes (such as they are) and were shooting at the people. One of the ladies said she crawled through the grass and down into the creekto hide. But idiile sitting in the creek she remembered that there were leeches there and beingafraid of them, she climbed out of the water and jwas hiding in the grass, idiere she could hear thebullets going overhead. Ihese peoole have very little and they lost ;diat they had. There hasbeen other fighting around also, but none here near us."DANGERl "On the way home from M^ila recently, while we were in Tuguegaroa, Bert was in the fhil-ippine Air lines office buying tickets for anothejr trip. The boys and I and Faye Burton were inthe car. A man came and stood by the car. This is not real unusual, especially with two Americans in the car. Bht he asked to borrow the newspaper, idiich is unusual. Then he started to asktoo many questions and I had an uncomfortable feeding about him. He then asked for a ride to aplace about an hour away, on our way home. I told him he would have to ask Bert. Later he picked up a piece of copper pipe with some nuts welded on, out of the street. I thought again, he isup to no good. Then a little later I saw him pick up his shirt and inside his belt was a pieceof PVC pipe \d.th a pair of scissors in it. He alpo inserted the copper tube. Then I really knewhe had bad ideas. So I just started praying for the Lord to take care of the situation and toprotect us, as there was absolutely nothing we could do. There was no way to warn Bert, andnothing we could do to protect ourselves. I just kept praying and claiming the promises of Hisangels' care, etc. Li all, the man had been there more than an hour. As he was facing the backof the car a tricy pulled up in front of us and stopped and a soldier climbed out. He came upbehind the man and grabbed his handand he had the scissors in his hand already. The soldierhustled him off to the tricy, took his pipe, etc.!, and off they went. About 3 minutes later Bertcame out of the PAL office, having finished purchasing the tickets. That is one time I wasthankful (in the end) for something taking so long to get done. The Lord know the timing and Hewas the only one who could have caused this man to be taken away, just 3 minutes before he wouldhave asked Bert for a ride. Wb praise the Lord, again, for His care and protection."Jacob celebrated his first birthday. He is about ready to take off running. We praise the Lordfor such sweet, easy to care for, healthy boys.

VISITORS (what a joy!) Cur girl Sherry Ann came to visit us, bringing with her our number threegrandchild, Kristina, 7 mos. old; Walt Prevost and his father GOLen (Walt teaches at Cebu BELbleSeminary) visited us and were enjoyed by all; Anna Fletcher and Debbie ^y, ^o are working in theHome of God's Love in Lo-TIhng,Taiwan. They got in on some exciting events here, but think theyhad a good time anyway. They did a lot of painting in our nursery and we thank them."Faye Bhrton from Hope House in Nampa, Idaho, has joined us for a time. She is open to sta3ring upto two years, if she sees this is xdiat the Lord wmts her to do. The children love her and shekeeps busy loving and holding them. Please pray jTor her as she adjusts to this new culture. "GRADPATIOH "School is closing. This is the year of graduates for us: 2 from high school, 7

--(should be-S with Alfredo )from the A+Vi ft -P-roni Wa are very happy to announcethat Jessie Lorenzo graduated as Valedictorian with 7 medals from our school in Isabela (one ofthree high schools sponsored by the Hiilippine Mission). Ws pray that his success and love forthe Lord will be a guiding influence on the younger boys. Oir girl Msnna has 2nd honors in thefirst grade and we congratulate her also. Vfe hope that in the jRiture we will have many who willhave the initiative to work hard and attain the honors. Ifeny are capable but not: motivated.

