Newsletters

Dear Friends and Family,

It’s hard to believe we are already into 2024. Time passes so quickly it seems, especially as we get older. In Psalms 90:12 we read, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” David then says in Psalms 103:15, “as for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.”

Recently a few of our friends died unexpectedly. Not unexpectedly to God, but to us. Lorrie and I were reminded that we are given today but not promised tomorrow. Today is the day we have an opportunity to flourish for Him. Today we have the joy and responsibility to encourage and train those people that God has put around us.

The school in the Philippines is going well. Lorrie and I are looking forward to seeing our friends and coworkers in February and March and spending some time teaching the students. One of the school’s main theme verses is II Timothy 2:2. Paul tells Timothy to take the things he has learned and pass them on to others who will then train others. That’s our desire, to train the next generation and have them in turn train others.

Who has God placed near you? Who needs to hear what God has done for you and through you over the years – the victories and failures that He has brought you through? Each one of us has people in our circle of influence that we can encourage.

We thank you as you join us (whether physically, in prayer, or by giving of your finances) in training the next generation in the Philippines. Because of you, lives are being changed!

Nels, Lorrie and Amy

Photos from left to right-Ministry at the hospital and ongoing construction on the wall.

Please Continue to Pray With Us!

• For the ongoing work on the perimeter fence at the school.
• For Visas for the remaining Philippine couples.#
• For the Students as they continue their studies
• For Lorrie and Nels as they travel to the Philippines this February

We are Thankful:

• For smooth multiple travel connections to and from the Philippines.
• For the unity of the TBS team.
• For many long-time friends and fellow workers in the REAP ministry.
• That we received a Visa for one couple!

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Dear Friends and Family,

Lorrie and I just returned from the Philippines and are adjusting back to life in Alaska. We went from high humidity temperatures in the 80’s to dry temperatures in the teens. From palm trees, sand, and warm ocean waters to spruce trees, snow, and ice-covered rivers.

We met with our friends and fellow workers in Catanduanes, spoke at four different churches on Sundays and Wednesdays, taught classes, and met with our leadership board. While there we began the rebuilding of the concrete perimeter wall that was severely damaged in a recent typhoon.

The leadership team at the school consists primarily of three couples. All six of the individuals are prior graduates of the school who now, after many years, have married and have families of their own. They are working very well together and carry on the vision of Reap with the same DNA we helped to impart while they were young.

It is our intention to bring two couples to Alaska sometime this next year. We extended letters of invitation to both couples. They will take them to the US Embassy to obtain visas. After we know the results of their visas, we will begin to raise funds and make plans for their visit. It is our hope to instill a greater vision for the school that will last beyond Lorrie and my lives.

As we draw near to Thanksgiving, we are reminded of how thankful we are for each of you. It is because of your prayers and generosity we are able to continue the Reap ministry.

Blessings to you,

Nels, Lorrie and Amy

Photos from left to right – Praise and Worship, Construction on the wall, Nels speaking with Sister Connie interpreting.

Pray With Us!

• For smooth completion of the perimeter fence at the school.
• For Visas for the Philippine couples.
• For the Students as they continue with their studies.

We are Thankful:

• For smooth multiple travel connections to and from the Philippines.
• For the unity of the TBS team.
• For many long-time friends and fellow workers in the REAP ministry.

John 4:34-36 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Dear Friends and Family,

We had two very major events happen in July at the Virac campus: the graduation of students and the Summer Youth Camp.
In July, eleven young people graduated from Trinity Bible School in the Philippines. These students represent our core purpose of working in the Philippines. From the beginning, we had a vision to help fulfill Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 9:37,38 “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few…pray for laborers.” We are excited to send more laborers into God’s harvest fields.
Following the graduation service, a Summer Youth Camp at the school facility grounds was conducted. The following is a report from our friends and guest speakers from Manila. Rejoice together with us as you read!

Hello Nels and Lorrie,

Summer Youth Camp at Trinity Bible School in Virac, Catanduanes was 5 days from July 17 to 21. It was attended by about 180 young people from different churches in Catanduanes and Palawan.

It was a rich and full 5 days where activities were well distributed, well-organized, and well-planned with outdoor and indoor activities, workshops, and teachings. But the Lord had bigger plans for these young campers.

During the evening services, (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) Pastor Ding preached and at the end of his sharing the Holy Spirit move was so powerful and mighty. On Tuesday night, the Holy Spirit baptized with the evidence of speaking in tongues. Most of them fell and wept in deep repentance. We knew this because the next morning, a few campers approached us for counseling and the conviction of the Holy Spirit is so strong in their lives. The next evenings were the same move of the Holy Spirit. More and more young campers experienced deliverance, and we had to cast out demons, lay hands on them, until we saw their freedom. On Thursday night was extra special. Other than the powerful night of worship and praying for the campers, we asked the pastors kids to come forward to be prayed for. As soon as we laid hands on the first one, simultaneously the next ones fell down and were slain in the spirit, weeping and crying out to God. Truly, a beautiful, sweet presence of the Holy Spirit, which while writing this report it is still fresh in my heart and thanking God for a wonderful time of visitation.

