ALL FOR JESUS

Rain Continues in Caramoan

2012-02-02T14:57:00.000+08:00

It seems the rain is not going to let up anytime soon in Caramoan. One of our members there posted this picture of the road situation near out church.

Back in Navotas

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000+08:00

I came back to Navotas early because of bad weather in the Caramoan area. Continuous rain there has left the roads in a mess. Going there would mean using all my time and effort just to get to places, and the people would not be able to gather for meetings. So, I decided to postpone the Caramoan portion of my trip. Praise God for a good trip to Ragay, San Jose and Naga.

Sunday in San Jose

2012-01-22T17:40:00.000+08:00

I had a good and productive day of ministry in San Jose. This evening we are going to a member's house for some serious eating and fellowship. I will go to Naga tommorrow.

Rain

2012-01-21T09:50:00.000+08:00

I'm in a bus now going to San Jose. Continuous rain here. Most likely will not go to Caramoan because of all the rain. Probably back to Manila by Wednesday.

Ragay 2

2012-01-20T15:17:00.000+08:00

I will remain here in Ragay tonight, and then, travel to our church in San Jose Saturday morning.

Ragay

2012-01-20T13:14:00.000+08:00

I traveled all night by bus from Manila and arrived in Ragay at 5 AM. Weather is alternating rain and hot and humid. Pastors Rove and Thessie doing fine. Here is a picture of Rove and son Jeush on way to a Bible study in a mountain village.

Bicol trip

2012-01-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

I plan to be in Bicol from Jan 19 to 31. I will post blog updates from there via cell phone as possible. This is the pre-test.

Sunday at 2 churches in Mountains north of Ho Chi Minh City

2011-11-06T19:26:00.000+08:00

I shared at two churches several hours northwest of Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday. One is the outreach of the other among tribal people.

Visited an Orphanage on Saturday

2011-11-06T19:22:00.000+08:00

After many hours of travel to the north of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) we got to an orphanage with about 70 well -taken-care-of kids. As the picture shows, kids are kids anywhere you find them.

Evening with Youth Group in Saigon

2011-11-03T23:06:00.000+08:00

My first evening was spent on an outing with the Youth Group from Antioch Evangelical Church (AEC). In the picture we are at a park doing what they call "Sit Down Coffee" It is just a time of sitting in a circle sharing coffee and other snacks, while witnessing to some newcomers about Jesus. I had a great time.

I made it to Vietnam

2011-11-03T17:50:00.001+08:00

I flew from Guangzhou, China to Ho Chi Min City this afternoon. I will spend the next few days with various ministries of the church here in the city and with some mountain tribes about 5 hours away. I will be preaching at a tribal church on Sunday morning. Tonight, I will be with a group of youth from the city church who will give me a tour of Ho Chi Min City (former Saigon). For sure I will have some pictures to post later tonight. Thank you for your prayers.

I'm in Guangzhou, Guangdong now

2011-11-01T15:08:00.001+08:00

After a very busy schedule in and around Jiangmen, I am now in Guangzhou in a hotel near the airport. I will fly from here to Vietnam on Thursday.

Saturday evening, I had supper with the Bible students from the new Bible School located in Jiangmen Christian Church. Every Saturday night they have this time of fellowship together in preparation for going out to various churches on Sunday.

When I visited Jiangmen in 2009, this couple had been hosting a very crowded Sunday night meeting in their house for almost 10 years. Now they have a new church building with around 100 attending every Sunday morning, as well as a growing children's and youth ministry.

A picture from Jiangmen

2011-10-31T08:08:00.000+08:00

2nd Update from Jiangmen, Guangdong, China

2011-10-31T08:01:00.001+08:00

I spent all day yesterday (Sunday, 9 AM-10 PM) with a continuous schedule of preaching and meetings with Christians in their houses. I was so blessed to see so many new groups and people with visions for reaching their neighborhoods for Christ. God is really moving in China, but there is a long way to go. Today, I will be traveling around to visit a number of churches in the surrounding area. My health is holding up, but I'm getting tired. Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow, I will go to Guangzhou for a day of rest before going to Vietnam.

First Update from China

2011-10-29T14:44:00.001+08:00

After a bit of an adventure, I arrived safely in Jiangmen, Guangdong, China last night several hours late. The boat I was on did not make it to Jiangmen. So, all Jiangmen passengers were told to take a bus. That is easy if you can read Chinese characters or speak Chinese, but a bit of a crisis for me. As usual, after a little prayer, the Lord took good care of me, providing some people who saw my dilemma and helped me. God is so faithful.

Today, Saturday, I've been visiting some new churches that have sprung up since my last visit here two years ago, and, of course, eating lots of Chinese food along the way. It is so good. Tomorrow, I will be preaching at two churches and, of course, eating lots more Chinese food.

Another surprise was that my blog is blocked here also, but I'm hoping this will post through an email link. If you see it, it worked. I'll do some pictures next time. God bless you all. Thank you for the prayers.

MADE IT TO HONG KONG

2011-10-26T20:41:00.001+08:00

I made it to Hong Kong this morning. The weather is great. This is the view of Hong Kong Island from near my hotel tonight. Today, I finalized things for my travel by boat to China on Friday. Tomorrow, I will meet with some Filipino friends working in Hong Kong and meet with some representatives of Christian Communications Limited about our joint ministry in China.

