October and November

Anna Visits PCL

This October, we had the wonderful privilege of having Anna Morse, from DBC, visit PCL, staying on the beautiful Gethsemane Prayer Mountain. On a personal level, it was wonderful to have a visit from a dear friend, to talk about Darwin friends and to share some of my life here in the Philippines. Anna also had the chance to spend time with and get to know the students of PCL. We were so blessed when she offered to teach a couple of 2-part tutorials about music. Filipinos are naturally musical people, but most of the students had very little knowledge about written music, and many expressed an interest in learning how to sing harmonies. Anna graciously accepted the request to be the speaker in our mid-week service, and we were blessed as she shared about ‘God the Gardener’ from John 15. I appreciated Anna’s interest in hearing the stories of nine PCL students who are sponsored by Australian friends (most from DBC connections). I am so blessed to be the ‘middle-man’ who passes along the sponsorship of these students, enabling them to fulfil their calling to be trained for Christian ministry as pastors, missionaries or teachers. For Anna to take extra time to get to know those the way that God is working in the lives of those particular students was a wonderful blessing.

Anna also spent time in my church, Gethsemane Dweller Church – Hillside, spending several hours teaching our worship team, leading us in a special number, and playing keyboard in our praise and worship.

The 9 days went so quickly but I (and the PCL students and my churchmates) thoroughly enjoyed her visit. We are now looking forward to more friends from DBC visiting PCL in January!   

Anna brought pavlova to the Prayer Mountain!

With my churchmates

Sharing God's Word in our Mid-Week Service

Teaching Music to our students

My Wedding!!!!

At the beginning of this year, I was 30 years old and had never had a boyfriend. I was happy with my life; I have been so blessed to have wonderful family and friends, a challenging and rewarding job and most of all, a personal relationship with Jesus. But of course, like most people, I longed for a partner to share life’s adventures with. On October 25, God fulfilled this dream, and I married Julius Verzosa. We both believe with all of our hearts that God brought us together in His perfect timing – and that it was worth waiting for!

In the lead-up to the wedding, the love and support from Darwin, Perth and the Philippines was overwhelming. We received gifts of money (so helpful as neither of us had any house-ish things), cards (now proudly displayed in our house), books, and things for the wedding (tiara, earrings, even candles that were made by my nieces and nephews – with a lot of help from my sister-in-law). Friends from Perth had even thrown us an engagement party! The day before the wedding, Juls’ friends came to the mountain to decorate the sanctuary. It looked stunning!

It was so wonderful to have family and friends from Australia (and the province) make the flight to Manila. While my brother and his family was unfortunately able to make it (they sent a video and were certainly in our hearts), my parents, my sister and her family joined us from Perth. We also had some Darwin friends (including Anna, Suz and Alex, and Kirk from DBC and Kylie from MCC) be part of our special day, with Anna and Suz as secondary sponsors.

The day went so quickly but it was filled with so much joy and love. We felt God’s blessing, especially as the weather was perfect on the day, despite rain in the days before and after. A highlight was teaching the Filipino guests ‘The Nutbush’ and ‘Cha-Cha Slide’, with Juls and his mates giving an improvisation that had us all in stitches.

After the wedding, we had a honeymoon that we never imagined possible – five days in a beautiful hotel in Thailand. This was a very much appreciated wedding gift and it was an experience that we will never forget, including an elephant ride, baby elephant show, a one-day boat tour where we snorkelled with amazing fish, and more Thai massages than I can remember. Juls and I are loving our new life together, and we look forward to a life together with our wonderful Lord. 

Farewell GDC-Hillside

Of course, marriage means many changes, and one change was that it was time to say good-bye to Gethsemane Dweller Church – Hillside, my home church for more than 18 months. I was asked to be the song leader one last time, and to include my favourite praise song, ‘Happy Day’. After the service, we had a special farewell lunch, which the women had cooked, using big pots on little campfires outside. I had the opportunity to say goodbye and then there was an open microphone for the church members to say a message to me (and Juls, as they wished us a blessed life together). I will miss my GDC-H family but look forward to discovering God’s plans for us in our new church.

