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:

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

PRAYERS:

1. 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.
2. Al’s (our dorm dad) wife ( Ruby) is expecting their fifth child, any day now. Pray for a healthy baby and mom.
3. 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.
4. School starts on June 4. Pray for our potential fifteen students and each respective staff member to be physically and spiritually ready.
5. 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

“…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:

1. 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:

1. For protection of Corns and the kids as he drives and for his family and for the Lord’s provision of a reliable van.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Prayer for additional prayer and $ support is also always appreciated.

Thanks!

In Christ,

Ron

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.

The approximate cost for these outreaches attended by 597 children was $3,200.00 which covered meals, snacks and materials. As far as we can determine 450 children and 10 parents indicated they turned from sin to the Savior and are involved in follow-up ministry. To see photos go to https://picasaweb.google.com/action.siteam and look for “Post Easter Activity”.

Here select testimonies for your rejoicing:

John-John: 10 years old from Calvary Hills. We thank God for our teachers because they taught us the word of God. Everyday was an exciting day for us because we learned new songs and memory verses. I learned to appreciate that Jesus is our Creator. I need to share to other children that we need to keep our surroundings clean and not to put our garbage in the creek. Our teacher shared to us the causes of flood in different areas. I gave my life to Jesus and I am very thankful for this life that he gave to me.

Ayessa: 9 years old from CAEC, we learned many things in our DVBS class, it’s good that I didn’t join my other cousin in the province, but decided to participate in the DVBS. I loved all the action songs. I learned that God created me special and gave his life to me. I received Jesus in my heart.

Omar: 12 years old from Baseco, it’s nice to have the DVBS we learned many things from God’s word. I shared with my mother that we should always be thankful for His creations, we need to take care of the Manila Bay and encourage our neighbor to clean our areas. On the 2nd day I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.

Berto: 10 years old from Baseco, I am very thankful because we have breakfast and lunch, we were able to concentrate in our class and have energy the whole session. I thank the Lord for giving his life to all children, I received Him in my heart.

Cristian: 12 years old from Calvary: I am a student of Good News club, DVBS helped me a lot to know Him better. I’m glad that many children participated in this project. I am praying that many children will commit their lives to Jesus. When I grow up I also want to teach children in different areas.

Tin-tin: 11 years from Calvary, I thank the Lord for every lesson we have. I learned many things about God’s creation. And everything has a purpose. My life has a purpose because I have Jesus in my heart.

Joshua from Blessed Hope Community Church: When my mother knew that there would be a VBS, she pressured me to attend. I did not want to go but my mother was persistent so I went. She said I would learn a lot and there could be many good changes in my life. When I first attended I thought it would be boring but I was surprised because everyone was having a good time so during the entire VBS I learned a lot and realized my mom was right. I was mouthy to my parents and always fighting with my siblings. I came to know Jesus as my Savior and the only way to heaven and He has forgiven my sins. I learned many memory verses, new songs, and arts and crafts. Thank you very much for this VBS.

Luke 15:10 (NASB), “In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Another cause for great rejoicing is many of the youth involved in leading their VBS programs are former campers, involved in our Alternative Learning System literacy programs and other SITeam ministries such as Evangelistic Christmas Parties in the past and are now leading other youth in ministry. This shows multiplication of leaders and ownership which is a testimony of 2 Timothy 2:2 (NASB), “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Rejoicing,

Jeff

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” ~ Micah 6:8 NIV

[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.

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:

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

PRAYERS:

1. For our May 5 Board meeting which will major on setting policies.
2. For Lita and Jude who are both currently on two-week holidays. Pray that their physical and spiritual strength will both be revived.
3. For the passing of Ronilla’s final medical that will possibly allow her to join a team going to work in Kuwait.
4. 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

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

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.

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.

2. International Bible Givers: Tonight I attended the monthly meeting of International Bible Givers in Anoka, MN. This group has given Bibles to our ministries in Manila a few times and to Micah when she was in Iraq while she was deployed. This has got to be one of the most unique ministries I’ve been involved with because of people from various walks of life, seniors and young people all bound together in Jesus Christ for the purpose of distributing Bibles free to ministries doing cutting edge work among bikers, street people, prisoners, at carnivals, among many other ministries. They are a joyful bunch of saints but very purposeful in spreading the gospel in the Word of God among the spiritually hungry. I am glad to be connected to them.

