On a recent Sunday morning I preached from Matthew16:24 about being a true disciple of Christ to a beautifulchurch building full of people. After the service we en-joyed a delicious lunch with the pastor and his familyand other guests. Mary Ann and I were dressed in ourFilipino-style Sunday best. A few hours later, after wechanged into short pants, t-shirts and sandals, wehelped ACTION’s Brand New Day ministry and Gatesof Praise Church distribute school supplies to kidswhose families were almost totally washed-out by hor-rific flooding in September. The kids, grades K-6, alsoreceived a ziplock bag full of hygiene items, had plentyof time to play, sang happily, heard a simple messageabout Jesus and enjoyed a snack. Earlier in the week wedistributed needed kitchen supplies and rice to theirfamilies, of which, several attend GoP’s worship servicesand others who are their neighbors. These families arehidden living along a smelly, trashy river located off-the-beaten-path but they are not hidden from God andus. During my message that morning I fulfilled a vow Imade in 1986-’87 while in language school. I declaredloudly and strongly in Tagalog that “street kids are nottrash (yagit)! They are made in the image of God andare valuable to Him and ought to be to all of us.” Jesusloves all children and welcomes them into His midst.Let’s not overlook those whom He loves (Matthew19:13-15).

Augustine said this about God’s love “What does itlook like? It has hands to help others. It has the feet tohasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see miseryand want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows ofmen. That is what love looks like.” When I read myBible I understand that being a Christ follower andhelping the poor go hand-in-hand. Proverbs 19:17 says“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will repay him for his deed.” The Lord Jesus re-gards our generosity to the needy as a gift to Him

(Matthew 25:40). Additionally Proverbs 14:21b states,“blessed (happy) is he who is generous to the poor (af-flicted).” According to Proverbs ways we can showkindness to the needy are by sharing food (22:9), lend-ing money (28:8) and defending their rights (31:9).

To be clear we are saved by turning from our sin andtrusting the Savior. We are not saved by doing gooddeeds, but true faith in Christ results in good works.(Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:16-18). Agodly life gives convincing testimony of the savingpower of God. People are watching us so let’s let ourlight shine in such a way that they see Jesus in us andpraise our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

Following Paul’s Example by remembering the poorThe Apostle Paul followed Christ’s example and we areto follow his (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul traveled exten-sively, making disciples and planting churches whereever we went. When he wasn’t with them, he carriedresponsibility for them as a father does for his children.He wrote thirteen books of the New Testament andpossibly Hebrews so much of it is his writing by theinspiration of the Holy Spirit. He cared not only forthe spiritual needs of people but also for their physicalneeds. He took a collection among the Gentilechurches in Antioch, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea andCorinth for the brethren in Jerusalem to relieve theirsuffering due to famine. Paul was a fundraiser and thiswas a cross cultural compassionate response to disaster(Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; Galatians 2:10).

The funds for providing the required school items sothe kids could return to class and the needed kitchenitems and rice for the families were given by brothers andsisters in Christ in the US and UK, some by children.This is a beautiful expression of God’s people caring forthose whom most likely they won’t meet till heaven.

The Pulpit and the Poor

Action International Ministries www.actioninternational.org/anderson

Email: jeff.anderson@actionintl.org or maryann.anderson@actionintl.org. Voicemail: 1.651.472.9234. WhatsApp number: +63916.790.5324. All donations are tax-deductible and are accepted with the understanding that Action International Ministries has complete control and administration of their use. Gifts may be sent toone of the addresses below or be given online at the above website designated for Anderson Support (40012A) or Anderson Travel Funds (40012F ).

ACTION Philippines • PO Box 110, Greenhills Post Office,1502 Metro Manila ACTION USA • PO Box 398 Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-0398 • Tel. 425.775.4800ACTION Canada • 3015 A 21st Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7T1 • Tel. 403.204.1421ACTION UK • PO Box 144, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 5WE • Tel. 0151.630.2451 • Reg. Charity: 1058661

“Yes, LORD!”News from

Jeff and Mary AnnAnderson,

missionariesin Manila,

Philippinesfor 32 yearswith Action

InternationalMinistries

4th Qtr. 2017Volume 34

All Biblepassages arefrom English

StandardVersion (ESV) unless other-

wise noted.

Ethan Anderson (3)Constance Scott (5)

Felicity Scott (2) Lydia Anderson (1.5)Micah, Danny, Constance and Felicity Scott

Ethan, Amos, Laura and Lydia AndersonJeff & Mary Ann Anderson“Yes, LORD!”