Hong Kong - China - Vietnam Intinerary

2011-10-24T16:47:00.002+08:00

October 26 Manila to Hong Kong in morning

October 26-28 In Hong Kong

October 28 Travel by boat to Jiangmen, Guangdong, China

October 28-Nov 1 In Jiangmen area

November 1 Travel by bus to Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

November 1-3 In Guangzhou area

November 3 Fly to Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam (formerly Saigon)

November 3-7 In Ho Chi Min City area

November 7 Ho Chi Min City to Manila in afternoon

After I get back to Manila, I will have a follow-up blood test to determine whether I need radiation treatments or not. Please pray for a fruitful mission trip to Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam, and for a good result on my blood test.

REVIVING MY BLOG

2011-10-21T22:57:00.000+08:00

My blog has been inactive for a long time. I'm going to revive it now, just before leaving on a mission trip Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam. Hopefully, I will be able to post here while I am in China. Facebook is blocked in China, but I think not in Vietnam.

UPDATED SCHEDULE

2010-06-25T13:14:00.000+08:00

UPDATED SCHEDULE OUTLINE FOR SUMMER:

June 22: Arrive in Billings, MT. I will be staying at my brother’s house (406-248-4237)
June 26—28: In Havre, MT. The secretary at Fifth Avenue Christian Church will know where to find me.
                          (406-265-7337)
June 29- July 14: In Billings, MT. With family and getting some medical check-ups. I will speak at VALLEY
                          CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 11.
July 15-18: In Lewistown, MT. I will share with FAMILY OF GOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH
                           on July 15 and at
                           FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 18.
July 19-23: In Billings, MT
July 24-25 In Fort Benton, MT. Speaking at FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 25.
July 26-30: In Havre, MT.
July 31-August 1: In Great Falls, MT. Speaking at NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH on August 1.
August 2-3: In Billings, MT.
August 4-8: In Denver and Clifton, CO. Speaking at CLIFTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH on August 8.
August 9-12: In New Jersey. Visiting members of our Philippines church that now live and work there.
August 14-18: In Missouri Valley and Harlan, Iowa. Speaking at MISSOURI VALLEY
                             CHURCH OF CHRIST in morning of August 15
                            and at CHRIST’S CHURCH in Harlan in the evening.
August 20-25: In Billings,MT.
August 26-September 5: In Havre, MT. Speaking at FIFTH AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
                               on August 29.
                               At FAMILY CAMP September 4-6.
September 7: In Billings, MT.
September 8-9: In Seattle and Tacoma, WA area.
September 10-14: In Moses Lake, WA. Speaking at MOSES LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
                             on  September 12.
September 15-19: In Sweet Home, Oregon.
September 20: Depart for Philippines. Arrive in Manila night of September 21.

Trip to the U.S.

2010-06-18T13:22:00.000+08:00

I will soon be on my way to the U.S. for a 3 month visit with family, friends and supporting churches. Here is my schedule as of now:

SCHEDULE OUTLINE FOR SUMMER:

June 22: Arrive in Billings, MT. I will be staying at my brother’s house.

June 26—28: In Havre, MT. The secretary at Fifth Avenue Christian Church will know where to find me.

(406-265-7337)

June 29- July 14: In Billings, MT. With family and getting some medical check-ups. I will speak at VALLEY

CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 11.

July 15-18: In Lewistown, MT. I will share with FAMILY OF GOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 15 and at

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 18.

July 19-23: In Fort Benton, MT. Speaking at FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH on July 25.

July 26-30: In Havre, MT.

July 31-August 1: In Great Falls, MT. Speaking at NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN CHURCH on August 1.

August 2-3: In Billings, MT.

August 4-8: In Denver and Clifton, CO. Speaking at CLIFTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH on August 8.

August 9-12: In New Jersey. Visiting members of our Philippines church that now live and work there.

August 14-18: In Missouri Valley and Harlan, Iowa. Speaking at MISSOURI VALLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST

in morning of August 15 and at CHRIST’S CHURCH in Harlan in the evening.

August 20-25: In Billings,MT.

August 26-September 5: In Havre, MT. Speaking at FIFTH AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH on August 29.

At FAMILY CAMP September 4-6.

September 7: In Billings, MT.

September 8-9: In Seattle and Tacoma, WA area.

September 10-14: In Moses Lake, WA. Speaking at MOSES LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH on September 12.

September 15-19: In Sweet Home, Oregon.

September 20: Depart for Philippines. Arrive in Manila night of September 21.

FHLCC NAVOTAS YOUTH GROUP PRESENTATION - SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2010

2010-06-02T21:48:00.000+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvKv-4Q1i9E

Hong Kong

2010-05-17T22:42:00.000+08:00

I will be in Hong Kong for the next 3 days. I arrived May 17 and will be back to Manila on May 20.

Daily Vacation Bible School - Navotas

2010-05-03T17:46:00.001+08:00

We started VBS in Navotas and Malabon today. We had a 172 the first day in Navotas.
Here are most of our teachers and assistants in Navotas for the week and the opening program on Monday.

Ministry in Baya, Ragay, Camarines Sur

2010-04-27T10:38:00.000+08:00

This is some of our team with the croud at our film showing last Friday in Baya. We are now (Monday morning) in a shopping mall in Naga taking some free time before our bus trip back to Manila later.

God bless you all. Thank you for all your prayers.

Team 2 Update

2010-04-27T08:06:00.000+08:00

Team 2 is now on way to Naga. After a few hours free time there, we will take a bus back to Manila. Please pray for our safe travel.

