JANUARY 22, 2007
Habakkuk 2:2-3 Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie, though it tarries, wait for it; because it will come, it will not tarry.”
Isaiah 46:9b, 10 & 11b “…I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done. Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.’ …Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it, I will also do it.”
Romans 4:20&21 “He did not waiver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”
Dear Friends,
Warm greetings once again to each of you, in the precious name of Jesus.
Emie and I pray that the Lord will begin bringing about the fulfillment this year of special requests you have made through prayers and of promises you have received from Him.
“For with God nothing will be impossible.”---Luke 1:37
We are very thankful to God for the honor and privilege of serving Him in the mission field. Most every week, new people are coming to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord in the various outreaches here in the Philippines, and it is a blessing to see new people’s lives transformed and blessed by Jesus.
I believe that effective missions start first with a specific call of God to certain areas to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is then advanced and becomes increasingly fruitful as those who are willing to go and those who are willing to help send---form a faithful team effort to reach people for Jesus. Emie and I try to say: “thanks”, frequently to all of you who are partnering with us through your intercessory prayers, words of encouragement, and financial investments in the various ministry outreaches. Many people know Jesus as their Savior and Lord because of you, and the heart the Lord has given you for helping share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We continue to pray for God’s blessings in all areas---for you, your family, local church, and your ministries. Hebrews 6:10 NIV “God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
We ended 2006 with a Church anniversary service on Sunday Afternoon and despite the heavy rain on Saturday evening, and some flooded streets on Sunday---we still had a good number of people in Church and had a special time of fellowship. Many youth stayed over night at the church and missions building—and we greeted the New Year together. I was thinking while observing them as the New Year came in---that many of these young, if they have a good lifespan would have 50 to 70+ years yet to serve the Lord on this earth. That is why it is so important and such a good investment of our time and energy to teach the young to grow in their Christian faith and maturity.
In early December we has 11 students graduate from their 5 month Bible School Training course. They were from churches in Leyte, Biliran Island, and Samar. They came to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord as the result of the churches we have helped pioneer in their respective towns or villages. They are now back in their local churches helping work with their pastors in evangelism and Bible studies. We have 4 other students attending longer term Bible Colleges at this present time.
On the 1st Sunday of 2007 we had a well attended church service and 10 people were baptized in water in Leyte Gulf in the afternoon. What a good way to start out the New Year. Most of those who were baptized were people who had prayed to receive Jesus as their Savor and Lord as a result of our Sunday morning Radio broadcast the reaches over most of Samar, Leyte, and Biliran islands. We are able to share the gospel to several thousand people throughout region 8 through that broadcast.
Last month we shared we had had 3 churches damaged by the typhoon, which hit our region. They are still in the process of being repaired and/or expanded, and in one case a new building will be constructed. Thanks, for you who have helped us to help the churches which are in need. We have also been able to help people with various medical needs, and in other areas.
Last Friday, the 19th, we were guest speakers at the Caibiran church where they were having an annual Thanksgiving Service. That evening, youth who came from some of the churches we have helped pioneer, had an overnight praise and worship and teaching service that lasted till past 3:00 A.M. More than 100 attended. We are happy to see youth who are growing in their faith and relationship with Christ.We pray this year will be the most fruitful year of ministry we have ever had. We also hope to minister in several other nations. Please continue to pray for us in all areas as led by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:18&19 “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints---and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make know the mystery of the gospel.”
Thanks again for your faithful partnership in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. God bless you wonderfully.
In Christ’s love,
Gordon & Emie
P.S. Please pray specifically for the Lord to open new doors for ministry this year in other countries, for His special protection, fresh anointing, abundant financial provision, and increasing fruitfulness in all areas of ministry. Please pray for 100 + new fervent and effective
