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

Tanzania 06' Pics #2

Above left; Russ introducing the story of Saul.

Above; Group of both children & adults watch intently as the story of Saul's conversation is told.

Saul, the Puppet ministers to the crusade crowd
as Pastor Moses interprets.

Tanzania 06 Chronicles #2

Sept. 15, 2006 Tanzania 06 Chronicle #2 recap
Dear Friends & Family,
Our stay in Mwanza, Tanzania now over we look back & reflect on our time there & the 4 days of crusades held. 230 recorded adult decisions for Christ plus another 100 or so from the "Jesus Film" presentations seems like so little on a continent so large. We now leave them in the care of Pastor Moses & the local churches to which he pastors. On the last day of the Crusade we first did a special children's presentation & passed out candy. I began telling the story of Saul & his conversation on the road to Damascus. As soon as I brought out "my friend" "Saul the puppet", people who were standing on the out skirts of the field began to hurry forward to see this strange sight. I think many of them had never seen a puppet before. Over the years I have come to realize that creating word pictures using descriptive language, objects or puppets is one of the most powerful teaching tools. It creates a lasting image that is connected to the lesson being taught. I trust God will use these images & His Word for years to come in the lives we ministered to.

Many miles to the southeast of Mwanza on the Indian Ocean coast, north of Tanzania's capital of Dar Es Salaam is the almost forgotten city of Bagamoyo. The meaning of it's name tells of its horrific past; "throw your heart away" is the translation. It was here through much of the 18th & 19th centuries that slave trade flourished and entire families & communities were destroyed. We came to Mwanza asking people not "to throw their hearts away" but to freely give it away to the one (Jesus) who freely gave His life for us as a payment for our sins. In return Christ promises us eternal life (John 1:12, 3:16). All of our team, including those who stayed behind & prayed, are extremely grateful for the opportunity to be used of God and see over 300 make such a commitment. Please be in agreement with us that God's word will not return void in these lives & what He began He will continue as they grow in the knowledge & Grace of our Lord. That the church there will grow in power & influence in that community, experiencing both the favor of God & of men.

Tentative plans will see us back in Tanzania in Oct. of 2007. But next on the agenda (Lord willing) will be a trip back to my beloved Philippines in March of that year for the annual missions convention and later a crusade with my church team. As always I appreciate your prayer & support in these matters.


Left: Crusade in progress, Right: Pastors Chris, Angel, Moses & friends
God's Best & Blessings to you, Russ Rutler

Tanzania 06 Pictures

Mwanza Student Choir worship before Crusade crowd


A few local youths enjoy the novelty of a digital camera


Pastor Chris Ludwig ministers to those responding to an alter call

Tanzania 06' Chronicle #1

Mwanza, Tanzania Thur. Sept. 8, 2006 AM (local)

Dear Friends & Family,Mwanza means the first or Beginning, appropriate enough seeing this is our first crusade in this part of the world. We are a small team of 3 and as with many firsts we have had to learn a few things as we go. The piece of sound equipment we brought with us was unexpectedly held up for "ransom" at the custom's office in Arusha. After a day of negotiating we were able to redeem it for a mere $180 about half the amount this certain official was asking for. Other logistical & permit problems caused us to miss our 1st 2 days of crusade times. A lost, misplaced or stolen wallet (I don't know which) of this certain crusade team member to the tune of approx. $800 USD also caused us grief (since most of $ were crusade funds.This person should be horse whipped for being so careless) But God is indeed good, the Jesus Film showings that we are sponsoring saw 50 adults come to Christ each of the two nights. Our first crusade night also saw 68 come to Christ, with one woman testifying of a healing of her legs. This more then makes up for our long tiring trip here, the inconveniences, hassles & loss of mere money, knowing that eternal destinies are being effected.
300 miles to the southwest of here is a little place called Ujiji. It was here that those famous words were uttered; "Dr. Livingston I presume" by the NY Tribune journalist Stanley about 150 years ago. It was David Livingston who first preached the Gospel all through this region as he explored & mapped central Africa. What a privilege to be able to lend our hand to the work he started so many years ago and possible be an answer to the prayers uttered by many "Give us Africa for Christ"

Our 2nd night of crusade saw another 70 come to Christ and several more testify of healings. One woman who had respiratory problems, which reg. doctors couldn't help so she had gone to the local witch doctor, (similar pattern to what we saw in Guaymas, Mexico) was marvelously delivered. The local church we are working with is diligently taking the names of the new converts for follow up & instruction. Since one of our team, Pastor Angel Cintron, had been here last year there is probably more going right then going wrong, seeing relationships & ground work was already established.
We are are expecting the next 2 days of the cusade to be even more powerful as momentum builds. Please be in prayer that God moves mightily confirming his word with signs and wonders. That a people are raised up here to testify of God's Goodness & Mercy. That God anoints Pastor Chris Ludwig as he brings forth the messages. That all of us remain in good health while ministering here.
I will go to a school today to minister to some of the many students here. So with guitar in hand & my friend "Saul" the puppet in tow it looks like another exciting day serving our Lord. As always we covet your prayers & intercessions & thank you in advance for your obedience.
God's Best & Blessings to you,In Christ Russ Rutler