Saturday Youth Fellowship in Ragay

2010-04-25T18:52:00.000+08:00

Here is our group doing their special number at the Youth Fellowship at the Ragay Church

We had Sunday morning services this morning and a Baptism at the river. Tomorrow (Monday) will be visitation day and preparation for going home. Please pray, one of our members seems to be coming down with Chicken Pox.

Team 2 in Ragay

2010-04-24T06:19:00.000+08:00

Team 2 arrived in Ragay at 5 AM Friday. After a couple hours rest in the morning we spent the afternoon up until 11 PM in the mountain village of Baya. Last night we did an film showing for the community, along with testimonies, preaching and music. Today (Saturday), we will go back to Baya for a DVBS graduation for about 120 kids, then back here to the church for a Youth Fellowship tonight.

BICOL TEAM #2

2010-04-21T22:08:00.001+08:00

I will leave Navotas tomorrow (April 22) with our second mission team, this one going to Ragay, Camarines Sur. Here we are at our final pre-trip meeting:

On the way home

2010-04-19T14:55:00.000+08:00

Mission team #1 arrived at our San Jose church this morning. By 5 PM we will be on our way to Manila. I will depart with Mission Team #2 to Ragay by Thursday night. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Back to Manila Tomorrow

2010-04-18T19:20:00.000+08:00

We have finished ous schedule here in Caramoan. We will depart tomorrow morning 5 AM and arrive in Navotas by 5 AM Tuesday, after a few hour stop over in San Jose. Please pray for our safe travel.

Happy Wedding in Caramoan

2010-04-17T16:41:00.000+08:00

We had a happy wedding in Tabgon, Caramoan this morning. Even though we had no electricity, we were able to improvise an old generator. Praise God. After the wedding there was eating centered around two roasted pigs - the usual here.

We had to cancel our evening program due to conflict with a political rally. Tomorrow we celebrate the 6th Anniversary of the Tabgon, Caramoan church in their current building. Monday, back to Manila.

Mission Team Picture

2010-04-16T15:45:00.000+08:00

Here is our Navotas team together with 2 from the San Jose church in the beautiful setting of our church in Tabgon, Caramoan.

Caramoan DVBS completed.

2010-04-16T15:41:00.000+08:00

We just finished DVBS graduation for about 160 kids. It was a challenge to finish as we ran out of water yesterday, and with the kids staying overnight, it got a little smelly. Praise God, they all went home joyful and healthy today, full of a fresh dose of the Word of God. Here is part of the teaching team the made it all possible. In additional to our team of 7 from Navotas, we had 2 from the San Jose church, 3 from Naga and the remaining ones from the Caramoan church.

Thursday Update from Caramoan

2010-04-15T08:46:00.000+08:00

We survived our first night with 150 kids sleeping at the church. Praise God for mostly good weather, although we did lose power all day yesterday. Water is in short supply for this many people, but so far we are surviving without going to our backup plan of hauling from a nearby river. We will continue with Days 3 and 4 of the DVBS curriculum today. Tomorrow morning (Friday) will be Day 5 and Graduation. On Saturday we have a big wedding here at the church then we will transfer by boat to Barangay Gibgos for some outdoor meetings Saturday night. Early Sunday morning, we will be back here to the church for Sunday services. Monday will be a travel day back to Manila.

DVBS / Kids' Camp

2010-04-14T09:44:00.000+08:00

Here is one of four classes for our DVBS starting today. Please continue to pray for good weather - 2 of the classes are outside.

Outdoor night service in Pili-Tabiguian

2010-04-14T09:20:00.001+08:00

Thank you for the prayers. We had good weather for our outdoor film showing and service in the mountain village of Pili-Tabiguian.

This morning, April 14, we start our 3 DAY VBS / KIDS CAMP (VBS curriculum with kids staying overnight) An initial 150+ showed up, but we are expecting as many as 200.

Pili-Tabiguian

2010-04-13T15:30:00.000+08:00

After waiting 3 hours for a ride, a full jeep arrived, but we all piled on anyway. Now we are in mountain village of Pili-Tabiguian. We have an outdoor evangelistic program tonight with music, film showing, short skit, and preaching. Pray for a harvest of souls.

New Prayer Request

2010-04-12T16:21:00.000+08:00

We've had a restful day here at church in Tabgon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur washing clothes and preparing for next days' activities. Tomorrow begins a series of outdoor events. Problem is: IT IS RAINING HERE THIS AFTERNOON. Help us to pray for good weather for the upcoming outdoor events. Thank you. God bless.

FW: Caramoan Now

2010-04-12T14:21:00.000+08:00

Date: 04/12/2010 7:19 am

We traveled in the cool of the night from 2 AM to 6:30 to get to Caramoan. Praise God that the road is in good shape. Thank you for the prayers.

Picture of me

2010-04-11T17:35:00.000+08:00

Here I am preaching this morning in San Jose

Bicol Mission Team - Sunday Update

2010-04-11T17:23:00.000+08:00

We had a good morning of celebrating the 9th Anniversary of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Church - San Jose. We have a film showing tonight. After that we will pack up and travel all night to Caramoan.

PRAYER REQUEST: We are experiencing some spiritual battles, manifest in mixups in our travel arrangements and other schedules. Partly, we are hindered because of too many politicians wanting to take advantage of our gatherings during this campaign period before the May 10 elections.

Praise God that we are all healthy. We have an intense week coming up, including two days of Kids Camp in Caramoan with around 200 kids.

Team in San Jose

2010-04-10T16:13:00.000+08:00

Navotas team at San Jose church.

