ACTION Philippines

Warriors on the Wall #122

May 182012

Dear praying friends,

Countless hours spent under the watchful eye of a golden gloves boxing champion, in the ring and running zigzag patterns in the forest and steep paths in the mountains, plus personal hours pumping the iron in preparation for my future as a professional hockey player. My goal was secure and my vision unclouded.

Four years of Junior “A” in the Western Canada Hockey League. Practicing hard under the steely gaze of Scotty Munro, stops and starts and bouncing the circle until you couldn’t stand up on your skates and you wanted to puke your guts out. Fencing with Doug Kerslake of the Edmonton Oil Kings, using our sticks as swords. We ended up with short pieces of lumber which we threw at each other. Suspended from the league with match penalties.

Our focus was unwavering. We wanted to win at any cost. And so was gaze of our Lord Jesus Christ. He didn’t stray from His Father’s high calling. How about you? Is something clouding your vision? The Lord is as close to you as you want him to be. He can be your best friend. He tells us to be “…continuous in prayer…”(1 Thess. 5:17).

And you can begin right here. God bless you!

PRAISES:

For an approved $5,000.00 matching fund grant. Hopefully, this will encourage donations for our Vehicle Project.
For the Lord’s provision of solid supporters and so many good friends who are willing to go the extra mile.

PRAYERS:

Albert’s (our foreman) older unsaved sister (Jacqueline) is in the hospital with a mysterious illness. Her head and feet are swollen and her bituka (intestines) appear to be twisted. Pray for a quick revelation of her sickness and healing, both spiritual and physical.
Al’s (our dorm dad) wife ( Ruby) is expecting their fifth child, any day now. Pray for a healthy baby and mom.
For a close pastor friend (Darrin) from BC who is planning his second trip here in Oct. Pray for his Baptist church to grow spiritually, financially and in number and that the Lord would provide for his trip.
School starts on June 4. Pray for our potential fifteen students and each respective staff member to be physically and spiritually ready.
We are accountable for all funds received. Your prayers are appreciated and “logged in” by the Lord. And so is your $ support. Personally, since passing the 60 yr. old mark, I need the occasional reminder. So take this as one, in our need for finances.

God bless you!

In Christ,

Ron

Needing your Prayers

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

May 162012

“…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

Dear friends,

On the road that leads down to our Basehouse in Tipo, there’s an older elementary school, just a short distance from the highway. About one week ago, Pio (the barangay watchman), just over 5 feet tall and in his mid fourties, spotted two possible thieves on top of the school building and hollered at them.

It was quite dark and they took off. Pio chased them and caught up to them. Easily larger than Pio, they grabbed his nightstick and crushed in the back of his skull. He died instantly. (There were witnesses but because of the darkness, the assailants couldn’t be identified.)

In the “metaphoric” verse written above, I’m using the illustration to drive home two points: Our driver, Corns and his wife, Maricel, live further on down the road, serving also as a watchman at our Basehouse for our Tipo property. Please pray for their safety as oftentimes, Maricel and their son, JD, are home alone.

We also (Lifehouse Center staff), need to “die to ourselves”. As is dictated to us in Phil. 2:4, whether it be fellow staff members, the children themselves or visitors, we need to “…look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others.” We are all focused on attaining to this level and with your prayers (and $ support) and by God’s grace, this will be done.

PRAISES:

Received this morning was a letter from our Canadian office offering a match of $5,000 to an “approved” project from our ACTION Board. What that means is if some of you would donate to our worthy project (Jan., 2010 – Dec., 2012…$37,500 needed with $12, 950 being our current total), we’d have a good chance to reach our goal. School begins in June and we don’t know how long our Hi-Ace van is going to hold up.

PRAYERS:

For protection of Corns and the kids as he drives and for his family and for the Lord’s provision of a reliable van.
Joanne has been given a pass for her incomplete course. Next on her agenda is to get enough hours (200) from working at a computer café.
For the last ten days of this month, our kids will be returning and taking part in driving and computer classes. Pray for the readiness of each student and a good learning time.
Helping Hands is still preparing the transfer of 12-yr-old Joshua (7 brothers and sisters) who has Juvenile Rheumatois Arthritis with one leg shorter than the other. Pray for prepartion from both sides.
Prayer for additional prayer and $ support is also always appreciated.

Thanks!

In Christ,

Ron

“Yes, Lord!” Easter Outreaches’ Update

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

May 142012

Dear Praying Friends,

Here is a brief report on the Street Impact Team’s (SITeam) Easter outreaches held in April in cooperation with three of our network ministries funded by our long-time partner Mission-to-Children. Again thanks for praying and rejoice with us for what God is doing in and through all of us regardless of our role on His team.

1. April 12-13 Kids Home Ministries, under the leadership of ACTION missionaries Rafael and Susan Sison, held a two day evangelistic camp for street children from Antipolo City. Four girls and 13 boys attended and now some campers are being prepared to enter their residential ministry. Pray for Rafael, Susan and their team as they minister to many street children in their area several of whom are involved in prostitution. Also, for your prayerful consideration, Rafael told me recently they’re praying for missionaries to join them in ministering to street kids especially girls involved in the flesh trade.

