May and June 2015

New Academic Year at PCL

June 8^th was the first day of the new academic year here at PCL. The beginning of a new year is always exciting and this time was no exception.

We have 37 newly enrolled students. I’m already enjoying getting to know my new class. They have really taken to some of the Aussie words I have taught them for a bit of fun. They now enjoy asking for lollies instead of candies, or asking if I had a ‘cuppa’ with my ‘brekkie’. They love saying ‘ta’ instead of ‘thank you’, but they can’t quite get the hang of ‘arvo’, as they pronounce the ‘r’ with an American accent. Their effort to ‘speak Aussie’ really makes me smile.

Our first Mid-Week Service and Orientation was on June 9^th. It was so wonderful to worship the Lord together again. We had a special welcoming dinner fellowship the following week. Of course, the students are always very excited about a free meal!

This year, friends from DBC are sponsoring 9 PCL students, including five 4^th year students, two 3^rd year students and two 2^nd year students. It is such a blessing to be able to help these students who are so passionate about completing their studies so that they can be equipped to serve God. DBC friends are also helping to support our library staff, an extremely important part of our school.

With my Korean students now back in Korea, I am enjoying a lighter teaching load. However, things at PCL are always busy and I am looking forward to being involved in more admin, library, student support and other roles for the next few months. It should be a great year! 

Introducing staff at PCL Orientation

Our First Mid-Week Service

Preparing our Dinner Fellowship - I'm just pretending to cook!

Ministry in San Mateo

 A very exciting piece of news is that construction of our church building in San Mateo has started. It has seemed like we have been waiting for such a long time, but we strongly believe that God’s timing is perfect and good things are worth waiting for. We had a bit of a hiccup with a broken piece of machinery, but construction is starting again and we hope it will be completed within a few months.

Our ministry is growing and we really need this building. We are still meeting in a nearby house, and it is quite a challenge to fit inside!

Juls gives the construction his thumbs up of approval

Last month was Juls’s birthday, and we enjoyed surprising him as a church with a birthday cake. We have also had the house dedication of one of our members who built a new house in recent weeks. Then there have been other times when we have needed to come together to support members who have been sick. These simple things are part of building a sense of community.

We are really praying that this ministry will grow, not just in number, but in every way. Most attendees are new Christians and we pray that their faith will grow. We pray that we will have unity and a sense of love for each other. We pray for our building, and especially the financial needs of the construction project. We look forward to seeing what God will do in Divine Mercy, San Mateo.

We can't fit inside the house

Boracay Adventure

In January, I gained another Korean student, Min Ji. I really enjoyed teaching her English and encouraging her in her walk with God. Min Ji really desired to visit Boracay, a beautiful island here in The Philippines, and asked if I would like to go with her. Of course, it sounded like a wonderful opportunity to spend time with her before she went back to Korea, to see more of this country and to have a refreshing break. However, I had to decline, as I simply didn’t have peace about spending so much money on such a trip. Then, God did something really amazing. He used His servant to provide the finances for not just me, but Juls as well! God made it very clear that He wanted us to go on this short, but unforgettable adventure. 

Oh, what a wonderful, beautiful, incredible time we had! We went parasailing, snorkeling, banana boating and rode the ‘flyfish’ (which I may have unintentionally come flying off). We did the ‘helmet dive’ and fed fish under the water. We ate delicious food, saw stunning sunsets, perused the markets and watched fire dancers. We were there for just three days (only one full day due to long travel) and two nights, but we had such a wonderful time. We felt so blessed to have perfect weather, despite it being the rainy season.

We are so thankful to Min Ji for inviting us, to the person who paid for us, and to Ma’am Joy, who also came and organized all the flights, accommodation and activities. We are especially thankful to God! 

A Heart for The Philippines

I have loved this Philippine Adventure that I have been on over the last three and a half years. However, as I have expressed in past newsletters and blogs, some of my experiences and the things I have witnessed have given me a lot to think about and I have been wrestling with my emotions. While God has given me the support of an amazing husband and some beautiful and much-needed breaks, I have been crying out to God to fill my heart with renewed strength and joy. Little by little, God is working in my heart, replacing those frustrations with understanding and hope. This morning as I watched the PCL students during their flag ceremony, I was reminded of the very reason I came here. God reaffirmed in my heart that in this place, He is training pastors, missionaries and teachers who will make a difference in their communities. Through their ministry in churches, schools and organizations, I believe that many lives will be transformed. I thank God for the way He encouraged me. 

PCLians helping with a construction project for community service

Goats on a wall - they make me smile

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!