Dear Friends,
Last month, both Lorrie and I spoke at our annual pastor’s conference in Catanduanes. As we anticipated the Lord moved, people were healed and many expressed that they were encouraged. At the beginning of one service I felt to give an exhortation from Joshua on “Be Encouraged”. It was spontaneous, without the normal prayer and effort of a message. At the end of the conference, that almost informal word was one of the most talked about messages of the conference. I chuckle because God often bypasses our best efforts and uses the “spontaneous” things to touch lives.
After the conference, Lorrie and I returned to Manila via the “scenic route.” That is we took the bus, leaving Virac around noon and arriving at our home at five the following morning. Every time we take the bus we are reminded why the plane is really NOT as expensive as we thought.
As I speak, Lorrie is in the Philippines enjoying the fellowship and work with our Filipino friends while I am back in North Dakota. She is substitute teaching at the Christian school in Manila, teaching a class at Ding and Mona’s school, and meeting with different friends. This Thanksgiving, she is planning a large gathering at our house for some of the pastor’s and workers.
Our family is scattered in four different countries and four different States, Lorrie is in the Philippines, Heather and Noel are in Ireland and Jeremy is in Sweden and the rest of the kids are in North Dakota, Alaska, North Carolina and New York. We wish we could be together as a family but it has been a blessing for us to travel to many different places with our children over the years and experience other cultures and represent Christ.
We are pleased to report we have just purchased the land near Manila for the medical clinic. Alina, our missionary friend and co-worker, has been operating the clinic for the last few years in a rented facility on a very dusty street. This location will be much safer and more suitable for the needs of her ministry. It has a basketball court right across the street from the land which will be a perfect area to do outreaches to the young people and community.
It is our sincere desire that you are doing well and being thankful, not only on this Thanksgiving Day season but as you continue on your life’s journey.
With thankful hearts,
Nels and Lorrie