Before closing we want to thank each of you again| for your part in the ministry here in the Home.Without your prayers and financial support we would not be able to serve here and would not beable to give love and life to these children. They are normal, having their times of temptation,problems, causing discouragement, etc. Bit they also know the Lord and we ask y>ur prayers thatthey may become great workers for the Lord. Pray| for a hunger in them to know the lord more andto feast on His Wbrd. Pray for us as we teach and lead them, that we will have the patience, love,strength, and wisdom. ELease pray for the political situation in the country, and our safety inthis time of unrest, the adding of space so we c^ help more children, and for sponsors.Wb also want to praise the Lord for how He meets our daily needs through each of you and for Hiscare over us. How wonderfhl to know the Lord who can do all things and \^o will never leave usor forsake us. can trust Him and know of His love even ^dien we cannot understand or see intothe fhture. The future is in His hands and we have His strength to meet each day as it comes.May His name forever be praised." Si His love.

CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST1441 SO. OAKDALE 773-31^MEDFORD, OREGON 97501

Miary and Bert

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3Forwarding A-^nts CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST M/M Bert BirerosM/M Bob Pruitt l-W-O SO. OAKDAIE P.O. Box 492784 3. River Road MEDFORD, OREGON 97501 3515 Aparri, CagayanGrants Pass, OR 97527 ^^7 1988

IMwa again for loving MESSAffiS FROM MARX AND BERT! 'I thank my God every time I remember you. 3hall my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospelfrom the first day until now, being confident of this, that ho idio began a good work in you willcarry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.** (Phil. 153^) Vfe praise and thank theLord for each one of you who make this ministry possible, ftcause of your love and trust in theLord, wo are able to care for these children, and teach them to love and trust the Inrd also. Vfeare also thankfhl for aTi your concern and prayers for our safety and strength. Vfe praise Him thatwe have not had anymore problems like we wrote about last time. Satan has not stopped working, butour Lord is stronger and in His love and strength and wisdom we can overcome Satan and his attemptsto stop the Lord*s work here.These last three months have been busy. In early April we joined about 70 missionaries (includingchildren) for 3 wonderful days of fellowship and sharing together in the love and Vford of the Ix)rd.>fe were home for 1 week and then left for Cebu for 10 days of visiting with Bert's family andfriends. "^It was a ve^ restfUl time, i^ich we swre in need of. It is always a joy to be with theLord's family ^dierover wo are, and to be with our blood family also.Oaring the week that we were home between trips wo were blessed by having Joy Fisher (teacher) andSusan (college student) from D.EJI.F. School (a Christian school for the deaf and blind) fdieroJames and Maureen stu(^. liiey came to teach us signing so we would be able to communicate withJames and Moreen. The children picked it up quickly and some of us others learned some also. Ihope to learn a lot more and really be able to share and communicate.Shmmer vacation was a busy time for the children also. Many of the children went home to visitfamily, some being gone as long as a month. were all happy ^en everyone was back home again.There were three weeks of B3.ble Camp, and we got attendance banners from two. The kids alwaysenjoy camp and look forward to it. Several nei^ibors wnt also; one young lady was baptized.CHURCH gjOWTH Vfe praise the Lord that the congregation meeting here in Jurisdiccion (at the Children's Home) is growing. Besides the girl baptized at camp there have been several others ^o haveaccepted the Lord as their Savior and been buried with Him in baptism and raised a new creationin Christ. Because of the growing church our dining room is getting too small for the services.In May the congregation held ground breaking services for a chapel building. Vfe praise the Lordfor their desire to grow in the Lord and in number. Flease be in prayerfor the needed funds, forthe leaders in the congregation, and decisions to be made. The chapel will be on Home land.

