Philippines 07' Chronicles #6

Dear Friends & family
It's hard to believe that I am finally back in Florida enjoying the company of friends & family after 5 long months. The questions most asked of me; Are you glad to be home? Do you miss the Philippines? How is your ankle? Yes & Yes and it's still sore. I am quickly readjusting to western civilization again, but a restlessness remains in my heart and an intuitive sense that I have only just begun with overseas missions and what God has for me. I now begin the process of evaluating my time in the Philippines & to seek the Lord's guidance for the next page of my life's story.
During my last month in the Philippines one of my honors was to minister at New Life Children's home just outside Dumaguete City here on Negros. The Orphanage was founded in the early 1990s by Nolan & Julia Vockrodt and houses about 60 children on their main campus & an additional 30 at another location. (visit their website at http://www.nlch.org/ for more details). In this past year the home started sponsoring Sunday afternoon Children's Church. It was here that I ministered the story of “The man who changed his name” with my Saul puppet to over 200 children & adults. It never ceases to amaze me how children every where gaze attentively at this silly puppet of mine. But the story is not so silly ; “Redemption can be found in Christ” I fondly remember being prophesied over by old friends Steve & Rita Fidel in Utica, NY a long time ago, how I would be used of God to “paint pictures” on the minds of children & young people that would touch their hearts & persuade them to follow Christ. God truly does use the foolish things.
My last week in the islands was filled with heart wrenching goodbyes & well wishes. I was honored by an opportunity to speak to the Negros Island pastors of FIM at their monthly meeting. As I looked out on this group of dedicated ministers of the Gospel I indeed felt humbled and told them they were my heroes of the faith. Later that week I was once again ask to speak at a youth retreat. I found myself having to transverse about a hundred yards of rushing river on foot to get to the location. What is it with these youth retreats & water? The rocky river bed indeed tested the strength of my wobbly ankle but God's Grace was sufficient and I was able to finish my course without incident. After couple of days of seeing the sights in Manila I was again aboard a plane for the long flights back to the states. A week later found me at Monteocha New Life Christian Center bringing greetings to the mission team that came from there over the summer. They gladly received the dozens of personal notes sent by the young people FIM. What a privilege to be used of God to open this door of Missions between Monteocha & the Philippines. Tentative plans are already in the works for their return in 2008.

God's Best & Blessings to you.In Christ, Russ

Philippines 07' Chronicles #6 Pics

New Life Orphanage Childrens' Church

"Suffer the Little Children to come unto me"

Philippine Water Park

Swimming Buddys?

Goodby for now

Pastor Danden Sales & a few of his flock

Philippines 07' Chronicles #5

Dear Friends & Family,

Free at Last! Unless you have had a body part in a cast for six weeks I don’t think you can fully appreciate the absolute feeling of freedom when it is removed. I will never again take for granted the simple pleasure of walking unimpeded or taking a shower standing up. I am still experiencing some soreness & swelling 2 weeks later, but I take comfort in the fact that it could have been a lot worst. How I do hate learning lessons the hard way, such as; “Don’t take unnecessary risks”, “Think before you leap” and “Don’t let your travel insurance lapse.” (Thank you all who help cover this expense.)

Despite the encumbrance of the cast I did manage to fulfill some preaching & teaching assignments. But now with the cast off travel is once again on the menu. A much anticipated trip to the neighboring island of Behol found Pastor Danden and myself escorting one of the young graduates of Faith Island Mission’s Bible School to her first Pastorate. Jeselyn is only 23 years old & never been off her home island of Negros. She is eager to have her own church after interning & working as an assistant pastor for over a year. It would be nice to install older, married & more experienced ministers but here in the Philippines the Bible verse is quite true, “the harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few, pray that the Lord of the harvest will send forth laborers into His harvest.” (Matt.9:37,38) Danden & I blessed her financial as much as we could to get her started and left her in the care of the already existing deacons. Still I couldn’t help but feel nervous for her. We were encouraged to learn she had a full church her first Sunday ministering.

