Philippine 06 Chronicles #1

Dear Friends & Family
A belated Merry Christmas & May God grant you a truly joyous New Year.

A little over a year ago our friend, sister and my loving wife Yvonne went home to be with the Lord. Many still dearly miss her and we’ve struggled to make sense and cope with her departure. As I look back over almost 22 years of marriage, I’m reminded of the many
opportunities we had to serve our Lord in various capacities in numerous locations. One of our adventures took place nearly 4 years ago when we journeyed to the Philippines. Though we stayed for only 4 months, the land and its people have never left my heart and are never far from my thoughts. I return to the Philippines in 2006.

As some of you know I’ll be working with Danden & Shirley Sales who head up “Faith Island Missions” out of Bais City, Negros Oriental in the southern part of the Philippines. Our long time friend, former pastor and head of C.M.A.I. (Church & Ministerial Alliance International) Ira Stanley introduced us to Danden and has himself traveled nearly annually to the Islands for many years. The following is a brief description of my itinerary and needs while in the Philippines.
ITINERARY
This trip will commence with a Jan. 11 departure. On the agenda will be teaching and ministering on the large Island of Mindanao to both the older churches under Danden’s care in the Surigal area and the 10 congregations started this year in the Davao area. I am also scheduled to teach 2 courses at the Mission’s Bible School in Feb./March, participate in the annual conference and the school’s graduation in April. After which I should be returning to the States. In addition, there are home groups, prison & radio ministries and numerous local churches that I’ll be visiting.
NEEDS
I’m asking my friends and family for help, particularly in the area of prayer support. Though finances, for unexpected needs and in country expenses always arise, and are welcome (see note at bottom), I consider the prayers and intercession of the saints to be of greater value. Here are some specific things to pray for:
Safety: Transportation; planes boats buses
Traveling among the more heavily populated Muslim areas of southern Mindanao.
Inspiration: that God would anoint our words and actions as we
minister. That I would learn the language quickly.
Open Doors: that God would open new areas of ministry
Receptive Hearts: that people will be responsive to Gospel
Practical needs: That we have the means on hand to meet practical
needs such as food, clothing, educational & ministry items.

I will try to provide email updates every couple of weeks reguarding our progress. It is my sincere desire that you feel a part of this ongoing mission to the Philippines.
God’s Best & Blessings to You, Love Russ

Correspondence can be sent to: rrutler@juno.com and my cell #352 256 5060 will be in operation until Jan. 11, 2006. Additional info can be found at www.rrutler.blogspot.com Tax deductible contributions for Russ can be made to “G.A.P. International Church” and be mailed to: Fresh Anointing Church
c/o Chris Ludwig Sr.
10935 SE 177th Place
Summerfield, FL 34491
GAP International Church is a non-denominational, full gospel Church. The GAP is associated with Without Walls International Church of Tampa, FL. Russ Rutler is currently an Associate Pastor with the GAP Church serving with Senior Pastor’s Chris & Sally Ludwig.
Contributions to Faith Island Missions or a Specific Project can be made out to CMAI & mailed to: C.M.A.I.
c/o Pelkey
P.O. Box 357
Crown Point, NY 12928