March and April

Ministry in San Mateo

We really enjoyed the community outreach programs we ran together with the 4^th year students in Divine Mercy, San Mateo in January and February. This March, we began the next step in our ministry. Together with another couple, Pastor Francis (freshly graduated from PCL) and his wife Sherryl, Juls and I have started regular ministry in the area. We have a prayer meeting every Thursday evening, 2 Bible Studies on Saturdays, and simple afternoon services on Sundays.

Julius leading one of the Bible Studies

Our attendees are new Christians and seekers. They have a lot of questions and we really pray for wisdom in discipling them. As is to be expected in a new ministry, particularly with new Christians and seekers, we have had some ups and downs.  Some weeks, we have had a very encouraging number of attendees. Other weeks, the numbers have been lower. There have been different reasons for the fluctuating attendance, but we continue to encourage and pray for them.

During our January and February outreach activities, we had been using a covered court and hiring chairs. This is not possible for our weekend activities but we do not yet have a church building. Therefore, we looked for other arrangements. For the time being, we are holding our simple services in the house of one of our new attendees. It can be hard to fit everyone inside, but we are doing our best. In March, we were able to purchase 35 chairs, using some of the money given to us by DBC. These have been a really big help.

Buying 35 chairs for the ministry

Preparing for a Sunday afternoon service in Sis. Leonie's house

The very exciting news is that our building permit has finally been approved. Juls and Francis have been making arrangements with Pastor Lee (the Korean missionary pastor who oversees the Gethsemane churches, the Prayer Mountain and the Bible College) and the water and electricity authorities. They will start building very soon and I look forward to including photos of the construction in my next newsletter.  We are praying for the budget of our building, as the budget provided by our Korean sponsor is not quite enough. We believe that God will provide for this ministry and would appreciate your prayer in this matter. 

On the lot with Ptr. Lee - construction will start very soon!

Farewell Class of 2015

Every March, we have to say goodbye to another batch of students as they finish their four years at PCL. This year, we had 29 students graduate, our highest number of graduates in our school’s short history.

At the beginning of March, we held elections for the next batch of leaders in our school.

On March 13, we had the annual Baccalaureate Service. Leadership of the school was officially passed on to the batch below, and key positions symbolised with a candle, pen, Bible, sword and key were given to the new student council members in a special ceremony.

The turnover ceremony

Finally, the big day arrived. March 23 was graduation day! For the past three years, I have been the MC, but this year, due to many commitments, I didn’t take on this role. Graduation is, of course, a very special day that students long to share with their family members. Sometimes, because of distance, health or other reasons, no family members are able to come and show their support for their student. One student, Bro. Erick, requested that I stand in as his ‘parent’, escorting him down the aisle and standing with him for his picture with his certificate. He thanked me for my support and encouragement ever since he was a first year student. I was honoured to be part of his day.

We wish our graduates all the best for the future and keep them in our prayers as they embark upon the next chapter of their journeys. I will always remember fondly their special involvement in Juls and my ministry in San Mateo for their internship. We pray that God will guide and provide for them.

We also pray for our new 4^th year students, believing that God will guide them.    

Korean Students

At the beginning of the year, I was teaching two Korean students, Yun Ju and Min Ji, who came to Gethsemane Prayer Mountain to learn English. Jin joined us in late February. In March, before Yun Ju was due to go back to Korea, Juls and I took the three Korean students, along with another Filipino friend who had been teaching them as well, to a little zoo in Montalban. At the end of April, we had another special outing to Ocean Park in Manila, as Jin was preparing to return to Korea at the beginning of May. Juls and I wanted to give them some wonderful experiences together while they were still here. Now, only Min Ji is still studying at GPM, so my schedule is not as hectic as it has been for most of this year.

I’ve really enjoyed teaching these girls. I have become fascinated with English, as I have always taken so many mind-boggling rules and patterns for granted as a native English speaker. Most of all, I have been so blessed to be part of their spiritual journey, as this has undoubtedly been one of the key reasons God sent them to a Prayer Mountain to study English, instead of a secular academy.  God has been moving in all of their lives and I have truly enjoyed our long, deep and honest conversations about God. 

