So many things to be thankful for!
Happy Thanksgiving… a bit late. There are so many things to be thankful for! First, I am thankful for my freedom in Christ and his spirit that lives in me. So thankful for our new Grandson, Tripp Alexander Wilkins, who was born August 26. So thankful for the opportunity to get to the US for vacation to spend time with our new grandson and and our parents and dear family. So thankful for meaningful work here in the Philippines. Also thankful that Covid cases in the Philippines are down and we are actually getting to a new normal. We have been able to be “in person” church and just recently got back from a trip to the island of Negros. See the video below for a recap of the trip.
We are excited to share about a new opportunity for Work & Witness here on the Asia Pacific Region. Due to the closed borders here, Dr. Mark Louw, our regional Director, has opened up the opportunity to use Alabaster funds to help with project funds on our fields. So we have been able to share with our fields (Australia-New Zealand, Melanesia-South Pacific, Sealands, South East Asia, China Ministries and of course Philippines-Micronesia) that Local Work & Witness can be put together using these project funds. Here in the Philippines, we are actively visiting sites and working with the local leaders to put together projects. The hope is to create ministry opportunities here where our young people can experience mission and perhaps in this experience hear the call of God to Missions. we are excited to see what will happen. You have probably seen me post things about several Filipino Missionaries that have been placed this year. It is so very exciting.
We attended the Work & Witness conference at the end of September. It was online and we enjoyed connecting with our people. There was a bit of frustration as people who want to go and serve cannot have access to so many world areas. There was a lot of training at this conference and it was quite an experience to have people attending from literally all over the world. We delayed our return to the Philippines for a few days so that we could attend from a US time zone. We are excited to see how Work & Witness will begin again and how it will be used for God’s glory.
There is so much to do. Below are some photo’s of our vacation time in September and just some of the events we have had in addition to our trip to Negros District since we have returned the last two months. We have met with our Field Office to report on last year and plan for next year. We were blessed to attend our house mate, pastora Racquel Veleza’s Wedding to pastor Cris Vargas in October. We celebrated 38 years at Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary with an “in-person” Chapel and lunch. We look forward to having our President, Dr. Larry Bollinger, and Dean of Administration, Dr. Keith Killen, back on campus in January. They have not been able to get here since March 2020. We continue to make plans for local and international Work & Witness!
Enjoy this short devotional. Hope is here… Happy Advent!
8 Replies to “So many things to be thankful for!”
Y’all are amazing and a true testament to Christ living in you and you both following His call. I continue to pray for you guys! Take care and blessings!
Thank you, Jo, for following our story and for your prayers and encouragement. God bless you as you minister in Washington! Have a lovely Christmas!
Lots going on these last months! I enjoy following your journey. Praying for you both!
Thank you Cory! We are blessed by you and Sheri and your prayers for us! Have a lovely Christmas!
The Lord is continuing to show His favor and blessing on your ministry in the Asia Pacific Region. Praying for you and the slow down of Viruses to allow more workers to come and resources to be provided for your work! Great to see you in June. May your Christmas be blessed with many unexpected blessings. Love you much.
Thank you Randy! So excited to see all that the Lord will do in your ministry in the next year. Hope you are all settled into your new place!
Love all the awesome family pics. Sorry we couldn’t connect when you were here. Continued prayers for you and your ministry, Love you my friends!
Thank you for your love and support Shari!