Semester Two

Semester Two began on November 11^th. After all the wonderful changes in my life, it was nice to go back to PCL. As always, I am excited about what God is doing in the lives of our students.

This semester, I am not teaching English, as one of our other professors was keen to take the composition class. Instead, I am teaching biology and indoor games. I’m enjoying the meatiness of biology, and the social, fun aspect of indoor games (which also enhances English and logic skills). I continue with my administrative roles and student support. It’s great to be back at PCL.

We are continuing to adjust to the curriculum changes due to our new accreditation status. Please keep PCL in your prayers.

September 2013

Sportsfest

In the second week of September, PCL held its annual ‘Sportsfest’. This is one of the most highly anticipated events on the school calendar.

The event ran from Tuesday 10^th til Thursday 12^th. It started with a kind of opening ceremony, as all four teams paraded down towards the basketball court, sang a worship song, received a message of encouragement from our PCL President and prayed. This was followed by a cheering competition. I wish that I could include video in a newsletter, because the cheers were fantastic, including choreography, chanting, props and lots of creativity.

The sports played were basketball (male and female), volleyball (mixed), indoor sports, a dodge-ball game with a Filipino name I could never quite remember, a quiz night and a four-part team challenge. I even took part in an exhibition game of basketball – students vs committee. I have played very little sport in the 11 years since injuring my knee, so I was a bit nervous. However, it was lots of fun! Another absolute highlight was the Wednesday evening talent night. We had an ‘a capella’ (inspired by the movie ‘Pitch Perfect’) song, a fantastic dance, a highly entertaining play and a mishmash of all kinds of things put together. It was a fantastic night, and as one of the judges, I had a front-row seat.

On Thursday afternoon we held our award ceremony which acknowledged not only the sporting achievements but also students who showed great character. Through the entire week, the students sought to glorify God through their attitude, sportsmanship and team spirit. In the end it was the ‘Green Warriors’ who were the champions. 

 Johnnyboy and Elaine

Every week, in my prayer requests, I mention Johnnyboy and Elaine, the students we have brought here from Pangapasan Island, near Bohol Island. I would like to tell some of their story.

Pastor Lee, our Korean missionary pastor and the founder of PCL, first met these children two years ago, on a mission trip to the tiny island of Pangapasan. His heart was touched when he heard that their parents had separated, formed new families, and left their children. They, along with their three younger brothers, lived with their grandmother who struggled to support their needs. Both Johnnyboy (14) and Elaine (13) showed a high level of intelligence and a good attitude but had little opportunity to pursue their education, as they needed to do anything they could to survive. Johnnyboy told me that every day, rain or shine, he would go fishing, just to survive. His siblings would also go to the seashore to collect snails and other seafood to eat. Because of this, the children could not go to school.

I met them in April 2012, when I joined the mission trip to their island. From that time some of us gave some money to support their education on Bohol Island. However, it was still not ideal, as there was nobody to look after them. We prayed for a way to bring them to the mountain, where they could be well looked after, but there were some legal matters that needed to be worked out.

In May this year, when I returned from a visit to Australia, I was thrilled to find them living here! Now, they have wonderful, caring people to look after them and are doing so well in school. Johnnyboy was even the top student in his class. When he was young, he dreamed of becoming a marine engineer. Now, because of what God has done in his life, he hopes to one day become a pastor. Sometimes they are sad because they miss their grandmother and brothers. However, they know that God has a purpose for them and they are so thankful for the opportunity they have been given, knowing that an education can make a huge difference to their future. They have become a special part of the Prayer Mountain family. I know that God has a great plan for both of their lives. We continue to pray for their brothers Jhonloyd, Niño and Richard, as well as their grandmother back on the island.  

