Two weeks ago we encountered a fire that took place about 300 feet from our home. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Unfortunately, it was a deliberate act of destruction, a targeted “burn out” of the Ati chieftain’s home. Some people are trying to discourage the Ati tribe from returning to the land that once was theirs.
Our first reaction was to find out who did this? Without going into more detail, we were warned against the dangers of investigating further.
We came to this Island because we were called to this mission — called to these people. To love them, to serve them, to empower them, to share the message of Jesus. Oh God, can we protect them?
That morning we prayed that God would give us the heartfelt actions to present His love and hope through us – simple, inexperienced missionaries.
The embers were still warm. No one wanted to report the incident as the Ati are shy and non-confrontational.
A few days later we visited the chieftain whose house had burned down. In our discussion with her she thanked us for helping the children. We shared that so many of her people were sick and dehydrated — no access to running water.
We were privileged to give her medical attention for a burn and also present the message of Jesus.
She said, “I believe in what you say.”
We walked away in amazement at how God has opened the door and granted us favor. We were reminded of the African American spiritual taken from the book of Jeremiah —
“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.”
Last week, John Paul was carried to our house extremely weak and sick with a high fever. His mother had no money for him to be treated, so we took him to the hospital, and it was confirmed he had contracted Dengue Fever.
After being hospitalized for a week, John Paul came back to our house, with his brother and friends, to thank us for helping him. It doesn’t get better than that!
That day we were surprised to hear that none of these children attend school. One of these boys is sixteen and has only had one year of schooling.
Since our last letter to you, we’ve started a Sunday gathering of worship and teaching on the Ati property across the road from us.
The first week the moms and children came, and the next week we were surprised that as the music played dads started coming to join us.
We prayed with them and asked God to provide running water for their community.
Rain water is collected for bathing and cooking.
Road blocks, red tape, corruption and a lack of money have caused this community to endure sickness, dehydration and filth.
But just last week …
we heard the news and ran over to celebrate with our neighbors.
“We have water! We have water! – Salamat!” (thank you) “We have water!”
Because of your prayers and support, their dream came true!
in God’s perfect way….
in God’s perfect time.
This Ati village now has two community spigots of running water that several families will share.
“O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8
Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”John 4:14
“There is a balm in Gilead
To make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead
To heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged,
And I think my work’s in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit
Revives my soul again.”
We feel your love. We sense your prayers.
Current prayer requests —
| 1. This month we have mission teams from South Africa and China (49 students altogether) here to serve at our feeding stations and schools. Please pray that this experience will ignite a passion in their hearts for missions. 2. For wisdom and endurance, spiritual and physical protection. 3. That God would grant us minds to continue to learn and retain the Tagalog language. Salamat, Steve & Susan |