3. Update on my left eye and Mary Ann’s jaw: I saw my retina doctor Tuesday and she said I’m among the 5% that has membrane which forms over the retina after a surgery which is causing my poor vision. Dr. Quiram said there are two procedures that can be tried to restore vision and we did the conservative one first so she injected medicine into the eyeball which “may” reduce the clumping and inflammation. I’ll have a follow-up with her May 8 at which time we’ll see if the medicine had it’s desired effect and if not we’ll repeat the peeling surgery she did last June. However due to our travels she won’t insert gas so I can fly. Pray for the medicine to work please.

Mary Ann’s jaw has gotten out of alinement due to wearing a mouth guard while sleeping which has caused concern. Before leaving Manila our dentist made a new guard for her but won’t correct her jaw so when we get back to Manila she’ll see an orthodontist. She saw a doctor in Manila who ruled out TMJ so it’s a dental problem. Pray for her please.

4. Loewen family returns to Manitoba: I met Carl Loewen 20 years ago when he came to Manila to do his Bible school internship with the Street Impact Team for several months. Since then we’ve become good friends and co-workers in ministry to street kids. Thirteen years ago or so Carl returned to Manila with his wife Lisa and after Tagalog school they pioneered our discipleship-life skills development ministry at 2nd Mile called Honest Hands. For twelve years Carl, Lisa and now their four boys have lived at 2nd Mile. Over those twelve years Honest Hands has had nine classes, graduated 64 guys and had 166 campers. May 4 the Loewens leave for the Winnipeg area where they’ll live and start a church-planting ministry in newly arrived Filipinos. We’ll miss them big-time but we wouldn’t hold them back fro following the Lord. Pray for Carl, Lisa, Isaiah, Jacob, Samuel and Malachi as the Spirit promotes you.

*This weekend we’ll be with Nathan and Carol Hooper and their children who are former appointees to the Philippines with ACTION Canada to work with street kids. Their direction in ministry abruptly changed when their kids were diagnosed to have life-threatening allergies so they’re working in Toronto. We’re looking forward to seeing Nathan again, he came to Manila a few years ago for a visit, and meet his family for the first time. Pray for encouragement and a fruitful time together.

**May 6 we’ll spend the day with Greg and Sarah Seiling, from Ontario, who’ll replace the Loewens in leading Honest Hands so pray for our time together.

***Speaking of 2nd Mile based ministries Mustard Seed, our discipleship-vocational skills training ministry, teaching hi-speed sewing, for underprivileged young women opened their sixth class April 16 with ten students. Working Hands’ auto mechanics, wood tech/welding and computer tech classes open their 23rd class in June, Lord willing, and is now recruiting up to 50 underprivileged young men. Pray for the missionaries and staff, the funds needed and the students as they learn what it means to be a follower of Christ with a marketable skill.

5. Update on our Fish and Bread feeding ministry: Currently the Street Impact Team is feeding 4,837 kids for six months at 74 sites in partnership with churches and para-church ministries. 4,787 are being fed food from Feed My Starving Children and 50 from local food funded by friends in Canada. We praise God for everyone involved in feeding these malnourished children life sustaining food and the soul saving Word of God.

5. Daily Vacation Bible School update: Mission-to-Children, a long-time partner of SITeam, funded four evangelistic DVBSs with the fourth taking place this week. Each one has an Easter theme and is for children residing in Manila’s vast squatter communities. When I’ve written the final report you’ll receive it but in the meantime pray that many children and their parents will turn from sin and trust our resurrected Savior. At each DVBS the kids are fed a good meal and at one both breakfast and lunch including FMSC food. At Baseco, one of the DVBS sites, where we’ve done lots of work over the years including feeding programs, the leaders discovered a two-year old girl that was severely malnourished and very thin. We were able find her mother and are hoping to include her in the feeding program so pray she will be able to gain weight and become strong. You can see recent pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/action.siteam/

Conclusion: Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote “Only he who believes is obedient, only he who is obedient believes.” Where is the Lord Jesus Christ, via the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, leading you? I love John 12:26 which says” If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (NKJV) I told the guys this morning during my presentation that for the obedient follower of Christ there’s only two options when it comes to missions across the street and around the world: being a goer or a sender. If you know the Lord has called you out to go with the Gospel take courage and joyfully obey Him and if not be a champion sender. Life with Christ is abundant and full of eternal purpose.

As we are preparing to send this letter we are listening to our niece Madi Rouleau play “Be Thou My Vision.” This song says what has been on our hearts these days.

Your hands and feet in Manila for Christ’s sake among the poor,

Jeff

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

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

PRAYERS

1. Currently, our finanical needs embrace 14 projects, not including our soon-coming school year and school van…but the Lord!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Angie has been hit hard with complicated ulcer problems. Pray for His hand of healing upon her.
5. 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