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Warm Welcome

We arrived in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (Elena’s hometown) last April 28 after more than 12 hours of travel by land and sea. We were greeted with warm welcome (including the weather!) by the people in her church. The last time I (Ef) had my vacation in San Jose was in 2006. That was 7 long years ago! The church building is now beautifully furnished. 

It was also a privileged for us to meet Rev. Arsenio Eneigo, former pastor of Bethany Mindoro. He is now a minister in the U.S. but he came in San Jose to officiate a wedding. We are blessed to have this time of reunion with Bethany San Jose family.

Family Retreat

Time for a break from our normal daily activities and withdraw to a beautiful island off the coast of San Jose. Elena’s sister (Glo) planned for this short relaxation last May 9-10. We have fun swimming in clear white sand beach filled with beautiful sea creatures. It was one of the best days of our vacation in San Jose. Ian Carlo enjoyed collecting orange starfish and swimming with his cousins.

Tribal Youth Camp

One of the ministries of Bethany Mindoro (Elena’s homechurch) is reaching the Mangyans, a tribal group living in the highlands. They have already sent some of them in San Jose town to study. This is their strategy in training leaders especially in the ministry. 

Last May 15-17 we had the opportunity to train them in evangelism together with some of the youth from San Jose town. During the three-day camp, campers learned to present the gospel in different ways. One of the ways they liked was the presentation of Biblical events and stories in chronological order. After our short training, the campers went out to share the story with their neighbors. It was a new experience for most of them. To help the campers, we went out with them and provided some coaching. It was a great experience to see the younger generation learn to participate in fulfilling the Great Commission. A church building is under construction in this village.

Children of Bayotbot, San Jose

These are the children of Bayotbot, a farming village in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Most of the families here are tobacco planters. Last May 25-26 we held a two-day VBS together with Elena’s sister and brother-in-law who is serving as outreach pastor of Bethany Evangelical Mission Church, San Jose. It was attended by more than 50 children. During the two-day VBS, the children learned songs, heard Bible stories, had fun games and singing presentations. The ministry here in Bayotbot is not easy. Many workers came and left without much success. It is our prayer to see a thriving church in this place in the near future.                                                                                               

Graduation Day

March 8, 2013 - PBTS Ground

We praise and thank the Lord that we are finally done with our seminary training. Our graduation day was mixed with overwhelming joy and exhaustion. Masaya pero pagod din at the same time –physical and mental stress. We can both say that it’s all by the grace of God that we made it through. The seminary blessed us with awards (a total of 4 awards) during our graduation day.We are also grateful that some members of the family were able to attend our graduation. Elena’s sister and her family and Ef’s sister from Mindanao joined the celebration. Ptr. Rey and Ate Grace Flores (Elena’s pastor in Mindoro) were also present to attend their daughter’s graduation (Phoebe Flores, BCM). It was a wonderful time – so blessed and happy!   Thank you for all your prayers and support. To God be the glory!

Next step. We will go down to Manila on the last week of March for an extended rest. We are still waiting for Ian Carlo's (Grade 2) Recognition Day on March 20. While in Manila, we will start processing our application for volunteer staff of YWAM (Youth With A Mission) Thailand. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance and provision for our next endeavor. 

Pastor Rey and Grace Flores.

Together with our family.

As We Look Back

Students at the home of former PBTS President.

Happy new year! 

We praise and thank God for the year that has passed. It seems so fast and we are now on our last few months of study. As we look back, the Lord has been so faithful in providing for us. One of the many gifts that we are so grateful last 2012 was our summer internship in Thailand and Myanmar. It was a great privilege for us as a family to travel abroad and serve in various ways. After the internship, we were also given the opportunity to visit churches in Baguio City, La Trinidad, Pangasinan and La Union  for ministry report and promotion. As of December, we have visited more than a dozen of churches. This year, we are looking forward again to what God has prepared for us, especially that we are graduating this March.

 Some of the highlights of 2012

Students bound for Short-Term Missions last  April.

Ministry report and promotion in Baguio City church. 

Faith Community Church's youth camp in Bokod, Benguet.

Teachers seminar in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Ministry with children at the seminary.

Prayer Request:

1) Please pray for wisdom and God's guidance for the last stretch of our study. Enrollment will be on January 14 and classes will start on the 15th.

2) Please pray that we will be able to complete our requirements, especially Ef's research paper. In addition, our only laptop already shows some problem, probably with its video card. Please help us pray for a new unit.

3) We will serve as teachers/disciplers for Korean students' camp (high school and elementary) on January 7-11.
4) We are praying for ministry opportunity after graduation. Our initial plan is to serve as staff of YWAM Phitsanulok, Thailand in 2014 for their Discipleship Training School. The link below is a short video about YWAM Phitsanulok.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyR40M-cF4

Thank you so much for your prayers.