The same is true for “Ika’s Kids” in another countryin our region of whom we’ve written about. The neededfunds are almost complete so Ika’s home can be re-paired soon. These are beautiful examples of Godworking in and through His people showing His lovefor people living in distant lands.

Mile markersDecember 5 marked our 32 years of service in thePhilippines with ACTION. Mary Ann and I rememberwell the night we arrived with four year-old Amos andone and a half year-old Micah Ann. We signed up forfour years, which at the time, we thought was an eter-nity but, by God’s grace, we unpacked our bags, hun-kered-in and have not looked back. December 21marked 38 years of marriage for us. We’re grateful toGod for each other and our walk together in Christ.These are mile markers indicating how far we’ve trav-eled on our earthly sojourn. Our bodies have a lot ofmileage on them and are showing some wear and tearbut we’re not done yet. The Lord will decide when thatis but until then we will keep pressing on toward ourdestination. Thank you for your love for us and our fam-ily over the years and for, Lord willing, years to come.

October and November travelsWe were in Minnesota October 20-31 where we minis-tered in three churches’ missions conferences. Thesewere fruitful days of ministry. We also had a few visitswith Mary Ann’s parents John and Mary Hartzellwhich are always a delight. The trip was complicated bymy needing a molar extracted. Before we left forMinneapolis I had a terrible toothache. After an emer-gency appointment with our dentist there, followed byanother the next day with an endodontist, an oral sur-geon extracted the tooth a few hours later. I needed tocancel speaking assignments for a couple days due toswelling but the bleeding and pain was minimal. Now Ihave no molars on the bottom right-side so I’m lookingat getting implants again. I am grateful for good dental

care but eating now is a challenge. Pray for me regard-ing how to go about getting implants and funds needed.

After arriving back at 2nd Mile the evening ofNovember 1 we unpacked, rested and served whilepreparing for our return to the other country in our re-gion on November 10. We spent several days workingwith our colleagues there setting up our agenda. Whiletraveling we became aware of a need which completelychanged most of our agenda. We believe it was theLord who directed our steps and we left as scheduledon the 19th. Proverbs 16:9 was our watchword whilethere and still is. It says “The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps.” I gave devotions duringa men’s meeting one night and said, “years ago I heard‘Blessed are the flexible, for they will not break.’ AndI’m still learning this—often daily.” Mary Ann was abig help to one of our coworkers in reorganizing her fi-nancial bookkeeping and she visited the schools whereanother teaches both expatriate and national students.She was grateful for Mary Ann setting aside a day forher. Our trip was not what we planned but it was clearGod guided each day. We know we were in the rightplace, with the right people at the right time.

All4Christ and Filipino-American Christian ChurchFrom January 13-23, four men from Fargo, NorthDakota, of which two are pastors, will join ourAll4Christ team for ministry in Oriental Mindoro andMarinduque provinces and Manila. They’ll help usminster to pastors and participate in ministries amongstreet kids and poor families. From January 26 to earlyFebruary (the final date is to be determined) a teamfrom the Filipino-American Christian Church inMounds View, Minnesota will serve with Brand NewDay, Working Hands, Honest Hands, Gates of Praiseand Balubad Christian Fellowship. They’ll do a varietyof ministry with children and students as well as preachand teach in the churches. Pray for us that our ministrytogether will be fruitful and for the preparation ofevery one joining us. Pray too that we are good hosts.

The Reason of the SeasonThe Christmas season started here September 1, thebeginning of the “ber” months, and it is picking up en-ergy as we get closer to Christmas day. Malls arejammed with shoppers, restaurants and grocery storesare featuring traditional Christmas food, beautiful dec-orations are all around and Christmas songs are heardin stores and on the streets. This is definitely the mostexciting and busy time of the year. However for thepoor, Christmas is usually just another work day, butwith longing in their hearts for something special.Sometimes something as simple as being noticed andtreated as a fellow human being. Since we arrived inManila in 1985 Mary Ann and I have participated inACTION’s evangelistic Christmas party ministry forstreet kids, prisoners, prostitutes, rural and urban poorfamilies and victims of natural disasters. The parties donot get old and stale. They are always new and fresh be-cause they’re filled with joyful singing, fun games,laughter, good food, friendship, gifts and a clear Gospelmessage. The parties are not stand alone events but areheld in partnership with churches and ministries sothose who trust Christ as Savior can have ongoing fel-lowship and Bible study. Others who want to be visited,will be and new outreaches are started. Sometimeschurches are planted. The cost per person to attend aparty is $5.00 so if the Lord leads you to send people toa party, you can send your gift to the nearest ACTIONoffice to you.