From there we traveled over to the small island of Balicasag by palm boat (always a fun way to travel). If you may remember this is the place Danden grew up & where his family has run the lighthouse for many generations. It also the place FIM keeps the Gospel boat they use for island evangelism. We came to check on damage caused both by a recent storm there and seaworms, which attacked it while, docked by Bais City last year. The cost of repairs including engine overhaul will probably run a couple of thousand$. Danden has his sites set on some small islands in the area that do not have a Gospel witness, so he will proceed by faith and negotiate the price for repairs. If I return next year my “wish list” would include doing Island Evangelism with the team here.

I am now down to my last month in the Philippines (this year). I never though one month would turn into five. I would like to say I have no regrets but I definitely could have done without the broken ankle thing. Never the less I’ve gotten to do more, see more, learn a little more Cubano and be an added blessing to folks here at Faith Island Mission more than any of my previous trips. Though my accomplishments seem small & even insignificant in light of the vast needs of this place, we will trust the Lord to make the most of our offerings of time, efforts & finances. His “…Word will not return to Him void…” Isaiah 55:11

God’s Best & Blessings to you all
Russ Rutler

Philippines 07' Chronicles #5 Pics

Guiligan's Island?
Pastora Jeselyn & new home



Rual Rush Hour: Bais City


Recent Leadership Conference

Philippines 07' Chronicles #4

Dear Friends & Family,

It was over 2 weeks ago now that I sat in an Orthopedic doctors
office. I could not believe what I was hearing. “fracture…surgery…with
a plate & screws…” I wanted to cry and break something at the same
time. “Not me! Not here! Not now!” Two weeks prior to that I was with
the young youth leaders of the Negros Oriental Churches. I was their
special guest at an outing at a local beach. I guess I wanted to show
my “perpetual youth” when I jumped on one of those thin surf boards
that skim over the water. My lack of skill & wisdom left me inagonizing pain & rolling in the sand. I should have gotten an x-ray
right away, but I refused to believe it was no more than a bad sprain.
Time proved me wrong.

Now some weeks later, surgery complete, I sit typing this letter &
looking at my foot that will be encased in a cast for 4 more weeks. My
months stay here had turned first into 2 ½ and now 5 as I heal up &
wait for the next available flight home. No matter for this place is
just as much my home now as is Florida and I am resolved to entrust
myself to the Graces of God & His purposes even in this mishap. There
is a peace and much to be learned even in a convalescing state. I am
one who likes to keep busy and at times known to be independent and
maybe a little stubborn. I am now forced to learn the benefit of
slowing down & relaying on Christ as my strength. The need of leaning
on other members of the body of Christ for help. And to listen for
Christ voice in a new dimension.

MONTEOCHA TEAM
In the mist of my mis adventure the team from Monteocha New Life
Christian Center, Gainesville, FL arrived. “Just Great” Here I am,
stayed on to greet them & help make their first trip to the Philippines
a memorable one and now in cast & on crutches not being able to do much
of anything. Thank God it’s not all about me, and His strength is made
perfect in our weaknesses. Monteocha Team came prayed up, prepared & excited. Ready spiritually, mentally & physically for the challenges of this mission field. Pastor Danden & company did their usual unbelievable job of making them feel like long lost relatives & treated them royally.

Butong, Sabahan, Amlan, San Jose, Comba, Batic, Capinadan, Tampasanon
and others are names that don’t mean much to many reading this, but
they represent the places Team Monteocha traveled to & held crusades &
church meetings. They represent hundreds of people coming to a decision
for Christ as their savior and a born again experience. Well done
faithful Monteocha Missions Team. You took a couple of weeks out of
your American life, spent a bunch of money, put up with cramped
traveling conditions for many miles & hours, a new culture, strange
foods, jet lag and language barriers. But because of your faithfulness
Heavens population is eternally changed for the better.

God’s Best & Blessings to you. In Christ Russ

Philippines 07' Chronicles #4 Pics

Right After Surgery












Children decorating My Cast.












Ministering with Monteocha Team at Mt. High School.