New Members of the GPM Family

Three years ago, I met a little family on Panggapasan island, near Bohol. These five children were living with an elderly grandmother who was unable to look after them. They touched Pastor Lee’s heart and 2 years ago, Johnnyboy and Elaine came to stay with us on the mountain. Now, the siblings are all together again, as Ninyo, Richard and John Lloyd came to the mountain this April. We have another young child, JC, who has been adopted by one of the ‘mommies’ in the kitchen. I love that in this place, children are being given an opportunity to go to school and be provided for in a way that was not possible before. The young boys who recently joined us are so fond of Juls. Not only is he a big kid himself who loves to play, but he can speak their provincial language (Juls speaks two Filipino languages). Juls has spent a lot of time on the mountain this vacation because of my commitments to the Korean students, so that has been a big blessing to the children.

Prayer Points

·        Our ministry in San Mateo – effective discipleship of new believers

·        Finances for our church building and a smooth construction process

·        PCL students – that God will provide all of their needs: academic, emotional, spiritual and financial

·        That I may be effective in teaching, admin and encouraging the students

·        Continued development in my language and culture learning

·        My physical and emotional health 

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

May God bless you all.

Gemma Verzosa

gemmamedling@gmail.com

January and February

Ministry in San Mateo

What an amazing start to 2015! It’s already halfway through March and this is the first time I’ve had a chance to sit at my laptop and report on the incredible things that have been happening here at PCL and San Mateo.

More than a year after moving to San Mateo, and more than six months after purchasing a lot (with the help of a kind Korean sponsor), after months of visiting and getting to know the community, and after countless hours of prayer, the ministry in San Mateo has begun. What an incredible journey it has been so far!

When Juls and I arrived back at PCL at the beginning of January, we were asked to guide the 4^th year students to begin evangelism in San Mateo, as part of their internship. The program was to be every Friday until the students graduate at the end of March.

We brainstormed with a few of the leaders and came up with a program. We had a budget, as we received a wonderful and incredibly timely donation from DBC, which we were given permission to use partly for feeding and evangelism purposes. We kept some aside for some things we will need inside the church such as chairs and some very simple equipment.

By mid-January we had our first event. We prepared a simple snack for about 100 people and went to the Divine Mercy subdivision. (Yep, the name of the subdivision is Divine Mercy!) We had almost 20 theology students, plus some 4^th year Christian Education students who also wanted to join. The students walked around and visited the houses, inviting people to the event. We were overwhelmed with the response! 150 people came to our first event! As the weeks went by we got better at planning the food, organizing the people into different age groups and reaching different people in the community. We purchased a gas cooker, some pots and a table which will belong to the church. We held a basketball competition and a concert. In the final few weeks, now that we have the connection with the people, we have been holding simpler events. Even though the internship will end soon, we already have connections with people who want regular weekend Bible-studies and want to be part of our church. We are so excited that the work we have begun with the interns will be built upon by ourselves and some key people who are willing to help long-term. 

A cute baby in Diving Mercy, San Mateo

With some of the 4th Year students

Cooking for the feeding program using pots, cookers and a table bought for the new church

Sportsfest and Foundation Day

One of the highlights of the PCL calendar is our annual Sportsfest. This year, on the week beginning February 2^nd, our Sportsfest was to be combined with the PCL Foundation Day and Pastor’s Appreciation Day.

Of course, basketball and volleyball are always popular sports, and this year was no different. The games were close and exciting. I even participated in one basketball game (staff members were assigned to different teams this year) and I actually did quite well, getting the 2^nd top score in my team. It was not really a good idea for me to play, and my poor knee (I’ve had two rounds of serious surgery on my knee in the past) was quite sore for a couple of weeks afterward. Next year I will have to demonstrate more self-control and remain a spectator.

This year, the Sportsfest Committee wanted to be really inclusive of all students. Therefore, a lot of teamwork, problem solving and cooperation games were included. Those students who were not particularly sporty could still participate.

On the Tuesday, students’ pastors were invited for a special day of appreciation and to commemorate the opening of PCL. We had a special chapel service, with a Korean guest, followed by a catered lunch fellowship. After lunch, the students prepared their booths, including games, food and souvenirs. Everyone enjoyed participating in the different activities. As the students started the sport activities again, the pastors spent time meeting together with the PCL staff.