At 2nd Mile Working Hands, Honest Hands, MaryAnn and I will have an evangelistic party for 50 menfrom our community called Balubad. It will beDecember 7 (before you receive this letter). HistoricallyBalubad has resisted the Gospel but by continuedprayer and ministry, people are opening up to the Word

of God. Many young people have trusted Christ andare following Him. Pray that many men will turn fromtheir sin and trust Christ.

Girls’ Club Christmas PartyOn December 1 the women who live at 2nd Mile, in-cluding Mary Ann, and a neighbor held a Christmasparty for over 50 grandmothers, mothers, youngwomen and children who participated in Girls’ Clubthroughout the year. Several women recited memoryverses they worked on during the year. The theme was“No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace.” Manyof these women and girls are a witness for Christ totheir families, classmates, friends and neighbors. Prayfor Balubad’s transformation.

Our kids and their familiesIt has been a long time since we have included picturesof our kids and grandkids, so we added them to the lastpage. We are grateful for how God is working in thelives of our kids and their spouses and how they areraising their children to love the Lord and have a heartfor people around the world.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2018Mary Ann and I wish you and your loved ones a merryChristmas and a blessed 2018. We are happy to be yourrepresentatives in the Philippines and wherever theLord sends us. We serve Him together. 3 John 2 ex-presses our heartfelt prayer for you “Beloved, I pray thatall may go well with you and that you may be in goodhealth, as it goes well with your soul.” Your faithful pray-ing and generous giving is making a difference in thelives of many precious people, including us. Thank youfor giving to the Lord’s work in and through us.

Mile markers40 years of full-

time ministry,38 years of

marriage,32 years of

service in thePhilippines.

To God be the Glory!

Thank you forpraying for ourfamily throughthe years andfor yourcontinuedsupport. Welove you!

Melita Root on the left is acknowledging the women who taught and assisted at the Girls’ Club throughout the year. They are Sarah Seiling, Tess de Jesus, Beth Estabillo, AidaMatienzo and Siome Valenzuela. Mary Ann (who took the photo) also assisted during the year when she was not traveling and helped with decorations for the party.

The same is true for “Ika’s Kids” in another countryin our region of whom we’ve written about. The neededfunds are almost complete so Ika’s home can be re-paired soon. These are beautiful examples of Godworking in and through His people showing His lovefor people living in distant lands.

Mile markersDecember 5 marked our 32 years of service in thePhilippines with ACTION. Mary Ann and I rememberwell the night we arrived with four year-old Amos andone and a half year-old Micah Ann. We signed up forfour years, which at the time, we thought was an eter-nity but, by God’s grace, we unpacked our bags, hun-kered-in and have not looked back. December 21marked 38 years of marriage for us. We’re grateful toGod for each other and our walk together in Christ.These are mile markers indicating how far we’ve trav-eled on our earthly sojourn. Our bodies have a lot ofmileage on them and are showing some wear and tearbut we’re not done yet. The Lord will decide when thatis but until then we will keep pressing on toward ourdestination. Thank you for your love for us and our fam-ily over the years and for, Lord willing, years to come.

October and November travelsWe were in Minnesota October 20-31 where we minis-tered in three churches’ missions conferences. Thesewere fruitful days of ministry. We also had a few visitswith Mary Ann’s parents John and Mary Hartzellwhich are always a delight. The trip was complicated bymy needing a molar extracted. Before we left forMinneapolis I had a terrible toothache. After an emer-gency appointment with our dentist there, followed byanother the next day with an endodontist, an oral sur-geon extracted the tooth a few hours later. I needed tocancel speaking assignments for a couple days due toswelling but the bleeding and pain was minimal. Now Ihave no molars on the bottom right-side so I’m lookingat getting implants again. I am grateful for good dental

care but eating now is a challenge. Pray for me regard-ing how to go about getting implants and funds needed.

After arriving back at 2nd Mile the evening ofNovember 1 we unpacked, rested and served whilepreparing for our return to the other country in our re-gion on November 10. We spent several days workingwith our colleagues there setting up our agenda. Whiletraveling we became aware of a need which completelychanged most of our agenda. We believe it was theLord who directed our steps and we left as scheduledon the 19th. Proverbs 16:9 was our watchword whilethere and still is. It says “The heart of man plans his way,but the Lord establishes his steps.” I gave devotions duringa men’s meeting one night and said, “years ago I heard‘Blessed are the flexible, for they will not break.’ AndI’m still learning this—often daily.” Mary Ann was abig help to one of our coworkers in reorganizing her fi-nancial bookkeeping and she visited the schools whereanother teaches both expatriate and national students.She was grateful for Mary Ann setting aside a day forher. Our trip was not what we planned but it was clearGod guided each day. We know we were in the rightplace, with the right people at the right time.