REVOLVING DOORS Througli the summer five children have left us. Richard, a Negrito, had been withus 2_years. He is 12 3rears old and just finished 2nd grade. Because he was doing very poorly inschool and sdso not wanting to follow the rules, and because he had parents to care for him, wesent him home. Carmelo was an abandoned child ^o came 2 years ago. He is from the island ofLeyte, near Cebu. He asked if he could go home because he was homesick. He is staying with people^o are not his real relatives, but with whom he had stayed before. Marma came to us idien she was3 weeks old, and is now Vl. Her mother was not married at the time, but has since married Manna'sfather. They are now able to support her and asked she be returned to them. Needless to say, itwas with aheavy heart that we let her go. Sie is living in Baguio, so can be visited now and then.Angel. 7* has been with us since he was 4 days old. He is a Negrito and the family is now living^ere he can stay with them and go to school. Vfe were thinking to send him home because he washaving a very hard time obeying and we were afraid something mi^t happen to him because of hisstubbomess, so this worked out well. Vfe miss him and his big sparkly eyes. Flease pray that hewill leam to love and serve the Lord. He is vezy young to have such a rebellious attitude. Again,the Lord can be victorious. Salvador came with his brother Johny 5 years ago. Their mother was awidow. She has now married and Salvador wanted to return home. Vfe miss him, but if he wants tobe with his mother that is the place he should be. Of these 5three- live in Christian homes. Fraythat all will remain strong in the Lord and that those 2 non-Christian families will see the li^tof the Lord's love in our children and throu^ them become Christians also.PiveFare gonewo have 5 new babies! Edcel. 2 mos., is an ille.gitimate child. Both parents haveother spouses and other children. He was m^-nourished but is now strong and a good smiler andtalker. Mllagrosa came at 1 week. She is a beautifhl girl, small but strong. Her mother has beenseparated from her husband and they have 7 other children. MLla is the result of rape, and themother just could not care for them all. Mmia. l-J- mos.,is Angel's cousin. The mother almost diedafter giving birth and was too weak to care for the baby,and had no milk to feed her. Hopefullyshe will become strong again soon and can care for her baby. The mother is a strong Christian.Mary Jane's mother had died and the father and grandmother were trying to care for her. But theyare very poor, and at 5 nos. she only weighed 8 lbs. She has quickly recovered and is a beautifulhappy girl. Virgilio. 18 mos., was the last to join us. He is from Banaue (rice terrace countzy).Because he is hydrocephalic he is behind in his motor developnent, and his si^t and hearing areimpaired. But he is healthy and smiley, and everyone enjoys him. He had surgery at 3 nos. and hishead is normal size. He is already iitq}roving as we give him therapy and encouragement. Again wewant to express our thanks to all of you ^o make it possible for us to care for these children.

In May Richard Foster from Japan visited us again. Vfe are thankful for his concern in helping thechildren's families, and for the help sent to us from Japan.IfflVING TIME! On June 4 we moved from our apartment (^ich wili become nursery extension) into thenew house. (On the 6th we got 2 new babies and another on the 7ththe Lord was waiting for us tomove!) It is nice to have much more room.