Special Moments

For the past 18 months, I have spent my weekends living on the third floor of a friend’s church. We call the third floor ‘Faith House’ and there are about 7 youth and two families who live there. I was very blessed on September 20^th to be asked to be the ‘Ninang’ of Nicole, an 8 year old girl whose family is staying there. It was her Girl Scouts ceremony, and as Ninang, I was the one to put her hat on her head. Special moments like this remind me of how blessed I have been to have a ‘Faith House Family’. While I am really excited about having my own home after I am married, I will certainly miss these wonderful people, to whom I have become so close. 

June 2013

Welcome to the new Academic Year (2013-2014)

In the blink of an eye, summer vacation was over and it was the start of a new academic year. We were excited to see what this year would hold. As June approached, we waited to hear about our new enrolees. We were hoping for at least 50 new students (Batch Judges)… We got 57. Our total number of students from 1^st year to 4^th year is now 126. We believe that the jump in enrolments reflects the new status of the school, as we have now been accredited by CHED (Commission on Higher Education). 

It is a tradition at PCL to throw a welcome party for the new students. However, they like to really surprise the students so an elaborate scheme was devised. For the first week, one of our 2^nd year students posed as a 1^st year, attending all the orientation meetings and being quite vocal so that all of Batch Judges would recognise him as part of their batch. When an ‘urgent’ meeting was called for all of the students, some issues targeting our new students were raised and our 1^st year imposter got into a heated discussion with a 2^nd year and a 3^rd year student. Things became more and more ‘heated’ and it was clear that our new students were very worried about the situation and the type of students we have here in our school. Suddenly, the student leading the discussion, who had been doing a great job at looking concerned, shouted, ‘Welcome!’ and the party began. Batch Judges realised that none of the ‘urgent’ meeting was real, and after a few minutes to recover from the shock, they enjoyed worship, games and messages of encouragement. Filipinos really love elaborate surprises and I must congratulate all of the actors for pulling it off. 

Welcome to our new students

CHED Celebration

As has been a theme of many of my newsletters and blogs, PCL has been undergoing the process of applying for CHED accreditation. We finally achieved it and our new students, Batch Judges, will graduate from their courses with a recognised SO (Special Order). So, on June 17 we had a special Thanksgiving Service, where Dr. PalYeon Won (our Korean Chancellor and President of the Board of Trustees), representatives from CHED, Gethsemane pastors and the Paul College of Leadership family celebrated this achievement.

We have been working towards this goal for more than 18 months and while we are so happy to have attained it, more work and adjustments will be required. We really appreciate your prayers during this time.

April & May 2013 – SUMMER VACATION

Quezon Province Adventure - Part 2

As some of you may remember, last vacation I spent a week in Quezon Province, a 10-12 hour drive from the mountain, to see the home of many of our students. I enjoyed my time there so much and made a wonderful connection with the church leaders there, Pastor Danny and Pastora Susan Pasatiempo. I was honoured when they invited me back this year, for their big celebration on April 9. The celebration was a combination of launching a new church, celebrating the graduation of five Quezonian Bible School students and the main event, the Pasatiempo’s 25^th wedding anniversary. When I was asked, I immediately accepted the invitation. Soon, some of the students decided to join the trip and by the time we were ready to leave there were 20 of us, along with all of our luggage and a driver… squashed into an 18-seater van. Some of the students were sitting on top of each other, so by the time we arrived at our destination more than 10 hours later, we were really ready to get out and stretch!

We had tentative plans to do mission in Quezon, with hopes for an evangelistic concert. However, we soon realised that this was not to be, with the Pasatiempos too busy planning their event to help us. It became very clear that God had different plans for us. All of us were in need of some rest and relaxation and during our time there, God spoke to each of us in different, personal ways. For some, he brought encouragement; for others, a fresh opportunity to fall in love with Him again; and He used the time to prepare others for things ahead. For me, He did all of these things and more.  

When it was time for the big event, we were all able to be involved, through preparation, worship, prayer and other various roles. It became clear that we were all meant to be part of this day and we were happy to bless the wonderful couple who has so faithfully been serving The Lord in that place. I had the special honour of singing as Pastora Susan walked down the aisle (not what I expected at an anniversary, but a great privilege). I certainly hope to return to Quezon next year!

