Like most of you, we are waiting for life to return to normal before COVID; however, we shouldn’t be surprised that God is working in the waiting.
We are in the states until given permission to return to the place God has called us to love and serve. At this point, only citizens and diplomats are allowed back to the Philippines.
Because of technology, we’re able to communicate on a daily basis.
Since the global virus threat, the absence of tourism on the Island of Boracay has left many families with no income at all and no hope of a stimulus check.
We’re grateful for our faithful staff who work tirelessly to carry out the mission that has been entrusted to them. They shop for food, divide it all, . . .
share with needy families and present the love of Jesus . . .
deliver medicine to the sick, primarily the Ati tribe . . .
and even physically carry the sick out of the village to the hospital for medical attention.
During the shutdown our staff has been praying about other unique ministry opportunities. Coach Clod (one of our teachers at the MASA Ati school) started a ministry to the local police on both islands.
They have athletic training, devotional time, sharing and prayer several days a week. We’re grateful for the consistency of the police officers and the desire they have to learn more about Jesus.
Construction continues at the Masa Ati School. We’re in the process of rebuilding after Typhoon Ursula destroyed several classrooms.
Yes, God is working in the waiting.
2 Timothy 4:2 tells us to be “instant in season and out of season.” The word instant (ephistumi in Greek) is a military term which means to “stand upon” or “stay at your post.” Our encouragement to you is no matter what season you face, God desires for all of us to pray, to stand firm and remain faithful to Him each day.
We took this photograph right before leaving Boracay for the US. It’s Steve’s footprint. Now we see it as a reminder that God called us to do a work on the sands of Boracay and Panay. But in this season we stand on the invisible Rock that doesn’t wash away with the currents of this world.
God is working in the waiting. He’s always faithful, and because of God’s grace and because of you who have prayed and supported this cause we celebrate that ministry continues. Please pray that, through our actions, many hearts will continue to see their need for the Savior.
May God keep you “instant” during this challenging season.
To make a donation —
https://firstloveinternational.kindful.com/campaigns/1017873?utf8=%E2%9C%93&campaigns=1017873&amount=
Thank you for your heartfelt prayers and support,
Steve and Susan