Dear friends,
It is hard to believe we already have started another new year! As often has been said, the older we get the faster time seems to travel. Lorrie just turned, while I guess she has stopped counting, and in a few months I will be the big 70. I sometimes feel like I am getting old, but am reminded that our new president is older than me and has a lot more to do before he stops.
Amy, Lorrie, and I are enjoying teaching at the Bible School and at the churches regularly. It is refreshing to share with the students, as they are always so eager to learn biblical truths. Most of the students are in their late teens or early 20’s but we have one pastor/student who is 52. He has a hunger to learn more of the Bible so he can better teach his congregation.
Two of our students are regularly conducting a Bible study in one of the villages on Catanduanes. Last week they told us that one person they prayed for was healed and another one received salvation. We believe a new church is being birthed out of this study and the kingdom of God is being expanded.
As most of you know, a very strong typhoon hit our island the end of last year. As a result many of you responded with prayers and financial aid. Because of your help, we are now replacing most of the old windows in the main school building with new ones that will not rust with the salt water. It is our plan to begin in March to construct a concrete roof on the chapel. The bamboo one was completely destroyed in the typhoon.
The students sing the song, “Blessed Be Your Name.” If you do not remember, part of the the lyrics are, “Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful where Your streams of abundance flow, blessed be Your name.” It goes on to say, “Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be Your name.” No matter what we are experiencing, God is worthy to be praised.
I recently read Lamentations 3:25-26. Jeremiah writes, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” As I write this, we could reflect on some very difficult events that have happened over the past year, but I choose to remember all God has done for us in the past and expectantly anticipate the future.
They sing a song here saying, “It is good to remember the goodness of God…”. No matter what you are dealing with in your life, take time to remember all the good things He has done for you. Stir up that hope that perhaps you have lost and choose to rejoice.
Your friends,
Nels, Lorrie, and Amy