PARTY TIME! On June 18 ELdon Fbtts and his gang^ 21 in all, came and threw an Incredible partyfor the kids* Because of very generous gifts frc^m his companions and many more people in theStates we had two roasted pigs, fried chicken, cakes, ice cream, and Kool-aid* Then we also hada gift for each child, 25 bicycles and tricycles, funds for a half-court size basketball court,a music machine (two tapes, microphone, etc*, very good qualityvery useful in the Home and forour Sunday services), and other items* All thisj^plus 2 clowns{ Xt was a very astounding day andthe words ^^THANK YOO** are hardly sufficient* It was Christmas in June, and then some* Ourthanks to each idio contributed* Vfe are so thanklhl for special times like this, and for those idiomake everyday life possible* God*s love is always evident in His people*Msl Taylor and Oanny Powell also blessed us with special naisic concerts(keyboard and singing)*SCHOOL BELLS June 20 school started* Vfo have l6 in kindergarten, 20 in elementary, 8 in hi^school, 1 in vocational school, 1 in university, and 1 in Seminary* Jessie, vho earned valedictorian honors, is studying in Silliman'University! (a Christian college), taidng Med* Tech*, hopingsomeday to become a doctor* We pray for ftinds and for the Lord's help in his studies and dailyactivities* He is in Dumaguete City (near Cebu) living with Bert's brother, who is ministering inpioneer work there, so Jessie will bo very involved in the work of the church* Vfe are also veryhappy that the local elementary school has allowed our Dolores (cerebral-palsied girl) to attendclasses, although they have no special Ed* Fayel Burton, who joined us last March, takes her eachday and helps herin school* Pray for both of themit is hard work, and hot* James and Maureenalso returned to school (south of Manila) June l6th* Vfe enjoyed ha'^ng them home for vacation*Both showed a lot of iiiq)rovement and self confidence*SURQBRIBS In May 3 of our children went to Baguip for surgeries funded by Project lake. Our onlyexpense was travel, food, a donation* Rsdentor's surgery was for crossed eyes. Oil and Samuel'sfor cleft palate (2nd for Oil, 3rd for Sam)* They are all fine and looking handsome, life praisethe Lord for providing again for our needs in a very special way by members of His family.U* S. NAVY want to say a special thanks to the U.S. Navy ^o donated 18 sacks of non-fat milk(25 kilos each), some medicines, disinfectant, ancl many other items* Vftiat a help they have been2Especially helpfUl was the disinfectant i&en so many of our babies were sick* And wo are stillusing the milk, mixing it with Ihll cream milk. ;PLEASE PRAY: FOR the political situation of the country* "The angel of thelcrd encamps aroundthose idio fearlEa, and he delivers them." (Ps* 3'l':7) Wb claim this promise and we also praisethe Lord that things have been calm hero. FOR someone to stay in our place when we come to theStates in March next year* will be gone about 6 mos* Someone is considering coming, and weask your prayers in this decision* ^ the renew^ of the visas of Mary, Jordan, and Jacob* Theeprocess is much stricter now and a matter of concern to get the visas renewed*The Lord has blessed us in so many special ways* Your prayers have been a tremendous source ofstrength for us* Wb have received surprises, parties, and special toys for our babies ^enough

-Jsasy-hoxas so each eribLhas- qpaL)^ T-shirts^for^rndfoCTis^The regular and faithfhl support by so many of you is such a blessinghow we pr^se and th^ theLord for each of you* Pray for the children to grow strong and be faithful to the^I/jrd. Pray forus that we may speak, teach, and live the Gospel,our real purpose for being here*

to the salvation of precious souls, for this is

In His love,Mary and Bert

^ -r f -

EMERGENCY BUTT.TgTTW!! J^y 18 Cagayan Valley Children's Home was struck by a severe typhoon*Praise the Lord with us that no one was injured!

They lost half of the top of the main buildingj. Losing the top means major sti^ctural damage,as it is all tied together as if in one piece, according to Naomi Goode, who observed this construction* Estimated damage is $5,000*00, $3,000*00 of idxich wo wore able to instantly supplyfrom savings for fhrlough funds and emergency Ihnds, and some recent generous gifts* , ,

Rain with a typhoon is torrentialeverything is wet* The terror, anxiety,and added burden isgreat. Please pray for health and strength for BSrt and Mary and the staff as they care for andfeed 90 children under extremely difficult conditions*

Bob and Jean Pruitt, Forwarding Agents

CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST1440 3. OAKDALE 773-31^MBDFORD, OREGON 97501

MISSIONS UEPARTMENT

Horizons MagazineMissions ServicesBox 2427Knoxville, TO 37901

Non-Profit OrganizationU^S* Postage Paid

Permit No* 5^1Medford, Oregon

Forwarding AgentsM/M Bob Fniitt278i^ S. River RoadGrants Pass, OR 9752?

CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHfaST1440 SC. OAKDALE

HEDFORD, ORSGON 975OIOct. 1988

M/M Bert Bireros ^^^P.O.' Box 493515 Aparri, CagayanPhilippines

Gratitude is the theme of MESSACSS FROM MARY AND BERT, "As I write this letter my heart isfilled with joy and thanksgiving and praise for the Lord because of all of pu tdio are a part ofthis work and ministry. In Fhil. 4:19 we read 'And my God will meet your needs according tohis glorious riches in Christ Jesus.* Because of you and the working of the Lord this is aletter of thanks for His provision."TYFHGOM UPDATE: "Itost of you have heard that on July 18 we had a terrific typhoon that lifted2/3rds of the roof of the Children's Homo right off, taking much of the ceiling also, and ofcourse causing much water damage. Because of theLord's provision through you. His peoole, we wereable to house the 60 children,who sleep upstairs,inour new residence that is about 5U yards from theHome(surely don't know what we would have done without the house!). We were also able to begin makingrepairs within the week because of emergency andtravel funds in savings in the States that we wereable to borrow. How can we praise the Lord enou^for you wonderful people who have given so generously so that we could completely repair the damage? We received $2, 000.00 from IISIS (International Disaster Pkoergency Services) and sacrificial gifts from many to meet the estimated$5)000.00 needed to complete repairs on themain building and out buildings. How wo praisethe Lord for those who contribute to lEES and foreach of you who contributed for this special need.The 60 children slept in our house for two nights and then the preschoolers were able to returnto the Home, all sleeping in the girl's room \diere they would not get wet if it rained (it rainedevery afternoon for many days after the storm). The 20 school children slept in our house fora month before they wore able to return to their beds and everyone was back in place. We had toeat all meals outside until Aug 22 ^en the dining room again had a ceiling on it (it is underthe boy's room, which had lost it's roof). Picnics are fUn, but three times a day with 87 children, eating outside is not always a picnic! Eight of our c^ldren are in high school and stayin town and they were just fine.We praise the Lord that no one was injured in the storm. The children had just closed the doorto the boy's room to join the girls for breakfast when the roof and ceiling wont off. They werewet (as was everything in the housemade a lot of laundry), but safe, and no one became illbecause of it. One window was broken in the nursery by flying debris, and our tiniest baby wasshowered with glass splinters, but the Lord's protecting hand kept her from getting a scratch."WEDDING PTin-.T.s "Two days before the storm our girl Gloria got married. She is not the first toget married, but the first since Bert and I to get married in the Home. Please pray for them asthey begin their life together."SPECIAL BLESSINGS: Two days after the storm we were blessed with peace of mind as Alfredo, theboy \dio had stayed with us before and had attacked the nei^bors with a bolo, was captured, inthe hills behind the Home. He had been running for about 5 months, and we were always concernedthat he might return and hurt someone here. Please pray for him concerning what caused him toto this thing.""We were also blessed by being able to begin construction on our chapel building, to house thechurch that meets at the Home. So far all funds for construction have come direct from the congregation. At the moment construction has stopped for lack of funds, bit the people are giving.Because this is also a part of the work of the Children's Home, xre hope to be able to help in thecost of the building. Anyone tAio would like to give for this special need (our dining room isnow just too small), please designate it so on your check.""Another blessing was the donation of a chest freezer from Jim and Dcnna Smith, in Cebu. Weshipped the freezer from Cebu to Manila (the freight company gave a special price) and then bytruck from Manila. Unfortunately, the truck was stopped by some armed men while still in the

-Manila area, and completely unloaded and all goods stolen. Bit we praise the lord the truckingcompany had insurance. We are just waiting the payment and we will purchase a new freezer,making it possible for us to save much on marketing by being able to buy fish at a good priceand freeze it, and to freeze meat from our own animals when we butcher.""We have been blessed with visits from wonderful people, workers for the Lord. In August Dickand Kay Davidson, from Efevao, visited us for a week. Not only did we enjoy good fellowship butthey were a great help In work aj?ound hereKay cleaning and organizing the office, Dick inrecommending a drain system for our driveway (which works), and helping with other things around.Vfe hope they will be back to visit us again. It was nice to share with Dave Pitney, an internfrom ii^shington, and with Mary Gilson from Puget Sound Christian College in Washington. Sieshared her music and her love with the kids. She also taught our staff some CFR and we appreciated that help in case of emergency. Our latest visitor, who just left, was an auditor fromManila. She is a wonderful Christian lady and very patient trying to figure out my (Mary's)bookkeeping since 1984. Vfe have had a bookkeeper employed since mid-1985, ^t things were amess before that. She will be returning to complete I986 and '87. Each of these people havebeen a blessing in a special way.