2. Camp Aguinaldo Evangelical Church (CAEC), with the leadership of SITeam staff members Dave and Becky Majam, held three Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) for street and squatter kids. April 9-15 in the morning a VBS has held for 50 street kids from a nearby major intersection in Quezon City. In the afternoon of the same days their VBS team composed of CAEC’s youth held a VBS in Calvary Hills, a very poor squatter community located along a polluted river, for 155 kids. April 16-21 CAEC’s VBS team did a VBS in the Baseco Compound, an extremely poor community located on Manila Bay in Tondo, where 175 kids attended. At the Baseco outreach, because the families are very poor, a nutrious breakfast and lunch was served daily including food from Feed My Starving Chidren. Many mothers helped with food preparation and soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines assisted by providing order and equipment. A total of 250 kids indicated they trusted Christ as Savior of whom many are involved in our six month Fish and Bread feeding program because they are severely malnourished.

3. Blessed Hope Community Church (BHCC), located in Novaliches, Quezon City, held their VBS April 23-28 with the leadership of SITeam staff member Luv Zacal for 200 children ages 5-13 from a nearby squatter community. All the kids indicated they trusted Christ as Savior including 10 parents at the graduation ceremony. BHCC’s VBS, which was run by their youth has boosted the church’s Sunday School attendance to 150 for which they’re very glad but stretched. When I say stretched I mean it because I preached at BHCC April 8 so I know their building’s capacity but their youth are well trained as teachers and are very involved in Sunday School. Continue reading »

Peoples Church, Toronto – Full Hearts & Good Memories

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

May 112012

[Monday] the two week Global Outreach Conference concluded and at last count, I heard, their faith missions pledge was around $1,300,000 and counting. We clearly saw Peoples heart for the Lord Jesus, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Canada and the world. GTA is said to be the most diverse area in the world with 80 nationalities living there and Peoples has 76 mother tongues in the congregation. The church treated their missionaries well, including us, with open arms, warm hearts and delicious hospitality so tomorrow we leave with full hearts and many good memories for having been with these dear people.

Focus

Action International Ministries No Responses »

May 092012

Warriors on the Wall #121

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

May 052012

Dear praying friends,

“We must work the works of him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

According to Linda (house-mom), it is much hotter this year than it was at the same time last year. Last night at 9:00 o’clock, with not much energy in my mind or body, we were hit with a brown-out. The thermometer on the downstairs kitchen wall read 88 F.

I switched on a lamp and began my evening devotions (John 9:1-41. “Lord”, I prayed, as the sweat started to pour down my face, “may this brownout be short.” Exactly seven minutes later, the power returned.

(My good friend must be wondering what happened to the money that he sent me to buy a generator a few years back. Steve, please accept my confession that at that time, we needed to purchase some more prioritized items.)

Back to the above verse. There’s opportunities everywhere to serve the Lord (including joining ACTION) so let’s not be hearers only, as it says in James 1:22, but be doers also. God is good and we in this “praying” ministry are so thankful that He has left us with His Divine instructions. Thanks to all who are helping us to fulfill them.

PRAISES:

For all of you who helped in making April a good $ support month.
Angie’s ulcer condition has vastly improved. Anybody else need some stiff shots of cayenne pepper and turmeric?
Angie’s consultation with Joanne’s teacher has resulted in a special assignment that will allow her to pass the course.
For my recent prayer letter fitting into the e-mail airwaves.

PRAYERS:

For our May 5 Board meeting which will major on setting policies.
For Lita and Jude who are both currently on two-week holidays. Pray that their physical and spiritual strength will both be revived.
For the passing of Ronilla’s final medical that will possibly allow her to join a team going to work in Kuwait.
We’re closing in on the beginning of the school year and our school vehicle project could use some “boosting up”…thanks to those of you who have already given.

God bless you and your prayers!

In Christ,

Ron

And Now to Settle In

Paul & Pat Ellis No Responses »

May 032012

I finally have a slot of time available to send out this update.

Here’s how last week went for the big move. On Monday of last week, we set the date with the movers for last Friday because it was the only day on their schedule that was available for us. We did this not knowing where we will move trusting the Lord. Over the preceeding week, we looked at several places but they were not a fit for us. On the same day, Pami did inquiry calls for available homes to rent while Patty and I were sorting and packing. Through a side-line broker who works full-time in the Faith Academy administration, the right home was located. On Thursday evening, we signed the rental contract & paid both the deposit and 2 months advance. It was some chunk of money!

After 3 days of intensive hustle & bustle to vacate the penthouse where we lived for almost 9 years, we were basically ready for the movers (wow I can’t believe all the stuff we accumulated during those years). The night before the moving company came with 2 medium sized trucks and 7 guys, Patty and I had 3 1/2 hours of sleep pushing for necessary last-minute preparations. There’s no way that we could’ve been ready for the movers had it not been for Steve and Rita Read, Cindy Gingerich, Lori, and Pami, plus 2 house-helpers who helped us get ready. After 2 trips by the movers, we still had 3 window air conditioning units, 19 boxes of books, and misc boxes of items to move. I really thought we would need another medium sized truck load to haul it all. But our sincere hats are off to Mike, Cindy, & Moriah Gingerich and Steve Read who came last Saturday. We moved it all!