Usually, after 3 days, young people get used to the environment, or get bored and behaviors and attitudes would come out especially amongst teenagers. But it was different for these campers. As the days went by, they were behaved better, enthusiastic of what’s going to happen next. 180 young people, all cooperative, behaved, and just happy. Water in Virac was scarce during the week. It was normal they said as it was summer. But no one complained, and everyone was happy with the food. Only the Holy Spirit can do this!

Thank you Nels and Lorrie for the opportunity and for a most blessed wonderful time. Our team of teachers were so blessed as well and grateful that they wanted to come back again. We continue to pray for all these young campers, that they will continue to seek God in their lives, and be influencers for His Kingdom.

(Pastor Ding and Mona Teodoro)

John 4:34-38 states in part, our purpose is to do His will and to finish His work…one sows and another reaps. God’s words were being fulfilled this summer with the graduation and youth camp. These events would not have happened but for the faithful giving of many people. They represent you and are a physical product of all those that pray and financially give to the ministry of REAP.

In His service,

Nels, Lorrie and Amy

Photos from left to right-Youth Camp; Group exercise, Basketball! Ministry with Pastor Ding, Sister Mona with the campers.

Pray With Us!

• For new Students for the upcoming year.
• For Government clearance so we are able to build the perimeter wall.
• For all the Teachers and staff as they prepare for the new school year

Praise:

• For an amazing Summer Youth Camp with a powerful moving of the Holy Spirit.
• For all of the graduating Students.
• For a beautiful new Grandchild!

Jeremiah 29:11  “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Dear Friends and Family,

From time to time, we like to share with you testimonies from the students at Trinity Bible School in Virac, Catanduanes.  In December, Lorrie and I had the privilege of meeting the students attending the school this year and hearing some of their testimonies.

The following are some excerpts from a young lady named Celine.  She graduated from the Bible School last year:

“…I grew up in a Christian family with the belief in Christianity. My family always brought me to church every Sunday.  But there was a certain time in my life that I diverted my attention to my friends.  I stopped attending Sunday services…I treated my friends as my family and source of happiness…I forgot the importance of worship and commitment to God…my parents reprimanded me and rebuked me for what I was doing.  They reminded me of the things I have to prioritize and love, it is the commitment to the Lord.  I realized my parents were right and I needed to give my best in serving the living God.  I also realized that I have to be responsible as Christ’s ambassador.

When I decided to commit my life to the Lord, He brought many changes in my life…the one who was afraid to stand in front of different people was transformed into someone with confidence and boldness specifically in sharing God’s message.  When our church pastor asked me if I was willing to study in Bible school, I didn’t hesitate…Thanks to Bible school, I became spiritually determined and dedicated…. He called me for a purpose.  He gave me a new life in Christ Jesus…To God be the Glory.”

Celine had a Christian background but nevertheless, like so many walked away from the Lord.  Praise God for a pastor and parents who helped guide her to her own relationship with God.  As it has been said, there are no grandchildren in heaven – each person needs to have a personal relationship with the living God.

Because of you, Celine had a Bible school to attend and was able to continue her spiritual growth. Only God knows how he will use this young lady to serve Him in the future.

John 4:38  “I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor. ESV

Thank you for standing with TBS (Trinity Bible School).

Nels, Lorrie and Amy

Photos from left to right; Cooking for everyone in the outdoor kitchen, Nels speaking, with Connie interpreting, School grounds with vehicles, Nels speaking, with Edna interpreting

Pray With Us!
• Pray for the students studying at the Bible school. Pray for perseverance, encouragement, and joy as they live together and study.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in each ones life. That they would pursue Him, seek His face and learn to listen to His still, quiet voice.
• For unity and peace to flow over the staff as they minister in the school, in their personal lives and families.
• Pray for new students to be preparing to come to the school this year from other islands also.
• Pray for health and protection against sickness and disease.

Praise:
• That the staff are working together and enjoying the ministry at TBS! (Trinity Bible School )
• For each one of you who pray for the ministry, staff and students.
• For the incredible staff and leadership team!
• That Pastor Ding, Mona and three teachers are coming to minister at the school next month.

Dear friends and family,

We are ending this year with joy and welcoming the new year anticipating what our God has in store for us.

As we look back over 2022, we see his hand in our lives working in ways we do not always understand. Though we have survived covid, lockdowns, and travel restrictions… We know he still is guiding our lives.

We look forward to being a part of his plan this coming year and seeing where he leads us.

We rejoice in what the Lord is doing in the Philippines with Trinity Bible School, the staff, and the students. It is obvious the Lord is moving in their midst! We were grateful to see and meet with many pastors and friends while we were there in November and December.

We thank you for your support and financial giving to the ongoing needs of the ministry.

To God be the glory!
Great things he has done!

With much gratitude,

Nels, Lorrie, and Amy

PS. We thank you in advance for any year-end contribution you may be able to make.

Photos from top; Nels speaking, with Edna interpreting, at the airport, ready to return!, Nels Speaking at New Hope Church, Pastor Ding interpreting, More teaching!

Connect with us!

REAP International, Inc.
PO Box 10972
Fairbanks AK 99710

www.reapint.org

re**@************ns.net