Our dear friends and family,
The first day we arrived on Boracay we stopped to kneel on the sand. A quiet prayer. In awe of God’s grace to us.
This transition has been beautiful but not without challenges. Beautiful in the sense that we’ve already jumped in and are working alongside the Filipinos. Building relationships with those who don’t share our culture or language. But isn’t it true that love transcends all language barriers?
So much has happened in the first month we’ve been here that we thought it would be best to give you highlights of the month of May.
At the feedings, along with a Bible story and Scripture memory, the children line up for First Aid on their cuts and bites.
At first, we thought it was cute that we could bandage scabs and bruises and make the little ones feel loved and cared for.
But as we treated each child we realized that their physical issues were more serious than we imagined. Below, Steve is bandaging the bites on a little girl’s legs. Many of their sores are dirty and infected.
Sharing a message from John 15. The one word we can all understand in English and Tagalog is the name of Jesus!
Each month pastors and teachers come from other islands to our Ministry Center to complete another module from Asian Theological Seminary. Receiving their certificates is always a feeling of great accomplishment for them.
A Chinese pastor and his wife and son gave their testimony one evening during the seminary training. We cannot show their faces or use their names as they are being persecuted for their faith as missionaries in their own country.
They text other Christians in code as they are being watched by the government. You are allowed to bring one Bible into China for personal use, but more than one Bible will be confiscated. Please pray for the persecuted church. Here we are praying over their family.
Finishing our house should be a reality soon. Termites love the Philippines and we have been replacing more walls and ceilings. We will be moved into our house sometime in June, and we’re really looking forward to that, for sure! Here, Steve is working alongside Alvin, a faithful and talented builder. I’ve helped on the house a bit but mostly by providing coffee and cake for the workers!
As we knelt over the large pot of soup it was a privilege for us to serve these grateful, hungry children. There were bones, necks, skin and innards. Not one complaint. Not a drop left over. Just so eager to enjoy soup on the sand.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
The LORD bless you and keep you,
The LORD make his face shine upon you.
We love you,
Steve & Susan
steveandsusanfirstlove.com