35 Years!

Yesterday marked the 35^th anniversary of our initial arrival in the Philippines! Indeed, 35 years ago (Mar. 26, 1984) Ruth and I arrived in Manila for what turned out to be a 28-year journey which included language and culture learning, hosting and teaching children’s clubs, training children’s workers, church planting, mobilizing Filipino youth into mission, revising Bible study materials, Daily Vacation Bible School Training, filling in at the mission Guest House and Business Office, and finally seeing the birth of VOICE (Values Orientation In Classroom Education) Philippines. How can we ever forget that night 35 years ago as our plane circled the city, viewing the tiny lights of Manila. Our national co-workers met us at the airport and took us to a Pasay City guest house where we had a few days to get over jet lag and begin our adjustment to the new sights, sounds, smells, and so much more. Eventually all became familiar and “home” to us, as we can testify having just returned earlier this year for a short visit—there was that sense that we had “come home,” while knowing that it isn’t “home” but for sure some of the dearest people on the planet live there! We had no idea what God was going to do when we stepped off the jet 35 years ago, but knew that He had led us there and would be faithful. And indeed He was and is, including His gift of persevering “rope-holders”—a team of churches and individuals who stood with us in prayer and financial support. Our hearts are full of gratitude to our great God.

Yes, we did celebrate the milestone. After taking my Mom for a medical test in the city, she supplied pizza and ice-cream! Soon after, we were wonderfully reminded of another nation close to our hearts—African Beth, our Ugandan friend and colleague, phoned with updates of what’s happening with her (currently in the USA) as well as news from the Pearl of Africa and other nations of East Africa. How blessed we are.