Distribution of Vitamins & Antibotics.
Funding suppled By Monteocha
New Life Christian Center.











Some of the many crowds at this
past weeks Crusades.











Monteocha Team ministers in song.

Philippines 07 Chronicle #3

Dear Friends & Family

Trip to Davao
It is always interesting to go to a “new” area of the Philippines. It brings out the explorer/trailblazer in me. This time it was the area of Davao in the mid section of the Island of Mindanao. The traveling seems always the challenging part. A van ride down to a small ferry, 3hr bus ride, 1/2hr taxi, wait, plane ride, another taxi, sleep over in some low budget hotel, another taxi ride, & another 2hr bus ride. But then getting up & ministering in the anointing makes it all worth it. Besides ministering to a few dozen local church leaders, we were able to work out the final transaction of purchasing some church property. The next step will be to build a structure. While sitting with the church pastor & elders at our hotel restaurant, I thought someone had a nervous problem, because our table was gently shaking. When someone mentioned to me we were having an earthquake I could hardly believe it. I could look around the room and see things moving on their own. Fortunately it was just a mild tremor probably a 2.something. But it was my first earthquake! May God shake our hearts with indescribable Love!


FIM Youth Convention 2007
What an exciting time, over 200 youth from Faith Island Mission churches from around Negros Oriental. All camped out at a local beach
resort. (I use “resort” very loosely here), it was very campy. When I walked into one of the morning Praise & worship sessions I was taken up by such a spirit of Joy that could not help but rejoicing. These young people have such energy & joyfully give it to their Lord. I was privileged to speak to the kids, ages 12 to early 20s, on the subjects of “Breakthrough” and “Fellowship with God”. I emphasized the importance of finding your personal “secret place” with God and gave practical applications to ones prayer/devotional time. Ps. 91:1; “He who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the All Mighty.” Special thanks to my old friend Bob Smith of NJ for introducing me to Bob Sorge’s Book “Secrets of the Secret Place” I recommend it to all.





Local Crusade

This weeks crusade took us to a small village in the foothills of the Mountains that stretch the length of Negros Oriental. We traveled about an hours off the main Highway and on to some rough dirt and rock roads. Our vehicle, the old faithful “Chariot of Fire” is now in its 15th year of service. But this time the rear wheel drive truck could only get us within 1K of our destination. The last hill’s topography surpassed the truck’s capability, Yes I think FIM is in need of a new 4WD Crusade truck. The Crusade team of young people, mostly from the main church in Bais are the best. Without so much as a single murmur they carried all the equipment in down the last Kilometer. That night saw many touched of the Lord and a couple a dozen come to Christ. After an overnight stay, a Thanksgiving service & monthly leadership meeting (they make the most of these outings) the team carried everything back out. This time up hill and after heavy rains. Still no one complained.

Preparations continue for the arrival of the Monteocha, FL mission’s Team in June. It looks like it will be an exciting and busy week for them. Already we have planned out 5 or 6 crusades, a medical outreach, High School Ministry, Radio & Prison Ministry as well as local Church Preaching assignments. It is also a joy for me to be part of introducing others to this little corner of the world. Please be in agreement in pray that we follow God's plans for this time, that even now those who need Christ are prepared in their hearts & circumstances to attend these Crusades.


God’s Best & Blessings to You.
Russ Rutler

Philippines 07' Chronicles #3 Pics

Handing out Bibles in Davao.


















Local Devao transportation.












Pastors Gene & Danden
Missed our Bus had to take a Ferry.












"Tent City" FIM youth Camp 2007.













Where do they get all that Energy?












Crusade Team Walks Equipment In.












Local Crusade sees many Come to Christ.

Philippines 07' Chronicles #2

Dear Friends & Family,

It is now 2 weeks since our arrival and it seems like I am picking up just where I left off a year ago. Ministering in the different churches, working with the young people, doing my puppet, playing guitar, & generally being the “Utility Man” in the body of Christ here. It is such a privilege to share this time with 3 of my former pastors; Gene & Sharon Stanley & Deanna Mingo. With the Sales, & Stanleys in Vietnam this week I have stayed behind to take care of Pastor Danden’s preaching responsibilities.