On the Thursday night, the students had their talent show. Each team had to prepare a performance. Some were very dramatic and moving, while others were funny. It was a great event.

On the Friday morning, results were announced and awards were presented. The proud victors were the Blue Babylonians. It was an amazing event, during which the students pulled together in unity. 

More PCL Happenings

In January, I gained another Korean student. I have really enjoyed teaching Yun Ju and Min Ji. They came here to learn English, but I have no doubt that God also brought them here to grow their faith, and I have been blessed as I’ve seen God moving in their lives. As we have been working through their books, I have reflected on the complexities of English. I really admire people who learn English as a second language! Our Korean students are a blessing to our school in many ways. They are also a financial help and I know that by teaching them, I am indirectly helping PCL students. I have had a hectic schedule, but I am so happy to spend time with these great girls.

I have been enjoying teaching Biology and Indoor Games. Our students had a great time running some crazy and enjoyable games this February. However, I’m quite glad that I didn’t have to put my face in a bowl of flour.

Our students also enjoyed learning how to conduct weddings, funerals and dedications, with students performing elaborate role-plays.  

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks are set to be exciting a busy. We have a new batch of leaders coming through PCL. In March, we will have our Baccalaureate Service and Graduation for our 4^th Year students. Final exams are just around the corner. The ministry in San Mateo is growing with permanent weekend Bible-studies which have grown from the internship and a core group of community members eager to join the church. In April, we will begin Summer Classes and I will continue to teach Korean students.

Personally, I am trying to slow down my pace, as I struggled with my health in February. There were so many things to do and my body couldn’t quite keep up with everything. I have already spoken to the PCL staff and made some changes to my schedule which should help me stay on top of my health. I would appreciate your prayer in this matter.

Thank you for your prayers, friendship, encouragement and support. God bless!

November and December 2014

It's already half way through January, but I need to catch up on the last couple of months of 2014... So here we go :) 

PCL, CHED, and a New Librarian

After a wonderful 2 week break in October, we were excited about the beginning of Semester Two, 2014/2015. We were in for a surprise in the first week back, when we were informed that CHED, the Commission on Higher Education, would be paying a visit the next day. While our school was approved by CHED for our 1^st and 2^nd year program, we needed further approval for our 3^rd and 4^th year program, with our first batch of CHED students due to begin 3^rd year in June 2015. Wanting to show the best PCL has to offer, we began another ‘all-nighter’, beautifying our bulletin boards and displays, updating our personnel photo charts, and even giving many of the walls, columns, tables and benches a fresh lick of paint. The place looked wonderful and the CHED representatives were certainly impressed with the appearance of the school, stating that the environment at PCL is very conducive to learning.

PCL students are so helpful! The all-nighter before the CHED visit

However, CHED had undergone some personnel changes and we soon found out about requirements that we had been previously unaware of. With a deadline of 5 weeks, we had to make a separate computer room (rather than inside the library, as it had been for the past few years), put in new benches and write up some development plans. The hardest part of all was finding out that we needed a full-time, qualified librarian. For the past few years, we had a part-time librarian who would visit us from time to time with instructions and advice. He was unavailable during week days, usually visiting us on public holidays. Now, we had to find a qualified librarian, who in the words of the CHED representative, is an ‘endangered species’ in the Philippines. For weeks we prayed for a librarian. We put advertisements on social media and bulletin boards. We visited colleges which offered library science degrees to look for new graduates. We used all the connections we had. Finally, with only a few days before our deadline, God brought Sis. Donna to us. He also provided the finances for her salary, largely through a generous couple at DBC. We are so blessed to have her in our school and she is already making improvements in our library. 

Sis Donna (left) and our faithful and hard-working library assistance, Sis. Mahalia

Semester Two, 2014

We are already half-way through Semester Two, and it is busy and eventful. This semester, I am teaching biology, indoor games, and an encouragement/support type of class called growth enhancement. I am also teaching a Korean student called Yun Ju, who has come to the Prayer Mountain to learn English. She wants to be a missionary one day, so learning English is an important step for her. I’m amazed at her progress as I consider how hard it can be to learn a second language. 

