But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
-Acts 20:24
Dear Friends and Family,
I recently read a small plaque that said, “Life is in the journey, not the destination.” In my personal time of prayer, God has often reminded me of the reality of this statement. By nature, I tend to be a visionary but so often in seeing the goal I can miss the joys of the journey. We are given today – not necessarily tomorrow. Paul said he desires to finish his course with joy. In the Greek, the word “course” is a race or career. My desire is to finish the course or journey God has given for me – and to do it with joy. There are many things that can cause us to be discouraged, but let each of us focus on, not only the joy of salvation, but the joy of the journey God has given us.
Lorrie and I recently returned from the Philippines. As always, it is a joy for us to see our friends and co-workers in Christ. We visited four village churches, ministered in the evening chapel services in Virac, and taught at the school. I was especially blessed at one small church; I noticed ten of the people attending were either current or former students at the school. It was very encouraging to me to realize there are many churches and no doubt they too have many former students that now are working in their communities touching the nation for Christ. Many students have chosen to continue their education and have become professionals in various fields.
We had a special time with our old friends, Pastor Ding and Mona from Manila. They brought three of their teachers to Virac to teach at the school for a full week. The students were blessed and encouraged as the teachers demonstrated ways to conduct children and youth outreaches more effectively.
Pastor Ding serves both on the Reap Philippine corporation board and the Trinity Bible Training Center board (previously called Trinity Bible College). Pastor Ding and his wife Mona have agreed to assist Lorrie and I in the general oversight of the school. They will begin to travel monthly to Virac and work with our administrator, Edna, in continuing and developing the ministry. They will also visit Alaska in September allowing many of you to meet with them and hear their heart for Reap Ministries in the Philippines.
As always, we cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us. Because of your support we have been able for over thirty years to reach out beyond the borders of the United States and touch the Philippines for Christ.
Because of Jesus,
Nels, Lorrie and Amy
Photos from left to right – Children’s Ministry, Nels speaking with School Administrator Edna interpreting, Pastor Willy working on the wall, Lorrie speaking with Edna interpreting.
Please Continue to Pray With Us!
- For the ongoing work on the perimeter fence at the school.
- For the Students as they continue their studies
- For Pastor Ding and Mona as they take a greater oversight role in REAP Philippines Ministries.
We are Thankful:
- For smooth multiple travel connections to and from the Philippines.
- For many long time friends and fellow workers in the REAP ministry
- That Pastor Ding and Mona received their visas to visit the United States!
Nels and Lorrie
Connect with us!
REAP International, Inc.
PO Box 10972
Fairbanks AK 99710