Gemma in the Philippines: April & May 2013

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.