Bonding at the beach in Quezon

I definitely do not know what I'm doing! I just like to hold the knife, smile for the camera,
and then return the knife to someone who knows what to do with it

Congratulating the Quezonian students



Singing as the Pasatiempos walk down the aisle for their 25th wedding anniversary

 

Back in Australia

 My brother and sister-in-law gave me the most wonderful surprise this year. A few months ago, they informed me that they would like to pay for me to fly to Perth to meet their new baby (John, born on March 8) and spend time with the family for a couple of weeks. I was overcome with emotion; what a generous and kind gift! So on April 19 I was off to spend two weeks with my wonderfully supportive family. I now have 6 nieces and nephews (aged between 8 years and a few months old) who amaze me with how much they are continually growing and learning. Even though I have been far away from them for their entire lives, they still know me and love me. My time in Perth was priceless!

With no direct flight from Perth to Manila, one of the easiest ways to get back was via Darwin, so I was really happy to spend one weekend in Darwin. Again, I was blessed so much by friends, particularly from old connect group at DBC, who have been an amazing support. Going to Lake Bennett, DBC church service, the markets and eating a delicious roast dinner, shared with precious friends, made my short stay in Darwin simply perfect!

Baby John's first family photo

Cuddles with my gorgeous new nephew

Sweet!

 

DVBS in Cavite

In May, I had the great joy of participating in Daily Vacation Bible School at the church of Pastora Vangie, who graduated from PCL in March. Hers is a pioneering church so it is still small, but God is doing wonderful things in that place, a few hours away from the mountain. The DVBS was only for a few days, but it was a joyful time and I was so happy to witness and participate in one of the ways in which children, along their parents, are ministered to in this country. Classes were in the mornings and in the afternoons we would visit their homes as follow-up. While I had to leave before the graduation, I know that it was a very joyful and wonderful experience for those children.

PYFJ Anniversary and Concert

May 26 was the 5^th anniversary of our church’s youth ministry, ‘Passionate Youth for Jesus’. There were two parts to the event: the anniversary and the mini-concert. After a lot of preparation by the youth, the day finally arrived.  We were blessed by the presence of two local churches, who came to support us. I got to lead the praise in the victory songs at the end of the night and then we ate together. I know it was a great encouragement for our youth, the youth of the other churches, and the families of those involved. I pray that our youth ministry, as well as the other ministries in our church, will continue to grow.

 

 

 

Answered Prayers

During this vacation, God has really blessed me with answered prayer. One of my greatest prayers was for close friendship with some mature Christian women. I have formed new friendships with two wonderful women who have just graduated from the Bible School, Pastora April and Pastora Vangie. Now that they are no longer my students, the barriers are gone and I have been so blessed by these new, strong friendships.

With Pastora April

Many of you have been praying for Johnnyboy and Elaine, the children from Pangapasan Island who were in need of help for their education and care. I was wonderfully surprised to return from my Aussie holiday to find the children are now living on the mountain. I don’t know the details, but Pastor Lee, our Korean missionary, found a way to bring them here. After a year of praying for them, I am enjoying getting to know these sweet children better.

 

Another long-term prayer of ours has been for the status of our school. We are pleased to announce that we are now fully CHED (Commission of Higher Education) accredited!

 

Darwin Baptist Mission Trip to the Philippines

Please prayerfully consider if you would like to be part of a short-term mission trip to the Bible School. Activities may include (depending on the team) feeding and outreach in the communities as well as encouragement and support for the Bible School students through fellowship, music workshops and any other skills or knowledge you might like to share.

View from the mountain

 

Seriously, don't you want to visit this place

 


Looks like something out of a fairy-tale!

Prayer Points

·        New and old students – that God will guide them and provide for them.

·        My effectiveness in teaching, admin and encouraging/advising students

·        Continued development in my language and culture learning

 

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

May God bless you all.