San Jose Update

2010-04-10T13:13:00.000+08:00

We had a restful first day here in San Jose after all night travel last night. We are ready for a very busy weekend, then travel to Caramoan beginng 1 AM. Yes, 1 AM

Bicol Mission Update

2010-04-09T07:06:00.000+08:00

We arrived in Naga this morning after all night travel. We are in a jeep now going to San Jose. This is the first of 2 teams of mostly students that will go out from Navotas this month. This team will focus on San Jose and Caramoan, Camarines Sur. The second will go to Ragay.

Bicol Trip: March 23-25

2010-03-23T15:31:00.000+08:00

I leave tonight for a quick trip to Bicol (Ragay and San Jose churches) to make final preparations for our two mission teams that will go there in April. I will arrive back in Navotas late Thursday night or early Friday morning. Pray for my strength and safety.

Drought

2010-03-23T08:12:00.000+08:00

There still has been no major rain here in the Manila area for many months. As of now the water supply for Metro Manila is near critical level. We did get temporary relief in the Bicol area last week with some good rains (our Ragay, San Jose and Caramoan churches). This RAINFALL MAP for February, 2010 tells the story. It was produced by the Philippine weather bureau: PAGASA.

Baptisms in Caramoan

2010-02-25T14:27:00.001+08:00

Here is a picture of me baptizing 3 in the Pacific Ocean just off Tabgon, Caramoan late Saturday afternoon, February 20, 2010, just before sunset.

Cleft Pallate surgery during Bicol trip

2010-02-24T13:47:00.001+08:00

On my Bicol trip last week, we were able to arrange second surgery for a 2 year old boy from San Jose for repair of cleft pallate. The first surgery last November, 2009 repaired his upper lip only. This time a rather large hole in the roof of his mouth was repaired. This second surgery turned out to be quite complicated with a long recovery, but we praise God that he is back home now and doing well. This is the fifth cleft pallate surgery funded by Moses Lake Christian Church in the past few years. May God continue to be glorified.
Here is a picture Before and After the first Surgery:

Back in Navotas

2010-02-23T11:48:00.000+08:00

I arrived back in Navotas at 2 AM this morning (Tuesday) after leaving Caramoan 5 AM yesterday (Monday). Praise God for a successful and productive trip. Thank you all for your prayers. I will be in Navotas now for most of the next month. God bless you all.

Sunday in Caramoan

2010-02-21T13:27:00.000+08:00

Praise God for a full and productive Sunday: preaching at morning service, followed by wedding of Joseph and Helen, and 3 baptisms.

Greetings from Bicol

2010-02-18T09:02:00.000+08:00

I woke up to clean air and beatiful scenery this morning at our church in San Jose, Camarines Sur, a welcome change from Navotas and the big city.

Bicol trip update

2010-02-17T14:27:00.000+08:00

I am on my way to San Jose church now. It is really hot here these days. Surgery for 2 year old Arjay went well, but healing will be slow because very wide hole was repaired in roof of mouth. He will be in hospital under observation until Monday. Meanwhile we will be in Caramoan over weekend.

Going to Bicol

2010-02-15T21:26:00.000+08:00

I am on bus getting ready for an all night ride to Ragay. After a project on the building there tomorrow, I will travel to Naga where a 2 year old boy from the San Jose church will have his second surgery for cleft palate. By Wednesday night I will be at the San Jose church, then on to Caramoan by Saturday. In addition to regular service in Caramoan, I will officiate a wedding on Sunday. If our energy level allows, we will trek to the remote mountain village of Tabuan on Monday. Please pray for God's blessing on all. I will post pictures from my cell phone when possible.

Going to Ragay

2010-01-15T13:40:00.000+08:00

I will be on my way to Ragay, Camarines Sur later tonight. I will arrive there Saturday morning. I will be speaking at the Youth Fellowship Saturday night and at Sunday morning service. Sunday afternoon I will kick off a new video Bible School with them that 12 of them will be doing every week for the next year.

Moses Lake Team Going to the Airport

2010-01-05T05:36:00.000+08:00

The Moses Lake Christian Church short-term mission team will be going to the airport this morning for their long trip back the the U.S. One left early last early last night, and the remaining four this morning. We will miss them. Please pray along with us for their traveling safety and for a quick adjustment to cold weather again.

Super Sunday

2010-01-05T05:33:00.000+08:00

We had a super-Sunday with the Moses Lake Christian Church team. They spoke in both services in Navotas in the morning, plus all sharing during Sunday School, then we were at Malabon in the evening. We are so thankful for all the encouragement that has come our way from this team. We have had a hectic schedule, and we're all tired, but so very blessed. What a great way to start the new year.

Back in Navotas, Metro Manila

2010-01-02T04:44:00.000+08:00

The team from Moses Lake and I are back in Navotas, Metro Manila after an 11 hour bus trip on January 1. We praise God for a safe and productive whirlwind tour of our three churches in Bicol. We've got a very busy weekend ahead of us now in Navotas and Malabon

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T17:26:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. May 2010 be full of opportunities to draw ever closer to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Back in San Jose

2009-12-31T12:20:00.000+08:00

We made it back to San Jose this via 2 jeep rides and a 2 hour boat ride. We will celebrate New Year's Eve, then begin our long travel back to Manila 7 AM tomorrow.

Children in Caramoan

2009-12-30T11:20:00.000+08:00

Praise God. We had 168 children at our Christmas program this morning at the church in Tabgon. They came from 6 different villages, the farthest about 9 miles away. They walked most of way.