This past Monday Myself & some of the young people drove out to a small
congregation in Comba village in the middle of somewhere beyond the sugar cane fields to do a Thanksgiving service (That is an annual anniversary of the Church). At one point we were using a river for a road. (and we are not talking driving a Hummer or Land rover here, just some humble Chinese built van with bald tires)It was hot, sticky & a little uncomfortable as I preached about the 2 men on the road to Emmaus (Luke
24)to some 60-70 people. I could sense the anointing as I was emphasizing that Jesus was with them though hid from their sight. 7 adults plus children responded to salvation's call. The enormity & implications of our obedience to share the Gospel & offer salvation on Christ's behalf is settling into my spirit. That the eternal destinies
of at least some rest with us & our willingness to "go" & speak. How I gladly put up with any discomfort & inconvenience to see this accomplished in my life.

During Wed. night prayer, where only a handful of the faithful showed up the presence of God was so strong that I found myself on my face weeping almost uncontrollable. I had to explain to them during my sharing time that when the tears come during prayer & intercession it is good to let them flow. Something is being accomplished in the spirit.

On Friday the young people & I did another local one nite crusade. What is usually done is that a location is picked out, like a village basketball court (they all have them), a permit is filed, sound equipment set up, young people go out knocking on doors & we have a meeting. This time I taught a group of the teenagers to do the “Operation Skit” where we pretend to pull out someone’s sinful “heart” & replace it with a new one (see Ezekiel 36:26) It was done completely in Cebuano (the local language) and these guys & gals did great, real “Hams” I’m so proud of them. That night we saw another dozen come to Christ and had opportunity to ministry & pray for the sick.

Saturday saw me up in the mountains again this time at a place called Tampasion. It is small area of maybe 10-20 acres nestled between a couple of hills. Numerous rows of coconut trees give it the illusion of a forest, all shaded, but the ground is grassy with a few goats & cattle grazing. A few humble dwellings plus the church complete the picture. A truly peaceful place, that no tourists ever see. The congregation walks up to 10K from the surrounding area for the meeting. I brought my puppet with with me & by placing a crown on his head Incorporated him into a teaching on the “unjust servant & forgiveness ( Matt.18:21-35) I also got to eat one of my mountain favorites; "young coconut" with brown sugar.

This week I learned that the Moneoka Church Missions team from Gainesville, Fl will be coming in June. It will be an exciting time of outreaches & also a health clinic or two (2 of the team are nurses). After some prayer, & the fact that I was in part instrumental in encouraging them to come, I sense it will be a good thing for me to remain here for their outreach. So as a bit of a leap of faith I will forgo my May 1 departure date, stick around & get things ready for them. As an added benefit I will get to help out at an upcoming Youth Convention in May. This will increase some of my expected “in country” expenses. So if it on your heart to help out I would greatly appreciate it.
CMAI c/o Stanley’s
637 OCCONEECHEE DR
FUQUAY VARINA NC 27526-6604

Thank you for your prayers, and allowing this mission to be part of your life.
God’s Best & Blessings to you.
In Christ, Russ

Philippine 07' Chronicles #1

Dear Friends & Family,
After about 24hours of flights and airports our team of 4 arrived safe in Manila. Walking once again through the international arrivals
building I notice immediately that a peace had filled my heart, I am back at my home away from home. Arriving on Good Friday in Manila was certainly different. Only a faction of the usual traffic filled the streets in this dominantly Roman Catholic society. Our Friend & co
laborer Pastor Danden Sales once again faithfully met us and welcomed us back to his country.

Everyone was assigned a different church to preach at on Easter Sunday, then a Church Thanksgiving service in the afternoon and evening service at the main church in Bais City. A busy first day. At that point our biological clocks are still on EST & do not understand we are now 12 hours ahead. I awoke at 5:30am fully refreshed so started praying reading the word, an hour & 2 cups of coffee later I couldn’t understand why it wasn't getting light out & no one was sirring (they are early risers around here.) Come to find out I was reading my watch upside down & it was now about 2AM! Oh well, time well spent.

