We just returned from a week-long vision trip to the Island of Mindanao here in the Philippines. As you know the Bagabag center where we work is closing next summer, so we took a trip to Davao City to see if the Lord is leading us to work there at an international school called Faith Academy Mindanao. Please pray with us and the administration as we consider whether the Lord is leading us to work at the school in their maintenance department.
Dec 12, 2009
Davao Vision Trip
Nov 19, 2009
Oct 14, 2009
Jul 25, 2009
Fingers and monitors don't mix
We caught another monitor lizard the other day. I jokingly warned the Filipinos that they couldn't eat this one. It was about 3 feet long and very fast, with razor sharp claws and alligator strentgh jaws. We had to pry a screw driver in it's mouth, and even then we just barely got the glove back. I had to let it go twice, as the first time it turned 180 degrees and hi-tailed it into the hangar, running right between the pilots legs as he jumped in the air. I caught it again and this time held it on a tree till it got the idea to cling onto the tree itself as I let go.
Jul 21, 2009
Fun in the sun in the Philippines
Here in the Philippines this is the most coverage we saw during Asia's solar eclipse.
Jun 18, 2009
Antipolo Bible Dedication
On Saturday June 13, about 100 of us (most of whom were visitors) left Bagabag for the two-hour drive to the Antipolo Ifugao Bible dedication in Ifugao (eef-oo-gow) province. It was a one-day event with singing, prayer, testimonies, dancing and, of course, eating! The Lord was honored this day.
This is Dick and Lou Hohulin's second translation AND complete Bible; that's right, two translations/two complete Bibles. They are the first in the Philippine branch to complete an entire Bible. The people of Antipolo are very excited to have the WHOLE Word of God in their language.
The kids surrounded Maren ALL day, never growing tired of taking her picture. She did not mind and found things to occupy her time like chasing chickens and filling her shoes with rice.
May 18, 2009
Rodney's trip to a Bible Dedication
On the 5th of May I (Rodney) attended my first Bible dedication on the island of Coron here in the Philippines. Translators Ed and Jakie Ruch came in the early 60's, and although Jakie passed away about 7 years ago Ed is now seeing the fruit of their labor in the completion of the Tagbanwa New Testament.
In the Philippines Directors words- "God held off the rain for travel and during the celebration. The day was a testimony to God’s goodness in His transformation of this community over many years, and through the faithful service of Ed & Jackie Ruch and their team."
May 13, 2009
Training has paid off
It sure makes a poppa proud to see his child finally learn to ride a bike without training wheels. We credit this partly to Austin riding a scooter which is easier to balance because of it's low center of gravity. He can even start the bike all by himself. He turned 4 three days ago!
Apr 3, 2009
In the village
Rodney just returned from visiting Bible translator Bill Crest in his village allocation. It took about 1.5 days to get there via bus, truck and hiking. The return trip by SIL plane by the way was 1/2 hour. It was a great experience to get close to the people that we are there to serve.
I met Bill's fellow translators, ate in their houses, watched a man collect ant eggs for food, hiked in rice paddies, ate a ton of mountain red rice, drank a lot of coffee, added a 12V truck battery to Bill's solar power electrical system, spoke at a local church and played with Filipino children.
It has been a long time since I have been in the village, and it reminded me of just why we are here. I spent several days with the folks who are waiting for the Scriptures in their language. By our western standards these people have nothing, materially speaking. But they warmly welcomed me and freely shared of what they did have. They were glad to butcher a chicken and share heaps of rice and coffee as they honored me as their special guest. I traded gifts with two of the men: my knife, flashlight and a hat for a hand-made broom and rice paddy hat. I treasure these items as they are a reminder of time spent with these men in their homes.
The trip was energizing, so much so that I put Joy on the plane to go and visit the same village two days later.
I (Joy) was grateful for the chance to make an afternoon visit to the village, Bill and his translation team. I flew in with our good friends Steve & Kelli (Steve is the SIL pilot and did an awesome job landing us safely on the tiny airstrip). It made me appreciate what many of our translators deal with on a daily basis as they live among and work with Filipinos to translate the Bible (only enough electricity for 20 watts*, no indoor plumbing, no stores). It was a great opportunity for these two stay-at-home moms to get a fresh vision for the work our families do here.
*One of the photos shows Bill looking at the new micro hydro-dam which will allow him to have 80 watts of electricity.
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