Team in Tabgon

2009-12-30T08:07:00.000+08:00

Here is the Moses Lake team at our church in Tabgon, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines.

In Caramoan

2009-12-29T13:46:00.000+08:00

Even though we have rain today, we made it safely to the Caramoan church.

Finished in San Jose

2009-12-28T17:12:00.000+08:00

Praise God that we had good results in San Jose: Youth Meeting Sunday, Children's Christmas party this and Mission Seminar this afternoon. Now we are preparing for a 4:00 AM departure Tuesday morning going to Caramoan (tomorrow). Tomorrow, our travel will take us within about 25 miles of the Mayon Volcano.

Ragay Children

2009-12-28T09:11:00.000+08:00

We just finished a Christmas party for 150 children in Ragay. We already did programs for 350 in Navotas and 75 in Malabon. Next week we'll have 75 kids in San Jose and 150 in Caramoan. 800 altogether. Praise God.

Fresh Buko

2009-12-25T14:26:00.000+08:00

Justin, DeWayne and Austyn try out fresh buko after Christmas dinner in Baya.

Merry Christmas from Bicol

2009-12-25T10:42:00.000+08:00

Praise God. After all night Christmas eve travel we arrived in Ragay for Christmas morning breakfast. Later we will have Christmas dinner with church members in the mountain village of Baya.

Moses Lake Christian Church Team

2009-12-23T22:04:00.000+08:00

Here is a picture of the Moses Lake Christian Church team inside our Navotas church. Tomorrow night, Christmas Eve, we will be traveling to Ragay, Camarines Sur southeast of Manila. We will arrive there in time for breakfast on Christmas Morning. So far the Mayon Volcano is not doing anything that will hinder the next part of our trip, but we'll keep an eye on it.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T03:49:00.000+08:00

I pray that the Christmas season that is upon us will be a blessed one for each and every one of you. May you find a way to draw ever closer our Savior and King, Jesus Christ, who is all we need.

Moses Lake Mission Team

2009-12-22T03:43:00.000+08:00

4 of the 5 team members of the short-term mission team from Moses Lake Christian Church, Moses Lake, Washington arrived yesterday. They spent their first afternoon helping us to prepared small plastic bags of candies and treats to be handed out in our children's Christmas program today. Altogether, they will be participating in 5 such programs over the next few days in each of our churches. We have prepared for a total of 800 children. The fifth mission team member will arrive later today. On Christmas eve we will begin an overnight bus trip to the Bicol area. Christmas Day up to Sunday morning will be in Ragay.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-26T13:01:00.000+08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my friends and family in America. Its an ordinary day here in the Philippines, but I do find my thoughts turning to turkey from time to time. I will be out of town again over the weekend, going to Ragay and San Jose. I should be back by Monday night.

BACK IN NAVOTAS - SOON TO BICOL

2009-11-11T21:48:00.000+08:00

I made it back to Manila and Navotas Tuesday night. I praise God for a warm welcome at the airport by bunch of special church friends. I will be here only until Friday. Friday night, I will travel to Ragay, Camarines Sur, where I will spend the weekend in ministry.

Chinese Silent Night

2009-11-09T15:52:00.001+08:00

Here is a short video that I took of a church group in Jiangmen practicing Silent Night for their upcoming Christmas program. The director of the group has been my close friend for almost 20 years in Jiangmen. Hope you enjoy it.

Back in Hong Kongj

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you for all your prayers while I was in China. I'm sorry that communications didn't work out quite as planned while I was there. I am now in Hong Kong where things like Blogspot and Facebook are not blocked. I will be back in the Philippines by tomorrow night (Tuesday).

My travels and ministry in China all went very well over the last 10 days, but I am really tired out. I have only one meeting here in Hong Kong, plus a little rest. Yesterday (Sunday) I was able to preach in a small church meeting in a newly donated house and later in a factory where the Christian owner invites a weekly service for his workers, both in Jiangmen. This morning I spent three hours on a boat coming down the Pearl River to Hong Kong.

Here is a picture of the congregation in the small church I preached in yesterday in Jiangmen.

Some Pictures from China

2009-11-06T17:37:00.002+08:00

Here a three pictures from this week in China. Taken on November 3-4, 2009.

We had an outdoor meeting of a group of Christians gathered in a farming community near Ziyang, Sichuan

During the dedication service for the new building in the mountain village of Kanjia near Ziyang, Sichuan

A group of Christian leaders from various churches around Ziyang, southeast of Chengdu, Sichuan. Taken in Kanjia.

Update from China - Jiangmen

2009-11-06T09:22:00.001+08:00

Facebook and Blogspot are blocked everywhere here in China, so I will just do another short post via an alternate method.

We arrived here in Jiangmen yesterday (Thursday) night, after 3 days in the Chengdu and Ziyang area of Sichuan Province. The building dedication in Kanjia went well. We visited several house churches in the Chengdu area and one near Jianmen last night. Praise God for a quiet, but strong, spreading of the Gospel among the people here. Pictures and detailed reports will have to wait until I get back to Navotas.

I will be here in Jiangmen until Monday morning. Monday afternoon I will meet with some people from a Christian group in Hong Kong that are handling the earthquake relief project that we are involved with in Sichuan. By Tuesday evening, I'll be on my way back to the Philippines.

I have a very hectic schedule of meetings for the next few days. Please pray for my strength and for wisdom in sharing the gospel in a wide variety of situations.