On December 19, PCL held its concert ‘Harana sa Hari 2’, which means ‘Serenade for the King 2’, as they had held a Harana sa Hari concert back in March 2012. Students worked hard and spent many hours planning, practicing and preparing. Unfortunately, the concert was moved from December 16 to December 19, which meant that while Juls and I supported the students in the lead up to the event, we were unable to be there on the night. However, the night was a wonderful success.

Our Home

We are still enjoying living in San Mateo. We have two new members of the family, lovebirds called Fifi and Freddie. Fifi came into our lives when she flew into a classroom. A student caught her but we were unable to find her owner. She bonded with Juls immediately and I knew that we had no choice but to keep her and to get a partner for her as well. They are beautiful little birds!

Fifi (green) and Freddie (blue/purple)

We continue to invite people to our house for meals. I personally love trying out dishes that Filipinos have never eaten before. My philosophy is that if they don’t know what beef stroganoff is supposed to taste like, then they won’t know if I don’t make it quite right. I’ve experimented with different soups, casseroles and dishes and done my best without an oven or most of the right ingredients. We recently celebrated our god-daughter’s birthday in our house with a meal and some close friends. 

Christmas in Perth

I must admit that the second half of 2014 was quite a difficult time for me and I found myself struggling with my emotions. Some difficult incidents, including a typhoon and especially the loss of our nephew in traumatic circumstances, had taken their toll on us. I was also wrestling with what I was constantly surrounded by - the day to day struggle for basics such as food and medical care of the people around us, including people who are very close to us. Juls and I realized that we really needed a time of rest and refreshment. So, although it wasn’t in our original plan or budget, we went to Perth, to spend Christmas with my family. We had a wonderful time in Australia, not forcing ourselves to go to many places or see many things. We enjoyed the simple things: a refreshing walk in a quiet park, watching birds by a lake, and especially spending time with our wonderful family. During this time, I felt the truth of those cherished words in Psalm 23. Truly, The Lord was leading me into green pastures and by still waters and restoring my soul. When our 2&½ weeks in Perth was over, I felt refreshed and ready for the next chapter of our Philippines adventure.  

Ministry

We are excited about the progress in our area of San Mateo. We have been informed by our Korean missionary pastor that construction of the building will begin very soon, as the title of the lot has finally been released. Juls and I have already made some connections with people in the area, who know us a bit now as we have been regularly visiting the lot for the past couple of months. On returning to the Philippines in early January, we found out that our PCL 4^th year students will be partnering with us for a month, doing programs in the area as part of their final internship. We also now have the ability to finance a small feeding program and buy some items to be used before and after the construction of the church, such as chairs and a very basic sound system, due to the generous contribution of DBC. We are pulling back from our commitments in Gethsemane Dweller Church Hillside, as our focus increases in San Mateo. We really appreciate your continued prayer.

Our cute neighbours in San Mateo

Finally, I will include some pictures of a golden retriever riding on top of a tricycle in heavy traffic because that is something I have never seen in Australia!

Thank you to everyone who supports us in prayers, friendship, encouragement and finances. We appreciate you all so much! 

September and October

New Additions to the PCL Worship Team

Life at PCL continues to be busy, challenging, fun and exciting. One of my roles here at PCL is to oversee the music ministry for our weekly Chapel service and 5:00 a.m. Dawn Watch service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. As we have been getting to know our first year students, we have discovered that we have many singers and musicians keen to be part of our worship team. In September we had a special opportunity for our new students to worship together, while demonstrating their musical ability. With more than 30 students keen to be involved, and a few false starts due to black-outs (or brown-outs as they are known here) it took two afternoons. We had a wonderful time worshipping together and we are excited that many of the students will be joining this ministry.

We had two visits from Korean guests this October, including a visit from Pastor Pal-Yeon Wan, chairman of the board of trustees. The PCL students are very happy every time a group from Korea comes to the Prayer Mountain, as they are usually treated a special lunch. We enjoyed the special numbers of our Korean guests as well our lunch fellowships. 