PARTINGS. . . A sad thing for us has been the release of 4 of our children. First was Mvma. whohad only been with us a short time. She is a Negrito, and came because her mother nearly died

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Typhoon Damage to Main Building

How wonderful to be in God's family tw

at her birth, but she recovered and is working with some Vfycliff translators (she is a wonderfulChristian) and so was able to get her baby back, Vfe miss Ifyma but do not worry as her parentsare Christians." Next was Aileen who came at 9 roos. and left at 16^- mos., fat and healthy. Shereturned to her aunt and uncle, who hope to adopt her. Sie lives close by so we will be able tosee her. Ws pray that we will be able to reach her and the family with the Vford of God. Jonalynand Jocelyn had come to us at 2 mos. and left just a few days before their Jrd birthday. Theirparents were now financially stable and able to care for them. They are from a distant mountaintribe so it will not be easy to follow up on them. Vfe really miss these children, but it is nicethey can be with their families. Pray that as they grow they will be taught of the Lord.*WELCOMING In the sadness of those vho left the Lord again gave us joy as new children arrived.Jennepher is 6 years old. Her mother is blind and the father had left them. They are living withvery poor grandoai^nts. She has two younger sisters whom she is concerned about. She is a sweetgirl, smart and industrious. Ruby Maricris, 25 days old, is an abandoned baby and a beauty. Vfeare all enjoying her as she grows and smiles. Manuel. 9 mos. old, is here because of poverty.Vfe have had children from this family before. The father is improving in his responsibility, bathas cataracts, ^rtiich is also a problem. Thank you to each of you "vdio make it possible for us tocare for, love and teach these children."SCHOOL REPORTS;"The children have gotten their report cards. Sadly, many were much lower than weexpected. We pray they will improve in the next grading period. Our boy in college is doing wellbut had trouble with one class. Please pray for all these children todo well in school and to be shining lights for the Lord. Because ofyour generous giving they have a chance at education. Vfe pray they willbe able to educate others in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Now he J||f ^who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and "increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your right- wTeousness." IlCor. 9j10 How we pray that your generosity will cause | j':'Ja harvest of righteousness in and through those children as they reach ' *out to the community and their families. Without you they would have ^no chance."STAFF I would like to introduce one of our staff, Lilia Homando, vhohad been with us since 1979* She is a widow, but has raised 5 childrenin the love and Vford of our Lord. Her youngest is now in college. ^lily started out working in our laundry but is now in charge of theboy's dorm. Illy studied in Aparri ^ble Seminary back in the 50's and is very active in the Sunday School here. Vfe appreciate all the fc; :years of service and Christian witness she has given.""Please pray with us: 1. For this country and for continued protect- Auntie Illyion for us and all the Lord's people. 2. For someone(s) to stay here in our place when we return to the States in March for a short furlough. 3 For the renewal of Mary's and the boy'svisas. Vfe will be going for our hearing soon. For our young people to hunger and thirstafter righteousness.""Please praise the Lord with us; 1. 'Hiat no one was injured in the typhoon. 2. Bbr the Lord'sprovision through you in this time of emergency (we had one large donation for house repairs evenbefore the storm; that is how our Lord worksi). 3* For our generator, vriiich again got plenty ofuse in the month after the storm before powr was restored. For those idio give so that ourdaily needs may be met and those vAio pray for us. 5 For several new sponsors and for thosealready sponsoring. 6. For the Lord's wonderful love and care and for the Saviour of the world.""May each of you be richly blessed as you have blessed us through your love, faith and generosity^

Auntie Lily

In His loveMary and Bert

Joy and excitement filled our hearts at the quick, loving, and generous support that came forrepair of the typhoon damage. Response came from many parts of our country and even from othermissionaries and their national people. Vfe are so grateful to all of youi

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