UPDATE FROM CHENGDU

2009-11-03T00:17:00.001+08:00

I am doing this a round about way because it seems Blogger.com and Facebook.com are blocked in this part of China. I made it to Chengdu today and spent the evening visiting with some new friends from new Christian ministry we discovered. Tomorrow, we will go to Ziyang as planned. Thank you for your prayers. Detailed updates will have to wait until I get to Jiangmen by Thursday night.

I made to China

2009-10-31T21:00:00.000+08:00

After a six hour delay due to the typhoon in the Philippines, I made it to Hong Kong first, and then with some excellent help from Orbitz.com, my ticket to China was re-issued for a later time. I am now in a hotel near Guangzhou airport. So, everything is back on schedule for the China trip. Thank you for your prayers.

Typhoon

2009-10-31T05:38:00.000+08:00

Saturday morning here. We are in the midst of a typhoon. Many of our members have been evacuated from their homes. Please pray for them. Needless to say, all flights, including mine to China were cancelled.

LEAVING FOR CHINA TRIP - MAYBE!

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000+08:00

I have been back in Navotas since 1 AM Tuesday (October 27). I am suppose to leave tomorrow morning (Saturday) at 5 AM to go to Guangzhou, China. However, we are facing a new TYPHOON (MIRINAE, local name SANTI) due to hit here tomorrow morning. So, my schedule is a little bit in doubt. Assuming I go on time, here is my basic itinerary:
Oct 31-Nov 2 GUANGZHOU, GUANDONG, CHINA
Nov 2-Nov 3 CHENGDU, SICHUAN, CHINA
Nov 3-Nov 4 ZIYANG and KANJIA, SICHUAN, CHINA
Nov 4-Nov 5 CHENGDU, SICHUAN, CHINA
Nov 5-Nov 9 JIANGMEN, GUANGDON, CHINA
Nov 9-Nov10 HONG KONG
Nov 10 RETURN TO MANILA
I will be posting details of my trip activities as they unfold.

TYPHOON (MIRINAE, local name SANTI) Friday morning

Mission Accomplished

2009-10-25T15:15:00.000+08:00

We will depart Caramoan and I will begin an 18 hour journey back to Navotas, with a quick stopover at the San Jose church. There were so many praise reports in the worship service this morning in Tabgon, about what the Lord did in our mission to the very remote village of Antolan. To God be the glory. I am so exhausted and struggling with agrivated MS symptoms, but so full of joy to have seen the hand of God work among these remote people He loves so much. God's love really transcends all. After a couple days to recover in Navotas, I will be off for 2 weeks in China. More on that in coming days. God bless you all.

More Antolan pictures

2009-10-24T09:36:00.000+08:00

Antolan pictures

2009-10-24T09:23:00.000+08:00

Back to Main Church in Tabgon

2009-10-24T09:02:00.001+08:00

After abov 20 miles of mountain trails, we are back at our church in Tabgon, Caramoan. I had trouble posting from the remote locations. I will try to post some pictures after this post. Thank you for all your prayers. This trip really exceeded my physical capabilities, but by the grace of God I made it. The Lord really did a marvelous work among the people, especially in the village of Antolan.

Made it to Antolan

2009-10-22T17:32:00.000+08:00

We made it to the very remote village of Antolan. It was extremely difficult trek, especially for me. Praise God we are here. Will have Bible Study and service tonight. Will trek out in morning.

Caramoan Mountain Village Update

2009-10-21T20:51:00.000+08:00

Praise God. We finished our 1st of 3 days visiting mountain villages. After visiting members in Tabiguian and Pili-Tabiguian this morning, we went to Bacong, where we had service tonight. We are back in Pili to sleep. Tomorrow we will go to Antolan and stay there overnight. Friday we go to village of Tabuan, then back to our main church in Tabgon on Saturday. Thank you for the prayers. God is really opening up doors in these previously unreached areas.

Caramoan Update

2009-10-21T07:28:00.000+08:00

We have good weather here this morning. Will be in mountains next few days. I will post from there if there is signal. Please pray for our strength and safety.

BICOL and CHINA trips

2009-10-17T08:57:00.000+08:00

My trip to Bicol was delayed by the death of one of our long-time members in Navotas. My plan now is to depart Sunday night, October 18, and return to Navotas by early morning October 27. After that, I will be leaving for China on October 31 and be there until November 11. I will keep you posted as much as possible while I travel. It is possible that plans will change again with a new typhoon approaching the Philippines today. We will see what path it takes.

MORE FLOODS IN NORTHERN LUZON

2009-10-10T17:02:00.000+08:00

Since the terrible floods hit Metro Manila, the rain continued in Northern Luzon with accumulations up to 2 meters of rain in some places. Needless to say there have been devastating floods and mudslides in a wide area. The following article from http://www.inquirer.net/ summarizes much of the current situation. For pictures and videos go to http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/ Here in Navotas, we are mostly back to normal except for many members working on repairs to their houses damaged in the storms.

Here is the article from inquirer.net :

Landslide deaths lift storm toll past 540

Agence France-Presse
First Posted 14:26:00 10/10/2009
Filed Under: Landslide, Flood, Pepeng, Ondoy, Disasters (general)

PANGASINAN, Philippines—The death toll from two weeks of unprecedented storms across the northern Philippines soared past 540 on Friday after landslides consumed homes and neck-deep floods inundated towns.

At least 181 people were killed in a series of rain-triggered landslides overnight Thursday and on Friday in the Cordillera region, local officials reported.