Between us, 4 small utility utility vehicles were available for the last big haul in just two trips. I was astonished that we actually accomplished this haul! I’m also so amazed at the close timing of all this. All this timing and help had to have been through the hand of God and His grace.

We plan to continue with the Life Discipleship ministry at the next place. There’s a nice enclosed back-yard patio that should do well in accommodating the small groups of pastors and church leaders. Please continue to pray for us as we settle in. We’ll need the stamina, finances, and extra help for undergoing this process.

We think of you all often. It’s great to be a part of your team.

Paul Ellis

Experiencing 3 John 5-8

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

May 012012

Mary Ann and I arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota April 21 and Toronto, Ontario April 27 and have experienced 3 John 5-8 each day so far. People have extended God’s grace to us in practical ways such as rides, meals, encouragement, beds and friendship. I commented to friends in Minnesota that missionaries have a huge blessing by meeting God’s people all over the world and they said they too experience the same as they host missionaries in their home and church.

Yes, Lord!

Jeff & Mary Ann Anderson No Responses »

May 012012

Dear Praying Friends,

Greetings from Anoka, Minnesota. Mary Ann and I arrived in Minnesota in good shape last Saturday evening and have had a blessed week visiting with old friends and making new ones as well as family. Here are brief updates for your informed intercession.

1. Our trip to the States and Canada: Sunday morning we worshiped during the 8am service at Grace Church Eden Prairie then spoke for 40 minutes in a Sunday school class. Monday we renewed our Minnesota drivers licenses and met with a young man who’s studying medicine at the University of Minnesota and interested in mission work in the Philippines. Wednesday we ran errands and had lunch with a couple who gives monthly to our work which was the first time we’ve had the chance to get to know each other which was very special. This morning I gave a ministry presentation at a men’s prayer breakfast which was well received. Tomorrow we go to Toronto, Ontario to minister at The People Church’s Global Outreach Conference and return to Minnesota May 7 where we’ll stay until the 14th. The 14th-20th we’ll be in Spokane, Washington visiting our daughter Micah Ann and her husband Danny and meet with Nelson Reed, ACTION’s International Director, and his wife Linda for a day. We really regret that we will not make it to Pasadena to see our son during this trip. His work load and our lack of time caused us the hard decision to not stop through there this time around. The 20th we return to Minnesota from where we’ll return to Manila the 21st. Pray with us that the Lord will guide our steps to the appointments and meetings He has for us as we travel. We’re praying that people we meet will be encouraged to joyfully obey the Lord. Continue reading »

WARRIORS ON THE WALL #120

Ron Homenuke No Responses »

Apr 302012

Dear praying friends,

“The high places were not removed from Israel. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was loyal all his days.” (2 Chronicles 15:17)

Are you wondering why your walk with Jesus is not that close. Have you considered that it might be due to your lack of focus or obedience to the smaller areas in your life? Israel was not victorius in some of their battles because of this one negative trait of King Asa.

Yesterday, the top-seeded Vancouver Canucks were knocked out in the first round by the upstart Los Angeles Kings, four games to one. Personally, I think that it’s the coach’s fault. From my former Junior A hockey days to my three years as pro, to win, the coach must be “on top of the game”.

Even as King Asa failed to know and obey his Master, so must the coach know how to get the most out of his players. It would appear that this coach failed to understand that players are only human…that even though they’re the best on paper, that doesn’t count when it comes to the “ice surface”. According to the papers, the Canucks had no zip left.

PRAISES

Talking to two of CC’s pastors, last week’s conference was excellent.
Shaira’s dad has returned home from the hospital. He’s alive but still very weak.
Joanne’s O.T.J. training is at our friend, Anthony’s, Internet café.
Ronilla has passed her first medical…one more to go!

PRAYERS

Currently, our finanical needs embrace 14 projects, not including our soon-coming school year and school van…but the Lord!
It would seem that, through prayer and much perusing, a demonic stronghold is part of the lives of the Gerona household. Please pray for a spiritual release.
The steady summer heat hits one harder the older he/she gets. Pray for overcoming strength, even for this “damaged” hockey puck…especially as he, Jude, Chief and Al train for a June marathon.
Angie has been hit hard with complicated ulcer problems. Pray for His hand of healing upon her.
Mike, our Director and Chief computer nerd, has been stickhandling with a very large prayer letter, trying to pass it up to a sendable position in the Internet.

Thanks and God bless,

Ron

Older Entries

Warriors on the Wall #122

Needing your Prayers

“Yes, Lord!” Easter Outreaches’ Update

Peoples Church, Toronto – Full Hearts & Good Memories

Focus

Warriors on the Wall #121

And Now to Settle In

Experiencing 3 John 5-8

Yes, Lord!

WARRIORS ON THE WALL #120

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