Mission Chronicles 09’ May

Dear Friends and Family,
It is hard believe that a month has gone by already since my arrival here in the Philippines. My original plan was to travel with the Stanleys to Vietnam, but when I saw how shorten my time would be here in the PI I felt the need to opt out. I see now the hand of God in my decision as I was able to take on some of Danden’s responsibilities here in Bais City while He & family got away for a much needed break following the death of their daughter.

Upon his return Danden & I traveled to the Surigao City area on the North side of Mindanao and ministered at two church Thanksgivings. This trip is always “adventuresome” and is usually a test to see if I will complain about our Spartan accommodations along the way. It seems like it was a constant rush to get to our next form of transportation and then have the pleasure to endure it. From water taxi to a 3hr Bus to a 14hr Super Ferry. Sometimes we would get there minutes from departure. Praise God we never missed a connection. Our hotel in Surigao was probably a –1star, we got caught in the rain numerous times on the motor bike while ridding the 30k back & forth to our ministry local & soaked to the skin twice in a palm boat, once while it was stalled & adrift in the channel during a rain storm. (nothing compared to the Apostle Paul’s trouble eh? See 2Cor.11). On the positive side we blessed & ministered to numerous people, had wonderful fellowship, saw a bunch of kids make a first time commitment to the Lord, ate all sorts of great food & I got 30min. of premium snorkeling in while on one of the islands. (if only I could have speared a fish!)

With Surigao behind us it was Danden’s turn to travel to Vietnam at the invitation of a US based minister, this time with his wife Shirley. I took care of preaching responsibilities at the church, radio & cell groups while at the same time preparing for a special children’s meeting. Now my idea was to do a 1hr to 2hr program for the church kids since I did not have much budget for anything elaborate. The church elders thought different as I was to learn. To them a children’s meeting consisted giving the kids 2 snacks (one in the morning & one in the afternoon) plus feeding them lunch and going about 4hrs. Not only that but trucking many of the kids in (gas expense). I was delighted to find out that my humble budget of $50-60. fed & “snacked” over 155 children plus 20 adults & another 20 young worker/helpers. This also included gas, advertisement & misc. materials. Then we got to see about 10 kids give their hearts to the Lord for the first time! Well worth all the work & $. I learned that this was the most children they every had at one time at the Maranatha church facility. So greatly encouraged was everyone that we will see about doing another before I go.

What a privilege to serve God with all the unique abilities & talents I have been given & to do it on a field of mission like this. There are many things here that are hard on my western upbringing but I can not think of another job I am better suited for.

To all my friends & family I thank you for your continued prayers and support. Blessings to You, Russ

PS Anyone wishing to sow into my mission in the Philippines can send contributions to: CMAI
637 Occoneechee Drive
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
With a notation “for Russ Rutler Philippines”
PSS short videos are available for viewing on www.youtube.com under Rustifer56

Mission Chronicles 09' #1

Dear Friends & family,

It has been nearly 2 years since my last trip here on Negros Island in the lower mid section of the Philippines. Progress moves slow here & there is little visible change. Unless you consider the main highway dug up in many sections along the Dumaguete/Bais City route. Almost a throwback to their dirt road era. Otherwise it’s pretty much the same; The plane ride is long & torturous, the climate still hot, (sometimes stifling), the water & electricity are not as consistent as one might like, the internet is slow (thankful that they have one), the children still smile at the “strange” American & yell “hey Joe!” and the people you minister to are so very appreciative. The Filipino with all its western influence is still oriental at heart. Courteous consideration of guests and hospitality make one feel quite special.

This time however is tempered by the death of one of our own here at Faith Island Mission. Pastor Danden & Shirley Sales, heads of FIM, lost their daughter Christine. She was only 18 years old & in her first years of college when she succumbed to the effects of Lupus. After a 2 years struggle her embattled little heart simply gave out. This small saint loved Jesus with all her heart and was most loved in her High School, College and the FIM churches. For about a week prior to our arrival her body was laid out in the family living Room, as per Filipino tradition. Her close older brother, (her protector since infancy) lay sleeping under her coffin each night. The house & courtyard filled with hundreds of family and visitors 24 hours a day, as a bewildered & heartbroken mother looked on. Over a thousand people attended the funeral procession to the graveyard, on the other side of town. (A sight I have seen myself several times in this city). We thought to cancel our trip but Danden was insistent we come & hold the conferences as planned. I am amazed at God's grace & His ability to turn the worst of situations into opportunities of blessing, maturity and strength, though we cannot always see it at present.

4/27- 5/1 09 Youth Convention & annual FIM Mission conference. This is the time of year all the pastors, pastoras, spouses & church workers come together in one place. Some from far away Surigao Del Norte on the big Island of Mindanao. Everyone is always happy to see one another & renew relationships. Many have grown up in ministry together having attended the FIM Bible School. For myself, having been coming here since 2002. I have the privilege of seeing many grow in their faith & be of some small help. The Youth Convention was held at the “rustic” FIM Bible School in a camp like atmosphere. Like many Youth Conventions it was filled with fun & games, old friends & new relationships as well as times strengthening ones faith & recommitment.All and all it was a busy, tiring and fulfilling first week.

In addition to giving a number of lectures I was also able to help with an illustrated sermon as appearing as the “Apostle Paul” and as well as telling the story of “Bamboo” using puppet, (actually one was a piece of real bamboo) This is a teaching on the sacrifice of being used of God. We will now gear down a little as the Stanleys get ready to move on to Vietnam for a week of ministry there and I will take on some responsibilities here and help allow Danden & his family a very much needed break and get away. I am praying about staying an additional month.-Russ Rutler 5/2/09