Meanwhile, the downstream farming plains of Central Luzon were inundated with waters that reached two storeys high after dams in the mountains could not hold the phenomenal amount of water that has fallen on the region.

"The rains in this area are unprecedented," the executive officer of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, Glenn Rabonza, told Agence France-Presse.

"We are stretched, no doubt, but we are responding in the best way we can."

The crisis showed no signs of easing as tropical storm Pepeng (international codename: Parma), responsible for the past week of rains, continued to hover just off Luzon.

In Metro Manila, nearly 300,000 homeless survivors from Tropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) were packed into evacuation camps following record rains on September 26 that killed at least 337 people.

US troops helping out in the capital extended their relief work to the north on Friday, dispatching helicopters and other rescue equipment, the Filipino military said.

The US embassy announced an extra two million dollars in aid for the Parma victims on top of money and materials donated for the Ondoy operations, while UN humanitarian chief John Holmes is to begin a two-day visit to the country Monday to review relief efforts, the world body said.

The worst of the overnight landslides appeared to be in remote Benguet province, where 120 people were confirmed killed in five towns, said provincial governor Nestor Fongwan.

Another 38 people were confirmed killed in the neighboring mountain resort of Baguio, officials there said.

Across all of the north, the confirmed death toll from the landslides was 181, on top of the 25 people killed earlier by Pepeng.

In the farming region of Pangasinan province to the southwest of the provinces where the landslides occurred, thousands of people were stranded on rooftops in dangerously similar scenes to those in Manila a fortnight ago.

Days of rain from Parma forced authorities to open the gates on five dams, sending water cascading through dozens of towns in Pangasinan, which has a population of 2.5 million people.

"A lot of places cannot be reached by our rubber boats because the current is too strong due to the waters released by San Roque dam," Pangasinan governor Amado Espino said.

"The dam is supposed to be for flood control but now it is so filled it is like it is not there. The water just rushes right through from the mountains to Pangasinan."

The disaster council's Rabonza said about 60 percent of Pangasinan, including about 30 towns, were flooded with waters reaching as high as the second floor of buildings.

In the town of Rosales, neck-high waters swallowed up houses, vehicles, rice fields and even a large shopping mall.

Desperate local officials made urgent pleas for rubber boats and helicopters to rescue those stranded by the floods.

Parma has been hanging over the northern Philippines since initially hitting as a typhoon on October 3.

Parma hit the Philippines exactly one week after tropical storm Ketsana dumped the heaviest rains in more than four decades on Manila.

The government has been overwhelmed by the crisis, which has forced hundreds of thousands of people in Manila and other parts of Luzon into makeshift evacuation centres after losing their homes to the floods.

25 BAPTIZED IN NAVOTAS ON OCTOBER 4

2009-10-05T12:53:00.002+08:00

We baptized 25 believers in our Navotas church yesterday, October 4, ranging in age from 12 to 77. Praise God for people ready to truly identify and become one with Christ in His death and resurrection life. To see all the pictures go to
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dale_mueller

UPDATE ON FLOODS and TYPHOON PARMA (PEPING)

2009-10-05T12:46:00.001+08:00

Some areas of Metro Manila and Rizal Province still remain flooded with thousands in Evacuations Centers, after the floods created by more than 16 inches of rain in 9 hours from Typhon Ketsana (Ondoy) last September 24. Classes resumed here in Navotas and most other parts of Metro Manila today, after 1 week of class cancellations. The total death count now from this storm is at least 288, with many still missing. After leaving the Philippines, Ketsana went on to kill 99 in Vietnam and 16 in Laos.

This last weekend (October 4-5) super typhoon Parma (Peping) hit the norther part of Luzon, where there were 16 deaths reported. We had rain and some wind here in Navotas, but not enough for any serious damage. Our churches in Caramoan, San Jose, Ragay and Malabon have all reported minor damage, especially to crops, but no major damage to houses or church buildings.

We have evaluated combined damage from Ketsana (Ondoy) and Parma (Peping) here in Navotas to members houses. Many that live next to and over Manila bay were damaged by wind and big waves. We will be submitting a request for funds to IDES this week.

Thank you for all your prayers.

FLOOD DEATH TOLL NOW AT 240

2009-09-29T09:27:00.000+08:00

HERE IS THIS MORNING'S NEWS FROM LOCAL TV STATION ABS-CBN.

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 09/29/2009 8:17 AM

MANILA - The government has confirmed a total of 240 people dead and nearly 40 people still missing following devastating floods and landslides in Luzon caused by tropical storm Ondoy.
As of 6 a.m., the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said it has accounted for 240 dead people with 101 of the fatalities coming from Metro Manila and 88 in Rizal province.
The NDCC said 37 people remain missing and 5 people were injured due to flashfloods and landslides that hit several areas in Luzon on Saturday.
The number of those affected by the tropical storm’s onslaught on Saturday has climbed to 1.87 million.
The agency said 374,890 people were sheltered in 607 makeshift evacuation camps and schools around Metro Manila, Rizal and other areas in Luzon placed by the government under a state of national calamity.
The cost of damages to property and crops by Ondoy has also risen to P2.33 billion, the NDCC added.
In a press conference on Monday afternoon, NDCC chairman and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippine government will send requests for international assistance thru the United Nation Resident Coordinator.
The government, television networks, movie stars and non-government groups have been going out and pleading for relief goods, cash and medicine for the thousands of affected families staying in cramped evacuation centers.
Classes in all school levels in Metro Manila, Laguna, Batangas and other areas remained suspended on Tuesday.
Teodoro said he and education officials will meet on Tuesday to decide if there is a need to extend class suspensions.
He said the NDCC is preparing for another possible storm to enter while floods in some parts of Rizal province have yet to recede.
Fair weather
The government's weather bureau PAGASA said the southern part of Luzon and western section of Visayas will experience mostly cloudy skies and rainshowers on Tuesday due to an enhanced southwest monsoon.
PAGASA weather bureau chief Prisco Nilo on Monday said that he expects fair weather in the next 2 to 3 days in Metro Manila.
"We don't expect prolonged strong rains in Metro Manila area," he added.