This week was the Faith Island Mission’s 25th Anniversary. Over 40
congregations were represented. Only a few of the more distant pastor under FIM could not make it. What a great sense of privilege (humbling actually) & responsibility to minister to these men & women of God who have forsaken all to follow Jesus into ministry. I was particularly touched that while a certain song was playing, all the former Bible school students, some 25-30 all together who now pastor works, began to walk up on the platform. I thought “my God look at them they are all so young but have taken on such a great challenge” The Vision, Efforts & Labors of Pastors Danden & Shirley are paying off with fruit that has eternal dimensions. Not to forget the many others who have sown into
this ministry over the years as well.

We finished off our week on Friday with a small local crusade that saw
over 30 give their hearts to Christ. The young people were diligent to
take down names for follow-up later. On Saturday it was up to the
Mountains for another Church Thanksgiving service. This one near the
Mt. School we visit last year (see Philippine 06 chronicle #3 at
www.rrutler.blogspot.com ) There we were able to donate a microscope
given to us by Sandy F. of Freedom, NY. Though the students are on
their summer vacation right now the Principle was there and was most
happy to receive the gift.

Pastors Gene & Sharon & Danden & Shirley will leave tomorrow Tuesday 4/17/07 for a
"closed country" to share with the underground church. Please keep them in prayer. I will be staying on in Bais City to take care of some of
Pastor Danden's ministry responsibilities.

God's Best & Blessings to you.
In Christ, Russ Rutler

Philippines 07 Chronicles Prelude

Dear Friends & family,
It’s Hard to believe that it has been almost a year since I was in the Philippines. Once again we are ready to return, this time for Faith Island Mission’s 25th anniversary Convention. We will be a party of 4 traveling from the U.S. taking the responsibility as convention speakers and ministering to the Graduating class of the Bible school there. This year’s theme is a study of the book of Daniel. Each of us will be doing 3 or 4 sessions during the 3 days of the convention. Pastors, Pastoras, elders and church workers from approximately 50 local churches from a half of dozen islands will come to the convention. Some will travel hundreds of miles by boat & bus just to take part. It is an exciting time and personally humbling to be part of such an event. In addition to the convention there will also be many opportunities to minister in local church, over the radio & in the local prison.

During our planned 4 week stay Gene Stanley will go with Pastor Danden and visit some saints in a neighboring country that is known to be closed to the Gospel. Please keep them in prayer the 2nd to 3rd week of April. I’ll be staying on in Bais City to look at crusade sites for future mission trips with other groups. When they return we plan to head over to the Davao area of Mindanao where several churches have been established in recent years. We will be encouraging them through special meetings and fellowship.

The costs involved in this particular trip in part include much of the annual budget of the convention, transportation cost for Pastors & spouses from the more distant churches and financial blessings to pastors & graduating students. These cost are divided amongst the team traveling to the Philippines. If you would like to help me with meeting my budget this year please follow the directions below.

We also covet your prayers & intercessions that the anointing and grace of Christ rest each & every team member. Our flights have been confirmed to be leaving on the 4th of April with a scheduled return of May 1st 2007.

On a home note while visiting my family in New
Jersey I was invited to share with my puppets
at 2 Presbyterian churches. The first, my brother Dave's church in Franklin Lakes, NJ. The other being a large Korean church in Oakland, NJ. My brother made the comment at lunch that it was like going to another country, Kimchi (spicy Korean dish) and all. The children (and adults) were delighted as we told the story of Saul on the road to Damascus. (Acts chapter 9) Using a volunteer to play the part of Ananias we also emphasized being used of God.

I was particularly touched by the welcome given me by the Korean children's church with a song and a group hug. ("Was that a tear welling in your eye? Russ you old softy.)

God’s Best & Blessings to you.
Russ Rutler

Tax deductible gifts can be made out to & sent to:
CMAI
637 Occoneechee Drive
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
(with a notation “Russ Rutler PI trip”)

PS My home address is still in Gainesville, FL