Philippines 06' Chronicles #6

Philippines 06' Chronicles #6
Dear Friends & Family,
After 3 months of living in the Philippines and with the Sales Family and ministering in just about every church under their care on Negros Oriental I find myself both fulfilled and emotionally spent. Though I already miss them all and plan to go back before the end of the year I am more amazed and grateful of the work of the Holy Spirit in my own life. That a person can cry after God and He will give you what you need, to meet the needs of those you minister to. It is when we reach the end of ourselves and "beg" Him for more of His anointing and when tears become our meat in the night season that we see Him come through in most delightful ways.
After a successful week of the annual mission convention, Bible School Graduation, a great banquet for all the delegates (some 200) and seemly endless goodbyes and well wishes we departed for Manila. As if to accentuate my departure I share with you an experience that took place in Manila. We left our hotel in the dark wee hours of the morning on Monday April 10th. As our taxi stopped at a light I was quickly taken back by the presence of a small little girl, 4 or 5 years old, standing by my passenger side window. She had some sort of necklaces in her hand holding them up for sale (at 4:30am!) I think I saw "mother" over by the side of the road. My western mind set kicked in "ignore them & they will go away" but my love for children & God's love in me compelled me to look at her. And as I looked at those sad dark eyes my heart began to break and tears welled in my eyes. It was if God were saying through her "don't forget us". I thought "Oh God give me something real to give to these people", I feel as though I will die if don't get more of God in me to touch them. I think I begin to understand Oswell Chamber's statements about being broken bread and poured out wine for the Master's use. As our Taxi drove on I thought of a dozen things I could have done but mostly pondered the question, "Lord how can I really make a difference?"
I am now back at my home in Gainesville, FL enjoying showers at a temperature of my choosing, meals more familiar to me and the closeness of family. As I get back into the swing of things plans are already in the works for other mission trips. Our Church here is tentatively planning 2 week crusade trips to Mexico and Tanzania within 6 months. Though God has spoken to me though several prophetic words that I will go in and out to many nations I believe the Philippines will remain a recurring destination for future trips. In fact a group trip to the P.I. from this church will take place later in the year or the beginning of the next.
For now I will begin the process of putting together a DVD for Faith Island Mission for the purpose of informing supporters the progress of the work there. I will also prepare for Pastor Danden Sales' visit to the U.S. in June/July of this year. Hopefully I will get to travel with my friend up the east coast come July and be of service to him once again. If you would like for Pastor Danden to speak at your church please send me a note (rrutler@juno.com) or contact him directly & we will try to arrange it. His tentative schedule will start on the west coast in the end of June then Louisiana, FL & up the east coast to NY & New England.
Other projects I am working on will include putting the material together to take the Jesus film over on my next trip. I will need a LCD projector of at least 2000 lumens, a laptop with good hard drive space, DVD and PowerPoint capabilities, funds for screen material and DVD prints of the film in various Filipino dialects. We will also be putting together material to donate to the Mountain school we visited. This will include H.S. science lab type material such as microscopes, beakers, test tubes, molecule models and anything else involved with General Sciences, Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Though I would like to fill up a cargo container with this type of stuff I will settle for a trunk or 2 of the Walmart size for this next trip. If you have or know of anyone else who has any of these items and would like to donate them please contact me at rrutler@juno.com or call me on my cell at 352-256-5060 and I will arrange for pickup or delivery.
As always, thank you for your prayers and support. I will continue to keep you posted as we continue to "let God write our story".
God's Blessings & Best to You,
In Christ Russ

Philippines 06' Chronicles #5

Dear Friends & Family,
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He comes shall find him so doing.” Matt.24:45,46

My time here is quickly drawing to a close. For the past month I have been teaching at the Bible School and ministering to various churches on the Island of Negros. The mission here has enough local churches under their care that I could preach every Sunday and not be at the same church twice my entire stay here.
Many of the present church and Mission projects are nearing completion. Two church buildings will be ready for dedication this week. Just in time for the U.S. team from CMAI (Christian Ministers Alliance International) headed by Ira & Sharon Stanley. It sure will be good to talk with friends from the states, it has been close to 3 months since I had that luxury. Other projects have included building a water tower for the mission complex, and repairs to the Gospel Boat, which is now docked here near Bais City.