"What happened is that, the southwest monsoon is enhanced by Ondoy although it's far away already and so we're still experiencing some rains in Metro Manila and adjacent areas," Nilo said.
However, he said the weather situation could change significantly.
Nilo said the PAGASA has monitored two "cloud clusters" that may affect the Philippines in the coming weeks.
"These are only cloud clusters. They're not tropical depressions yet," he said.
as of 09/29/2009 8:17 AM

FLOOD AFTERMATH

2009-09-28T18:00:00.002+08:00

THE DEATH COUNT IS NOW WELL OVER 100. I WILL POST A YOUTUBE VIDEO HERE THAT SHOWS HOW EXTREME THE FLOODS WERE.

UPDATE OF FLOOD STATISTICS

2009-09-27T20:39:00.002+08:00

AS OF 8:45 PM SUNDAY.
THERE ARE NOW 75 CONFIRMED DEAD.
300,000 ARE OUT OF THEIR HOMES.
THE RAINFALL FOR A 9 HOUR PERIOD SATURDAY WAS 410.6 mm (approx. 16.2 inches)

UPDATE ON FLOODS

2009-09-27T13:58:00.002+08:00

HERE IS AN UPDATE FOR STATUS OF OUR 5 MAIN CHURCHES AFTER THE STORM.
AS OF SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2:00 PM.
Except for occassional showers, the rain has stopped in all locations.
NAVOTAS:
After an early morning cleanup of the church building we had both our Sunday morning services. Many members had some damage to their house and got wet. They can all be repaired with some metal roofing and sheets of plywood.
MALABON
The Malabon Church, just across the river from Navotas was still flooded with knee deep water this morning. Services were cancelled. Water levels are slowly retreating.
RAGAY
The heavy rain stopped this morning. The church is on a hill, so no flooding in the church building. All the members are fine, except some lost their crops that were about to be harvested.
SAN JOSE
The heavy rain ended about mid-day, with sunshine this afternoon. Their services were well attended today. Many of the members here also lost their crops to heavy rain and floods.
CARAMOAN
The rain ended yesterday, but they remain quite windy. They also had considerable crop damage from days of heavy rain and wind.

So, overall, we are very thankful that we weathered the storm with no injuries, no church building damage, and only a few minor damages to members houses. The major problem will be the lasting effect of LOST CROPS in Ragay, San Jose and Caramoan. Let us give THANKS TO GOD for His protection and everlasting love. Do pray for the many farmers who will have a lean few months ahead until their crops can be regrown.

MANILA FLOODS

2009-09-27T05:20:00.003+08:00

We had a wild Saturday (October 26). In the period 8 AM - 2 PM we had over 15 inches of rain. Although I don't know the official amount yet, it could even be double that for the 24 hour period. Needless to say we got flooded. Navotas is prone to floods anytime, but this was extreme. In other parts of the city there are still people stranded on rooftops and other places. As of this morning (Sunday)CNN has the death count at 50, but it will surely go much higher than that. As for our church members in Navotas, we are all safe, but not necessarily dry. Some lost their roofs and had other damage to their houses, but overall we fared well. It is 5:30 AM now and a group of youth are going to show up soon (I hope) so we can clean up the water on church floor (just a couple inches). The rain stopped during the night, so we likely have a better day today. As soon as I get information today from our churches in Malabon, Ragay, San Jose and Caramoan I will post it. Your prayers are appreciated as we dry out and patch up the damage done.

BACK IN NAVOTAS

2009-09-14T18:54:00.002+08:00

I arrived back in Navotas 2:00 AM Monday. Thank you for the prayers for a productive trip. I did struggle with some health problems during the trip and they continue, so please keep me in your prayers, as you are in mine.

SUNDAY UPDATE FROM RAGAY

2009-09-13T11:40:00.000+08:00

Thank you for the prayers. Youth Service and Sunday Service went well. God is doing a good work in the hearts of people here. Pray that they will be alert to the schemes of the devil to tear down again. Also, praise God, here is a picture of little girl Joy after her second and final surgery for cleft pallate.

UPDATE FROM RAGAY

2009-09-12T12:37:00.000+08:00

Saturday afternoon. It has been raining pretty much continuously with another tropical storm approaching. I will be speaking tonight to youth fellowship and at Sunday morning worship service. Pray that we will have electricity. It has been out most of time. Normal for here. This afternoon I am talking with a group youth about our mission vision for Filipinos. I am blessed to see their eagerness.

ALREADY IN RAGAY

2009-09-11T10:43:00.000+08:00

After all night travel, I arrived in Ragay. Pastors Tessie and Rove not here because of family emergency. So I am in charge for weekend. Our leadership training seminar postponed until next month when they get back. Church here doing well again after some problems in previous months. Praise God.

NAVOTAS STUDENT SUPPORT GROUP

2009-09-07T10:47:00.003+08:00

These are 23 of our Student Support Group in Navotas together with me at a meeting with their parents on September 6.