God Is SO Good

We praise God for His perfect time to return to the Philippines for the Philippine Bible Society's launch of two titles, including "The Forbidden Book."  One hundred and twenty years ago when the Philippines was still under the Spanish, the common people were forbidden to read the Bible.  "The Forbidden Book" tells some of the story of God's amazing work through mainly Filipinos, who risked freedom and life itself to obtain, read, and study the Word of God.  The Launch was attended by 140 people and included worship, fellowship, food, and a prayer of dedication for God's glory from the book's distribution.

Our June 27 evening arrival in Manila was just in time to join the Saturday morning funeral and burial of "Kuya" (older brother) Tony.  Although groggy from our travel from Africa, our presence and interaction with family seemed deeply appreciated.  We were able to spend significant time with the family during two visits to the home of Kuya Tony.  Only eternity will reveal the influence Kuya Tony's vision had on us and the impact of the VIC (Values Instruction Classes), named such by Kuya.  Right up to the last hours of his life here on this earth, when words failed him, he would write "God is good" time and time again.

Being in Manila seemed so familiar, and we were able to stay in a lovely apartment in Quezon City, kindness of friends of friends.  Reconnecting with friends, god-children, churches, VOICE Philippines, Pastors, and missionaries was a great blessing.  We were able to hear some first hand reports of how God continues to use VOICE Philippines.  Friday, July 11 at the monthly, VIP (VOICE In Prayer) we were able to share a devotional and update our friends on how God is working in East Africa, especially Uganda.

God gave safety in all our travels and even surprised us bumping us up to Business Class on the Dubai-Entebbe part of the journey, and allowed our luggage to arrive with us despite a close call in Hong Kong.  Today we were delighted to reunite with and hear reports from Susan, Administrative Assistant for VOICE East Africa.  In spite of immediately jumping into life here including dealing with a defective/dead car battery, we thankfully embrace the purpose and life God has given us here in Uganda.  God is SO good, praise Him.