Dear Friends,

In my last prayer letter, I asked you to join me in praying for the Lord’s will for me in  attending the East Asian Frontier’s Missions Conference (AFMC) in Malaysia. Thank you so much – the Lord has answered our prayers. After the AFMC, a team composed of 4 IVCF graduates, 2 IVCF staff workers and the OMF home council director went to South Thailand for a short vision trip. I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be a part of that team.

In that short vision trip, the Lord gave opportunities to minister to young people of a different nationality, culture and language. With a culture and language barriers, communicating with them was not easy. Yet, the Lord in all His wisdom and creativity, allowed us to minister to them in ways He wanted us to. The group we were ministering to have committed offences to both their governments and the victims of their wrong acts. I wanted to tell them that about God Who has power to forgive and to change lives which I wasn’t able to say because they cannot fully understand English. I wanted to hug them to let them know that I care, but I didn’t do because of cultural barrier. I ended up crying and a little disappointed as we went back to where we stay. I thought that if I only knew their language,  somehow, I would have been able to share to them the God that I know and have. Yet, the Lord comforted me and reminded me that even if I wasn’t able to verbally share my faith to them, I can still pray for them and  for the people who have the capacity  to minister to them. I thank the Lord for this trip for how it has opened my eyes all the more to the realities of life, its joys and difficulties and the need of people for a Savior who can help them in all areas of life.

After a few days of rest, I resumed my twice a month Bible Study Workshop with some IVCF members from Cebu Normal University. Their desire to study the God’s Words inductively is both a challenge and an encouragement. I enjoyed conducting the workshop with them. Personally, I am also being ministered. What great joy to be with them again.

My regular staff visits to the different islands in the region always bring surprises and learning.  My recent visit in Dumaguete was an experience.  While having a bible study with high school students in one of the schools in the City, there was a sudden commotion. We saw people running and learned that there was a rumble of two notorious fraternity groups. My initial reaction was to be afraid that I stopped the bible study and just watched. They were running towards us and the authorities had difficulty stopping them. I was a little bit afraid but just continued on with my bible study. It was my first time to see fraternities fighting. I was stunned of the “bravery” of those young people, at the same time sad and afraid that many in this generation do not know how to truly value their lives. What I saw led me to truly pray for  the youth of this and the next generations to realize the true value of their lives.

As I prepare for the Leadership Camp & Discipleship Camp (LCDC), I went to Bohol for my last area visit this first semester.  Spending time and sharing the Word of God to the ISCF’ers in Don Cecilio Putong National High School in Tagbilaran, City is always an encouragement. Students are so eager to learn from the Word of God and their willingness to live out their faith is such a joy. I thank God for them knowing Christ at a young age. During the overnight retreat, I shared about servant-leadership and shared part of the Bible Study Workshop. The participants were both high school and college students. I thank the Lord because the retreat paved the way for me to be reminded on the importance of servant-leadership and the perfect example of the Lord Jesus Christ.

During the course of my visit, I stayed at the house of Kuya Vic and Ate Glo Casabal, IVCF grads in Bohol. Staff workers usually stay in their house whenever in Tagbilaran. We were blessed through their hospitality and generosity. I enjoyed my time listening to their various stories and interacting with them on certain things and issues. They also invited me to preach during their church Sunday service. For some reasons, I was hesitant at first, then said yes eventually for the privilege of sharing His Word to the people in the church. Praise God.

After my visit to Bohol, most of my times were spent preparing for my LCDC assignment and other regional concerns. During the camp, I had the chance to actually help in the kitchen. I tried being a cook (hehehe) and gave effort to be a good one. The Lord surprised me with that responsibility, but I enjoyed doing it.
In the midst of a busy life, I thank the Lord for a diversion and treat. I was able to watch a concert of two local good artists I admired. What a blessing.

Last November 12, 2010, I facilitated a recollection activity for 4th year HS students in Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges in Bogo, Cebu. I thank God for the privilege to be invited and to facilitate the said recollection activity. My desire to integrate the Gospel in the different sessions, lessons and activities   was fulfilled. Praise the Lord for that.

Thank you so much for all your unending prayers.
I would like to hear from you as well.
The LORD bless and keep you always!

By His grace,
Lala

Prayer Concerns:

• Proper implementation of our second semester regional plans and programs.
• IV-Day preparation and celebration. Pray for wisdom for the RAC members as they spear head the event and for the different committees as they continue to prepare.
• Financial provision for the region.
• Quality time with GT’s, student leaders, graduates and donors in the region for the next four months.
• Good health.
• Discipline and proper time management.
•Salvation of my family members.
•I’ll be going back to school during my sabbatical in June 2011. Pray for guidance, wisdom, adjustment and discipline as I will be a student again.

Download the PDF version of the prayer letter