Gethsemane Prayer Mountain Anniversary

October 18^th was the 18^th Anniversary of Gethsemane Prayer Mountain. To celebrate, all the Gethsemane churches were invited for a special service, lunch, and intercessory prayer. I was surprised but honored to be the song-leader, as our church was asked to lead the praise and worship. I really love the Prayer Mountain, not just as the home of PCL, but also as a place where people can come for extended prayer. I know that in this place hope is restored, dreams are birthed, broken lives are healed and much more, as people seek God and He touches lives. I am thankful for this place.

Song Leading

With some of the Gethsemane Pastors

 Typhoon Mario

In the very early hours of September 19^th, Typhoon Mario hit the Metro Manila area. Typhoons are a frustrating reality here in the Philippines, with about 20 hitting this country every year. Juls and I had stayed on the mountain on Thursday 18^th, but when we tried to go home the next day, we found the roads impassable. Our neighbor informed us (by text) that there was waist-high water at the gate of our subdivision. It’s hard to describe my feelings on that day. I really wanted to go home. I was so tired, stressed (it wasn’t the best day for our car battery to die; we were push-starting our car in the rain) and cold. We tried to wait a few hours to see if the water would go down, but eventually we gave up and went back to the mountain, which was not a particularly easy drive, especially as we had to dodge a fallen power line on the mountain road. By the next day, September 20^th, the water was low enough for us to go home.  Our electricity came back on within a day. Thankfully, our house was fine, with water coming up to our front step but not inside. We had been concerned that our things would be ruined, as we were not expecting a flood, and we had things on the floor.  

While I felt so frustrated, I realized how blessed we were that we could go to a safe place and our home was not damaged.  Thousands of people were displaced and had to stay in schools and churches. My dear friend, who I call my ‘lil bro’ and is truly like a brother to me, had his tiny, poorly constructed house flooded to the second floor for the second time in one week! I also remembered last year’s Typhoon Yolanda, which killed thousands of people, caused so much destruction, and touched our family as my parents-in-law had a hole in their roof and no electricity for more than a month. Life is really hard for so many here. This world is really hurting. I confess that I struggle with my emotions as I consider the suffering I see. At the same time, I am so thankful for the love of Jesus, demonstrated on the cross. I do not doubt the love of God, because of the incomparably costly gift He gave us. I have hope as I see Him moving in our lives and in the lives of the people around me. I ask Him, “God, what should I do?” He answers me in Micah 6:8. “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my God.” I am so weak, but I pray that God will give me strength to obey His Word. 

There was so much water flowing down the mountain

Typhoon Mario left our church with three large holes in the ceiling

Anniversary Vacation in Subic

As I have really wrestled with emotions after the death of our nephew in August, a typhoon which kept us away from our home, and the daily struggle I see in the people around me, Juls and I felt that we needed a vacation. October 25^th was our first wedding anniversary. It was also semester break. We decided to go to Subic, a popular tourist destination only 3-5 hours away. It is also the home of our dear friend, Bro. Philip. We had four nights in a small and simple resort room that had… wait for it… a flushing toilet complete with toilet seat! It also had a hot shower! How I enjoyed these luxuries! Subic is really beautiful with stunning beaches and wonderful attractions. While we were there, Juls preached at Philip’s church and I gave a special number. Juls and I were really able to relax and leave behind our stress and anxieties. It was the perfect way to celebrate one wonderful year of marriage. I am truly thankful to God for the husband He gave me and the opportunity we had to rest and enjoy a lovely experience.

Juls found a turtle's nest. Sadly, some people had dug up the eggs.
He found one unbroken egg and reburied it in the hope that it might survive. 

San Mateo

Our lot in Divine Mercy, San Mateo, has now been purchased with all papers officially completed. For the past month, Juls has been working hard to clear the ‘jungle’. I know that I would be a danger to myself if I attempted to do any cutting or clearing, so I am doing prayer walks and just saying hello to as many people as I can. As the weather has been improving, we have more opportunities for this. I pray that we can slowly start to build relationships in this sub-division. 

We Welcome Visitors

At the beginning of this year, we thoroughly enjoyed the small team from DBC visiting PCL and two church communities. We would love more mission trips from Australia, which could be arranged to fit with the gifts and interests of the people involved. We also welcome anyone who just wants to visit. Please, let me know if anyone feels a trip to the Philippines might be a good idea.