One of my most enjoyable events this month
was to visit my favorite mountain church in
Palale, a small hamlet village high on the
mountain ridge which straddles
the island, in view of the opposite
coast and the blue waters of the
Sulu Sea. Here four years ago
the children sang with such
angelic voices as to bring the
very presence of God into that
small humble structure. I
wondered if it would still be the
same, and would I recognize any
of the children. I was pleasantly
surprised to see some of the
same faces, but older, still there
and still singing their hearts out
to the Lord. It made the two hour trip up a bumpy rainy road on the back of a motorcycle seem like a minuscule price to pay for such an experience.

I took one of my last “free” days here to visit the neighboring island of Siquijor. Accompanied by one of the young pastors of our fellowship, Jec Jec, we toured the island via rented motor bikes. Siquijor has been known as the center of witchcraft of the Philippines and we hope that in the future to sponsor evangelism crusades here.
Though the island is being developed for tourism, the same pattern of poverty spotted by wealth prevails here as it does in much of the Philippines.

This will most likely be my last “Chronicle” from these Islands but God has already put in my heart to return and also to work on some projects while back in the States. One will be to gather supplies for the mountain schools here on Negros, and if possible ship an entire container over. The U.S. govt. actually has a container program for humanitarian aid purposes. Another project, which I wasn't able to do this time, is to bring the “Jesus” film (in local dialects) over and show it in some of the remote areas which never get to see such things.

This is all for now,
God’s Best & Blessings to You
Russ

Philippines 06' Chronicles#4

Dear Friends and Family,
“And finding a ship…we set sail”Acts21:2
Fortunately my sailing experience here in the Philippines has not
been as eventful as the Apostle Paul's. But smooth sailing it has not been. In the past couple of weeks if you had looked in on me you’d probably find me either on a bus, in a boat or on the back of a motorcycle. For this is the way most of Filipinos travel about the
country.

Pastor Danden and I went first to the Island of Behol and then on to his home island of Balicasag to check on the Gospel Boat in storage there. Unseasonable rough weather & high tides pushed
the 60 foot outrigger to a parallel position on the beach and was now being damaged by the surf. Getting to the island in a much smaller palm boat
proved wet and cold. Now there’s two words I didn’t think I’d be
using together! We had swells up to 4-5’, the Filipino version of a
“log flume ride”. The weather cleared enough to get some work started on
the repairs. In a few week it will be sea worthy. Another trip was to
Surigao City on the north end of Mindanao. Here we ministered to
five churches in about 36hrs. Whew! The planned trip to Davao in
central Mindanao was postponed because of time constraints and the
start of the next block of Bible School classes.

A sad note; while travel we learned of the devasting mudslides of
southern Leyte that claimed the lives of over 1,000 Filipinos including
an entire school of appox. 250 students & teachers. It breaks my heart
knowing the kind of people this happen to. We actually came within
40 miles of the place about 12hrs after the event.

I am including a US military web site with a picture of the Leyte mudslide devastation. Note the small village in the foreground would be about 1/2 the size of the one covered in the background. There would have also been houses in the mountainous area as well, for this is how they live and make their livings.
http://www.pacom.mil/special/0602pimudslide/photos/
060219-N-5067K-109-h.jpg There are also additional Pics on this site if you are interested.

This past week I was busy teaching at the Bible School and traveling to some of the Mountain Churches. This time I decided to bring “Saul”,(a large puppet), which I use to tell the story of the Apostle Paul’s conversion and how God used little known Ananias (Acts9:1-19). I will usually do this in Children's ministry but felt the Lord would have me use it as part of an illustrated sermon. It worked quite well as I preached on how we each need to experience God for ourselves.

I am now over half way through my planned stay here, but sometimes it seems like I’m just getting started. There is still much do & places to go. As always I covet your prayers
and thank those of you who have contributed in a financial way.
Information on giving can be found at the bottom of this “Blog”.
God's Best & Blessings to You, Russ

Dan den
Dan-den
Dander
Danton
Deaden
Edit...
Ignore all
Add to dictionary

Bohol
Behold
Bel
Behalf
Beheld
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Blocs
Blockage
Balzac
Blacks
Bloc's
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parallel
para ell
para-ell
Parnell
parole
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Auriga
Syriac
Syria
Riga
Sergio
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ministriesd
minis tried
minis-tried
ministered
ministries
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postponed
poisoned
spooned
positioned
despond
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devastating
overstating
devastation
devastatingly
divesting
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Lettie
Letter
Lute
Let
Letta
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Filipinos
Filipino's
Filipino
Filippo's
filliping
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app ox
app-ox
approx
apex
epoxy
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Lettie
Letter
Lute
Let
Letta
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devastation
detestation
devastating
deforestation
devastation's
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peach ed
peach-ed
perched
poached
parched
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