All4Christ and Filipino-American Christian ChurchFrom January 13-23, four men from Fargo, NorthDakota, of which two are pastors, will join ourAll4Christ team for ministry in Oriental Mindoro andMarinduque provinces and Manila. They’ll help usminster to pastors and participate in ministries amongstreet kids and poor families. From January 26 to earlyFebruary (the final date is to be determined) a teamfrom the Filipino-American Christian Church inMounds View, Minnesota will serve with Brand NewDay, Working Hands, Honest Hands, Gates of Praiseand Balubad Christian Fellowship. They’ll do a varietyof ministry with children and students as well as preachand teach in the churches. Pray for us that our ministrytogether will be fruitful and for the preparation ofevery one joining us. Pray too that we are good hosts.

The Reason of the SeasonThe Christmas season started here September 1, thebeginning of the “ber” months, and it is picking up en-ergy as we get closer to Christmas day. Malls arejammed with shoppers, restaurants and grocery storesare featuring traditional Christmas food, beautiful dec-orations are all around and Christmas songs are heardin stores and on the streets. This is definitely the mostexciting and busy time of the year. However for thepoor, Christmas is usually just another work day, butwith longing in their hearts for something special.Sometimes something as simple as being noticed andtreated as a fellow human being. Since we arrived inManila in 1985 Mary Ann and I have participated inACTION’s evangelistic Christmas party ministry forstreet kids, prisoners, prostitutes, rural and urban poorfamilies and victims of natural disasters. The parties donot get old and stale. They are always new and fresh be-cause they’re filled with joyful singing, fun games,laughter, good food, friendship, gifts and a clear Gospelmessage. The parties are not stand alone events but areheld in partnership with churches and ministries sothose who trust Christ as Savior can have ongoing fel-lowship and Bible study. Others who want to be visited,will be and new outreaches are started. Sometimeschurches are planted. The cost per person to attend aparty is $5.00 so if the Lord leads you to send people toa party, you can send your gift to the nearest ACTIONoffice to you.

At 2nd Mile Working Hands, Honest Hands, MaryAnn and I will have an evangelistic party for 50 menfrom our community called Balubad. It will beDecember 7 (before you receive this letter). HistoricallyBalubad has resisted the Gospel but by continuedprayer and ministry, people are opening up to the Word

of God. Many young people have trusted Christ andare following Him. Pray that many men will turn fromtheir sin and trust Christ.

Girls’ Club Christmas PartyOn December 1 the women who live at 2nd Mile, in-cluding Mary Ann, and a neighbor held a Christmasparty for over 50 grandmothers, mothers, youngwomen and children who participated in Girls’ Clubthroughout the year. Several women recited memoryverses they worked on during the year. The theme was“No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know Peace.” Manyof these women and girls are a witness for Christ totheir families, classmates, friends and neighbors. Prayfor Balubad’s transformation.

Our kids and their familiesIt has been a long time since we have included picturesof our kids and grandkids, so we added them to the lastpage. We are grateful for how God is working in thelives of our kids and their spouses and how they areraising their children to love the Lord and have a heartfor people around the world.

Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2018Mary Ann and I wish you and your loved ones a merryChristmas and a blessed 2018. We are happy to be yourrepresentatives in the Philippines and wherever theLord sends us. We serve Him together. 3 John 2 ex-presses our heartfelt prayer for you “Beloved, I pray thatall may go well with you and that you may be in goodhealth, as it goes well with your soul.” Your faithful pray-ing and generous giving is making a difference in thelives of many precious people, including us. Thank youfor giving to the Lord’s work in and through us.

Mile markers40 years of full-

time ministry,38 years of

marriage,32 years of

service in thePhilippines.

To God be the Glory!

Thank you forpraying for ourfamily throughthe years andfor yourcontinuedsupport. Welove you!

Melita Root on the left is acknowledging the women who taught and assisted at the Girls’ Club throughout the year. They are Sarah Seiling, Tess de Jesus, Beth Estabillo, AidaMatienzo and Siome Valenzuela. Mary Ann (who took the photo) also assisted during the year when she was not traveling and helped with decorations for the party.

On a recent Sunday morning I preached from Matthew16:24 about being a true disciple of Christ to a beautifulchurch building full of people. After the service we en-joyed a delicious lunch with the pastor and his familyand other guests. Mary Ann and I were dressed in ourFilipino-style Sunday best. A few hours later, after wechanged into short pants, t-shirts and sandals, wehelped ACTION’s Brand New Day ministry and Gatesof Praise Church distribute school supplies to kidswhose families were almost totally washed-out by hor-rific flooding in September. The kids, grades K-6, alsoreceived a ziplock bag full of hygiene items, had plentyof time to play, sang happily, heard a simple messageabout Jesus and enjoyed a snack. Earlier in the week wedistributed needed kitchen supplies and rice to theirfamilies, of which, several attend GoP’s worship servicesand others who are their neighbors. These families arehidden living along a smelly, trashy river located off-the-beaten-path but they are not hidden from God andus. During my message that morning I fulfilled a vow Imade in 1986-’87 while in language school. I declaredloudly and strongly in Tagalog that “street kids are nottrash (yagit)! They are made in the image of God andare valuable to Him and ought to be to all of us.” Jesusloves all children and welcomes them into His midst.Let’s not overlook those whom He loves (Matthew19:13-15).

Augustine said this about God’s love “What does itlook like? It has hands to help others. It has the feet tohasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see miseryand want. It has ears to hear the sighs and sorrows ofmen. That is what love looks like.” When I read myBible I understand that being a Christ follower andhelping the poor go hand-in-hand. Proverbs 19:17 says“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will repay him for his deed.” The Lord Jesus re-gards our generosity to the needy as a gift to Him

(Matthew 25:40). Additionally Proverbs 14:21b states,“blessed (happy) is he who is generous to the poor (af-flicted).” According to Proverbs ways we can showkindness to the needy are by sharing food (22:9), lend-ing money (28:8) and defending their rights (31:9).

To be clear we are saved by turning from our sin andtrusting the Savior. We are not saved by doing gooddeeds, but true faith in Christ results in good works.(Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26; 1 John 3:16-18). Agodly life gives convincing testimony of the savingpower of God. People are watching us so let’s let ourlight shine in such a way that they see Jesus in us andpraise our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12).

Following Paul’s Example by remembering the poorThe Apostle Paul followed Christ’s example and we areto follow his (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul traveled exten-sively, making disciples and planting churches whereever we went. When he wasn’t with them, he carriedresponsibility for them as a father does for his children.He wrote thirteen books of the New Testament andpossibly Hebrews so much of it is his writing by theinspiration of the Holy Spirit. He cared not only forthe spiritual needs of people but also for their physicalneeds. He took a collection among the Gentilechurches in Antioch, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea andCorinth for the brethren in Jerusalem to relieve theirsuffering due to famine. Paul was a fundraiser and thiswas a cross cultural compassionate response to disaster(Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 and 9; Galatians 2:10).

The funds for providing the required school items sothe kids could return to class and the needed kitchenitems and rice for the families were given by brothers andsisters in Christ in the US and UK, some by children.This is a beautiful expression of God’s people caring forthose whom most likely they won’t meet till heaven.

The Pulpit and the Poor

Action International Ministries www.actioninternational.org/anderson

Email: jeff.anderson@actionintl.org or maryann.anderson@actionintl.org. Voicemail: 1.651.472.9234. WhatsApp number: +63916.790.5324. All donations are tax-deductible and are accepted with the understanding that Action International Ministries has complete control and administration of their use. Gifts may be sent toone of the addresses below or be given online at the above website designated for Anderson Support (40012A) or Anderson Travel Funds (40012F ).

ACTION Philippines • PO Box 110, Greenhills Post Office,1502 Metro Manila ACTION USA • PO Box 398 Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-0398 • Tel. 425.775.4800ACTION Canada • 3015 A 21st Street NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7T1 • Tel. 403.204.1421ACTION UK • PO Box 144, Wallasey, Wirral CH44 5WE • Tel. 0151.630.2451 • Reg. Charity: 1058661

“Yes, LORD!”News from

Jeff and Mary AnnAnderson,

missionariesin Manila,

Philippinesfor 32 yearswith Action

InternationalMinistries

4th Qtr. 2017Volume 34

All Biblepassages arefrom English

StandardVersion (ESV) unless other-

wise noted.

Ethan Anderson (3)Constance Scott (5)

Felicity Scott (2) Lydia Anderson (1.5)Micah, Danny, Constance and Felicity Scott

Ethan, Amos, Laura and Lydia AndersonJeff & Mary Ann Anderson“Yes, LORD!”